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Summary
The news aboutthe upcomingRanma 1/2reboothas brought with it a new wave of excitement from fans of this beloved old-school series. The initial trailer for the anime makes it clear that the talented artists at Studio MAPPA are working hard to create a worthy successor to the original show.
One of the best ways in which this reboot could differentiate itself from its predecessor is by adaptingKonatsu, a fan-favorite character that sadly never got an anime appearance. This fierce Kunoichi is an important part of Ukyo’s story, and introducing her in the reboot could significantly expand the series’ universe.
Ranma 1/2 Anime Remake Shares Release Date and First Trailer
The classic 90s anime Ranma 1/2 is finally returning with a remake from MAPPA this Fall and has finally revealed a release date for its Netflix debut.
Konatsu Is a Legendary Kunoichi Born in the Body of a Man
Her Story and Identity Make Her an Incredibly Interesting Character
As a child, Konatsu was raised by her cruel stepmother in the tradition and fighting style of the honorable and ancient Kunoichi lineage. Despite having been assigned male at birth, the kind soft-spokenKonatsu has always seen herself as a woman. Inside her resides the soul of a legendary female warrior who reincarnates every 100 years. She is one of Ukyo’s most trusted friends, helping her as a waitress and occasional cook in her okonomiyaki stand. She also has a massive crush on her friend, despite knowing that a relationship between two women would not have been accepted by society at that time.
While usually peaceful, Konatsu is an outstandingly skilled warrior, being able to match Ranma in speed and technique. Despite her identity, the young woman was always treated with respect by other characters, seldom ever being misgendered on purpose. She even had the chance to be one of Ranma’s occasional teachers, letting him know a little about the skills her family taught her growing up. Nevertheless, she was never introduced during the original anime run, with most of her contributions to the story being assigned to other characters.
While nothing has ever been officially stated,her character was likely removed from the original anime story due to her identity. Despitebeing an amazingly progressive show for its time, the first Ranma 1/2 show would have been heavily criticized for introducing an AMAB character who identifies as a woman. This is an incredible shame, as Konatsu is one of the few elements from the original manga that were not adapted into the television series.
The New Ranma 1/2 Reboot Seems To Be Targeted to a New Audience
The Trailer Implies the Series Has Been Adapted in a More Open-Minded Way
The first trailer of theRanma 1/2reboot released by studio MAPPA gave fans a first look at what they might expect from the series. One of the aspects audiences noticed during the trailer wasthe removal of most scenes that were sexually explicit in the original series. The original anime was known for how graphic it could get at times, with many of the characters being depicted completely nude. The revelation that the new show will have more restraint while handling these scenes is a sign of the series being adapted for contemporary times.
As such, characters like Konatsu will likely not represent an issue for Studio MAPPA to adapt in the reboot. Ranma 1/2 has always been a series considered by many as ahead of its time.The show often dealt with themes of gender identity, the harm of social expectations, and acceptance of oneself. Most characters cursed by the magic springs of Jussenkyo had to learn to accept their new bodies as part of themselves. Ranma in particular had many moments in which his toxic masculine views were challenged by his curse and the women around him.
Although some moments have been altered for today’s audiences, theRanma 1/2reboot seems to be a loving tribute to the original that will try to maintain the essence of its predecessor. Introducing a character who identifies herself as a woman and feels an attraction to other women would not go against the themes of self-love and discovery of the series.Konatsu’s story could expand the universe of the show, while also becoming anicon for members of the LGBTQ+community who can identify with her story.
WhetherKonatsubecomes a cast member in the upcomingRanma 1/2reboot or not, it is clear that the series will try its best to recapture the magic of the original. Fans of the first anime will once again be able to enjoy the wholesome and hilarious adventures of the protagonists. Studio MAPPA’s stunning work is highly likely to create a spectacular successor for this beloved franchise.
