By Emil Favila, Reporter
Ranma 1/2 TV Series Set 5 is here, arriving after four strong box sets releases. If you have watched this far into the series, then there is no need to explain what Ranma 1/2 is about. You don’t get to Set 5 without being a dedicated fan. If you have not seen this far, we recommend going back to Set 1 or at least reading about Ranma on his Wikipedia page.
Not much has changed these past seasons, except with the introduction of Sentaro, the heir to the Daimonji School of the Martial Arts Tea Ceremony. He forces Ranma to battle the grand master as his wife, to help break off his arranged marriage. From there Martial Arts Shogi, Martial Arts Dining, and Martial Arts Calligraphy are introduced as well in the series. The biggest reveal this season is the identity of of Furinkan High’s principal. In the world of Ranma, if there’s something worth learning, there is a Martial Arts for it!
My favorite episode in Set 5 has to be “Martial Arts Dining“. The episode is a huge satire on French and Western culture in relation to their eating competitions. My favorite episodes have always been the ones about food. Food is a common subject, and everyone understands it from all backgrounds and cultures. Ranma’s most hilarious episodes have always involved some kind of eating, dating back to “Martial Arts Take Out Race” in Set 1.
Another stand out episode is “Ranma, the Lady Killer“. In this episode, Ranma accidentally comes to use one of Happosai’s enchanted band aids which causes him to be in love with every female character in the show. Of course any episode involving Happosai is pure gold. He is the series’ signature “dirty old man” and the fans love him for it.
Ranma 1/2 TV Series Set 5 features episodes 93-115 and comes with a full-color art card and a 32-page booklet with synopsis. Special features included “We Love Ranma”, Part 5 – We Love Collecting, Next Episode Previews, and Clean Openings and Endings. Set 5 includes everything you’ve come to expect and love as a Ranma collector and fan. Set 5 also brings the fans to the 100 episode landmark.
While I was going over some of the special features, I noticed that the extras came packed with interviews from cosplayers and Ranma industry folks this time around. They discussed their experiences collecting Ranma memorabilia. What stood out for me in the bonus features was the mention of the very rare Ranma 1/2 video game on Super NES. I personally own the game and while it’s not the best fighting game, it’s a true collectible for a fan such as myself. One interviewer even discusses the early days of the internet.
For fans who have stuck it out the past few sets, Ranma 1/2 TV Series Set 5 is definite buy. I know there are some who may be on the fence about continuing to watch the show past Set 4 because not a whole lot has changed. However, Set 5 definitely renews your faith in the series with new and strange ideas. The writers still have more stories to tell, which is a good thing, because there are two more sets after this. Be sure to pick up your copy of Ranma 1/2 TV Series Set 5 today from Amazon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBm1unbd7D0
Rating: 
ComicsOnline gives Ranma 1/2 – Set 5 5 out of 5 tea cups!
There’s much to learn and discover over at ComicsOnline by our Facebook and Twitter pages for more anime reviews and everything geek pop culture!
