Season 1 |
– |
– |
Episode Guide
Episode 1: Here’s Ranma -|Review Score – 4/5
Episode 2: I Hate Men! -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 3: Because There’s Someone He Likes -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 4: The Hunter -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 5: Who Says You’re Cute -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 6: Kodachi, The Black Rose -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7: Hot Competition -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 8: Darling Charlotte -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 9: I’ll Never Let Go -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 10: Kiss of Death -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 11: You I Love -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 12: Shampoo Cleans -|Review Score – 3.5/5
The 2020s era of anime is fascinating. More and more classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s are making comebacks. Ranma 1/2 isn’t the only work from Rumiko Takahashi’s catalog that has received a remake. Takahashi’s 1978 manga, Urusei Yatsura, received a remake not too long ago.
That remake aired its first season between 2022-2023 and its second season aired in 2024. While the remake received mixed reception from audiences, many hoped Takahashi’s other works would receive similar treatment. Fortunately, fans’ prayers were answered with Mappa Studios’s Ranma 1/2 (2024) adaptation.
While this martial arts rom-com isn’t masterfully written, many will find Ranma 1/2 leagues better than Urusei Yatsura. Ranma 1/2 follows Ranma Saotome, a martial artist who heads to Japan with his father, Genma. During their quest, Ranma and Genma visit a Jusenkyo to train.
Jusenkyo features cursed hot springs but Ranma and Genma ignore that fact and spar there. Both gentlemen fall into separate hot springs. Genma becomes a panda while Ranma becomes a girl. However, they can change into their original forms. Yet, this depends on the type of water they come into contact with.
To make matters worse, Ranma learns he must marry Genma’s friend’s daughter, Akane, and she doesn’t like Ranma one bit. Therefore, the anime examines Ranma and Akane’s wacky, dramatic, and action-packed lives together.
Ranma 1/2 features great action, comedy, romance, drama, and supernatural elements. The way Takahashi incorporates martial arts into most of Ranma and Akane’s activities is astounding. Many fans will value Takahashi’s creativity. Season 1’s martial arts-themed rhythmic gymnastics and ice skating competitions are fantastic examples.
Takahashi also incorporates familiar and unusual fighting techniques in Ranma 1/2 to convince folks to smile or laugh. Although martial arts isn’t as vital to the plot as other aspects, viewers who enjoy kung fu stories will appreciate how Takahashi implements it.
Ranma 1/2’s comedy is more laid-back than Urusei Yatsura’s. The former has goofy expressions, comical misunderstandings, and dirty jokes like the latter. However, Urusei Yatsura fans shouldn’t expect too many surreal gags in Ranma 1/2 as it’s more tame and semi-grounded. At the same time, Ranma 1/2’s comedy can be a bit much.
Some sub-plots don’t feature incredible resolutions and realistic segments. Ranma 1/2’s rhythmic gymnastics and ice skating martial arts matches support this stance. Both competitions become more chaotic as they continue. Most audiences will question the logistics of things and find Ranma and his friends’ victories strange.
While the comedy will appeal to many audiences, others may argue that it ruins their immersion. Ranma 1/2’s romance and drama is a step up from Urusei Yatsura. This is because Takahashi makes Ranma and Akane’s relationship the story’s primary focus.
While Takahashi occasionally highlights Ataru and Lum’s romance, the absurd situations in Urusei Yatsura overshadow it. Akane and Ranma get into funny situations too. However, Takahashi makes these hilarious segments integral to our pair’s romantic developments.
While Ranma’s rhythmic match with Kodachi is wacky, his reasons for participating tie into his and Akane’s engagement concerns. Instead of abandoning Akane to live a life with Shampoo, Ranma goes through loops to restore Akane’s memory of him.
Although the romance and drama won’t hit fans on an emotional level, some instances will make viewers reflect on their love lives. On top of having a fine take on gender dynamics, Ranma 1/2’s story should impress many who watch it.
The characters are in a similar boat. Ranma is a skilled and caring martial artist. However, Ranma is not afraid to speak his mind, which is evident in his arguments with Akane, Ryoga, and others. While Ranma has rude instances, fans will cherish seeing him go the extra mile to protect those he cares for.
These characteristics carry over to Ranma’s female form, too. This can be hit or miss regarding one’s expectations. Akane is an enjoyable deuteragonist. She can be stubborn and short-tempered occasionally. However, Akane cares for those who deserve it.
While little is known about Ranma’s past and more could be done to make our duo’s romance gripping, many fans will enjoy observing their various endeavors. The supporting cast was okay. Ryoga stands out from the batch. He feels like a mixture between Urusei Yatsura’s Mendo and Tobimaro.
Ryoga isn’t the brightest boy, but he certainly holds his own in fights, especially against Ranma. He also receives a humorous animal form that slightly throws a wrench in Ranma and Akane’s romance. But besides Ryoga, the others aren’t too special. However, there’s potential for characters like Shampoo to receive great depth in a sequential season.
Many fans were shocked to see Mappa Studios tackle Ranma 1/2’s remake. David Productions Studios worked on Urusei Yatsura’s remake, so many expected they’d tackle another Takahashi story next. Nevertheless, like past projects, Mappa Studios’s work on Ranma 1/2 was stellar.
Many fans will enjoy seeing how Mappa Studios adapted Ranma 1/2’s fights, goofy confrontations, and heartfelt discussions. At the same time, those who watched the original 1989 adaptation by Deen Studios may not like the subtle changes found throughout Mappa Studios’s remake. From costume differences to subtle censorship, it’s best not to go into Ranma 1/2 (2024) expecting a one-to-one remake.
The music is fine. The opening and ending songs are more memorable than the show’s background music. Both are catchy and fun. Meanwhile, the remake’s cast is great.Viewers can tell they had fun voicing these classic characters.
In the sea of new remakes, Ranma 1/2 is one of the good ones. It’s not amazing, but viewers can tell there was a lot of effort and passion put into making this project a reality.
Hopefully, fans won’t have to wait too long for Season 2.
Feel Free To Check Out More Of Our TV Show Reviews Here!
-
Verdict - - 7.5/10
7.5/10