Just How Much More Exciting Episodes of Ranma½ Will There Be? Questioning Netflix’s Commitment

Streaming on Netflix

With the first season still going strong, I’m not finding the refreshed Ranma½ series significantly different from its predecessor. Sadly, the wait for stories from the manga which haven’t been adapted is going to be long. While the order of chapters is different between what I recall from the past version and the book, I’m okay with the alterations.

Here, Kodachi gets introduced much earlier; in the books, she doesn’t appear until chapter 17. In the first series, she didn’t get the spotlight until episode 11. And instead of following the six unit narrative arc from the books, the series condenses it into a well told two-part episode. With the latest, the deadly Golden Pair (ice skating duo), Mikado Sanzenin and Azusa Shiratori, appear to show that some members of the Tendo family have challengers.

In terms of production design, I love the new visual look. During the moments of intense action, I find all those on screen onomatopoeias pleasing since it calls back to the manga rather than let the anime be its own beast. Also, I’m amazed Megumi Hayashibara, the voice of female Ranma, has the energy to continue! Even after three decades, she’s still active! I’ve seen nearly everything during the height of her career; She voiced Rei (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Lina Inverse (Slayers), and Musashi/Jessie (Pokémon).

Also, not every tale from the 38 volume tankōbon series (Amazon link) has been adapted. Although the series continued with original animated videos and films to fill in the gaps, interest eventually fizzled–and the market for soundtracks, art books and the like quickly disappeared. Hopefully, all that will change should the new series attain a similar recognition as it’s more designed to reintroduce a new generation to the works of Rumiko Takahashi (Amazon link).

After the success of Urusei Yatsura getting an update, I’m not surprised Ranma ½ is next. The question I have is if the momentum can keep going for getting all the stories from the print edition adapted? That’s a tough sell in today’s market, but I’ll be paying attention to find out!

3 Stars out of 5

Ranma½ Netflix Trailer

Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra. View all posts by Ed Sum