Bleach anime ends after 22 years; fans hail 'perfect' finale
The long-running series concludes its Thousand-Year Blood War arc with creator Tite Kubo overseeing changes to the divisive original manga ending.
What to know
- Bleach, one of anime's "big three" franchises, concludes after 22 years with its Thousand-Year Blood War finale, which drew years of anticipation after the original manga ending was widely criticized as rushed in 2016.
- Creator Tite Kubo oversaw significant changes to the animated adaptation, giving him a second chance to realize his original vision for the story's conclusion.
- Early fan reactions praise the finale as a "perfect conclusion," marking a reversal of the divisive reception to the manga ending, though some note the episode lacks action sequences.
- The revival and conclusion of the anime—which began in 2022 after a decade hiatus—represents a major moment for long-time fans who grew up with the series across two decades.
The anime finale successfully redeemed the series by giving Kubo a chance to realize his true vision.
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“I'm just really happy that Kubo finally got to show us his true vision for the story that he wasn't able to back in the early 2010s.”
Ruby · BBC News ↗
Bleach has been deeply meaningful on a personal and social level, helping fans through difficult times and building community.
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“It is honestly my favourite series of all time, it has got me through a lot across my life.”
Ruby · BBC News ↗
Some fans may be disappointed by the lack of action in the finale despite overall praise.
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“The 28-year-old does think some people will be disappointed by the lack of action in the episode, but thinks the anime succeeded in taking the original manga a step further.”
Itanna Alakija · BBC News ↗
“I've made so many friends through Bleach, it's been such a wonderful part of my life both in terms of what it teaches me and the kind of people I meet through it.”
Ruby, fan aged 27, Bleach fan · BBC News ↗
Tite Kubo Creator of Bleach mangaPierrot Films Animation studioRuby Fan aged 27Itanna Alakija Self-described "biggest Bleach fan"
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