5 Things Bleach Does Better Than Every Other Shonen Anime

Bleach is considered one of the most influential shonen anime and manga series, earning its spot among the genre’s most popular titles. While it has some minor flaws, like unnecessary conversations or side stories that didn’t quite resonate with viewers, Bleach remains a legendary series that continues to inspire other shonen anime today.

Bleach was a groundbreaking anime, and while newer shows like Jujutsu Kaisen and Demon Slayer have improved animation and a faster pace, Bleach still stands out as a classic. It’s easy to point to five specific things – from its unique style to its memorable characters – that made Tite Kubo’s series so iconic, even when compared to both older and current popular anime.

Bleach Excels With the “Fish Out of Water” Trope

The Isekai and Reverse Isekai Elements Make Bleach Stand Out

image via Pierrot.

Although Bleach isn’t a typical isekai anime, it cleverly uses elements of the genre to enhance its story in enjoyable ways. Shows like One Piece, Frieren, and Attack on Titan often have their characters travel to new locations within their world—like the Grand Line—but Bleach handles the feeling of being in a completely foreign place more effectively. Or, to put it simply, Bleach excels at the ‘fish out of water’ trope. Even when characters like Luffy or Eren visit new lands, they still feel somewhat familiar, whereas Bleach truly makes its characters feel lost and displaced.

Unlike some other series, Bleach builds its story around three very different worlds: the human world, the Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo. Each of these realms has its own people, customs, landscapes, and way of life. In the beginning, fans enjoyed seeing characters like Rukia adapt to modern Japan while Ichigo felt out of place in the more traditional Soul Society or the harsh environment of Hueco Mundo. This contrast is why it feels so strange when characters from these other worlds visit the town of Karakura, as they seem like complete outsiders.

Bleach’s Half-Other Powers Are the Best in Shonen Anime

Ichigo Only Mastered His Hollow By Facing His Grief

Image via Pierrot.

Many popular action anime feature characters with a dual nature, and some fans even prefer these characters—like Eren Yeager’s Attack Titan form or Naruto Uzumaki as the jinchuriki—over Ichigo Kurosaki. However, that doesn’t diminish Ichigo’s importance. His inner Hollow isn’t just a tool for gaining power; it’s a deeply personal part of who he is. While the Hollow often helps Ichigo win fights in Bleach, its significance goes far beyond simply being a convenient power boost.

The unique inner Hollow residing within Ichigo was the key connection between his parents and a defining part of his heritage. Years ago, its destructive outburst in Karakura Town led Captain Isshin Shiba to save Ichigo’s mother, Masaki, at the cost of his own powers – a selfless act even more significant than Minato’s sacrifice for Kushina in Naruto. This explains the origin of Ichigo’s inner darkness. Unlike other heroes who learn to control their inner power through training, Ichigo first had to overcome deep emotional pain and find peace to fully unlock the Hollow’s potential.

Bleach’s Philosophical Edge Makes Viewers Think in Every Episode

Sosuke Aizen Must Be a Fan of Friedrich Nietzsche

Image Pierrot.

While Bleach manages to stand out, it’s a close call compared to other popular series like One Piece, Naruto, My Hero Academia, and Attack on Titan, all of which explore complex themes and philosophical ideas. For instance, My Hero Academia tackles difficult questions about heroes and society, and Naruto is well-known for its insightful look at the roots of hatred and violence. Bleach also offers strong thematic content, beginning with its compelling villain, Sosuke Aizen.

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Aizen, as a character in Bleach, embodies the philosophical ideas of Nietzsche, particularly the concept of the Übermensch – a being who rises above conventional morality. While Aizen doesn’t explicitly mention Nietzsche or use that term, his actions clearly draw inspiration from it. He represents humanity’s inherent drive to seize power and control, filling any void left by traditional authority. This pursuit of dominance could lead to benevolent leadership and the realization of human potential, but it also creates opportunities for oppressive tyrants who prioritize strength over justice. This dynamic forces viewers to question the difference between what can be done with power and what should be done, as humanity constantly pushes its limits.

Bleach Wows Shonen Fans With Conceptual Attacks and Techniques

Not All Powers in Bleach Rely on Physical Power or Energy

Image vi Pierrot.

Many attacks and abilities in Bleach, like certain kido spells and Yoruichi’s speed-enhancing techniques, can feel both impressive and familiar. While powers like Izuru Kira’s weight manipulation or Byakuya Kuchiki’s sword releases are visually striking, they’re typical for action-packed anime. To stand out, Bleach benefits from its more unique and imaginative combat methods – techniques that go beyond simple power and focus on clever concepts.

Some of the most impressive and lasting techniques in Bleach aren’t about raw strength or speed. Instead, they’re creative abilities that catch opponents off guard. Members of the Royal Guard frequently use these kinds of powers – for example, Ichibe Hyosube can weaken enemies by changing their name, or even remove the color black to disorient them. Senjumaru can literally rewrite an enemy’s destiny with her Bankai, and Yhwach can foresee all possible futures to ensure he wins a fight.

Bleach Boasts a High Percentage of Powerful Female Fighters

Senjumaru Shutara Defeated the Entire Schutzstaffel By Herself

Shonen action anime is gradually including more strong and interesting female characters. This not only diversifies the cast of fighters but can also provide positive role models for female viewers. While recent anime like Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen are making progress, Bleach was a pioneer and continues to excel in this area.

I absolutely love how Bleach portrays its female fighters! Okay, sometimes the series fell into the old trope of women needing rescue, especially during the Soul Society Arc and the journey to Hueco Mundo. But honestly, it so makes up for it with characters like Yoruichi, Rukia, Senjumaru, Harribel, and Sui-Feng! What I really appreciate is that these women aren’t just powerful; they’re real. They’re not unbeatable, and they struggle with their own doubts and weaknesses. Take Rukia, for example – she had a fantastic character arc, just like any of the male leads. Watching her train, push her limits, and overcome her inner struggles to become someone Kaien and Byakuya would admire was incredibly inspiring. It’s that hard work and growth that makes these characters so compelling!

2026-02-09 16:35