Manga Books

It was in excellent condition. Once I made my purchase, the item was fast on its way.

This book was just as good as the first one if not better. You fall in love with the characters even more and even see some insight to the ones your not really fond of. I loved this story and am eagerly awaiting the next volumes.

Since this is the second volume, Rei and Akira's adventure together became more exciting. I enjoyed reading this book because new surprises appears and their relationship seems to grow stronger. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes Yaoi.

This series and its characters just grow on you. Vol 1 is good and Vo 2 is even better. Akira and Rei are adorable and their 2 "body-guards",whose short story holds promises for us Yaoi fans, are equally appealing. Another quirky character, Yuji (Akira's uncle)is introduced, spicing up an already addictive series. And I do like this mangaka's artwork, the facial expressions are amazingly lively. With the bankruptcy of Biblos (Japanese publisher of Our Kingdom), I hope this still running series in Japan will not be disrupted . Looking foward to the relationship development between our 2 boys in future volumes.

Ouran is always guaranteed to make me laugh out loud. I literally find myself counting the days until the next installment is released. And now finally it's getting to the good stuff...how will this love triangle play itself out? Well, maybe it's more like a love square...maybe more polygonal than that... Overall, awesome as always!

I just love all the characters in this series and Hatori is so skilled at adding a tiny quirk to someone's expression to make me laugh out loud. Kanazuki is explaining about her curse on Hunny, and the sketch of Nekozawa has those O O eyes like Tamaki's "upset lord" expression usually has...it's just so funny to see the imperturbable Nekozawa (whose eyes are rarely even seen) reacting like the crazy and emotional Tamaki. There's more, but these tiny details just reinforce for me what's the most amusing manga out there. I'd still like to see more Nekozawa and Bossa Nova and less of the obnoxious twins, but...we can't have everything, can we? I'm eagerly looking forward to volume 11 so I can find out how Kasanoda and Nekozawa do in a sports tournament!!

Another great volume from Bisco Hatori! Fans of this series will love reading this volume over and over again.

First, we get another more indepth look at the Black Magic Club! Plenty of fun scenes for Nekozawa fans. We meet another Black Magic Club member, Kanazuki, who is in love with Hunny. You'll enjoy every scene of 'black magic' she does in her quest for Hunny's soul.

In the next episode, we meet Mei Yasumura, Misuzu's daughter. For the next few episodes, we get to see more of Haruhi outside of the Host Club as she interacts with Mei and helps Mei in her crush on Tamaki. In episode 44, we get to travel back to Misuzu's pension and meet Dark Lord #3 (#1 being Kyoya and #2 Bossa Nova). Episode 45 brings us to the Twin's mansion and we get to see a bit more into the world of them and us. Somebody also finally admits out loud that they also like Haruhi.

All in all, it's a very good volume, any and every Host Club fan should jump on the chance to buy it! Contains Episode 41 through 46 and ends with a great cliffhanger. I'm already awaiting volume 11 in november!

This volume begins with a Hunny-centric episode, as Black Magic Club member Kanzuki is convinced that Hunny "stole her soul" since she can't stop thinking about him. Since she can only relate to people in terms of curses, she decides to steal his soul back (even though her curses turn out to really just be elementary school love charms).

Most of the rest of the volume involves a new character, Mei, the daughter of Misuzu (the transvestite pension owner from volume 5). Mei wears too much make-up, has a very fake tan and is a bit rough around the edges, but also brings a nice new dynamic to the manga. Misuzu enlists Haruhi to be Mei's friend and the other Host Club members of course decide to get involved as well, especially Tamaki, who decides to secretly help heal the estranged relationship between Mei and her father.

The last episode sets up the Sports Festival arc that is going to play a large part in Volume 11. After a confrontation between Kyoya and Takeshi Kuze (the football club president), Tamaki decides that a sports festival is needed to resolve the issue and the host club members get divided up between the red and white teams (Kyoya, Hunni & Kaoru on white, and Mori, Hikaru, Tamaki and Haruhi on red).

Every time that I think Ouran can't get any better, it does. Not only is this volume hilariously funny, but the romantic entanglements and character development continues, with Haruhi and Tamaki getting closer to figuring out they like each other (although they're still both very dense) and another host club member realizing he also has feelings for Haruhi. In terms of character development, Kaoru in particular has some nice moments, both with Haruhi and with Hikaru. There are also appearances by Nekozawa and Kasanoda (who is now my favorite minor character) and greater insight into the relationship between the twins and their parents.

Also, check out Mori's love of baby chicks. It's never really mentioned, but you can see him looking (and apparently purchasing) a baby chick at the summer festival and the baby chick is sitting on Mori's head when they are eating cake at the twins' house. In the last episode, he's reading a book on how to raise a chicken. Since Mori doesn't really talk much, I think it's cute that he's getting a silent subplot.

This book is GOOOORRRYYYYY. I usually can't stand that much gore, and I had to frequently put the it down, but I couldn't for very long. This manga has a great story that is pretty dang freaky. Along with the horror and violence, the book also has some pretty funny stuff, such as the parasyte that took over Shinichi's(main character) hand trying to figure out how human minds work. It basicly revolves around Shinichi trying to get along with Migi(his parasyte) who has taken over his right hand. Migi can't live without Shinichi, literally, and the two of them must get in life or death fights with other parasytes that have taken over other humans and animals. The parasytes can actually make someones body morph and stretch, as well as make it as hard as iron and sharp as a razor.

I would reccommend this series to those who are not faint of heart, or squemish. If you have ever seen the series "Elfen Lied" and enjoyed it, you will enjoy this.

They came from space at night; aliens falling planet-side while people sleep. These slugs crawl like snakes as they seek human hosts to feed on from within. One by one they easily nestle into the brains of those humans they find. These hosts are no longer who they were as the space slugs take over thoughts and their body, but conceal themselves and their master plan by pretending their human host remains in control.

However, one failed to cuddle inside the brain when high school student Shinichi sneezes as the slug enters his nostril. He grabs the creature that he thinks is a snake, but it escapes. When it soars at his face, he instinctively puts his hand up; the parasite enters him there. Shinichi still controls his brain and can communicate with Migi as he calls the creature residing in his right hand. As Migi studies the host population, mass kings and serial murders become frequent. It appears man's reign is through with Shin the last hope although first he must defeat Migi over just whose body is it before he can try to save the world.

Mindful of the Invasion of the Body Snatchers, this gritty grim apocalyptic manga thriller is a reprint of a tale released in the United States in 1990. The plot holds up quite nicely as a terrific coming of age tale with several twists all inside a sneaky invasion by what would seem a whimper but is a pandemic big bang. However, it is the manga art that grips the audience as the simplistic dark and grainy pictures means not to eat while reading or just afterward as the gloomy vividness will stay inside your brain like a lingering PARASYTE long after this first book is finished.

Harriet Klausner

Let me just say this if you looove sci-fi and manga then this is an absolute *must* Parasyte really is weird! You've got a main character with another character attached to his left arm!!!! His name is Lefty because he takes over his left hand and arm. Shin stops him from taking over like the others do. Lefty doesn't express much emotion and that's what makes it funny. It gets very, very gorey especially in volume 5! But when you look at the artwork you really get sucked into the story. When I read the first volume I had to get the others! I roared through it soooo quickly that's how good it is! The story, characters and you really never know what is going to happen next. The artwork is amazing because it feels like it is on the verge of being animated. There has been talk about doing a "Parasyte" movie or series, but nothing yet. I sooooo see this being made into a series or movie I really do! This has got to be a top favorite of mine. I just looove it! What makes it so amazing is all of the characters are dimensional and the minute you read it you really can't put it down. The story is strong through out the whole series and before you know it you are on the last volume! Glad it got re-printed for awhile it was out of print. Definitely not meant for younger kids especially volume 5. The goriest volume of the manga. This manga gets ***** stars for character development as well as the plot. It is all laid out beautifully. Pick this one up!
No manga collection should be without it!

Parasyte, from Del Rey Manga, combines elements of two of Hollywood's most famous Sci-Fi films, "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Thing" (Think the John Carpenter version). Alien spores fall to earth and hatch worm-like parasites that enter the openings of the body, i.e., nose, ears, and eat the brain of their host and takeover their bodies. As in Carpenter's version of The Thing, once they have taken over the body they can change their shape into some very bizarre and deadly forms. Unfortunately, once they've taken over a body, they can only sustain themselves by eating other humans. Of course, this rule is in place for whatever type of body they infected. Some have erred and taken the bodies of dogs and other animals and once inside, they cannot leave.

Shinichi is an ordinary high school student living in Japan and he, too, has been infected by one of the parasites that bored its way into his hand. But before the creature could reach his brain, Shin tied off his arm with a tourniquet, trapping the worm. We'll soon learn that because the parasite has now matured, it can no longer enter Shin's brain. That's the good news...the bad news is that Shin's right hand now has a mind of its own...not to mention eyes and a mouth. Shin's right arm is now fully malleable as well as intelligent. It reveals that it came to Earth to prey on humans but it has failed in its mission.

Shin and the parasite now share a bond, dependent upon one another as the parasite cannot live without Shin, but it can also kill Shin if it chooses. This strange bonding is at once terrifying and yet also quite humorous as the parasite has a curiosity about the world, wanting to learn more and more, even reading books on its own as Shin sleeps. When the parasite needs rest, Shin's hand and arm again turn to normal. But there is also danger facing the pair. The parasites can sense each other's presence when they are near and soon Shin and his alien partner have to fight other parasites that consider Shin a reject. The parasite, which Shin nicknames Migi, now has to protect its host from others of its race who try to kill him.

Parasyte is written and drawn by Hitoshi Iwaaki and is a fantastic first volume to a new series. Iwaaki shines when he lets his imagination run wild with the incredible and deadly transformations of the parasite-infected bodies. The bodies literally become weapons, sprouting deadly, razor sharp tentacles, often from the face of their hosts that literally split apart. Quite terrifying and graphic! This is one you definitely need to check out!

REVIEWED BY TIM JANSON

This book was a very good read. Although usually I talk about the condition of the book on recieving it, but there really isn't anything of that category to talk about. It came in fine condition and it was really great. Reading the first book does make a difference, though.

If you're blood thirsty or like sci-fi or like romance or a good story line. this book has it

"Parasyte," Book 2, by Hitosi Iwaaki, continues the story begun in book 1. Once again our principal characters are a young man named Shin and "Lefty," the intelligent, shapeshifting, parasitic life form that has taken the place of Shin's left arm.

Like book 1, this graphic novel is an effective blend of science fiction, horror, and human drama. The parasyte plague continues, and takes a horrifying turn for Shin. The Shin/Lefty relationship is more deeply explored, and takes a truly startling twist. We learn more about parasyte biology and the parasyte/host relationship in general, but the underlying mystery that undergirded book 1 remains. The visual style remains potent. If you loved book 1, I highly recommend this well-written continuation.

In this the 2nd book of the Parasyte series, Shin has a showdown with the mysterious "Mr. A", and begins to fear that the creature inside him is beginning to alter his personality. The fight at the end of this one is a real thriller!

This is another great manga offering from master Hitosi Iwaaki, one of the best artists and storytellers in the genre. Action packed, with well developed characters and an intense storyline, this series is one that will not disappoint newcomers or seasoned manga fans.

This story is a four stars - but if you are over fifty, then the type is so small you may find it an uncomfortable read. A bit more real estate on the page would be a big help.

I'm a big fan of the Lone Wolf and Cub series. It tells a story with multiple, multiple layers on morality and honor. Path of the Assassin tells a great story, the relationship of a ninja and his master, whom he must protect "in the shadow" without others knowing his existence. The two are 16, players navigating the traps of the adult political world. While this first book lacks the many layered complexity of Lone Wolf and Cub the stories are high energy and deals with morality issues between the bonds of master and servant. Look for other books in this series to enjoy after this book.

"Hanzo no Mon" ("Path of the Assassin") is a manga by writer Kazuo Koike and artist Goseki Kojima that was originally published in Japan in 1972. Because it is a relatively short series, compared to Kokie and Kojima's "Lone Wolf & Cub" and "Samurai Executioner," Dark Horse is only now getting around to publishing these books now that those other series have both been concluded. We are still talking a Parental Advisory for explicit content, but unlike the previous series it has been oriented in the right-to-left reading format of the original (at at the creator's request apparently). This is the story of Jattori Hanzo, the fabled master ninja whose duty was to protect his master Tokugawa Ieyasu, who was destined to be shogun who would unify Japan and great a modern nation. As told by Koike and Kojima, not only doez Hanzo use his ninja talents to serve the future leader "in the dark," but also forms a close friendship with the young shogun.

"Path of the Assassin, Volume 1: Serving in the Dark," is set in the Sengoku period, when ambitious samurai warriors were releasing ninja, called "suppa," to be part of various plots and intrigues. The "suppa" who works for the Matsudaira clan is Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga of Iga, who orders his son Mattori Hanzo Masanari, to serve Matsduaira Jiro Saburo Monotnobu, later known as Ieyasu. When these stories begin, Motonobu, the master is only sixteen, while his servant Masanari is fifteen. This first volume has seven "chapters on relinquishing pain":

No. 1: "Suppa Unsheathed" beings with Hattori Hanzo Yasunaga ordering his eldest son to steal a giant vase with a flower and a bird on it, and to do so without being noticed. If the eldest son, Yasutoshi fails, the task will fall to the next brother, Yasumasha. When neither brother can accomplish the task, the youngest son requests the opportunity to succeed. He does with "the skill of an unsheathed suppa," and the brother who was last becomes first and is ordered to "serve our master in the dark."

No. 2: "Serving in the Dark" tells of how Masanari introduced himself to his new lord, only to have to do it a second time. The future shogun does not look that impressive, but there is some reason to believe that he is truly samurai. This is really the second part of the first episode in bringing the two characters together.

No. 3: "Mizuki" is Japanese for "water princess." Facing his wedding, Motonubu orders his servant to show him what to do with a woman who has a will of her own (a round about way of saying Motonubu is a virgin). Masanari creates a diversion in a fishing village, captures one of the half naked diving girls, and sexually assaults her while his master watches. Fortunately this one takes a couple of major twists and the character does know that he has raped a young woman, but despite the Luke & Laura ending this one is a bit unsettlng, although certainly consistent with the world Koike and Kojima present in their manga.

No. 4: "Oppressive Night of Ass" shifts the attention to Motonubu and his wedding night. Despite the illustration provided by his servant in the previous story, Motonubu and his bride take a slightly different approach to their love making, which leads the future Shogun to become rather philosophical.

No. 5: "Technique of Jisatsu" is a key story because it clearly signals that Motonubu is not on the traditional path of a tyrant. After being humiliated in a test of his swordsmanship by Asahina Yasuyoshi, the strongest samurai in the clan, Motonubu cannot get over the insult. When Motonubu asks his hidden "suppa" if he can take down Yasuyoshi, Masanari says it should not be difficult. But Motonubu insists he is only asking if it is possible and not ordering it to be done. Instead he asks for proof that hsi "suppa" can do it, which results in Motonubu learning a lesson of a different sort. Here is where we get the sense for the first time that these two might both be on the road to greatness, because prior to this point Masanari is clearly the more important and more laudable figure.

No. 6: "Kite Kato" is about Kato Danzo, who has the nickname "kite" (which means raptor) and who boldly asks permission from the viceroy of Shuruga to complete a mission of revenge. Seventeen years earlier a Harunobi exiled his own father, who became a monk (and therefore as good as dead as far as Kato is concerned), and now the time has come to claim vengeance. As Kato explains his complicated plan, Motonubu admires the "suppa," and wonders how good Masanari is at the skill of hiding his thoughts and emotions. The thoughts make him nervous.

No. 7: "Who is He in the Rain?" continues the story of Kite Kato, who has backed the viceroy into a corner. But when the viceroy orders his retainers to kill Kato, the one who does not move is Motonubu. The first part of this episode is the conclusion of Kato asking the viceroy for permission to kill two men, but the second half hinges on a brief story told by Kato that sets up a "suppa" battle between Kato and Masanari. If there is a common theme in these early stories, it is that Masanari's mind is faster than his sword, and once again it serves him in good stead and these seven stories are good enough to justify rounding up, even without taking into account the stellar reputation of their creators.

Right in line with Samurai Executioner and Lone Wolf and Cub.

Engrossing story, as well as a good view into how Japan was back in the Samurai era.

Ever since I was in the 5th grade, I've been into Japanese comics. I've read bunches of manga books but out of all of them I think the entire PEACH GIRL series are the most interesting books. The whole series has a awesome plot. Miwa Ueda is a genuis! 100% worth buying!!!

Just wanted to update what chibi-love said. Right now, there is an anime for the series and it's wrapped up with 25 episodes. Pretty good in itself, especially if you don't read the manga. It still conjures up the basic feelings of sympathy, anger (Sae!!grr~~) and stuff... But I should say that it's quite toned down seeing as the time slot in Japan they aired it was Saturday, 7am! But still good to watch if you're a fan no? I myself prefer the manga but I still really enjoy the anime. Can't have too much of Peach Girl~!;D Plus it was nice to see the characters animated, talking, moving! All our fave scenes in nice, animated action! ;D

Wow! This was a shocking volume. I can't believe what happened. I don't want to spoil it for you but you should read on if your a Peach Girl Fan! Things that happened here is stuff that you might not have imagined and well, it's really good and I wish Momo gets what she wants in the end.

The first time I read Peach Girl, it was a featured manga in the monthly magazine, 'Smile'. I intentionally bought it to read Sailor Moon Stars, but it didnt take me long to become captivated by the simple yet wonderful story of Momo, the love-strucken and misunderstood girl, just trying to get through high-school.
Manga(Japanese comic)stories which focus around the toils and troubles of young girls are common (known as shoujo)in Japan. Any manga fans might say, 'What's so good about Peach Girl, how is it better from other shoujo stories?'
The difference is, the characters in Peach Girl are very believable. Everyone has a fave, whether it be the naive yet headstrong Momo, Sae the scheming 'friend' who wants to destroy Momo, Kiley- the lovable bishonen (pretty boy) who cares deeply for Momo while providing comic relief, or, Toji- Momo's crush since Junior High who is shy and gullable but willing to protect Momo at all costs.
The Peach Girl manga has the ability to make you laugh and cry (not ashamed to say on several occassions!). The situations, characters and settings are so realistic, and easy to relate to it is impossible not to become addicted. Once you pick it up, you'll be begging for more by the end of the chapter.

Another suggestion I would make to any Peach readers is, once you have read the manga, try to obtain the Live Action Taiwanese TV show (Mi Tao Nu Hai). There is no anime of Peach Girl, but the Live Action provides just as much satisfaction, if not more. It has been commented that Peach Girl relies on realism so much, to turn it into a cartoon would be an injustice, live action works better therefore.

Peach Girl won the 1998 Kodansha Manga award (highly prestigious in Japan). The storyline, characters and outstanding artwork all contend to the reason why.
Read this manga, and discover a whole new obsession!
Props to Miwa Ueda! ^_^

Well, it's time for final exams at Psychic Academy and we're not talking about a test with pen and paper. The class is divided up into three-person teams to search for a 500-year old holy tree in the forest surrounding a sacred temple. Ai, Orina, and Kyaru begin searching but are interrupted by some of their enemies. Tanja, the bully from Class A who has a hankering to defeat Ai, teams up with an equally dastardly girl named Purse, who wants to stick it to Mew. What starts out as a simple ego-trip fight might just lead to someone's death. And then, to make matters worse, Ren, the school's street thug, is arriving back at school after a suspension, and he too wants to knock Ai down a peg or two.

Ok, Psychic Academy is not going to win any prizes for originality. It comes off as a fan serviced Harry Potter for a more mature audience. Like Rowling writing for 17 or 18 year olds. But it's still interesting and the art and characters are first-rate. The tangled beginnings of a love triangle are handled very tenderly and the humor almost always works.

This is a very funny book with a bit of romance on the side. I highly recommend this book and all the other Psychic Academy manga.

I recommend this book very highly, it is hilarious and has a good storyline!

This book is funny and dramatic I would recomend it to teens

Execelent Manga, the art is first class. The characters are great (Stella is awesome). The story just makes you want to continue. The worst part is the last page, when you release that you can't read it any more because the book has run out of pages and you have to wait for the next volume which at this point hasn't gotten a release date!

As with everyone else this manga caught my eye because the art looks reminiscent of some other very good manga. I baught this based off of the art but I'm glad I did because the story seems interesting. I starts off with what appears to be a flashback of some sort and then comes to the present where the main character,Kenta Akagi, is working at a pizza shop and he is older than he was in the flashback. As I kept reading I began to get a feeling that the "flashbacks" aren't necessarily flashbacks but maybe a look into another world or life where Kenta exists apart from the Kenta in the "present" but the "past" Kenta somehow shares memories with the "present" Kenta. There also seem to be connections between the "flashbacks" and the "present." For example a girl named Kano appears in the "flashbacks" while in the "present" Kenta comes in contact with a little girl who looks similar to the Kano in the "flashbacks" but appears to be much younger in age. This all seemed very intriguing, and so I look forward to the future installments of this series so that I may get my questions answered.

Talk about wonderful. When I picked up this manga, I did so because I thought the art was wonderful, little did I know that the story was even better. Complex and cute, that is how I would describe it. The story revolves around a young boy who works at a pizza place and who gets intagled with some strange visitors not from his world. With flashbacks to a past he doesn't quite remember he comes face to face with a sleeping girl who only he can wake.

This volume sets you up for a interesting story to come. Comfusing at times since some of the flashbacks that you see don't corrispond with the present, but hopefully all will be resolved in further issues. Until then I recommend this for all those who love a mystery to solve. By far the best manga I have read!!!!

I picked up this manga after a long time of debating myself at my local borders store but I'm extremely glad I had the chance to read it and own it. The artwork is beautiful and very reminiscent of several other artists but the overall effect is more powerful than most people would expect.

The main character, Kenta Akagi, is introduced as a boy who spends much of his time at an amusement park where a young girl named Kano Mutsuki works. after a short introduction, the story brings itself several years later when Kenta is working at a pizza parlor as a delivery boy. Destiny eventually brings him face to face with the reality that he is to be used to incite the powers of a character called Meme (who bears a striking resemblance to Kano except she looks much younger). Souvenirs from his time with Kano, both physical and in memory, help bring about the circumstances for him to face his destiny as the "Reactor."

This book is a great continuation of the Ranma series. It has 4 stories with all your favorite caractors: Ryoga, Happosai, Ranma and the gang, Kuno and a new one: The Gambling King. You have to read Vol. 13!

ALrighty then. Rumiko-san has to have the oddest sense of humor there is. The plot line for Ranma 1/2 goes something like this; boy-hating girl has a father, who say's she's to marry the son of an old friend. Old friend shows up (as a giant panda) and brings a girl along. old friend explains that his son turns into a girl when splashed with cold water (and turns back when splashed with hot water). From this point on, some of the craziest whacks pop in and out of the story. There's Ryoga, Ranma's arch rival with no sense of direction (and lots of Bandanas and umbrellas). Shampoo, the chinese amazon who wants to kill the girl form of Ranma, and marry the boy form. Kuno, the girl obsessed overdramatic moron who runs around with a BIG sword, and his twin sister, Kodachi the black rose, who is equally insane and dramatic. Happosai (can't spell his name, sorry) the panty stealing perverted midget man, and Pantyhose! the love triangles (and quadrilaterals and pentagons, aw hell, everyone want's to marry someone, except Akane and Ranma of course) might confuse you of at first, but you'll get use to it. And the best part is the fact that cold water will turn up in the oddest places (you'd never believe how many old ladies will be washing they're houses before school). And then of course there's the odd assorment of weapons that the characters use (spoons, umbrellas, bandanas, anything can be a lethal weapon when Akane's involved) you just won't be able to stop laughing. If you're a fan of Clamp, Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z or Slayers (Xellos-sama!) you'll love Ranma 1/2! And even if you have no idea what i just said, and are just nodding your head to keep me from talking anymore (just humor the crazy people they say) you'll like it! P-chan!

Even though it may be volume 13 the good stuff keeps on coming! it all starts with Ryoga getting this crazy mark of the gods, that whenever someone charges him it triggers this involuntary spasm so that even Ranma is no match for him (GASP), but Ranma takes care of that! Then the little panty-stealing pervert Happosai *CRINGE* gets some new disciples (who thinks this won't end well)The next part is Ranma may just have a way to get rid of his curse, but it would mean a date with Kuno! Finally, never bet your life! If your a Ranma fan you'lle reheheheally be a fan of this book!

Ryoga Hibiki has only two ambitions: Defeat his arch-rival Ranma Saotome, and win Akane's affections. Both of those come into jeopardy in the thirteenth volume of Rumiko Takahashi's "Ranma 1/2," where Ranma must deal with magical swords, old enemies, and less-than-festive goings-on.

Ryoga is wandering in the mountains when he encounters a wacky old hermit. The old man gives him the "mark of the battling god," which will make him the strongest man on earth -- except that it's a goofy smiley face. He can only erase it if he's defeated, and Ranma takes up the challenge immediately. But can he figure out how to defeat the world's strongest man, before Akane figures out Ryoga's darkest secret?

Christmas is less than merry when a pair of little kids, who believe Happosai is Santa, begin following him on his underwear raids. And Kuno wins it big when he gets a magical sword which grants three wishes -- and Ranma seizes the chance to be all man again. He goes on a date with Kuno (with Akane lurking around to make sure Kuno doesn't get frisky), and is about to get the final wish -- but only if he kisses his most loathed classmate.

Finally, an old enemy from Ranma and Ukyo's past returns: the Gambling King, who cheated little kids ten years ago, and whom the two kids defeated. Now he's come to demand payment for what Ranma bet and lost. Problem is, it's the Tendo dojo; Soun promptly kicks Ranma out until he can win it back, which he's determined to do. Problem is, Ranma is really lousy at gambling.

Ranma has always made enemies easily, and now we find out that he's been doing it since the age of five or six. And of course, the teenage martial artist has to deal with his frequent foils -- kendo-mad Kuno; Happosai, who makes his life a misery; and Ryoga. The ending of the Christmas story is a bit weak, but is made up for by Ranma's final line.

And this has some very fun (and tense) moments, like when it seems that Akane has discovered Ryoga's secret (he's really her pet pig). On the other hand, Takahashi throws in some funny physical humour, like Ranma scouring Ryoga's stomach, Kuno's assorted wishes, and poor Ryoga doing an unwitting striptease in front of a ladies' club.

One nice touch is the deepening of the Ranma-Ryoga relationship, which has always hovered somewhere between rivalry and friendship. Ranma admits this out loud, when he offers to help Ryoga because "you're the only man I consider my rival." Nice touch there. And of course, we discover that Ranma is a lousy gambler, and that there are things (kissing a guy) even he won't do to undo his curse.

Un-merry Christmas, same-sex smooches and stomach graffiti provide plenty of smiles in the thirteenth volume of "Ranma 1/2."

In the first half of this book you learn what is up with that braided pigtail that Ranma is always sporting, and why he/she rarely takes it down. In the second half, several of the group end up winning tickets to a hot springs obstacle course. The prize is a trip to any hot or cold spring in the world. Guess where Ranma and co. want to go... Partners are switched a dozen times and Ryoga actually makes it to where he wanted to go--sort of. Avid fans of Ranma, you will like this book! But it does get very confusing very quickly.

O.K. so you want a funny manga? Get a Ranma book! This halarious series will make you laugh until your sides are aching. Rumiko Takahashi is genious, she adds enoug confusion to make this book funny but you can still understand it. If you haven't read a Ranma book before the story line is a little like this: so you've got a hot guy right, well the only problem is that he and his father have a little...well, accident... so when ever he is splashed with cold water he turns in to a girl, on top of that he's forced to become engaged with his dads best friends daughter. Confused? Just read the books. In addition to awesome drawings Rumiko Takahashi creates a hot of halarious and twisted (Kuno, Hopposai ^^) characters. I really recomend this book. P.S. sorry about my spelling heh heh heh ^-^'

About 6 months ago i was browsing in a book store and i noticed the 13 ranma book on diplay. I had seen something like it in on of the early magazines i had read. So i picked it up and began to read. By the end of the first Part i was in hysterics on the floor! when i got home and continued to finish it i went online and bought about 4 more!since then i've collected all the Ranma books (1-13 ordered 14)and have also read almost every other manga Rumiko Takahashi has written and liked Ranma 1/2 and Urusei Yatsura the most. SO for all of y'all out there who have not yet read a Rumiko Takahashi Masterpiece READ ONE! P.S 4 every1 out there lol means Laugh Out Loud P.P.S (last one i swear!) all i have to say is THE 14TH ONE CAME OUT! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Well, I've finally read the entire Ranma 1/2 series (if you want to know where I read the untranslated novels, e-mail me). All I can say is wow. I love Takahashi-sensei more than ever now, but I can't help feeling a bit sad about it. This review is just to tell all you folks out there that have never read Ranma, (or have only read a little bit of it and disliked it) it's truly a great accomplishment. A few reasons why I like it. First, it's very, very funny - it appeals to my sense of humor exactly. But here's the interesting thing - Takahashi-sensei doesn't just leave it at that. In some of the later novels, Ranma is positively dramatic, and I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't cry on more than one occasion. Of course, I think perhaps the main reason that I like Ranma 1/2 is the romance, which is Takahashi's forte. Ranma and Akane's relationship goes so slowly, Takahashi just gives you little momments between the two, yet ultimately it is enough. Another huge part of Ranma - the action, of course! This is what draws many people in to reading Ranma, what first appealed to me. Takahashi is so fantastic with her action scenes, it makes you wonder where she gets it from! She can do a love scene, a comedy scene and an action scene all rolled into one. I haven't even mentioned the art-work yet. At first when I picked up Ranma, I made the mistake of thinking it overly simplistic, which I've come to realize is not the case. It's true that Takahashi goes for a simple style, but it's beautiful in it's simplicity. Takahashi truly communicates with her art in a way that others miss.

To conclude: read Ranma 1/2. Trust me when I say it's worth it. There will always be a special place in my heart for Ranma 1/2. Thank you Takahashi-sensei, for sharing your gift.