The origin of Bleach’s Gotei 13 has always been shrouded in mystery. The events of the "Thousand-Year Blood War" arc revealed that two Captains who still served in the ranks to the present day -- Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Retsu Unohana -- had been part of the original lineup. The other eleven Captains remained unknown. The only evidence fans were offered came in the form of a devilish-looking silhouetted image. However, with the release of Tite Kubo’s new official artwork of the original Gotei 13, that has all changed.
Six years after the Bleach manga's conclusion, Kubo has shown his unquestionable skill in the unique design of characters. Each member of the original Gotei 13 is starkly different from the next; they are even vastly different from the gigantic cast of the current Bleach series, with only a couple of similarities. The artwork also carries a certain air from the tone, oozing an unpleasant darkness and evil -- unlike the other Captain spreads he has drawn. From this design and tone, much can be read into the characterization of the infamous original Gotei 13.
The Ferocious Appearance of the Former Gotei 13
The historic brutal nature of Yamamoto and an unchained Unohana is explored during the Thousand-Year Blood War, with their treatment of Yhwach and the former Quincy army being the catalyst for Yhwach’s return 1000 years later. From the exposition and imagery in the Bleach manga and recent anime episodes, in regard to Yamamoto at least, it is clear they were savage killers once upon a time. With this new artwork, Kubo has given fans some insight into the appearance of those original killers whom the Quincy feared. At first glance, they have quite the mixture of body sizes, gender, ages and so on, though there is certainly a running theme.
Each and every one of the Captains has been drawn to carry an air of dread about them. Those who are smiling have a sadistic implication in their smirks. For those who are stern, there is an eerie arrogance as they look down at any before them. The outlier comes in the former of the female with glasses on the far left -- though her appearance strikes a resemblance to the Nanao Ise, and could have some connection to the origins of the Ise Curse. Overall, this new artwork expresses a completely different feel -- one soaked with darkness -- when compared to the other full spreads of the current Captains.
Only Two Captains Remained Into Bleach's New Era
The original Gotei 13's nature -- which has been expressed in Bleach and implied through this artwork -- could have been their downfall. Aside from Yamamoto and Unohana, none survived to the present day, nor can any of the current Zero Division be seen in the lineup.
It is possible that many of the Captains wished to remain in the violent history Soul Society was born from, though Yamamoto’s dream of a more stable society clashed with their sentiments. These monstrous former allies of the Captain Commander could have become his enemies in a changing world. From most of their appearances, it feels as if violence would be the only language they would understand.
Bleach fans being gifted with this artwork now could hint at the possible progression of the "Hell" arc -- where all Captains go when they die -- or perhaps some future anime-only material. Either way, this insight offers an opportunity to explore just how the blood of the Captain’s enemies watered the dirt, and how their violent dominance secured the foundation for the Soul Society fans know and love.