Ranma 1/2 is a popular manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi that ran from 1987 to 1996. The series follows a young martial artist named Ranma Saotome, who falls into a cursed spring and is transformed into a girl whenever he is hit with cold water. The series is known for its humor, action, and romantic themes, as well as its exploration of gender identity and sexuality. However, Ranma 1/2 is also notable for its connection to an earlier manga series, Osamu Tezuka's Princess Knight. Princess Knight, also known as Ribon no Kishi, was a manga series created by Osamu Tezuka in 1953. The series tells the story of a young princess named Sapphire, who is born with both male and female hearts. In order to protect her throne, Sapphire must live …show more content…
Both series feature characters who are forced to navigate the complications of dual gender, and who struggle with being seen as both male and female. In both series, the main characters' gender identity is a source of conflict and confusion for those around them, leading to many humorous and dramatic situations. In addition to their shared themes, Ranma 1/2 also pays homage to Princess Knight in several ways. For example, both series feature a scene in which the main character's hair is cut off, leading to a dramatic reveal of their true gender. In Princess Knight, Sapphire's long hair is cut off, revealing her short hair and male appearance to the world. In Ranma 1/2, Ranma's pigtail is cut off, revealing his true male identity to Akane. Another nod to Princess Knight can be found in the character of Tsubasa Kurenai, a martial artist who is revealed to have a female heart in the later stages of the series. Tsubasa's character is similar to Sapphire in that they both struggle with their dual gender identity, and are forced to navigate a world that doesn't understand or accept