Ranma ½ episode 2 was released this Sunday in Japan and already established the formula that is going to define the series, which is that of Ranma and Akane dealing with different suitors as they develop feelings for each other. Moreover, this is the first time that Ranma has to deal with a suitor as a female and the different dualities that come with this situation.
As evidenced by the events recently described, Ranma ½ episode 2 maintains the comedic approach that has defined author Rumiko Takahashi's career throughout the years but there are also some hints of more serious material. This is emphasized by Akane and Ranma's encounter with Dr. Tofu and how the former has a crush on the latter, which is something that the protagonist notices.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a whole.
Ranma ½ episode 2 continues Ranma and Akane's feud while introducing a new variable in Dr. Tufo
The beginning of Ranma ½ episode 2 continues where the previous left off as Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo continue to dislike each other. This is also the part where Genma Saotome confirms to his son that they are staying for a while with the Tendo family, much to the latter's annoyance because of his issues with his arranged fiance.
The next part of the episode has them walking to school and bickering as usual while also featuring a hilarious fight between Genma and Ranma. It is also during this portion of the episode that the protagonist is introduced to Dr. Tofu, an older man Akane has a crush on, which is something that Ranma notices as this is the first man he sees that she is not hostile with.
Kuno and Ranma have their clash
The second part of Ranma ½ episode 2 starts when Ranma and Akane arrive at the Furinkan School and the latter is attacked by a horde of men. It turns out that someone spread the word that if a man manages to defeat Akane in combat, then that person is going to date her, much to the young girl's annoyance, although Ranma decides not to interfere and she takes care of them.
This is the moment when Tatewaki Kuno, the kendo specialist of the school and the one who spread the rumor, appears and decides to fight Ranma out of jealousy because the latter is living with Akane. While they have decent combat, Genma Saotome, in panda form, saves his son since it started raining and turns him into a girl, which is something that the protagonist wants to keep a secret.
Eventually, the rumor of Ranma and Akane having an arranged marriage is spread across the school and Kuno goes even further in challenging him to a fight. A lot of insanity ensues and eventually, Ranma turns into a girl once again without Kuno knowing the truth. He develops a crush on this version of the character without knowing they are the same perfect, immortalized in a hilarious declaration at the end of Ranma ½ episode 2.
Final thoughts
For the most part, Ranma ½ episode 2 served to establish the formula that has defined the series throughout the years. Fans can expect a lot of clashes of this nature with a lot of martial arts elements and Ranma and Akane having to deal with a wide variety of suitors.
Related articles:
- Ranma ½ episode 1: Ranma's introduction, Akane's anger, and a lot more
- Ranma ½ episode 1: Release date and time, where to watch, and more
- Ranma ½ episode 1 review: An excellent first episode for a classic series
- Ranma ½ episode 2: Release date and time, where to watch, and more