A subtle change in Ranma 1/2 makes the remake a must-see for fans of the franchise

Warning: Contains minor spoilers for the Ranma 1/2 remake, episodes 1-4

The new remake of Rumiko Takahashi’s classic manga, Ranma 1/2presents a subtle but ingenious change that is worth watching for fans of the franchise. For the most part, Ranma 1/2The remake was remarkably faithful to the source material. It didn’t stray too far from the manga, with the only major addition being a new character named Ichiro, created specifically for the series. However, a more subtle change to the show’s execution made it the perfect viewing experience for newcomers and longtime fans alike.

The series, for the most part, follows a pretty standard anime style that most fans are probably used to. However, There are times when the animation changes style to accentuate a joke or highlight certain emotional moments throughout the story. One of the most notable scenes that plays with a mixed animation style is a sequence where Kuno gives Ranma a bouquet of flowers to declare his love for her female form, changing the setting to mimic a traditional shojo romcom manga.

Ranma 1/2 remake thrives on mixed animation style

The constant switching between styles keeps fans attentive

Little moments like this are scattered throughout each episode aired. Ranma 1/2 so far, and it’s made the remake not only incredibly fun, but also completely stand out from the original anime. Mixed animation styles have become incredibly popular over the years with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse ushering in a major renaissance in the industry. The film’s success led several studios around the world to experiment with mixed animation and It is clear that the influence had repercussions on the Ranma 1/2 redo.

The series, as a whole, consistently shifts between traditional anime styles and something completely new as the series progresses. Whether it’s a color change or an attempt to place characters in a completely new animated environment, there are enough choices to be made. Ranma 1/2The remake thrives on vibrant, creative execution. Even the ending theme celebrates the show’s new approach with a credits sequence featuring Ranma and Akane in a webcomic style after each episode.

Episode 4 makes the most of the series’ new animation direction

Ranma 1/2 Embrace a mixed animation style after experiencing the first three episodes

Of any episode released, the fourth episode of the remake, titled “The Hunter,” dives fully into the new direction of the anime more than any previous episode. It opens with a 16-bit video game style to recap what’s happened so far, placing Ranma, Akane, and other characters in the world of street fighter. From there, the series occasionally switches backgrounds to give off a more ’90s vibe, as a homage to the previous series. However, the episode’s biggest moment presents a broader look at this new version of the series, as Ranma duels Ryoga in the school yard.

Whenever the camera is turned towards the two fighters, colors change to take on a more action-oriented tonesimilar to something found in many popular Shōnen Jump series. However, it reverts to the default animation style whenever anyone other than Ranma and Ryoga appears on screen. Additionally, when Ranma accidentally switches 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.

Mixed animation sets the Ranma 1/2 remake apart from the original, making it unique

The new animation direction prevents the remake from feeling soulless

By far the best thing about this small change Ranma 1/2 it’s how much this allows the remake to stand on its own, rather than relying 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 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 approach to animation makes it completely stand out. It feels much more vibrant and chaotic to match the comedic tone of the series, making it a completely new experience for even the franchise’s most devoted fans.

Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact, and this new version of Rumiko Takahashi’s masterpiece is proof of that. Ranma 1/2 completely benefits from a new mixed animation style as it remains relatively unchanged. It allows some of the series’ most famous jokes to have a different impact, as the animation also plays with the visual medium. Animation blending styles can be incredibly subtle, but they play an important role in giving the Ranma 1/2 remake its own identity, making it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.

Source: MAPPA Channel