Themes include life changing physical transformation and gender expectations. Happosai vs. Characters don't really change in this series. The entire volume is entertaining, but I particularly love the parts when Ranma has to deal with an assortment of adversaries. Love because of the boundless humor.
My problem with this is that it stops the flow of the story dead cold and doesn't really contribute anything that couldn't be explained more organically. Shounen Manga Boo Because of a magical spring which turns anything it touches instantly male, would-be bridegrooms kidnap girls. Back of the video VHS jacket. I adored it when I was younger, and it definitely lived up to my year old obsession with this series.
