Ranma ½

Ashley Sudeta

“Ranma ½” is a remake of the 1987 anime based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi. Man-hating Akane Tendo is angry when her father arranges her engagement to Ranma Saotome. When a girl and panda show up to the Tendo Dojo instead of Ranma and his father, Akane hopes the engagement has been dodged. However, it is revealed Ranma and Genma are cursed to change forms upon contact with cold water. Ranma becomes a pink-haired girl, and his father becomes a panda. They change back after touching hot water. To the anger of both Akane and Ranma, the families go through with the engagement, and Ranma begins attending high school with Akane.

“Ranma ½” is an overwhelmingly fun watch. The many fight scenes are zany and exaggerated, especially when compared to the original anime. Tension between characters is light and relatively stress-free as well. I expected Ranma to struggle with hiding his identity, but he remains surprisingly calm. He recognizes his identity as independent from his appearance, and his confidence and self acceptance is refreshing. He also takes few precautions in hiding his curse, which mostly remains undiscovered due to others’ stupidity—as well as his ability to do sweet backflips.

To use the words of Twitter icon Dril, the series “smacks of gender” in the best way. In addition to Ranma switching genders, Akane is frequently labeled a “tomboy.” Both characters navigate the expectations placed upon them while dealing with the consequences of their violent tendencies.

Netflix began releasing episodes of the remake on October 6, with a new 24 minute episode each Saturday. However, if you aren’t feeling patient, all seven seasons of the original anime are free on Tubi. Watch it if you’re craving a lighthearted break!