Moving Ranma 1/2 Art Celebrates Akane's New Design

Episode #5 of the Ranma 1/2 remake introduced new fans of the franchise to Akane’s iconic hairstyle with a dramatic new character design. Despite how attached she used to be to her long locks in the past, this latest entry in the franchise depicted her journey of grief and acceptance over what she lost. It is undoubtedly one of the series’ most touching moments, which defines who Akane is as a person.

This iconic event was celebrated by the talented artist @Fortist_166 in an outstanding fanart that depicts the blossoming couple of Ranma and Akane saying goodbye to the latter’s old style. The piece perfectly encapsulates the theme of letting go of that which one has lost, like the lesson given to fans of the series in episode #5.

Akane Accepts to Let Go in This Incredible Illustration

The Fanart Perfectly Encapsulates the Message of the Episode

The incredible fanart uploaded to social media by Fortist_166 shows a version of Akane, still with her long hair, walking alone while holding her head with a shocked expression. Opposite her, another version of Soun’s daughter, this one with her iconic hairstyle, walks side by side with Ranma as they both say goodbye to her old self. On top of them, a plane can be seen flying across the sky, with a trail behind it.

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The piece gives a sense of finality, with Akane letting go of the hair she held dear for so many years and preparing to start a new chapter. The use of color augments the sense of nostalgia, with the picture containing bright tones for the current looks of the characters and darker ones for the version they are leaving behind. The art style does not try to imitate the manga, giving it a distinctive look while retaining what makes the characters so unique. Overall, the illustration created by Fortist_166 is an amazing homage to one of Ranma 1/2’s best moments.

Akane Cutting Her Hair Is One Of The Series' Most Defining Moments

Her Character Arc Began During This Tragedy

As a child, Akane developed a massive crush on the local doctor, Tofu, as she saw him as a mature and kind man. Unlike the boys at school, who would often try to force her to date them, Ono would always take the time to listen to her and support her dreams. Lamentably, the kind doctor was not interested in Akane, preferring her older sister Kasumi. Ranma’s fiancée believed that her tomboyish tendencies were at fault for Tofu not seeing her as a woman, so she kept her hair long.

The accident in which Ryoga cuts her hair seen in episode #5 of the remake is a painful but necessary occurrence to advance her character. Akane finally lets go of her childhood crush, leaving behind the girl she forced herself to become and accepting who she truly is. This is also the moment in which she admits to herself her growing feelings for Ranma, who will fill the place Tofu left in her heart. Fortist_166 perfectly encapsulates this massive development, by depicting Akane with a big smile and her fiancé accompanying her on her journey.

Ranma 1/2 is a series with a plethora of character-defining moments for each of its cast members. Events like Akane’s hair being mistakenly cut are essential for them to grow and become the best versions of themselves. Artists like Fortis_166 and their awe-inspiring works will continue astonishing the fandom by celebrating these incredible moments.

In this comedic series, martial artist Ranma Saotome navigates life with a unique predicament: he transforms into a girl when splashed with cold water. His engagement to Akane Tendo adds further complexity, as they encounter numerous challenges within familial and martial arts dynamics.

Cast Kappei Yamaguchi , Megumi Hayashibara , Noriko Hidaka , Minami Takayama , Kikuko Inoue , Akio Otsuka , Chō , Shou Okumura , Soshiro Hori , Kouichi Souma , Koichi Yamadera

Character(s) Ranma Saotome , Ranma , Akane Tendo , Nabiki Tendo , Kasumi Tendo , Soun Tendo , Genma Saotome , Passerby , Postman , Jusenkyo Guide

Release Date October 6, 2024