Key Takeaways
-
Bleach
is a shonen anime with an original run spanning 366 episodes and 16 seasons, with the final manga arc finally being adapted. - The main cast consists of unique characters, including Ichigo, Rukia, and Uryu, each with their own contributions to the story and action-packed moments.
- Fans of
Bleach
can anticipate binge-worthy experiences as the series dives into the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, featuring iconic characters and intense battles.
When it comes to shonen anime, Bleach is a fan favorite. The hit series is full of everything fans of the genre could want, from over-the-top sword fights to the power of friendship. Bleach‘s original run spans over 366 episodes for a total of sixteen seasons, meaning there are plenty of binge-worthy moments to enjoy. If that’s not enough, the final arc from the manga is finally being adapted after the longest time, which serves as a huge treat for long-time fans of the series.
Related
Bleach Brave Souls: Best Ichigo
Brave Souls has many characters available in different forms and the same goes for Ichigo. But which Ichigo is the strongest?
Bleach is filled with dozens of unique characters, and the final season will introduce plenty more. While the members of the Gotei 13 and all the antagonists are full of big personalities, the main cast is still full of fan favorites. Viewers who plan on binging the series in anticipation of the final arc will want to become familiar with the main cast of Bleach.
Updated on December 3, 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With the Thousand-Year Blood War adaptation upping the stakes with Ichigo and his friends waging an all-out counter-offensive against Yhwach and the Quincies, fans of Bleach might feel a bit anxious as to just how their favorite characters would fare in the series’ final arc. However, for newcomers to the series who are still somewhat confused about the franchise’s main cast and their roles in the story, it may help for them to get to know some of Bleach’s most iconic characters and their stake in the story so far. Among must-knows for fans include Rukia’s older brother, a seemingly-innocent cat who can turn into a deadly ninja, Ichigo’s seemingly-ordinary father, and the all-powerful leader of the Gotei 13.
Ichigo Kurosaki
A Substitute Shinigami And The Series’ Protagonist
- Age: 17
- Height: 5’11”
- Birthday: July 15th
Ichigo Kurosaki is a Substitute Soul Reaper and the protagonist of Bleach. The series begins with Ichigo being a stubborn and impulsive teenager, with a strong will and short temper.
A chance encounter with the soul reaper Rukia Kuchiki leads to Ichigo gaining the ability to become a Soul Reaper. His combat abilities and powers develop further throughout the series. However, Ichigo’s impulsive nature does lead to plenty of conflicts with himself and other characters in the series.
Rukia Kuchiki
Lieutenant Of The 13th Division
- Age: Approximately 150+
- Height: 4’8″
- Birthday: January 14th
Rukia Kuchiki is a Soul Reaper and a member of the 13th division. She often has a cool and aloof demeanor, though through the bonds she develops with her friends, she begins to open up more.
Rukia was brought to the Soul Society with her older sister after they died in the Human world. Rukia was abandoned as a baby and grew up on her own until she met Renji Abari and his group of friends. She was later adopted into the Kuchiki family. Rukia is skilled in swordsmanship and Kido, the latter being her greatest strength as a Soul Reaper.
Uryu Ishida
One Of The Few Remaining Quincy Until The Arrival Of Yhwach And The Sternritter
- Age: 17
- Height: 5’9″
- Birthday: November 6th
The quiet and solitary Uryu Ishida is the only Quincy in the main Bleach group. Uryu strongly believes in the “Pride of the Quincy” and has a strong sense of justice.
Related
Bleach: Brave Souls – Best 6-Star Characters
Who are the strongest and most useful 6-Star characters in Bleach: Brave Souls?
As a child, Uryu spent most of his time training with his grandfather to continue the Quincy legacy. He initially begins the series with a deep hatred towards Soul Reapers, causing plenty of initial conflict with Ichigo and Rukia.
Orihime Inoue
Ichigo’s Love Interest Who Uses Shun Shun Rikka
- Age: 17
- Height: 5’2″
- Birthday: September 3rd
Orihime is naive though optimistic. She is one of Ichigo’s classmates and is constantly trying to hide her crush on the protagonist. Orihime is a pacifist by nature, and this does cause plenty of problems when the group encounters opponents who aren’t as forgiving.
Throughout the series, Orihime develops her spiritual powers, in the form of six spirits residing in her hairpins. These spirits allow her to negate phenomena and undo events such as injuries others have sustained.
Yasutora Sado
Ichigo’s Closest Friend With Fullbring Powers
- Age: 18
- Height: 6’5″
- Birthday: April 7th
Yasutora Sado, most often called Chad by the other characters, is one of Ichigo’s classmates. The teenager appears much older than he is due to his extreme height. He is the quieter member of the group, but his loyalty to his friends speaks volumes.
Sado has superhuman strength, and this strength only increases throughout the series through training. He can manifest armor on both his arms. The right takes on a defensive form, while the left boosts enhanced strength and a powerful spiritual attack.
Renji Abarai
Lieutenant Of The 6th Division
- Age: Approximately 150+
- Height: 6’2″
- Birthday: August 31st
Renji Abarai is the lieutenant of the sixth division of the Gotei 13. When Renji makes his debut, he comes off as cocky and smug. Despite this, he can become very serious when facing a challenging foe; however, when defeated Renji can become very depressed.
Renji is skilled in swordsmanship and can hold his own against captain-level threats. When Renji is first introduced in the series, both he and Byakyau Kuchiki travel to the human world to arrest Rukia. His decades of combat skills instantly overwhelm Ichigo and Uryu.
Kon
A Mod Soul Who Covers For Ichigo
- Age: Unknown
- Height: 10 1/2″
- Birthday: December 30th
Though often forgotten about by the other members of the group, Kon serves as the comedy relief for much of the series. Kon is a modified soul that resides inside a plush toy. Before Ichigo is officially instated as a substitute Soul Reaper, he uses Kon to switch into his soul form.
This causes plenty of chaos, due to the Mod Soul’s personality being drastically different from Ichigo’s. Despite Kon’s personality, he values all lifeforms, due to living for years with the fear of being disposed of himself. This leads him to constantly risk his own life, and disregard the limitations being a toy gives him.
Sosuke Aizen
Former Captain Of The 5th Division Who Betrays Soul Society
- Age: Unknown
- Height: 6’1″
- Birthday: May 29th
The reveal of Aizen as a cutthroat is one of the best moments in the Soul Society arc and cements this saga as one of the greatest shonen tales of all time. This Commander shows his sinister side with a string of diabolical moments, followed by a change in character design that cements his place as the series’ biggest villain at that point.
Related
Bleach Brave Souls: The Best Starter Characters
In Bleach Brave Souls, players create trios from both protagonists and antagonists of the Bleach franchise. These are the best starter characters.
The sheer amount of power that Aizen wields is hard to comprehend to this day. He was able to take on the entirety of the Gotei 13 with only minor wounds, making him a pretty exciting character indeed. It’s a shame that he was defeated by Ichigo in a manner that completely destroyed his character and the interest that most people had in the series too.
Kisuke Urahara
Former Captain Of The 12th Division Who Was Stripped Of His Rank Because Of Aizen’s Treachery
- Age: 200+
- Height: 6’0″
- Birthday: December 31st
Kisuke Urahara is one of the more mysterious characters to appear in the show. A Shinigami who was banished by Soul Society for reasons that weren’t revealed until long after in the anime, Urahara is easily one of the coolest characters in the show who harbors a ton of power.
There’s a reason why he was the perfect mentor for Ichigo to learn his iconic Bankai. The Thousand-Year Blood War features the appearance of his Bankai as well, which was absolutely brilliant in the manga as well. Only time will tell whether the adaptation will do justice to this incredible moment.
Toshiro Hitsugaya
Captain of the 10th Division
- Age: 100-130
- Height: 4’4½”
- Birthday: December 20th
Hitsugaya is one of the more fascinating Shinigami in Bleach. He may be a century old, but that’s still considered to be pretty low by Soul Society standards. So, the fact that he’s somehow the Captain of a Division in the Gotei 13 is truly impressive in every way.
His reliance on his Bankai can become a bit too much at times, but it makes sense that he needs to whip out his ultimate technique from the get-go to even the odds against his opposition. He’s a calm Captain who certainly deserves to lead at such a young age, and fans can’t wait to see the true extent of his powers in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
Kenpachi Zaraki
Captain of the 11th Division
- Age: Around 1000
- Height: 6’7½”
- Birthday: November 19th
Kenpachi is one of the most fascinating characters in Bleach. The fact that he didn’t even know the true name of his sword is perfectly in line with his character and shows why people love this Shinigami to bits.
Related
Bleach Brave Souls: Best Bonus Abilities
Bonus abilities can change the outcome of the events on the battlefield when chosen wisely in Bleach: Brave Souls, but which ones are the best?
This has changed in the latest arc, with Kenpachi finally unleashing the power of Nozarashi in an incredible display. Given how strong this monster is, it’s easy to see why his blade was so massive. With his Shikai out of the way, the only thing left to be adapted in the manga is Zaraki’s demonic Bankai, which may just break the internet.
*Byakuya Kuchiki
The Prodigious Brother Of Rukia
- Age: ~200
- Height: 180cm (5’11”)
- Birthday: January 31
The serious and ever cold exterior of Byakuya Kuchiki has made him join the ranks of “serious older brothers” in anime fandom – something the Bleach story also proves with his aristocratic nature, his strict adherence to the law, and his indifference towards Rukia. As viewers will soon discover, Byakuya isn’t as much of a cold character as others would believe. Throughout the series, Byakuya will show how much of a kind heart he has, even if his status doesn’t allow him to always show it.
However, as the 6th Division Captain and the 28th Head of the Kuchiki Clan, Byakuya needs to uphold order within Soul Society. It’s for this reason that he somewhat became a fierce contender against Ichigo, whom he couldn’t believe could achieve Bankai so quickly. However, Byakuya also became one of Ichigo’s strongest allies – albeit joining the fray if only to protect his sibling. Being a Captain, Byakuya is not just among the fastest Shinigami to ever exist but also among the strongest. His skill with the sword is unparalleled, especially when combined with the deadly spinning petal blades of his Zanpakuto, Senbonzakura.
*Yoruichi Shihouin
Soul Society’s Fastest
- Age: –
- Height: 156cm (5’1 1/2”)
- Birthday: January 1
Originally appearing as a black cat in Bleach, Yoruichi Shihouin unveiling her true form to Ichigo and his friends has become an iconic moment in the early episodes of the anime. It’s soon revealed that not only is Yoruichi the cat an actual person, she has actually more ties to Soul Society than what fans have been led to. As it turns out, Yoruichi was the former Head of the Shihouin Clan, one of Soul Society’s noble houses. Not only that, her leadership of the Clan placed her in charge of Gotei 13’s 2nd Division as well as the Stealth Force – positions she let go when she went into exile.
Moreover, as fans would soon discover, Yoruichi isn’t just wearing form-fitting clothing for nothing. As someone who specializes in hand-to-hand combat, Yoruichi’s clothes are specially designed to help her release her Reiatsu. She’s the most proficient master of high-speed Shunpo, being hailed as Soul Society’s fastest Shinigami. Such is her skill in the craft that she’s even able to combine magical Kido with the movement of Hakuda, allowing her to create the lightning-based Shunko that enhances her speed and stuns her opponent at the same time.
*Isshin Kurosaki
Not Just Some Ordinary Dad
- Age: ~200
- Height: 186cm (6’1”)
- Birthday: December 10
When fans of Bleach meet Isshin Kurosaki for the first time, they will immediately recognize where Ichigo may have gotten his hard-headed nature. Admittedly goofier and more expressive than the grumpy Ichigo, many of the protagonist’s interactions with his father reveal a somewhat healthy family dynamic despite the loss of their mother and his wife, Masaki Kurosaki. However, the series reveal there’s more than meets the eye with Isshin.
While at first introduced as Ichigo’s goofy human father, Isshin Kurosaki is eventually revealed to actually be a former Shinigami. Not only that, he actually led the 10th Division. This revelation came as quite a surprise, as Isshin is revealed to still be competent with a sword despite not having a lot of training, and can still cast Kido spells to protect others. Despite his age, Isshin is capable of using high-mobility Shunpo to outrun opponents. All of these he can use with his intense Reiatsu, a trait he inherited for being a part of one of Soul Society’s noble houses. It’s thanks to Isshin that Ichigo had gotten quite a powerful Shinigami side in his odd genetics.
*Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto
The Ever-So-Strong Captain-Commander
- Age: 1,000+
- Height: 168cm (5’6”)
- Birthday: January 21
Every military force needs an ultimate authority, and the Gotei 13 has this in the form of Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Being the bearer of the “old man leader” trope in Bleach, Yamamoto is a well-respected Shinigami and behaves as such. He is extremely loyal to Soul Society, leading his Captains with a stern attitude. However, this strictness is simply out of a need to make sure they are all prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the realms – and that they’re doing it from a correct perspective. As fans will soon get to learn, Yamamoto’s old age also meant he has done his fair share of horrible things – things he wanted to atone to by protecting his very home.
Related
Bleach Brave Souls: 15 Best Skills
Bleach Brave Souls allows fans of the anime to immerse themselves in its world. While exploring, which skills are most useful in battle?
Despite his old age, the Captain-Commander should not be messed with. Even during Aizen’s assault of the human world, Yamamoto is able to fend off the villain without even revealing the full extent of his capabilities. It’s only in his encounter with Yhwach, the son of the Soul King himself, that Yamamoto is able to bask in the full extent of his abilities – powers over fire so strong that he’s even able to call upon the spirits of everyone he’s burnt to fight by his side.
Ichibe Hyosube
Commanding Officer of the Royal Guard
- Age: 2000+
- Height: 5’11¼”
- Birthday: January 1st
While the introduction of Ichibe Hyosube and the Zero Division may seem like a convenient addition to the plot, there’s no denying that these characters have been written pretty well. They also add more depth to the world of Bleach, with their powers being truly incredible. No person personifies this more than the Commanding Officer himself, Ichibe Hyosube.
Despite looking like a jovial old man, Ichibe isn’t afraid to turn up the heat when the situation calls for it. His powers are truly one-of-a-kind and involve changing the very name of an object or person to fundamentally alter everything about them. He shows off this power against Yhwach, turning him into an ant and squishing him at the end of the arc’s second cour.
Yhwach
The Son Of The Soul King And The Most Powerful Quincy In Existence
- Age: 1200+
- Height: 6’5″
- Birthday: December 25th
The antagonist of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc is one of the most powerful characters Tite Kubo has ever created. The fact that this character is the son of the Soul King should be proof enough of just how powerful Yhwach really is, with his introduction leading to the death of the powerful Commander Yamamoto himself.
Over the course of this arc, establishes himself as a force to be reckoned with time and time again. It’s a shame that the final battle against him is just so underwhelming, and fans are hoping that the anime adaptation will possibly rectify this disappointing fight, although it does seem pretty unlikely at this point.
Leave a Reply