The Bleach manga was completed in 2016 but, with the anime set for a 2021 return from an 8-year hiatus, fans of the show now have a chance to experience the best of Bleach. The series is known for great fights set in a unique world, but the manga ended with some absolute classics in its final arc.
"The Thousand-Year Blood War" was the manga's final arc and it definitely ended with a bang. All sorts of characters got in on the action, bringing something new with each fight. Let's take a look at 10 fights that are going to look even better in motion when the anime returns.
10. Sajin Komamura Vs. Bambietta Basterbine
The humanoid beast Shinigami vs. the explosive Quincy, Bambietta vs. Komamura was an absolute slugfest. After losing to her in their first battle, the Captain of the 7th Division returned with vengeance and a forbidden technique to give him an edge. The power and passion of this fight was a beautifully drawn display of chaos and madness - one of the series' best. The incredible scale of this battle, full of massive explosions, will make it come alive on screen.
9. Gremmy Thoumeaux Vs. Zaraki Kenpachi
As with most of Zaraki Kenpachi's fights in Bleach, this one was brutal. Gremmy was one of the most dangerous Quincies, able to make his thoughts reality. It was interesting to see what Gremmy's imagination brought to life, as the young mastermind pulled guns and missiles from thin air. The lengths that he went to try and destroy Zaraki were impressive and necessary, considering that Captain Kenpachi is among the strongest Shinigami in the history of Soul Society. The battle's shocking and graphic conclusion will be a spectacle to see in live animation.
8. Isshin Shiba & Masaki Kurosaki Vs. White
Ichigo's parents fighting side by side before he was ever born is something that all Bleach fans deserve to see. This fight occurred when Isshin was still Captain of the 10th Division and it would be his last fight in the series for a long time. Even Aizen makes a surprise appearance during this battle, revealing that he was scheming longer than was originally believed. It's during this fight that the mysterious Hollow known as "White" is introduced, sharing an eerie resemblance to Ichigo's Hollow form that appeared during his clash with Ulquiorra Cifer. This would be the true beginning of Ichigo's journey in Bleach, marking one of the most important moments in the history of the franchise.
7. Zaraki Kenpachi Vs. Retsu Unohana
This drag-out round between two bloodthirsty killers not only revealed precious secrets but also showed a surprisingly emotional and complex relationship between the two Captains, predating even Zaraki's Gotei 13 membership. The normally kind and composed Unohana reverts to being a savage killer, unleashing her Bankai for the first time in the series, creating a visual marvel. This battle is also the first time Zaraki Kenpachi was brought to the brink of tears, striking the core of his otherwise sadistic personality. Even though the monumental clash between these two was visually pleasing, it's the emotional impact that will make this one worth seeing.
6. Rukia Kuchiki Vs. Äs Nödt
While Rukia's gorgeous ice-themed Bankai was beautifully drawn, the Quincy known as "F- The Fear" Äs Nödt is going to be the true star of this fight when it gets animated. He is easily one of Tite Kubo's creepiest creations and seeing him use Quincy: Vollstandig to transform into an even more menacing form will raise the hairs on the backs of the viewer's necks. Äs Nödt humbled Byakuya Kuchiki and nearly killed him in a gruesome display of dominance, forcing Rukia to go beyond anything she'd ever done when her time came to face him. Between her Bankai and Nödt's Vollstandig, the visuals from this fight will go down as some of the best in Bleach.
5. Gerard Valkyrie Vs. Byakuya, Toshiro, & Zaraki
In a battle that was literally larger than life, Gerard aka "M - The Miracle," is the heart of The Soul King and an extremely formidable foe. The three Captains were pushed beyond their limits with Toshiro Hitsugaya unveiling the true power of his Bankai and a brand new form. However, it's the debut of Zaraki Kenpachi's Bankai that will most certainly blow viewers away. Gerard, not to be outdone, also displays some absolutely insane forms and abilities that, at one point, rendered the Captains and their Bankai powerless to stop him. Even Byakuya's immensely powerful Bankai couldn't slow him down.
4. Kisuke Urahara Vs. Askin Nakk Le Vaar
In what will definitely be one of the most talked about anime fights of the year, Kisuke Urahara pulls out all the stops here to eke out a victory. The dangerously lethal Quincy Askin was no normal foe - Urahara couldn't even come close to winning without using his Bankai. The genius of Kisuke Urahara is on full display in this fight, proving just how dangerous the innocent-looking shop owner is. Readers also got to see the depths of Askin's power when he made easy work of Yoruichi Shihouin right before Urahara's intervention, stopped only by his lethal "Deathdealing" ability. However, the most memorable part of this bout is the shocking conclusion that includes a fan-favorite former enemy of Ichigo. This battle was absolutely wild from start to finish and is sure to look great in motion.
3. Lille Barro Vs. Kyoraku Shunsui
Lille Barro, the Quincy known as "The X-Axis," is an expert marksman who rarely ever misses a shot. In his fight against Kyoraku he was able to seriously injure the new Captain Commander of the Gotei 13, forcing him to use his Bankai for the first time in ages. Kyoraku's Bankai was, up to this point, so mysterious that only a small few had ever seen it. These two enemies fought tooth and nail against one another with hardly any ground gained even much later in the battle. In an epic back and forth war between two unstoppable powers, this fight will make for some jaw-dropping visuals.
2. Yhwach Vs. Ichigo, Renji, & Aizen
The Bleach's final battle pitted two of the series' most notorious villains against one another in an ending that has to be seen to be believed. This battle has it all: the final evolution of Ichigo and Renji's Bankai, Aizen fighting alongside his former enemies and a betrayal that is the icing on this chaotic cake. Yhwach, the King of The Quincies, displays his near-limitless powers, breaking the Bankai of all three of his opponents with little to no effort. This is the battle that ends Tite Kubo's legendary manga - it'll make a great ending for an anime fans waited 8 years for as well.
1. Genryusai Yamamoto Vs. Royd Lloyd
Genryusai Yamamoto is the strongest man in all of the Seireitei with the strongest Bankai of all the Gotei 13. When he faced off against Quincy Royd Llyod - who was impersonating his life-long rival and enemy Yhwach - it was clear that Yamamoto wanted to waste no time, releasing his Bankai for the first time in the series. In a marvelous show of fire and inconceivable power, Genryusai showed off every overpowered ability his Bankai had, cornering the powerful Quincy with ease. This would also be the very last battle that the Captain would fight, making the climatic end of his true fight against Ywhach all the more saddening. It is a conclusion that will weigh on many hearts across the anime community when it airs sometime in 2021.
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