Ranma 1/2 may have changed my life, but the anime remake is already better

While Ranma 1/2 literally changed my life for the better, even I have to admit that Netflix’s newest remake is already outperforming the original. I owe a lot to the original anime based on Rumiko Takahashi’s landmark manga series. I discovered this at an important time in my life, and observing his progressive and innovative ideas helped me discover my identity as a trans person. I’ll always be grateful to the classic 90s anime for that, but with the new remake out, I have to admit it’s a huge improvement over the first.

Netflix’s remake of this iconic series takes all the best ideas from the original series and gives it a new coat of paint to make it feel fresher and faster. The original series had its flaws, and I can’t help but be surprised that many of the problems I had with the original series have been fixed in this updated version of the story. It’s a much-needed update to an already excellent series.and with its technical improvements along with a better-paced script than what fans got in the ’90s, the remake is the definitive way to see Takahashi’s story animated.

Ranma 1/2The remake is undeniably better paced than the original

The remake trims the fat and keeps things moving

Perhaps the most infamous thing about the original Ranma 1/2 anime was how poorly paced it could be. Although there was enough to keep fans entertained, including new stories created exclusively for the series, the show pretty much dragged on without any sense of an ending in sight for several seasons. This is mainly due to the fact that the manga was still being released at the time, so the anime needed to buy time for new chapters to come out and not run the risk of running out of material. However, this ended up making small moments in the source material unnecessarily long.

The remake, however, maintains the manga’s fast pace without feeling like it’s going too fast, like Uzumaki. Starting with episode 6, the series faithfully recreates the manga without adding length to stretch things out. Some of the biggest arcs have come and gone so far, like Ryoga’s entrance and Akane’s hair being cut for a new look, and everything seems to have a natural rhythm. It’s simply a gentle retelling of Rumiko Takahashi’s story, and it’s already adapted more manga in half the time, given that the original anime took until episode 12 to get to the same point where the remake currently is.

An emphasis on color and a new animation style bring the story to life

The remake looks more alive than the original

One of the other things I loved about the remake is its use of color and mixed animation. Every frame looks incredibly vibrant with brilliant colors flooding the screen, making every second a joy to watch. Additionally, with the subtle change of including a mixed animation style, the remake updates the story with a specific sense of identity without completely relying on fans’ nostalgia for the 90s anime. the series feels alive and unique compared to other anime released at the moment.

Not long after catching up on the remake, I rewatched an episode or two of the original series. While it may be obvious, there’s simply no way to compare the two when it comes to animation. The 90s anime looks much more stilted than the remake, sharing a similar look and feel to many series released at the time. Of course, this is due to the lower budgets and technology at the time, but it’s still incredibly difficult to go back to classic anime after seeing what the remake brings to the table.

Ranma 1/2The remake of is successful in substance, not just style

Netflix’s retelling is just as compelling as the manga and original series

Of course, with all this talk about style, it’s important to note that it takes more than a show to look good to be successful. After all, the 90s anime captivated fans with its engaging narrative, even if it was dragging. Fortunately, the remake also manages to be exceptional in substance. The story is funnier than ever, retaining the twists and turns that made it an unconventional and entertaining coming-of-age romantic comedy. Furthermore, with some well-placed moments of character development, the remake goes beyond the original, improving the relationship between Ranma and Akane.

My story with Ranma 1/2 Set a high bar and the remake surpassed it

MAPPA had a difficult task, but it was more than successful

Returning to my own story with Ranma 1/2I want to clarify that I had a high standard going into this series. The original series made a huge connection with the Trans community because of how much its themes call for questioning and gender identity. In fact, I remember the exact moment the 90s anime broke my egg with the episode where Ranma had amnesia and saw himself as just a girl, leading to a pretty relatable depiction of gender dysphoria on screen. These ties to my own past meant that the remake faced a huge hurdle for me, and that was completely overcome when it debuted.

Everything I learned to love Ranma 1/2 is present in this remake. From the humor to the interesting themes of gender identity, it’s essentially the same show I remember. However, by trimming the fat from the classic series and giving the story a new coat of paint with vibrant colors and a mixed animation style, it’s essentially an improved version of the series with a new coat of paint. I will always miss the original anime for everything it did to help me realize who I am. However, this incredible retelling of a series that literally changed my life is fantastic, and from now on I will be recommending this updated version. Ranma 1/2 as the best version of the story.

Source: Netflix anime