Although the popular Bleach manga series concluded in 2016 (at 74 volumes), the fandom is still as vibrant as ever. For years now, fans have invested themselves in their favorite storylines and characters in this beloved franchise, from Ichigo to Rukia to Yoruichi and even villains like Grimmjow and Ulquiorra.
Rukia Kuchiki, in particular, is easily the favorite girl of Bleach's community, and we can see why. She's tough, smart, cool, and pretty, and she is the character who launched the entire franchise when she gave Ichigo her Soul Reaper powers. Author Tite Kubo once explained that Rukia was the first Bleach character he ever drew. By now, the fans have also taken a turn drawing her, and now, let's look over ten excellent fan illustrations of Rukia Kuchiki.
10 ...And a Happy New Year!
Are you ready for the upcoming holidays? Rukia sure is! We begin the list with this absolutely adorable hand-drawn, colored image of Rukia doing her best Mrs. Clause impression. She's also packing some Don Kanonji attitude, and we love it.
Remember Don? He was that goofy TV star who had a trace of spirit power, and he'd do that ridiculous laugh routine. Ichigo couldn't stand it, but at least Rukia tried to cheer him up with it. And this fan drawing does Rukia, the holidays, and Don Kanonji justice.
9 What's up, Doc?
Overall, Rukia is a pretty tragic character in Bleach, being abandoned by her sister Hisana and then facing an unjust execution later on. But Rukia still has good friends and plenty to be happy about, too. Once again, Rukia is looking radiant, and the vivid pink colors are reminiscent of Byakuya's shikai.
The colors are charming and really make Rukia pop, and even her violet eyes have taken on a pink hue. Best of all, this beaming girl imagines herself with rabbit ears and whiskers, true to her love of all things rabbit. What an imagination she has!
8 Snowfall
Now Rukia is taking a walk out in the snowy forest, and the sense of quiet, calming solitude in this piece is really something. Rukia isn't out here to sulk or cry; she's having a fine time, and we can feel the chill of the freshly fallen snow from here.
Rukia's zanpakuto may not have the devastating power of Daiguren Hyorinmaru, but she's a capable fighter, and her newly acquired ice bankai took down Sternritter "F" As Nodt. So now, we get Rukia in her element. And really... that pink flush on her cheeks is just adorable.
7 Red dancer
Whoa, Rukia's looking good. In this piece of fan art, Rukia is dressed up for an elegant and traditional dance, trading her black Soul Reaper robes for this stunning red set instead. The hair ornament and fan really round out the look, not to mention the robe's flower patterns.
We could totally see Rukia putting on a classy performance like this, maybe after the events of Bleach are over and there are no more villains to fight. Why not celebrate the newfound peace with a little dancing and music?
6 Her panda phase
Rukia is a girl who loves rabbits. In fact, she uses a cartoony rabbit theme when drawing out Soul Reaper lore for Ichigo to understand, and she really wanted a rabbit-headed soul candy dispenser. But now, she's taken a liking to pandas!
And why not? Pandas are adorable too, and Rukia's flustered look, like "Hey! Don't look at me!" is too precious for words. We can imagine her finding this suit in Yachiru Kusajishi's closet and trying it out on a whim... only to be caught in the act!
5 Good morning
Wake up and smell the coffee! Or do you like tea better? Or maybe pancakes! At any rate, we're now treated to Rukia in her everyday human-style life. While living with Ichigo, she stayed in his closet and wore large, yellow and orange sleep clothes. It sure made her look bigger.
It's nice to see Rukia take it easy and get comfortable in her pajamas. Anyone would agree that chilling at home in their pajamas is the height of comfort, especially if it's snowing or raining outside, and you have a couch and a good book, and a dog or cat to join you... what a scene!
4 Schoolgirl
Not only does Rukia easily integrate herself into Ichigo's home life, but she's also going to school as a responsible student. Is she the teacher's pet? Maybe not, but this fan art piece is positively gorgeous, and we can imagine it being the cover of a shojo manga cover.
Rukia has a look of innocent curiosity, and maybe she just met her new best friend or found the first cherry blossom tree in bloom this year. It adds a tantalizing sense of mystery to this piece, and in all the right ways.
3 Girl next door
If you think about it, many anime characters make for good dress-up dolls, since they're often seen wearing the same clothes in their original animes. Rukia usually wears her Soul Reaper uniform, but she's such a darling, it's a waste to not picture her trying out all kinds of human clothes.
Rukia opted for a simple but charming look this time around, including a shirt with a rabbit logo. And based on the colors and the X-shaped eyes, Rukia's got a dash of Gothic sensibility to her. Oh, and it looks like she really grew her hair out, too.
2 Spooky Rukia
Whoa! We went from a cute Christmas Rukia to a chilling Halloween one, and this fan art piece is remarkable in its level of detail. Does this art style make you think of Tokyo Ghoul?
Rukia is looking pretty serious here, and whoever she's glaring at like that had better run! After all, she's a Soul Reaper, and death is part of her job. She will take the hand of any loose soul and guide it to the Soul Society... or purify a hollow with that sword of hers first! Duty above all.
1 Thinking of you
Looks like Rukia grew her hair out again, and it's positively gorgeous. This artist chose a calm and somewhat serious look for this piece, emphasizing Rukia's contemplative and mature side over her flashy outfits or cute rabbit hijinks.
Just what is she thinking about? Maybe her newfound duties as a Captain, or wishing all her human friends well back in the world of the living.