REVIEW: ‘Ranma 1/2 Episode 6’ — “Kodachi, The Black Rose”

A new character is introduced in the charming and fast-paced Ranma 1/2 Episode 6. Leaning heavily into the logic-defying absurdism of the series, “Kodachi, The Black Rose” is big on laughs while acting as a significant setup for the upcoming episode. It doesn’t quite hit the highs of the best moments thus far but is solid and funny as it continues to widen this ever-expanding cast of colorful characters.

The latest addition to the cast, Kodachi (Ayane Sakura)—aka the Black Rose of St. Bacchus’s School for Girls—perfectly emulates the era the series comes from. Based on the manga written and illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi, Kodachi fits the style and tone of the original series, outlandish and dramatic, often leaning into archetypal behavior. Even her dramatized reactions are given cruder, broader animation, and she charges onto the screen. It’s only natural that we learn she’s Tatewaki’s (Tomokazu Sugita) sister—neither follow any semblance of logic.

Ranma (Megumi Hayashibara and Kappei Yamaguchi) unlocks Kodachi’s need for competition after he saves a group of girls from her attacks. The three girls in question cry to Akane (Noriko Hidaka) and female Ranma and beg Akane for her help in defeating Kodachi in the upcoming Martial Arts and Rhythmic Gymnastics challenge. Akane reluctantly relents, though she, like viewers, finds the medium they’ll be fighting in perplexing. Out of pig form, Ryoga helps her train, though no means of training can hope to defy Kodachi’s more violent tendencies.

In a standout sequence, Kodachi, after learning of Akane, arrives at the Tendo household to fight Akane one-on-one. Kodachi’s theatrics spark the ensuing fight as Akane dodges Kodachi, whose weapon of choice is an oversized mallet. Shot within Akane’s bedroom, the direction beautifully captures the destruction and the sense of claustrophobia that permeates as Akane leaps from her desk to her bed and back to escape.

However, Akane isn’t the only one who has a direct interaction with Kodachi. Ranma saves the latter after he accidentally hits her with a teapot of hot water, and Kodachi instantly falls for him. There’s immediate humor at the idea of a teenage girl declaring she’d sworn off any opportunities for love, especially as it’s all for a completely disinterested Ranma. However, considering she drugs and paralyzes him while trying to get closer to him, it’s understandable why, in his own words, he isn’t a fan.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 6 is solid enough on its own but acts as a setup. The centerpiece fight they’re all working towards doesn’t happen and is instead likely going to arrive in Episode 7. Akane is injured while practicing, and it’s decided that she shouldn’t be the one to take on Kodachi. They’ll need another girl with a good figure, agility, and fighting abilities to stand in. While the gag is obvious, the group all pivoting to Ranma is still effective, especially when his main reason for not wanting to is that he’ll have to wear a leotard.

Much of what makes Ranma 1/2 Episode 6 great are the little moments that further build on the world and the character interactions. While Ranma and Akane still aren’t super friendly, a closeness is inferred as we watch female Ranma lounge comfortably next to Akane as the three girls plead for her help. There’s potent humor, too, in Ranma’s acceptance of his female form when it comes with perks such as free food. Even greater still is Ranma’s weaponizing of his and Akane’s engagement, which he uses to try and dissuade Kodachi’s infatuation.

The visuals remain a particular highlight, and the sudden shift into high contrast saturation during Kodachi’s introduction is a standout sequence. But like plenty of gag-oriented comedy anime, Ranma 1/2 earns its appeal not just through eye-catching animation or easy laughs but because of its characters. While Episode 6 isn’t character-driven, it is the characters that help ground the most incredible leaps of logic because we believe in their absurd intents.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 6 is yet another solid addition to this must-watch series. Pulsating with endlessly vibrant animation and detailed with character specificities, its outlandish setting sticks to you.

Ranma 1/2 Episode 6 is out now on Netflix.