Warning: Spoilers for Ranma 1/2 (2024) Episode #1
After a long wait, the first episode of the highly anticipated Ranma 1/2 Remake streaming on Netflix was released on October 5, 2024. This episode depicted an iconic moment from the original series in a completely different light. In the 1989 version, the arrival of Ranma and his father to Nerima occurs during a rainy day, while the streets of the city are empty.
The remake modified the scene to include various background characters, who react to the strange adventure of a woman fighting a panda in the middle of the street. This small change can cause a ripple effect that will change the events of the series, viz Ranma’s female half was now known by most of NerimaSomething that didn’t happen until later in the original series, based on the manga by award-winning manga creator Rumiko Takahashi.
Ranma’s feminine side might become popular around Nerima ahead of time
The revelation of his secret may happen sooner
Over the original Ranma 1/2 Anime, one of the protagonist’s biggest concerns was Keeping his female half a secret from the people of Nrima. While he would walk around the street looking for free food in this form, he would actively avoid people who might recognize him. He didn’t reveal his feminine side until the battle against Kodachi in episode #13. As the battle began, Ranma told the spectators his real name, reassured by the knowledge that his girlish side was unrecognizable at school. The 2024 remake makes it difficult for him to keep his secret.
For most of the citizens of Nerima, seeing a red-haired woman fighting a panda in broad daylight is not easy to forget. Combined with the fact that Ranma arrived in town at the same time as the mysterious girl, and he was often seen around the bear, the connection between his male and female side could happen sooner than in the original. Although not a very significant change, Many events may change due to this knowledgeSuch as the fight against Kodachi himself, as Ranma could have discovered by this point in the series.
Ranma’s “sister” could also be discovered sooner
He could use his cover story earlier
Before his secret was discovered, Ranma used to claim that his feminine side was his little sister. The cover story began appearing in the series shortly after the battle against Kodachi. While most classmates wondered why the red-haired girl got his name, no one looked further into the topic. Only those who knew about the curse Ranma acquired in the legendary Jusenkyo Springs could see how obvious the lie was. Since the citizens of Nerima already know about the red girl, who arrived in the city with a panda, it is also possible that his secret will be discovered earlier.
The Ranma 1/2 Remake is changing the story of this beloved series in small ways that could make it more enjoyable for new audiences. Nevertheless, the essence of the original is undoubtedly there, and fans of the 1989 series should give it a chance. It is a distinctly enjoyable retelling of one of anime’s most hilarious and wholesome love stories.