27th April 2011

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The Eternal Rival, Ryoga Hibiki (Ranma 1/2)

“I got here without getting lost. My directional sense has never led me right. But now I came straight where I want to be! It’s the power of love, Akane!”

Love really does wonders, doesn’t it? Though it didn’t work out in the end, now did it?

This week’s entry is focused on Ryoga Hibiki, one of the more interesting characters in Rumiko Takahashi’s hit martial arts/romantic comedy anime/manga series, Ranma 1/2. This entry was made in support of this month’s Manga Movable Feast (hosted by Rob of Panel Patter) and also suggested from a commenter on the blog (Thank you, Kelly!)

Ryoga is characterized as someone who seems to be always lost. His sense of direction is absolutely terrible, but he is a reflection of people in this world who are “lost” in many ways and are trying hard to fight for direction in life.

Ryoga is the main rival of the main character, Ranma Saotome. He is always trying to prove to Ranma that he is stronger than him. Ryoga is also cursed, as he will turn into a black pig named P-Chan when splashed with cold water. Things get extremely complicated as Ranma’s fiancee, Akane Tendo, takes P-Chan as her pet. Ryoga begins to become infatuated with Akane as she treats his pig form with great affection. As stated earlier, his sense of direction is really bad. It is so bad that if you put him in a room in a big house, it will literally take him days to find an exit. He is also very emotional, cocky, and doesn’t like to think much during battles. Combine all these traits and you have one very hectic & rough individual. However, deep down, Ryoga is someone who’s trying to make sense of himself.

Some fans have noted that Ryoga’s lack of direction could be the result of autism. His speech seems to be fine, but he repeatedly gets lost & never learns from it. Ryoga is almost always alone (from his constant journeys) and he never developed any meaningful friendships (until after getting involved with Ranma, Akane, & a few others). In many ways, getting involved with Ranma was a hidden blessing to Ryoga.

Having a rival in life is important to some people. It gives them motivation to do their best & provides excitement. To Ryoga, Ranma equals excitement. In some ways, Ranma also helped Ryoga confront his weaknesses & fears. There have been many times that Ryoga has saved Ranma from death. He realizes that without Ranma, his life might not have much meaning. Regarding Ranma’s relationship with Akane, Ryoga realized that he needed love in his life & began trying to convince Akane that Ranma isn’t the right man for her. In the end, Ranma & Akane were two people that Ryoga could properly call his friends and that if anything bad happens, they can provide him with a “home” from his travels. Competitiveness can be extremely beneficial. The most important thing is that competition lets you take out your aggression in a positive manner.

Ryoga serves as a reminder that even if you have terrible personality flaws, you are never alone. There will be a time where you will meet someone who can play a huge role in your life, but you just may not realize it until something big happens. Life can be full of heartbreak, but it can also be full of chance opportunities. Who would’ve thought that fighting with someone to get the last bread at lunchtime during school could lead to a long-term, beneficial association with that person?

To those who are maybe depressed (a la Ryoga), you are not as lost as you might think you are. Look at those who support you and see for yourself the potential power they give to you. Also, read up on Ryoga’s story as he arguably received the most character development throughout Ranma 1/2. Learn & laugh from his crazy tales.

Show off your “resounding good fangs” (The meaning of Ryoga’s full name) like Ryoga has.

Tagged: Akane TendoManga Movable FeastRanma 1/2Ranma SaotomeRumiko Takahashiautismpsychologyrival charactersmanga psychologypsychology of competitionpsychology of rivalries