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 5th, 2024. The 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 town are empty.

The remake modified this scene to include various background characters, who react to the bizarre occurrence of a woman fighting a panda in the middle of the street. This small change could cause a ripple effect that will alter the events of the series, as Ranma’s female half is now known by most of Nerima, something that did not occur until later in the original series, based on the manga by award-wining manga creator Rumiko Takahashi.

The Revelation of His Secret Could Happen Sooner

Throughout the original Ranma 1/2 anime, one of the protagonist’s biggest concerns was keeping his female half a secret from the people of Nerima. While he would walk around the street looking for free food in this form, he would actively avoid people who could recognize him. He did not reveal his female side until the battle against Kodachi in episode #13. When the battle began, Ranma told the spectators his real name, reassured by the knowledge that his girl side was not recognizable in school. The 2024 remake makes it harder for him to keep his secret.

Ranma and His Father, Both in Their Cursed Forms

For most of Nerima’s citizens, seeing a red-haired woman fight a panda in broad daylight is not easy to forget. Combined with the fact that Ranma arrived in town at the same time as this mysterious girl, and he is seen often around the bear, the connection between his male and female side could occur sooner than in the original. While not an extremely significant change, many events could change due to this knowledge, such as the fight against Kodachi itself, as Ranma could have been discovered by that point in the series.

Ranma’s “Sister” Could Also Be Discovered Sooner

He Could Use His Cover Story Earlier

Ranma reveals his name in front of the whole school in episode 13.

Before his secret was discovered, Ranma used to claim that his female side was his little sister. This cover story began appearing in the series shortly after the battle against Kodachi. While most classmates wondered why the red-haired girl had his name, none looked further into the topic. Only those who knew about the curse Ranma acquired in the legendary Jusenkyo Springs could see how obvious this lie was. Since Nerima’s citizens already know about the red-haired girl who arrived in town with a panda, it is also likely 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 to new audiences. Nonetheless, the essence of the original is undoubtedly there, and fans of the 1989 series should give it a chance. It is an outstandingly enjoyable retelling of one of anime’s most hilarious and wholesome love stories.