I don't quite agree with this. By my estimate, Ranma-kun is 
approximately average height for a Japanese male of his age, and 
Ranma-chan starts out about two or three centimeters shorter than 

Akane. 

I have all of the manga volumes, and I do not notice much difference 

in 

Ranma-chan's height over time. However, if there is a difference, it 

is 

probably because Takahashi wanted to visually emphasize the difference 
between Ranma's two bodies. I estimate Ranma-kun as 165cm and 

Ranma-chan 

as thirteen or fourteen centimeters shorter, based on comparing their 
heights against Akane's.

 Okay.  I take it you need evidence then.  :-P.  I don't have the 

original

versions, just what Viz has put out in the US.

>From Vol 1 to Vol 11:

Ranma introduction story:

Ranma and Akane both naked, Akane coming out of the bath.
Ranma is clearly two or three inches taller than Akane.

In front of Dr. Toufuu's office,
Two panels both show Ranma clearly taller than Akane.

Kunou's introduction, the end of the battle where Ranma wins:
Both Ranma and Akane stand side by side, and Ranma is again clearly 

taller

than Akane.

The aftermath of the Ryouga battle, when Akane has her hair cut off -
In several places Ranma is leaning forward, Akane is standing straight, 

and

Ranma is still taller.

During the rhythmic gymnastics match with Ranma tries to shake 

Kodachi's

hand.. they're about the same height.

When Shampoo returns a second time and jumps Ranma in the bath.. Akane
splashes Ranma with a bucket shortly after, and they're about the same
height again.

During the cat tongue, both Ranma and Akane dressed in kimonos.. Ranma 

is

taller again.

During the Martial Arts Tea ceremony, Akane on the left, Whats-his-name 

in

the middle, and Ranma on the right in a kimono.  She's so much shorter 

than

Akane it isn't even funny.

During the dojo destroyer, just after Shampoo leaves, Ranma is taller 

again.

During the return of Mousse, with both Ranma and Akane in kimono's 

again,

Ranma's taller.

 So Takahashi's height differences between Ranma and Akane are pretty
incosistant, but Ranma does get shorter from when she's first 

introduced.

I submit as final evidence the first battle with Mousse. Ranma-chan's 
reach is described as being enough shorter for the difference in height 
to mean the difference between winning and losing. From this I would 
infer a height difference of *at least* ten to twelve centimeters 
between Ranma's two forms. Maybe Takahashi does vary Ranma-chan's height 
somewhat, but on the average Ranma-chan is Akane's height or slightly 
shorter.


Phil

prohackr@hotmail.com


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