*Spoiler*

I had a chance to go over the last four volumes of translated Ranma 1/2 manga trade paperbacks over the Christmas break, and to me it's fascinating to compare much of the "classic" fanfiction that was written in the last few years, before the English translations were available, with the reality of what Rumiko Takahashi wrote.

Most of the Ranma fanfiction written since the genre took-off in 1997 was largely based around either the anime or the crude manga translations that were available from the Ranma FAQ (which will be part of another rant on the subject of abandoned FAQS).  Most of these fics assumed two things about the manga version of the Ranma-verse:

1.  Ranma and Akane NEVER were able to admit to themselves that they liked each other.  Many of the post-38 fics I've read have Ranma and Akane stubbornly refusing to admit they like each other.  While this may have been true of the anime, in the manga by volume 10 at the earliest, Akane is shown to admit to herself (if no one else) that she likes Ranma and is determined to win him away from the other fiancees.  This is particulary evident when Ukyo moves in with Ranma and Akane makes the comment that "I'll never be able to compete with her."  Perhaps most telling is the mochi ball story, where Akane uses the legend of mochi balls to find out if Ranma is her "one true love" and then mistakenly believes that the marks have appeared on Ranma's face, skips away happily while Ranma shows his own inner-feelings for Akane by commenting that he "doesen't wanna ruin her mood if it makes her happy."  This also shows that Akane has accepted the engagement MUCH EARLIER than most fanfictions written prior to this story's American publication portray.  

2.  Akane is completely oblivous to Ryoga's feelings towards her.  Again, back to the mochi ball story.  After Akane breaks up with Ranma again, Ryoga instantly presents her with flowers, causing Akane to get annoyed with Ryoga.  Many (not all) post-38 fics portray Akane as being totally shocked when she discovers that Ryoga loves her.  In reality, she is aware of it and is highly annoyed whenever Ryoga tries to push for "more than friends."

It will be fascinating to read future Ranma fancics that take these new realities into account.


-  W*ING Higley is the author of several fan fictions, including "U-Jin's Ranma Diaries" and "Tenchi Muyo:  The Apprentice."

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