らんま1/2 1

Classic series with a variety of flaws. After a few volumes, everything becomes heavily episodic, with only some loose plot threads tying things together. This is to the series' detriment imo, as the progress various characters make becomes completely irrelevant by the next volume. (If you want an episodic series with a more connected narrative and development, but similar style of humor, by the same author, try 犬夜叉 (Inuyasha) | L23)

The characters themselves vary between brilliant and unbearable, and most of them have both their good, bad, and frustrating sides (Ukyou is the only one I think is consistently brilliant!). They're mostly gags, with very little character development, but some are treated more seriously. Things are always wild and competitive - particularly with the love polygon aspect, and when the comedy's on point, it's really good. The story has aspects of both shoujo and shounen stories. Earlier on it's more of a typical shoujo, but over time it becomes more focused on extreme martial arts techniques and contests, and even incorporates some more fantasy-esque elements.

One thing I love though is how Ranma's forced gender swapping is just a matter of fact, and not like some big identity thing that needs to be deeply explored and obsessed over. I think Ranma gets more time in girl-mode overall, but there's plenty of both, and it always feels natural either way. The main couple are usually at each other's throats, and neither can admit their feelings, but neither wants to let the competition win either. When they're on the same page, it can be really sweet, but I find myself hesitant to root for them.

Anyway, I'm only on vol 19 of 38, so I'll come back and update this at some point.