Fifteen years after Takahashi Rumiko finished Ranma 1/2, the story finally gets a live-action adaptation (better late than never?). As a special treat for the fans and the production, Takahashi put pencil to paper and specially drew a poster for the dorama based on the poses of the live-action cast. Gosh, that is so sweet and really apropos. The dorama SP airs in early December and stars Aragaki Yui as Akane, Kaku Kento as male Ranma, and Natsuna as female Ranma. Below is the character chart, which confirms that everyone’s favorite directionally-impaired Ryoga isn’t going to be in it. Neither is my fave adorably forward Shampoo and her cute cat ways. What’s hilarious is that panda papa appears to be played by a guy in a panda costume. LOL, where are the special effects people when you need them.

It looks like this dorama SP will be mostly set at school, with what I hear is a detour to find a male magical spring for Ranma to get rid of his curse. I have very low expectations, and really want to watch this for nostalgia’s sake. Ranma was never my fave Takahashi work, and has been over for so long that I won’t feel insulted if they butcher it. I still hope it’s good, of course, so that it’ll be a worthy addition to the Ranma universe of works.