8Bit/Digi

Don’t Make Me Wild Like You

Ranma ½ is a beloved series recognized by anime fans across generations. It stands as one of the most influential works, inspiring countless mangaka over the years. Academics have also analyzed it to explore themes of gender fluidity. The series challenges traditional perceptions of gender norms while offering audiences insight into the struggles individuals face through Ranma Saotome.

When the remake was announced, it immediately grabbed my attention as a fan of the original series. Ranma ½ is a reimagining of the anime adaptation of the acclaimed series. While it has received an upgrade with animation style and storytelling, the core elements that have defined the series remain intact. It’s an examination of gender relations within our society, using Ranma Saotome as a vessel to explore these themes.

It’s important to note that I am only familiar with the Ranma ½ anime. As such, this review will not include comparisons with the manga. However, I have watched the original series, so my critique will focus on the remake’s merits while drawing comparisons to the original anime adaptations.

The Strange Stranger

Even though the story is iconic, it helps to recap it for those new to the series. Ranma Saotome is a student of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts. During a training session in China with his father, Genma, he falls into a cursed spring. This causes him to transform into a girl when splashed with cold water and back into a boy with hot water. Complicating matters is that he’s been arranged to marry Akane Tendo, another martial artist whose family owns a dojo. Despite their engagement, the two constantly clash due to their contrasting personalities.

Season 1 begins as an adaption of the Introduction Arc and ends at the conclusion of the Shampoo Intro Arc. The overarching focus is on the development of Ranma and Akane’s relationship. Initially hostile, their dynamic gradually softens as they begin to overcome their differences and form a bond. This growth is tested by a series of challenges, including rival suitors and the personal struggles each faces throughout the season.

Who Says You’re Cute

From a narrative perspective, the remake preserves the defining aspects of the original series. At the same time, addresses some of its storytelling shortcomings.

Right away, I have to commend the remake for avoiding the overuse of the same joke. An issue I had with the original anime series was that an entire episode would be padded out or two episodes would be wasted all because the same joke was being overused. Examples include Akane’s repetitive morning routine at school and Ryoga Hibiki’s lack of direction. In contrast, the remake paces the jokes while cutting moments that don’t impact the story or a character’s personal development.

Ranma ½’s narrative strength lies in its exploration of gender roles and relationships along with the deconstruction of romantic comedy tropes. All hallmarks are shared with both the original adaptation and the manga. Through Ranma, we observe how people’s interactions with him shift based on his current gender, allowing the series to highlight some of the challenges women face in society. It also prompts viewers to reconsider their perceptions of romantic gestures. This is most evident when Mikado Sanzenin steals a kiss from Ranma—a moment portrayed as romantic in films but, in reality, is invasive and violating due to the absence of consent. This fluidity of gender in the story also enables Ranma to empathize with and grow alongside Akane.

My Heart is Not a Game

Compared to the original series, the Ranma ½ remake spares no expense in its animation. The quality is both colorful and stylish, with vibrant hues used to set the right emotional tone. It also pays great attention to the smallest details, perfectly bringing the slapstick and physical comedy to life. However, it doesn’t adhere to that style throughout the entire season. When necessary, the artistic style shifts to match the scene, demonstrating a keen understanding of how to enhance each moment—whether it’s a whimsical moment of wonder or one filled with dread felt by the characters.

This is not to say that the original series lacked quality in its animation—it was impressive for its time. However, when compared to the remake, it doesn’t fully capture the essence of the physical comedy. Additionally, it lacks the nuanced use of artistic style to convey emotions effectively, which the remake does with more precision.

I Hate Men!

The Ranma ½ remake excels in narrative pacing and animation compared to the original series. However, its soundtrack doesn’t stand out as much when compared to the original series. Yes, the original series soundtrack was a product of its time, but it worked well, helping to give the series its identity while effectively setting the mood. The soundtrack for the remake attempts to capture the style of the original series but ends up sounding like a generic Shonen soundtrack, lacking the distinctiveness and emotional impact of the original.

However, these feelings don’t extend to the remake’s opening, “Iinazukekkyun.” It’s a good opening song that is catchy and gets you excited for the show. Still, it took some time for it to grow on me, and it lacks the same emotional energy and charm as the original opening, “Don’t Make Me Wild Like You.”

You Made Me Wild Like You

Season 1 of the Ranma ½ remake is both a visual and narrative update while preserving the core themes that made the series iconic. The manga and original anime series is recognized by fans across generations for its exploration of gender fluidity and societal relations. The remake continues to examine these themes while enhancing the storytelling by avoiding the overuse of the same jokes. The animation quality is both colorful and stylish, knowing how to set the right emotional tone.

Disclaimer: I watched the entire season on Netflix, which I pay for myself.

8Bit/Digi is an independent news outlet that provides insight into the video game and fandom community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ranma 1/2 (Season 1)

10

Masterpiece

10.0/10

Pros

• It's a solid remake of one of the most iconic works.
• Its examination of gender roles and deconstruction of romantic comedy tropes.
• Avoids overusing the same joke as in the original anime.
• Quality and style of the animations bring the story to life.

Cons

• Soundtrack doesn't stand out when compared to the original series.