A new anime adaptation of Rumiko Takahashi’s genre-shaping, gender-bending action-comedy manga Ranma 1/2 is in the works. Details are sparse, but it looks like a new Ranma project has officially been locked in.
The announcement for the new Ranma 1/2 anime dropped on the official X/Twitter account of Takahashi which, unfortunately, I can’t translate directly. Fortunately, reputable manga news reporter @MangaReporter did just that, confirming that the show is in development and that we’ll learn more about it at a live event scheduled to launch on July 17th at 6 P.M. Japanese Standard Time (JPT).
For those who might not remember the manga, Ranma 1/2 follows Akane Tendo, a tomboyish martial artist who discovers that her fiancée, Ranma Saotome, suffers from a curse that causes him to transform into a girl whenever cold water hits him. Two anime adaptations of the series were made, with the first lasting only a few episodes. The second series, which aired between 1989 and 1993, proved much more successful and is still highly regarded by shonen fans today.
A Rumiko renaissance
This new Ranma 1/2 anime may follow in the footsteps of some exceptional anime remakes based on Rumiko Takahashi’s work. David Productions’ remake of Urusei Yatsura‘s anime gave the series some much-needed updates, modernizing the series’ setting and adjusting elements of the story that haven’t aged well. Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon also helped pave the way for Ranma 1/2, re-introducing anime fans to Inuyasha.
We don’t know anything else about what the new Ranma 1/2 anime will change about its source material, or if it will change anything. However, I feel it will be good if Urusei Yatsura is anything to go off of.
