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In every generation, there are several manga artists who tend to set a new standard in the anime and manga industry, bringing something new to the table. Tite Kubo is one of those great names, and his magnum opus, Bleach, has left its impact on the genre. Thus, explaining why it is so popular despite being the black sheep among the Big Three.

Byakuya vs. Ichigo. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Just like its other two competitors, Kubo-Sensei introduced a new premise featuring Soul Reapers dealing with threats that disrupt the balance in the world of living. The series gained immense popularity among the otakus, especially for making its sword fights so tense, where battle wit is more important than brute strength.

However, the manga author has featured one of the most confusing elements about his protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, which for the most part has kept most fans bothered.

Tite Kubo unraveled...

In the world of Bleach, characters exist within a spectrum of power that defies conventional mortality. Sosuke Aizen; one of the series’ most enigmatic and powerful antagonists, is often perceived as being immortal due to his near-invulnerable state. On the other hand, Ichigo Kurosaki; the series’ protagonist, represents a unique paradox of immense strength balanced by his fundamentally human limitations.

Does Ichigo become immortal at the end of the story? | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While Tite Kubo has somehow convinced us that Aizen possesses immortality, however, is Ichigo Kurosaki immortal as well? Let’s analyze the contrasting fates of Aizen and Ichigo in Bleach; exploring how creator Tite Kubo has masterfully defined their mortality or lack thereof.

Aizen and Ichigo: The contrasts between their mortality in Bleach

Aizen’s perceived immortality in Bleach stems from his fusion with the Hogyoku; a mystical orb capable of granting the user’s deepest desires.

When the world was dominated by the Big Three, Tite Kubo’s Bleach became the black sheep that started off strong but could not remain consistent until the end. However, many otaku consider it a series that fairly outclasses the other two masterpieces of its time for featuring stunning visuals and compelling actions from the characters.

Byakuya Kuchiki. Credits: Studio Pierrot

This was evident when the mangaka decided to feature one of the most popular side characters in the show, Byakuya Kuchiki. From his very first appearance in the show, the viewers were intrigued by his arrogant personality. Though at first, the 28th Head of the Kuchiki Clan was shown to be a man full of arrogance who was a terrifying villain early on in the series.

However, Kubo-Sensei took a step, where many considered him to be insane, only to pull off the most insane character development that took...

In 2017, a 36-year-old man by the name of Gabriel Hikari Yad-Elohim was sentenced to life in prison for the gruesome murder of a 69-year-old man, Michael Mulholland, in Auckland, New Zealand. This case shocked the world when it was first announced, as how the crime was committed was far from the norm.

According to a report by The New Zealand Herald and Anime News Network, a new development in Yad-Elohim’s case has once again caused surprise, as there is evidence that the popular anime series Bleach inspired his actions. According to the lawyers of the convicted, the video of the crime and scenes from Ichigo Kurosaki’s adventures have many similarities.

Yad-Elohim’s Defense Claimed He Was Recreating a Bleach Episode The Particular Scene Was Not Mentioned in the Report

During a night back in 2017, an Auckland resident was attacked by one of his neighbors, Yad-Elohim, on the staircase of his apartment building.

In the expansive universe of Bleach that has been going on for a long time now, the author, Tite Kubo, has gone on and crafted one of the most iconic Shonen protagonists, Ichigo Kurosaki. He fits all the main character profiles – he is filled with a spirit of righteousness, sacrifices, and risks his life to save others, constantly breaks past his limits, and keeps getting stronger.

Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach Thousand Year Blood War | Credits: Studio Pierrot

It would be fine if it was to a normal extent, but Ichigo has been turned into a character that is unreasonably powerful, so much so that he breaks the series each time he fights, and a seemingly otherworldly being has to come and fight him the next time. The relentless and even reckless usage of golden fingers and escalation of his powers irked the fans as the series became repetitive.

While making Ichigo overpowered signified many things,...

For years, fans of Bleach have debated the topic of Tite Kubo’s refusal to give the villains fleshed-out backstories. Kubo has previously expressed his preference for keeping antagonists shrouded in mystery, emphasizing that revealing too much about a villain’s past risks humanizing them. However, in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, he changed this unique approach by giving its main villain, Yhwach, a very well-crafted backstory.

Yhwach; the main antagonist of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Unlike Sosuke Aizen, who has been celebrated as one of the greatest Shonen villains due to his mysterious yet compelling motives, Yhwach’s backstory serves a dual purpose: deepening the lore of the Bleach universe and providing critical insight into the foundation of the Quincy threat. So, what makes Yhwach’s backstory so crucial to Bleach‘s narrative? Let’s find out!

The enigma of Yhwach in Bleach

In most cases, revealing...

Tite Kubo’s Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has established itself as one of the most compelling anime series that returned in the Fall of 2022. The Shonen series managed to win back the fans by picking up the story from where it left off and animating the biggest arc in the franchise’s history.

Ichigo Kurosaki in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Right off the bat, it was evident that Pierrot, the studio behind the anime adaptation, has been making some massive changes. This included the visuals, the gripping fight scenes, the pace, and the screen time given to each character.

This notion included more attention to the adored characters from the original series, where characters like Yoruichi Shihouin got the much-needed spotlight. Thus, the viewers are delighted as the series does divine justice to the Captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13.

Yoruichi Shihouin’s treatment in...

The early 2000s were the golden era for the Big 3 of Shonen, including Masashi Kishimoto’s series Naruto. Decades back, he gave us one of the most iconic ninja stories of all time that remains relevant to this date.

From characters to plot, it is wholesome in most aspects. While it peaked in its fights and storytelling, it is overshadowed by yet another shonen masterpiece. And it isn’t One Piece, so to say.

Nico Robin and Nami in a still from the anime | Credit: Toei Animation

Be it power-packed battles or edginess, Tite Kubo’s series Bleach stands iconic for its female characters. Both Kishimoto and Kubo left no stone unturned when it came to the women.

As contemporaries, both series highlighted edginess and badassery in more ways than one. This is also true for Redditors, who picked their favorite kunoichi with the best drip.

Masashi Kishimoto amped the...

Beau DeMayo, once praised as a rising writer at Marvel Studios for his work on X-Men ’97, hasn’t been in the spotlight much lately. He was unexpectedly fired by the studio before the first season aired.

At first, the reason for his firing was unclear, but later the studio revealed that he was let go due to alleged sexual misconduct. An internal investigation found concerning behavior, leading to the swift decision.

Since then, DeMayo has criticized Marvel for racism and homophobia and has reportedly filed a lawsuit against the company, but there are no updates on the case yet.

Since being fired and accused of sexual misconduct, DeMayo has used his social media to criticize Marvel Studios and Disney for various reasons. His latest complaint is about the Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man trailer, which revealed that Norman and Harry Osborn will be race-swapped in the upcoming animated show.

In the comics,...

Beau DeMayo is a name we haven’t heard much about in recent months. Initially hailed as one of the most promising writers at Marvel Studios, thanks to the successful launch of the critically acclaimed ‘X-Men ’97,’ DeMayo was unexpectedly fired by the studio even before the first season premiered.

At first, the reason for his sudden dismissal was unclear, but DeMayo later provoked the studio into releasing a statement revealing that he was fired due to alleged sexual misconduct. The studio’s internal investigation uncovered troubling behavior, leading to their swift and severe action.

Since then, DeMayo has continued to criticize Marvel for racism and homophobia and has even reportedly filed a lawsuit against the company, though there are no updates on the situation at this time.

Since being fired and revealed as an alleged sexual predator DeMayo has been using his social media profiles to call out the...

When Netflix released its live-action adaptation of Death Note in 2017, fans of the original anime and manga did not hold back in voicing their disapproval for the reinterpretation. From casting decisions, to plot deviations, it truly felt like every creative choice was controversial right out of the gate. The movie received harsh reviews and currently sits at 36% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes, with many calling it a prime example of Hollywood’s failure to properly adapt anime.

However, seven years later, the film's reputation has softened, and upon revisiting it, it's clear that the Death Note movie didn't deserve half the hate it received. The movie may have failed to appease longtime fans of the original work, yet the film has quite a few merits. While the backlash is understandable given how highly regarded the source material is, it also completely overshadowed things the film did well, and it deserves more credit.

Bleach has some of the most fascinating displays of power in all of anime, and Bankai is one of them. From Ichibe to Genryusai Yamamoto, the series outlined some lethal abilities. But what tops the charts is Ichigo Kurosaki’s Tensa Zangetsu.

His ability to hone Quincy and Shinigami’s powers makes him unparalleled in most aspects. Additionally, his Bankai is strong enough to give the Quincy King the jitters of a lifetime.

Ichigo Kurosaki in a still from Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

But that is not all, considering his previous feats and battles. Throughout the series, Kubo establishes the character through his defiant persona. It is this very trait that is tied to the Quincy King’s defeat.

A fan theory suggests that the hero’s power holds strength to defeat even Gods which is what makes it more fearful and intimidating.

Why Yhwach fears Ichigo’s...

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3 has returned for the Fall 2024 anime season and is making a huge buzz online. Tybw focuses on the conflict between the Soul Society and the Wandenreich, a hidden Quincy faction. Following Sōsuke Aizen’s defeat, Yhwach rises as a vengeful new threat to the Soul Society, with Part 1 boldly highlighting his overwhelming strength.

Sosuke Aizen in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

With the addition of a new prequel, Tite Kubo introduced many new faces that are even outshining our old cast from the classic Bleach. While Ichigo Kurosaki has made a comeback, the story has been anything but happy for the Soul Society. In Tybw Part 1, Yhwach devastated the Soul Society, even defeating its strongest captain and Gotei 13 leader, Genryūsai Yamamoto.

Yamamoto’s shocking end left fans in awe, his terrifying strength and Bankai sparking curiosity about his prime days. Was Yamamoto truly...

Bleach has some deeply complex lore, and some motives and actions can be hard to understand. Fans might misunderstand Tite Kubo’s writing decisions when it could’ve gone another more obvious way. The best example of this is Ichigo Kurosaki’s underwhelming usage of his Fullbringer power. Bleach fans were baffled by how boring it was for the protagonist who has so much more potential than making his Shinigami badge into full-body armor.

What fans don’t realize, however, is that at the time Ichigo had lost something he desperately wanted back. Fullbringer powers are deeply personal and this manifested for Ichigo in a boring but appropriate way for the Bleach protagonist.

Ichigo’s Fullbring form in Bleach. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Ichigo might have all four races of spiritual beings in Bleach but he does only have one personality. This makes each ability of his “boring” and their revelations never...

Over the years, the anime industry has undergone a number of trends, which have more or less become one of the many signature elements of the art form. One is fan service to its viewers, where female characters are sexually framed, making them stand out awkwardly.

A still from Bleach. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Though Tite Kubo’s Bleach followed the same route, where it made the fans happy using Rangiku Matsumoto, Nanao Ise, Orihime Inoue, and so many more. However, Ruchia would make the viewers feel otherwise.

The petite Shinigami of the Soul Society hasn’t shied away from showcasing what would happen if the author made the female characters have an aura of seriousness radiating from them. Fans enjoy watching the girls, giving a brief moment of excitement, standing tall right from the very beginning of the series.

Tite Kubo’s Bleach Made Fans Think Highly of Female Characters

In the anime genre,...

Among the plethora of powerful characters within Tite Kubo’s Bleach, the one name that scares literally everyone is Kenpachi Zaraki, the current captain of the 11th Division in the Gotei 13. Zaraki is one of the most savage characters who has built a fearsome personality that is solely based on the immense power that he possesses.

Kenpachi Zaraki | Credit: Studio Pierrot

He is a legendary character who has proved himself multiple times and could easily earn the title of one of the strongest Shinigamis in Bleach. The intriguing thing about him is that he doesn’t even use his Bankai till the last fight and still manages to retain this title.

There are many other undeniable facts about the extraordinary character that make his storyline even more interesting. He is the embodiment of strength, and these facts shed light on his savageness.

1. His Bankai Had a Zanpakuto

The coolest fact...

When it comes to Shonen powerhouses like Bleach, debates surrounding the power dynamics have often taken center stage. One such topic involves the power ranking of the Espadas, as fans have often debated who might be the strongest among all of the Espada. From Ulquiorra Cifer’s Segunda Etapa to Barragan Luisenbarn’s time-based abilities — there’s no end to fascinating abilities when it comes to an Espada.

Coyote Starkk and Lilynette Gingerbuck | Credit: Studio Pierrot

However, if there’s one candidate that stands head and shoulders above the rest, that is Coyote Starrk and his partner, Lilynette Gingerbuck. This enigmatic duo is often overlooked in discussions of Bleach compared to other flashy Espada like Grimmjow or Nnoitra. But what makes Starrk the strongest? Let’s find out!

Coyote Starrk & Lilynette Gingerbuck: A Lethal Duo in Bleach

Unlike other Espada in Bleach, Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck are one entity split into two distinct beings.

Bleach has a cast of morally grey characters and even the worst of the Shinigami end up being classed into the same realm of morality. One of these characters is Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the captain of the 12th division of the Gotei 13 and even the 2nd president of the Shinigami Research Institute. The Shinigami is the stereotype of a mad scientist, experimenting on Quincies and creating a “daughter”, Nemu. His abuse of her and the Quincies is terrifying and unforgivable.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War. [Credit: Studio Pierrot]

Despite all of this, the Bleach series has chosen to depict him as a morally grey character. His narrative was brimming with darker themes, with his sadistic personality and unrelenting pursuit of scientific advancement at the cost of others’ lives. His storyline, however, was sidelined and rushed, concluding with him being just like any other Bleach character.

The Wasted Potential of...

In the world of anime, particularly in the Shonen genre, three names have stood tall: Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece collectively; they are called The Big Three. Each of the shows has showcased exclusive settings, plots, techniques, and characters, which has left an indelible mark in the minds of its viewers.

A still from Bleach. Credits: Studio Pierrot

Tite Kubo’s Bleach often comes under fire from the otakus, who frequently criticize him for designing a protagonist like Ichigo Kurosaki. Time and again, they have felt that the protagonist falls short in terms of character development and showcases traits that will make its viewers forget him.

They often compare him with Monkey D. Luffy from Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece. Though it is true that the Straw Hat is perhaps the most charismatic main character in the Shonen genre, fans often forget the Orange-Haired Shinigami might just be one of...

Bleach is a treasure trove of riveting storylines and arcs that are yet to be charted. Soya Azashiro’s famed battle with the previous Kenpachi Kuruyashiki is one of them. Both characters appear in the light novel Spirits Are Forever With You.

And while their fight is stands as one of the epic showdowns in the franchise, there is a catch to that as well.

Soya Azashiro in a still from the manga | Credit: Viz Media

The duel between both characters was toned down. What would have been a bloodied fight was neutralized for several reasons. This also had to do with Kuruyashiki’s Bankai which. according to a theory, is a living nightmare.

The 7th Kenpachi’s abilities aren’t explored fully but all we know is that it is a lethal weapon nonetheless. Despite his defeat at the hands of Azashiro, the Kenpachi stands unparalleled due to this very ability.

Sosuke Aizen is one of anime’s biggest supervillains who became iconic even out of the Bleach fandom with the way Tite Kubo pulled off one of the biggest plot twists in the industry. Many of the villains who came before him were just small fry and didn’t pose that much of a threat to Ichigo and the Soul Reapers. But the Aizen reveal changed the series forever, making him a top-tier antagonist.

Aizen’s betrayal | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Sosuke Aizen’s status in the Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War anime and story arc is mostly that of an unpredictable wild card. It’s vital to remember that Aizen is a third party who has no affection for the Gotei 13 and is no longer a member, having betrayed them two years ago before waging war on them. Now that King Yhwach has risen as Bleach‘s final antagonist, Aizen could...

Standing tall among the “Big Three” of anime, Tite Kubo’s Bleach has long been considered a heavyweight in the field of Shonen, along with One Piece and Naruto. Each of these series has its own unique qualities — Naruto, for example, with its complex characters and emotional depth, and One Piece, with its expansive world-building and action. However, Bleach has always had a secret weapon that makes it stand out above the others: its music.

Ichigo in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Whether you’re a fan of Ichigo’s intense battles, the timeless Zanpakuto releases, or Bleach‘s striking visual aesthetic, one thing unites all of the series’ elements like nothing else, which is the amazing, spine-tingling soundtrack written by the renowned composer Shirō Sagisu. And now with Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Sagisu has once again outdone himself, creating soundtracks that elevate the epic story while also...

Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War -The Conflict– was released on October 5, 2024. It has been a whole year since the second cour of the anime ended, and fans were highly anticipating the third cour. To celebrate the special occasion, Tite Kubo has revealed a new illustration.

While the character in the illustration is loved by Bleach fans, the same cannot be said about the toxic members of the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom. In fact, this particular visual might once again trigger a silly debate that Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen fans have been raising.

Tite Kubo Illustrated Ichibei to Commemorate the Release of Bleach: Tybw Cour 3 Ichbei Hyosube in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Just as episode 1 of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War cour 3 was all set to debut, a new illustration was revealed by Tite Kubo himself. The drawing is of Ichibei Hyosube, the commanding Shinigami of the Royal Guard.

While it is considered the weakest among the big 3 of Shonen, Bleach is impeccable in many aspects. From its soundtrack to the storyline, Tite Kubo’s magnum opus is excellent. After its 10-year-long hiatus, the series made its comeback through its sequel in 2022. Although it marked the return of several iconic characters, a shocking revelation would blatantly disappoint Kubo.

Ichigo Kurosaki in a still from the series | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Derek Stephen Prince, Uryu Ishida’s voice actor, revealed his lack of research in an interview. His reasons behind doing so would completely surprise the mangaka. Moreover, the series’ return in 2022 was a complete game-changer both for the voice actor and his character.

This Bleach actor admitted to his lack of research.

From its power-packed battles to its gore and violence, Bleach is on par with its Big 3 contemporaries. What sets it apart from other Shonen series is its approach to taboo themes.

The wait is finally over! The third season of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has just released its first episode, sending waves of excitement throughout the anime world. With a rating of 9.7 from a major community poll, this episode even topped the insane amount of hype coming from Dandadan (9.3). However, amidst all this ruckus, there’s been a surprising twist that has put some people into debate!

Ichigo from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credits: Studio Pierrot

In this season’s premiere episode, an astoundingly long 9 minutes were devoted to a recap sequence, which gave some viewers a feeling of unnecessary hangover. Was this flashback a mistake of direction or an intentional narrative choice? While breaking down the episode, every fan asks what brought about such a creative decision and how exactly it affected the episode.

Was The 9-minute Recap Scene a Bit Too Long For This First Premier Episode? Yhwach from...

Developers Spike Chunsoft have captivated mystery fans for years with their incredibly popular Danganronpa series. Known for its fascinating characters and darkly comedic writing that keeps players on the edge of their seats, Danganronpa established this team as masters of thrilling narratives. Their latest venture, Master Detective Archives: Rain Code, sees them bring their talents to a new franchise while building upon the strengths of their past work.

Stepping into the rain-soaked city of Kanai Ward is Yuma Kokohead, a young detective-in-training with no memory of his past. All Yuma knows is that he has made a mysterious pact with the death god Shinigami to help solve the strange mysteries plaguing this isolated metropolis.

With Shinigami’s supernatural aid, Yuma explores crime scenes, gathering clues and interrogating eclectic individuals. This leads him into fantastical “Mystery Labyrinths,” where hazards represent questions that must be solved through clever mini-games.

Although the familiar foundations are here,...

Anime fans over a very long period only constructed the similarity between Light Yagami from Death Note and Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass without going deep in their characters. Only a few characters have reached fame just like these two, who are well-known for their exceptional intellect and strategic maneuvers at a young age. However, a detailed study reveals that this comparison overlooks fundamental differences that set these characters apart in significant ways.

Light Yagami and the Shinigami | Credit: Studio Madhouse

The main difference between light and Lelouch is one that fundamentally alters the interpretation of their respective narratives. The key difference centered on their motivations and interpersonal relationships in their animated storytelling. The seeming similarities between these two iconic characters diverge in their core values, methods, and ultimate legacies.

Light Yagami and Lelouch Lamperouge’s Crucial Differences in Motives and Relations

At the core of Light Yagami and Lelouch...

After almost a year of waiting, Bleach: Tybw Part 3 is set to release this fall, leaving many fans highly anticipating. From thrilling action scenes to splendid narrative, The Thousand-Year Blood War arc didn’t disappoint its fandoms’ high expectations.

Tite Kubo even showcased the long-forgotten rivalry between Quincy and Shinigami, which enthralled several viewers. Despite the long list of 366 episodes, Bleach was the first among the Big Three to be concluded, leaving many viewers to view it as an inferior series, compared to One Piece and Naruto. Nonetheless, Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War‘s return took the entire internet by storm.

Ichigo’s Bankai in Bleach | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While some fans have mixed opinions about Bleach, Tite Kubo captivated millions of fans with an iconic pose that became synonymous with his style. Despite One Piece and Naruto‘s own unforgettable moments, even they couldn’t match the impact of this defining image.

Bleach, considered one of the Big 3 along with Naruto and One Piece, recently returned with its final arc. The series has amassed a huge following over the years. When the series ended, fans demanded to bring the series back for almost a decade.

Tite Kubo, the author of Bleach, had given up on the anime adaptation of the final arc. However to everyone’s surprise, during the 20th anniversary of Bleach, Shonen Jump announced the adaptation of the final “Thousand Year Blood War” arc into an anime, a Burn the Witch movie, and an art exhibit.

“Almost Everyone Forgot About It,” Said Tite Kubo On Giving Up On The Final Season of Bleach Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach manga | Credit: Shueisha

Kubo discussed the 20th anniversary of the series and said he didn’t think the final arc would get an anime. He also said that it had been so long...

After having his life put under the spotlight on paper and on screen, Yakumo will once again face the music — literally, this time — in a stage musical adaptation of Haruko Kumota's Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju historical drama manga that was announced today. Longtime Takarazuka Revue director Shuichiro Koike helms the production as director and scriptwriter. Performances will be held at Tokyo's Tokyu Theatre Orb in February-March 2025, Osaka's Festival Hall in March-April 2025 and Fukuoka at an undisclosed date. A poster was unveiled, along with the following cast members (left to right): Sukeroku played by Ikusaburo Yamazaki, reprising his role from the TV drama version Miyokichi played by Rop Asumi Yakumo played by Yuta Furukawa Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju musical cast Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju musical poster Related: 10 Anime About the Drama of Theater Crunchyroll streams both seasons of the acclaimed anime adaptation of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju , describing the...

Quick Links Death Note Still Holds Its Place as the Face of the Anime Industry Religious Symbolism in Death Note Death Notes Most Uncomfortable Scene is Actually Its Most Important Lights Death: A Buddhistic Conclusion to a Biblically-Sourced Storyline

Decades after its release, Death Note remains my favorite anime of all time for one big reason that many Western viewers missed completely. Many consider Death Note the quintessential anime experience. From anti-hero protagonist Light Yagami to L Lawliets memorable character design, Death Note has become one of the most recognizable anime in the 21st Century. However, what keeps Death Note so relevant in todays culture isnt what fans think.

Tsugumi Ohbas complicated reverse mystery is condensed into 37 episodes. While Death Note is shorter compared to long-running anime like One Piece or Naruto, its premise and execution are just as beloved, and not just in Japan. The anime has inspired both...

It goes without saying that Tite Kubo’s Bleach series has been able to capture millions with its very colorful characters, deep lore, and over-the-top story arcs. Character designs are definitely some of the most striking features of the series, the Shinigami especially or the Soul Reapers.

Byakuya Kuchiki from Bleach | Studio Pierrot

They surely do look rather iconic across the realm of anime and manga, but surprisingly their distinguishing feature wasn’t the primary idea of the creator, Tite Kubo. In fact, he didn’t want to include it first. So just what is this defining characteristic, and how did it become a part of the Shinigami identity?

Tite Did Not Really Prefer How All The Shinigami Actually Look In Bleach Ep 362, Shinigami & Ichigo | Studio Pierrot

This is certainly rather odd to hear, as Tite Kubo later confessed in an interview, that he wasn’t much of a fan...

Tite Kubo has introduced some amazing concepts in Bleach, which has boggled the minds of fans for decades. But of course, one of the most amazing reveals was Ichigo realizing the truth about his zanpakuto. This reveal shook the entire fandom and led to the rise of many theories.

Unfortunately, fan theories will always remain so and can never be confirmed by the original author. Still, some of them are cool enough to keep pondering on them for a while. One such theory aims to debunk the relationship between zanpakuto and hollows.

Zanpakuto Spirits are Actually Reincarnated Hollows Ichigo’s Zanpakuto | Bleach | Disney+

According to a fan theory, Zanpakuto Spirits are actually hollows. While this could be a surprising theory for most, it also has some level of truth mixed into it. For example, White was an artificially created hollow and was created with the same material as Asauchi. These...

In the grand, mystic universe that Bleach has created, Bankai represents the final expression of power and potential that a Shinigami is capable of. This ultra state is the result of decades’ worth of training, discipline, and spiritual growth that only a few ever manage to truly delve into the deepest levels of their Zanpakuto.

Hyorinmaru from Bleach

Still, even though attaining Bankai was restricted to only a very few honored Shinigami, there were some very outstanding ones among these few. Which are the supreme Bankai, which possess the greatest strength, speed, and destructive force? From the iconic Tensa Zangetsu of Ichigo Kurosaki to the mysterious Benihiko of Kisuke Urahara, the question of which Bankai reigns supreme has intrigued Bleach fans for quite a while now.

Fans Still Regard Byakuya Kuchiki as the Embodiment of Bankai Perfection Byakuya Kuchiki from Bleach

Even though very powerful Bankai holders turned up in the Bleach series,...

Bleach features over-the-top and reality-bending fights, with characters possessing delightfully absurd powers, particularly those wielded by the Shinigami. Each Shinigami has unique abilities and weapons, such as Zanpakut, enhanced physical abilities, binding spells, and damaging spells, which they use to protect Soul Society. Some notable Shinigami characters include Nemu Kurotsuchi, Ikkaku Madarame, Rangiku Matsumoto, and Toshiro Hitsugaya, each with their own distinct personalities, strengths, and abilities.

Bleach, one of the former "big three" shonen anime, is known for a lot of things such as its incredible cast of Shinigami. It has a compelling teen angst-fueled story and some of the most over-the-top and reality-bending fights in anime history. The powers and abilities of characters in Bleach range from exceptionally straightforward to so complex that it’s impossible to see someone with those abilities losing a fight. Most of these delightfully extra powers come from the Zanpakutō used by the iconic Shinigami.

The new Bleach anime, Thousand-Year Blood War, is not afraid to deviate from the manga's story, adding original content to fix issues from Bleach's final arc. Episode #7 introduces original characters and shows the past battle between Yamamoto and Yhwach, offering new insight and expanding the story. The anime's adaptation should focus on adding new supplemental content rather than cutting important moments, like Yoruichi's power reveal and Kenpachi's Bankai. There are many unanswered questions that the anime could address.

Warning: Spoilers for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood WarThe new Bleach anime, Thousand-Year Blood War, has proven that it's not afraid to stray from the story of the manga, and this is something that fans of the series should appreciate. Episode #7 of the anime's first part adds original content that was not present in the manga, confirming the theory that Thousand-Year Blood War will try to fix some of the issues that plagued Bleach's final arc.

Had the Soul Reapers of Bleach pulled out the Forbidden Kido spells, they might just have been able to turn the tables on Yhwach and his Quincy invasion during the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. The Bleach universe has its fair share of wild abilities out there, especially with all the different factions at play, each with its own unique power sets. Some of these abilities are so insanely powerful that their use has actually been banned by the Soul Society, such as the "Forbidden" Kido spells.

Kido spells are magic techniques employed by Soul Reapers, mostly used to restrain opponents, but they can also be used to attack. Rukia Kuchiki is probably the most prominent practitioner of Kido in the series, although there are numerous other characters who are skilled with Kido, and many are more powerful than Rukia. While some forbidden Kido are banned because of the effect on the user,...

It's been known for a while that part 2 of "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War" would premiere in July 2023, but we now have a concrete date and a trailer to go with it. The next batch of "Bleach" episodes, subtitled "The Separation," will begin airing on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 7:30 a.m. Pt. The series will continue to be simulcast outside Japan, with subtitles in six languages available upon premiere: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and German. Information about dub release dates should be forthcoming following the premiere.

"Thousand-Year Blood War" adapts the final arc of Tite Kubo's original manga, published in Weekly Shonen Jump. "Bleach" is the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a Japanese teenager with red hair, a punk attitude, and the ability to see ghosts. One day, he's attacked by an evil spirit called a Hollow and given the power to defeat it by Rukia Kuchiki, a Shinigami girl...

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is a unique new mystery title that comes from much of the team that produced the iconic Danganronpa series. The upcoming adventure game is a collaboration between Spike Chunsoft and Tookyo Games, the latter of which was founded by former Spike Chunsoft developers. Despite its close ties to Danganronpa, Master Detective Archives will take a different approach in several ways, from its 3D art style to new solving methods.

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code follows amnesiac detective-in-training Yuma and his death god companion Shinigami as they work to solve the mysteries of the city of Kanai Ward, which is heavily controlled by mega-corporation Amaterasu. This pair will work with Master Detectives to solve the crimes they encounter, exploring Mystery Labyrinths and utilizing unique powers like Postcognition to progress. It's clear Rain Code isn't simply a fourth Danganronpa game, with a new noir tone and significantly...

In the popular anime and manga called Chainsaw Man, Denji is a terrifying protagonist who has the ability to turn into a human chainsaw capable of tearing his foes to bloody ribbons, with a new cosplay showing exactly what this scary Chainsaw Devil should look like in live-action!

Shared on Instagram by username @p0takus, this cosplay account has dressed as characters from more than a few franchises ranging from Chainsaw Man to Beastars to Angels of Death and even Judge Dredd!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ___-=PoTaKuS=-___ (@p0takus)

Most known for their utterly terrifying take on Death Note’s fan-favorite Shinigami character named Ryuk, @p0takus has brought that same creative edge and dark appeal to their Chainsaw Devil cosplay by adapting Denji’s anime/manga design into a realistic look that is truly a sight to see.

Related: Chainsaw Man Cosplay...

Warning: Spoilers for Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War episode #6

Fans of Bleach have been waiting for years to see the strongest Shinigami, Head Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto, unleash his real power on the battlefield, and when it finally happens, the most powerful warrior in the Soul Society is defeated by an unbelievably simple trick.

Genryusai fits in the classic trope of the old but powerful warrior that is found in so many manga and anime. In Bleach, however, the Gotei 13 Head Captain was never surpassed by the younger generation of Shinigami. Throughout the entire series, he is teased as the strongest and most dangerous Soul Reaper in the entire Gotei 13, which obviously created a lot of hype around the time he would eventually step on the battlefield. This happened for the first time during the final battle against Sosuke Aizen in the fake Karakura, but in that occasion, Genryusai showed...

Warning: major Spoilers for Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood WarWhile Bleach is one of the most successful manga of all time, its ending left a lot to be desired, with many fans disappointed at what felt like a rushed conclusion. The new anime series Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War finally adapts the last story arc from the manga, and thus has a chance to fix the series' disappointing ending.

The final story arc from the Bleach manga, called The Thousand-Year Blood War, introduces the Quincy as its main villains. While the Quincy already appeared in the story (in the form of Uryu Ishida and his family), they were supposed to be almost extinct, but The Thousand-Year Blood War opens with the revelation that they had been hiding for centuries, planning their revenge on the Shinigami. While the setup of the story and its first half are both exciting, however, things start getting confusing very quickly.