Why Bleach Fans Still Love Ulquiorra

by

Summary

  • Ulquiorra Cifer, as the Fourth Espada, is iconic for his design and powers, standing out as one of the most beloved villains in Bleach.
  • His unique appearance, connection to Emo and Goth fashion, and neutral expression make him a compelling and well-crafted character.
  • Ulquiorra’s deep characterization, existential pondering, and ultimate understanding of human emotions contribute to his enduring popularity among fans.

Among numerous vibrant and memorable characters, Bleach distinguishes itself by offering a rich array of designs and personalities that resonate deeply with fans. Within the Espada’s formidable lineup, a few members have earned an exceptional level of fan affection. One of the most adored characters in the entire Bleach series is Ulquiorra Cifer, also known as spiderEspada number 4, who symbolizes the aspect of death and emptiness. This character remains deeply cherished by all fans of Bleach.

What is it about Ulquiorra that continues to captivate fans, setting him apart from the rest of his group? Here’s why this character stands out as one of Tite Kubo’s most remarkable inventions.

In this version, I have used a more conversational tone and simplified some phrases to make it easier for readers to understand.

Ulquiorra the Fourth Espada

Iconic in Every Sense of the Word

Ulquiorra Schiffer is the fourth member of the Espada and is widely recognized as one of the most powerful characters in Bleach, both within the group and across all villains. However, it’s not just his immense power that makes him stand out; his unique and imaginative design sets him apart. He has snow-white skin contrasted with jet-black medium-length hair, striking emerald eyes adorned with green markings that resemble teardrops, and a hollow mask remnant on the side of his head, forming a horn.

In contrast to his intimidating comrades, Ulquiorra appears more understated and delicate, standing shorter and leaner than expected for a formidable villain. His physical appearance, except for his striking face, leans toward the ordinary, defying the stereotype of an imposing, threatening antagonist. However, delve deeper into his design, and you’ll find a fascinating link to Emo and Goth fashion sensibilities. This aesthetic, reminiscent of the post-punk, emo-rock era popular in the mid-2000s, has undeniably resonated with many fans who share this unique style affinity, myself included. As an enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by Ulquiorra not just for his role in the story, but also for his sartorial reflection of a subculture that continues to resonate strongly even today.

A unique characteristic that sets Ulquiorra apart is his consistently stoic demeanor. Given that he embodies emptiness, Ulquiorra shows very little emotion, making his connection to the Emo and Goth aesthetic more striking. This trait also distinguishes him from other characters because of his reserved nature. In contrast, many of his companions are quite loud and dramatic, which highlights his calm demeanor even further.

You seem to speak from a place of unawareness about deep sorrow. Should you be unfamiliar with it, let me enlighten you. This is the visage of genuine despair.

In the anime, Ulquiorra’s character is superbly depicted, largely due to the skillful voice acting by Daisuke Namikawa, a well-known actor who has brought many beloved anime characters to life, such as Hisoka in Hunter x Hunter. With Daisuke’s performance, Ulquiorra’s voice is both tranquil and composed yet subtly menacing. A crucial aspect of Ulquiorra’s character lies in his unique voice, which provides a stark contrast to Ichigo’s aggressive and fearful demeanor during their battles. While Ichigo appears constantly enraged and terrified, Ulquiorra remains unfazed and maintains an air of control and calm composure throughout each situation.

In terms of Ulquiorra’s transformations, they metamorphose him into a harbinger of death, symbolized by a bat, that showers Ichigo with despair as ominous black rain descends upon him during their confrontation. This occurs when he witnesses his adversary growing stronger and stronger, despite already being at a disadvantage against him in his base form. However, it’s Ulquiorra’s Segunda etapa transformation that truly sets him apart as one of the most remarkable designs in all of Bleach. In this form, he assumes the appearance of a demonic bat with massive horns and eyes that gleam green and yellow. The absolute control he exerts over Ichigo is both eerie and exhilarating, as his menacing visage radiates fear and power. Ulquiorra’s design in this form has been lauded as one of the best in the series and has even served as a source of inspiration for characters in later Shōnen series.

In my perspective, Ulquiorra’s extraordinary skills like Cero Oscuras and Lanza del Relámpago not only accentuate his unique black-and-emerald-green color scheme but also his signature poses during these techniques. Yet, it’s more than just his power that endears him to fans. It’s his exceptionally well-crafted character and writing that truly sets him apart. Throughout his intriguing exchanges with Orihime, Ulquioria often muses about the essence of the heart and its true meaning. Being a being who can’t comprehend emotions, he finds human notions of a heart perplexing. He’s puzzled by what we humans call a heart. Emotions, feelings, or ideas that he cannot perceive with his eyes are foreign to him. Therefore, he turns to Orihime, asking her to elucidate the mystery of the heart for him.

Is the term “heart” referring to a physical organ within the human body? Could one locate it by opening up a person’s chest or head?

What part of the body do we commonly refer to as the heart, and is it visible through opening the chest or skull?

Over time, he grows increasingly fascinated by both humans, especially Orihime and Ichigo. It’s during his defeat at the hands of Ichigo and Zangetsu that he starts to grasp the concept of a ‘human heart.’ As Ulquiorra succumbs to the severe injuries inflicted by Zangetsu, he can no longer heal from them. In his final moments, Ulquiorra asks Orihime if she’s afraid of him, and upon hearing her say she isn’t, he realizes the significance of a human heart – the reason for his persistent search for it in humans.

Ulquiorra’s character was deeply complex, not just a typical villain aiming to defeat the main characters. Instead, he was on a perpetual quest for something he struggled to comprehend, adding depth and intrigue to his persona. This complexity underscores Tite Kubo’s remarkable storytelling abilities in Bleach. Due to his distinctive design, portrayal, powers, scenes, and notably his exceptional writing and characterization, Ulquiorra continues to be one of the most beloved characters within the world of Bleach.

Read More

2025-04-14 20:37