One Subtle Change to Ranma 1/2 Makes the Remake a Must-Watch for Fans of the Franchise

Warning: Contains Minor Spoilers from Ranma 1/2's Remake, Episodes 1-4

The new remake for Rumiko Takahashi's classic manga, Ranma 1/2, features a subtle yet genius change that makes it worth watching for fans of the franchise. For the most part, Ranma 1/2's remake has been remarkably faithful to the source material. It hasn't strayed from the manga much, with the only major new addition being a new character named Ichiro created specifically for the series. However, a more subtle change in the show's execution has made it the perfect viewing experience for newcomers and long-time fans.

The series, for the most part, sticks to a fairly standard anime style, which most fans are likely accustomed to. However, there are times when the animation swaps styles to accentuate a punchline or play up certain emotional moments throughout the story. One of the most notable scenes that play with a mixed animation style is a sequence where Kuno gives Ranma a bouquet of flowers to declare his love for his female form, changing the scenery to mimic a traditional shojo romcom manga.

Ranma 1/2's Remake Thrives with a Mixed Animation Style

The Constant Swap Between Styles Keeps Fans On Their Toes

Little moments like this are scattered throughout every aired episode of Ranma 1/2 so far, and it's made the remake not only incredibly entertaining, but also stand out completely from the original anime. Mixed animation styles have become incredibly popular over the years with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse kickstarting a major renaissance in the industry. The film's success ultimately led to various studios around the world experimenting with mixed animation, and it's clear that the influence has rubbed off on the Ranma 1/2 remake.

The series, as a whole, shifts consistently between traditional anime stylings and something completely new as the show carries on. Whether it's a change in color or an attempt to put the characters in a completely new animated environment, there's enough choices being made to make Ranma 1/2's remake thrive in a vibrant and creative execution. Even the ending theme celebrates the new take on the show with a credits sequence featuring Ranma and Akane in a webcomic-like style after every episode.

Episode 4 Takes Full Advantage of the Series' New Animation Direction

Ranma 1/2 Embraces a Mixed Animation Style After Experimenting in the First Three Episodes

Out of any episode that has been released, the remake's fourth episode, titled "The Hunter," fully dives into the anime's new direction more than any episode that came before it. It opens with a 16-bit video game style to recap what's happened so far, putting Ranma, Akane, and other characters in the world of Street Fighter. From there, the series will occasionally swap backgrounds to give off a more 90s vibe as an homage to the series that came before it. However, the biggest moment in the episode features the most extended look at this new take on the series as Ranma duels with Ryoga in the schoolyard.

Whenever the camera is turned to the two fighters, the colors shift to take on a more action-oriented tone, similar to something one would find in many popular Shōnen Jump series. However, it returns to the standard animation style whenever anyone but Ranma and Ryoga appears onscreen. Plus, when Ranma accidentally swaps genders after being doused in cold water, the show returns to its traditional style to show that the more serious parts of the fight have come to an end.

The Mixed Animation Sets Ranma 1/2's Remake Apart from the Original, Making It Unique

The New Animation Direction Prevents the Remake from Being Soulless

By far, the greatest thing about this minor change to Ranma 1/2 is how much it allows the remake to stand on its own two feet, rather than rely solely on the popularity of the previous series. The original anime has stood the test of time as an anime classic, serving as a gateway show for many getting into anime, as well as being an important series for those in the Trans community. The remake pretty much follows the original anime and manga beat-for-beat, but the new take on the animation makes it completely stand out. It feels far more vibrant and chaotic to match the comedic tone of the series, making it a completely new experience for even the most devoted fans of the franchise.

Sometimes the smallest changes can make the greatest impact, and this new take on Rumiko Takahashi's masterpiece is proof of this. Ranma 1/2 completely benefits from a new mixed animation style as it remains relatively unchanged, otherwise. It allows for some of the most famous jokes from the series to hit differently as the animation plays with the visual medium as well. The mixing styles of animation may be incredibly subtle, but it plays a major part in giving the Ranma 1/2 remake its own identity, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.

Source: MAPPA Channel

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.

Release Date October 6, 2024

Seasons 1