Ray-San: What To Expect From A Rayman Anime

(Originally posted on laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com on the 22nd of March 2019)

Minasan, Kon’nichiwa! I became quite a huge Rayman fan when I played Rayman Raving Rabbids for the Nintendo Wii during my early high school years [31], so I suppose now is a good time to theorise how the limbless hero could have his own new interpretation someday. It turns out that the Rayman franchise does not seem highly prevalent in Japan, despite Ubisoft’s efforts back in the 1990s and so on [2] [7]. Since the many forms of anime and manga came from Japan, perhaps an anime based on Rayman’s legacy would be just the thing that will help him achieve his best Japanese recognition. It may not be an official idea from the masterminds behind the big-nosed hero, but it would be fascinating to discuss what would make an official anime of him appealing. Quite ironically enough, there was a discussion on the idea of Rayman having his own manga series between some fans back in late 2012 [8]. Without further ado, let us begin.

“An anime for this guy? Really?” muttered possibly some of my dear readers. [13]

Firstly, a whole new exclusive design of Rayman and several supporting characters from his current era ought to consist of a splendid traditional anime style. When Rayman 2: The Great Escape was released in the Japanese market, the colour of Rayman’s shirt was changed to blue because the developers speculated that purple was referred as “the colour of the dead” in Japanese culture [10] [13] [14] [19] [23] [24]. The same method was applied to the updated port of the game, Rayman Revolution and a manga-style comic strip titled “Enter the New Hero”. Even though purple is actually often seen a sign of royalty in Japanese culture, I would not mind seeing the limbless wonder in a blue shirt again [1] [6] [10] [13] [14] [19] [23] [24]. I can briefly imagine Rayman in his modern design in a blue shirt again, along with mesmerising blue or hazel anime-like eyes [13]. As for the current supporting characters, I think Betilla the Fairy in her modern design and the other nymphs would look stunning in an anime art style, thus benefiting the appeal for many anime-lovers due to their…ahem…provocative appearances [12] [29] [30]. It would take talent, consideration, and diligence to produce a fantastic art style and some excellent animation within an anime based on Rayman.

Rayman wearing a blue shirt in the Japanese version of Rayman Revolution. [23]

Rayman with beautiful hazel eyes in the promotional image for his place in Soul Hunters. [13]

It would perhaps be best to base an anime’s premise on the current era of Rayman that started with Rayman Origins back in 2011, considering how it progressed with three mobile spin offs and a direct sequel [26] [27] [28] [29]. However, if an official anime ought to establish a whole new life for Rayman instead, I do not think I would be too surprised. The blonde limbless cutie’s life has been rewritten a few times, including the time when he was good friends with a witch named Clara in the 1998 educational game that was only available in France and Canada due to how the only language available was French [15]. I do miss some aspects of the older Rayman games, including Ly the Fairy’s sweet personality and meditative nature [11] [17]. I also would love to see a fusion of her design from the Japanese version of Rayman 2 and her appearance in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids [11] [17]. Whether the setting ought to be based on the Rayman Origins era or not, it ought to at least seem engaging with remarkable environments and a cast of colourful characters in a splendid anime style.

I think I found a very big sign of a possible Rayman anime in the near future. [30]

However, Ly the Fairy looked beautiful in the Game Boy Advance version of Rayman Raving Rabbids and I would love to see her in an anime art style for an official Rayman anime. [11] [17]

I would not be too astonished if he has five fingers instead of four in his own anime, just like how he had five fingers in some images from the Japanese version of the Game Boy Colour port of the original Rayman [4]. The same method also applied to Crash Bandicoot’s Japanese counterpart [3] [25]. It would be due to how a four-fingered hand gesture that would remind workers in the Japanese meat packing industry of frequent accidents is considered to be insensitive towards them [3]. What is more disturbing is that a four-fingered gesture could remind some Japanese folks of a horrible finger shortening method for disobedient Yakuza members [3] [21] [22]. The thought of having to have part of your pinky finger sliced off in a gang is simply revolting, thus I completely understand why an anime Rayman would have five fingers rather than four [4]. I understand that a four-fingered hand would be easier to draw and animate, but at least there would be a very legitimate reason for adding an extra finger to each hand.

An edit in a cutscene for the Japanese version of the Game Boy Colour version of the original Rayman. He has five fingers instead of four. [4]

I would completely understand why several Western characters would be given an extra finger in Japan, including Crash Bandicoot. The premise of gang members having to have their pinky fingers cut off is terrifying and disgusting. [21] [22] [25]

I also miss the best portrayal of Rayman’s character development, which was in Rayman 2: The Great Escape [13]. He was kind towards his allies, including his best buddy Globox and was more mature, compared to how juvenile he was in Rayman Origins [13] [29] [30]. In the Wii version of Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party, he was rather out of character and acted nothing like the noble adventurer he was in the Rayman trilogy [18]. Any of the scenes in each episode of an anime based on Rayman would need to show:

• The way he throws his fists at foes
• His helicopter hair
• His nobility and heroism

What would make a Rayman anime spectacular would be expressing his nobility towards his allies, along with his powers. I honestly would like to hear a suitable Japanese voice for him that almost sounds like KAITO, the lovable blue-haired Vocaloid from the Project Diva series whose voice was constructed with the talent of Naoto Fuuga, a Japanese singer [5] [32]. For an English dub, I would like to hear a voice that sounds like David Gasman from his mouth [13]. An anime Rayman should at least have a likeable personality for the sake of a refreshing interpretation of him.

An admirable and trustworthy Rayman would need to be brave, cheerful, helpful, heroic and kind-hearted. [10]

In conclusion, an official Rayman anime might as well boost the appeal of Rayman’s legacy in Japan. If it becomes quite successful, it will make up for the poor sales of Rayman Legends back in late 2013 [2] [7]. If it spawns about thirteen episodes, an English dub of it could make up for the cancellation and failure of the Rayman television series from 1999 that sadly only lasted up to four episodes instead of thirteen [13]. In my mind, a whole new Rayman for the early 2020s could feature:

• A blue shirt [1] [6] [10] [13] [14]
• Stunning blue or hazel anime-like eyes [13]
• Five fingers instead of four [4]
• A pleasant and approachable personality [13]
• An upbeat voice with a Japanese accent [5]

I am not saying an official Rayman anime will definitely happen. I simply wanted to discuss something quite different with my followers and fellow gamers. Feel free to express your thoughts on this concept in the comments. Yonde kurete arigatou gozaimasu.

Sayonara for now. [10]

References

1. Amelie. (2015). 4 Important Colors in Japanese culture. Available: https://tadaimajp.com/2015/05/purple/. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
2. Brian. (2013). Rayman Legends sells under 1,500 copies in its first week in Japan. Available: https://nintendoeverything.com/rayman-legends-sells-under-1500-copies-in-its-first-week-in-japan/. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
3. Censored Gaming. (2017). Why Fictional Characters Have More Fingers In Japan. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei01CYVnwM0. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
4. Chickentalk, E. (2017). ♥ Longplay - レイマン - Rayman - Mr.Dark no Wana (GBC) ♥. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geljOsRCYOg. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
5. OccasionalSubs. (2013). Kaito - Crescent Moon (上弦の月). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYMAjfq7UB0. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
6. Olesen, J. (2019). Color Meanings In Japan. Available: https://www.color-meanings.com/color-meanings-japan/. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
7. rawmeatcowboy. (2018). Japan - Rayman Legends: Definitive Edition First Day Sell-Through In Japan. Available: https://gonintendo.com/stories/302881-japan-rayman-legends-definitive-edition-first-day-sell-through. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
8. Raymanpc.com. (2012). What if Rayman was made into a MANGA!!!.Available: https://raymanpc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8400. Last accessed 22nd Mar 2019.
9. Rayman Wiki. (2018). Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party. Available: https://rayman.fandom.com/wiki/Rayman_Raving_Rabbids_TV_Party. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
10. RayWiki. (2018). Enter the New Hero. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Enter_the_New_Hero. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
11. RayWiki. (2008). Ly. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Ly. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
12. RayWiki. (2011). Nymph. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Nymph. Last accessed 22nd Mar 2019.
13. RayWiki. (2012). Rayman. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
14. RayWiki. (2008). Rayman 2. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman_2. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
15. RayWiki. (2009). Rayman Dictées. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman_Dict%C3%A9es. Last accessed 19th Mar 2019.
16. RayWiki. (2013). Rayman Fiesta Run. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman_Fiesta_Run. Last accessed 22nd Mar 2019.
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18. RayWiki. (2008). Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman_Raving_Rabbids_TV_Party. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
19. RayWiki. (2008). Rayman Revolution. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman_Revolution. Last accessed 22nd accessed 22nd Mar 2019.
20. RayWiki. (2008). Rayman: The Animated Series. Available: https://raymanpc.com/wiki/en/Rayman:_The_Animated_Series. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
21. Samson, C. (2018). Why Japan’s Yakuza Members Cut Off Their Fingers as Punishment. Available: https://nextshark.com/japanese-yakuza-finger-cutting/. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
22. Seeker Network. (2015). Why Do Japanese Gangsters Cut Off Their Pinky Fingers?. Available: https://vimeo.com/134442872. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
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27. Ubisoft. (2012). Rayman Jungle Run. iOS. Montreuil. France.
28. Ubisoft. (2013). Rayman Legends Beatbox. iOS. Montreuil. France.
29. Ubisoft. (2011). Rayman Origins. PlayStation 3. Montreuil. France.
30. Ubisoft. (2010). Rayman Origins' Trailer [Europe]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvhwWXF-LfU. Last accessed 22nd Mar 2019.
31. Ubisoft. (2006). Rayman Raving Rabbids. Nintendo Wii. Montreuil. France.
32. Vocaloid Wiki. (2015). Voice providers/VOCALOID1. Available: https://vocaloid.fandom.com/wiki/Voice_providers/VOCALOID1#Naoto_Fuuga. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.

Rachetto To Kuranku: What To Expect In A Ratchet And Clank Anime

(Originally published on laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com on the 20th of March 2019)

Kon’nichiwa, loyal lombaxes and robotic rangers! My boyfriend and I have been fans of the Ratchet and Clank series for quite some time now. Back in 2016, we enjoyed the re-imagining of the first game [8] [9] [12]. Considering that I am highly fond of the usual art style of anime and manga and learned how to draw the basics of it back in college, I am quite fascinated to see how the cover art for some of the older games from the mid-2000s look more anime-like for Japanese gamers [13] [14] [15]. We are yet to find out if there will be a direct sequel to the re-imagining of the franchise since the developers at Insomniac Games have been too busy with Spider-Man for the PS4 [6] [9]. Aside from the lack of updates on the Ratchet and Clank franchise, I suddenly thought about the idea of the heroic lombax and his adorable robot sidekick having their own anime series, firstly for the Japanese crowd. This is not an official idea, but a fairly interesting one. Without further ado, let us discuss what aspects would make an anime based on the Ratchet and Clank franchise a highly legitimate and kick-asteroid establishment.

The Japanese cover of Ratchet and Clank 3. Yes, there is a more sensible alternative title. [15]

An anime of the Ratchet and Clank universe would definitely need to be in a traditional anime-style with outstanding animation that is as impressive as the animation of the duo from one of the Western adverts for their first game [4]. I am personally not too fond of Ratchet’s huge black eyebrows, but I suppose they could be useful due to how they enhanced the sales of the Ratchet and Clank games and manga from 2003 to 2009 in Japan, along Ratchet’s piercing anime-like eyes and the slightly increased size of his head for the Japanese fanbase [2] [3] [7] [10] [11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17]. Nevertheless, the huge black eyebrows and anime-like eyes were not present in the Japanese dub of the re-imagining from 2016 [19]. And yes, I prefer the little yellow cutie’s smaller brown eyebrows. I can imagine an anime-style that highly resembles the artwork from the Japanese covers of Ratchet: Deadlocked, Ratchet and Clank: Going Commando and Ratchet and Clank: Up Your Arsenal [13] [15]. Ah, the naughty titles of many games about the beloved duo.

Those crazy eyebrows… [2]

Well, at least an anime art style of the duo that resembles this style would be swell. [11]

So, what could the plot of an official Ratchet and Clank anime feature, aside from possibly another cheeky title for American fans? There was a Ratchet and Clank manga that was only available to read in Japan over a decade ago [2] [10]. The first volume was released back in 2005 [2] [10]. The second volume was from good old 2008 [2] [10]. What about a third volume? Well, I suppose the anime can take place after both volumes or have a story completely based on them. Whichever way could greatly interest both Japanese fans who enjoyed the manga and Western fans who never read any of the two volumes. Some funny moments from the iconic duo and Captain Qwark should definitely occur because many of us remember the funny moments from the previous games too well [18]. Oh, and do not forget about Ratchet using his mighty variety of weapons in battle! A plot with humourous moments, along with great action scenes would truly make a Rachetto To Kuranku anime an praiseworthy part of the whole franchise and not to mention a creditable spin off.

The second volume of the Ratchet and Clank manga. [10]

Do not forget about reliable portrayal of the loveable cast of comrades and confronters. Just don’t make Ratchet destroy love letters or homework books like he did in those Japanese adverts [21] [22]. I would like to see the adorable Clank in his secret agent tuxedo as well. We all know Captain Qwark as the arrogant coward who has his funny and awkward moments. It would be amazing to see Courtney Gears return in an anime art style to sing the Japanese version of her song, “Death To Squishies” or perhaps a completely new song [20]. Hatsune Miku, eat your heart out. Aside from faithful writing, I would love the official cast of voice actors that are notable for voicing the main cast for an English dub, including:

• James Arnold Taylor, who voiced Ratchet many times [8] [9] [12]
• David Kaye, who has always voiced Clank [8] [9] [12]
• Jim Ward, the one who voices Qwark [8] [9] [12]

Some great aspects of in-character development of the galactic cast that are accurate would be needed for an outstanding anime that could possibly be an expansion of the re-imagining as if it was a sequel or another spin off.

Ratchet has always been known as a brave mechanic and Clank has always been known for his intelligence and good manners. [16]

Would you like to see Ratchet and Clank in their own official anime? I was quite gutted that their movie was a financial failure, but I can respect that not many critics approved of it after its release [1] [12]. Aside from that, I do think an anime for fans of the series around planet Earth can make up for how the film flopped, along with representing a new and refreshing interpretation of the franchise. Guess what? A few other Ratchet and Clank fans have thought about a Rachetto To Kuranku anime, so I am not the only one [5]. So ultimately, an official Rachetto To Kuranku anime should consist of:

• An interesting plot, whether it is based on the manga or not
• Clever humour
• Awesome action scenes!
• An appealing and convincing art style
• Accurate portrayals of characters

I understand that it is unlikely that a Rachetto To Kuranku anime would occur any time soon, but I thought I might discuss something a little different with my fellow readers and gamers. Yonde kurete arigatou gozaimasu.

Sayonara for now, loyal lombaxes and robotic rangers! [3] [7]

References

1. Brunet, M. (2016). Ratchet & Clank - AniMat’s Reviews. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdxqCUMySug. Last accessed 18th Mar 2019.
2. Censored Gaming. (2018). How Ratchet & Clank Is Changed In Japan.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZmVcotzTsk&t=254s. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
3. D. Art Kang. (2007). Ratchet and Clank 4 Japanese Commercial.Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1U6lHApKm9A. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
4. DingoCrash. (2015). Ratchet & Clank (2002) - PlayStation 2 TV Commercial PS2. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O2CV5BNn-0. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
5. Idea Wiki. (2017). Ratchet & Clank (Anime). Available: https://ideas.fandom.com/wiki/Ratchet_%26_Clank_(Anime). Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
6. Marvel's Spider-Man Wiki. (2018). Marvel's Spider-Man. Available: https://marvels-spider-man.fandom.com/wiki/Marvel%27s_Spider-Man. Last accessed 20th Mar 2019.
7. ratchet0and0clank. (2008). Ratchet and Clank 4 (Japanese) Commercial. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ManwAdiUYY8. Last accessed 16th Mar 2019.
8. Ratchet and Clank. dir. by Kevin Munroe and Jericca Cleland. (Cinema Management Group, 2016)
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