I think like the author said, it was very much their first solo work. I feel like they had a vision. The road had a few bumps along the way, but the destination was cute. I understand what they were trying to do!
I think the problem comes more from the characters, though. It felt a bit rushed specifically in terms of character development, and some things that didn't make a lot of sense?
Like for example: why keep trusting the teacher when he just kept being a complete weirdo? He really kept getting on my nerves, and Minjae should've acted differently. I mean, grow a backbone, did that punch you give him earlier mean nothing in retrospective? C'mon... And the whole thing with Woochan's father also felt like it got resolved too quickly when it was his whole motivation for his actions... It's all pacing problems, really.
Like I understand especially with the ending, the whole "you can't stop destiny, some bonds are meant to be" and all that, but I feel like their behaviours could've still been different towards some characters.
But well, if you ignore those issues, the intention is quite clear and for what it's worth, I think it was really cute. Woochan getting that queer award was really sweet, and them growing old together after all those problems they went through really did warm my heart. And I'm so happy Minjae's sister also had a happy ending!
I finished the manga, and I understand people's criticisms about the ending or pacing (being too slow/too little Rankane bits) but I'd like to remind everyone that this is very much a romcom slice of life! The comedy and absurdity of the situations comes first, and then the romance bits is what comes alongside it! To add some flavor!
Of course, some things are very dated (Happosai existing... The random homophobic/transphobic jokes, the harassment, etc etc.) but for the most part, the comedy comes from the absurdity of everything. The "harem" is part of it, but it doesn't mean Ranma hasn't chosen Akane over them! It's quite clear he does. The ending only served to show their love is mutual, but that they don't operate by other people's standards – Rankane have their own unique dynamic and pacing, and that's why they ended up taking longer to actually get married. I think the ending perfectly encapsulates how they are.
Plus, of course... Having to deal with all their crazy friends. LOL. But it has it's own charm. It's not supposed to be taken seriously, just more of their absurd life.
> TLDR; I think we should all understand that Rankane aren't your typical lovebirds, they have their own silly messy relationship where they DEEPLY care for each other, but are still two awkward dumb teenagers.
Honestly! I think it's pretty obvious that the other love interests are just plot devices and Ranma and Akane were really just meant for each other. Besides, Akane has her own reverse harem of sorts too (Ryoga, Kuno). And they're teenagers!! Who would like to be forced into marriage? I personally think the pacing was good because it showed how much they care about each other and made the scenes where they revealed their feelings a whole lot more special.
Couldn't agree more! 100% !! Whenever they had their genuine moments, I'd always get so giddy, it was honestly really touching! I love them so much.
THIS
I KNEW FROM THE START IT WAS A ONESHOT, SO I TRIED STEELING MY HEART... BUT I'M STILL SO SAD!!! I WANT MOREEEE NOOOOO ๐·°(৹˃ᗝ˂৹)°·๐