This has been a question which has been bugging me for a
great deal of
time and which I figure those on this mailing list should
likely know
the answer too.  The question is as follows, namely, in the manga or
beyond the entrance of Ukyo into the anime does Akane actually use a
hammer extensively?  I frequently see this used by her as a weapon
within fanfiction yet when I watch the anime the only time
I actually
recall her using a hammer is during the opening of the first movie,
which I might add it appeared she got through quite mundane means.
While this doesn't stop her rather violent tendencies I
have observed
that she seems more likely to use her fists or some
inoffensive piece of
the scenery and was wondering if this was just inexperience
upon my part
or something which has cropped up on its own in fanfiction.

Funny you should ask that.  I have spent the past month looking
through the manga, frame by frame, for "Akane and her mallet".  I
finished volume 30 yesterday, and since I'm snowed in today, plan to
finish the project.

Akane does use a mallet, it's very true, but so do many other people,
such as Ranma, Genma, Soun, and even Nabiki.

I've written down every single instance of mallet use, with volume
number and page for reference, and will post the whole thing as soon
as I'm done with the last volumes.  The report will also be on my page
for reference.

As far as I can see at this point, the mallet use in fanfic is simply
an exaggeration of the truth.

June
karaohki@snet.net