Bleach: Bankai That Are New Or Improved In The Anime

Summary

Anime-exclusive Bankai scenes in Bleach Thousand-Year Blood War anime showcase enhanced animations and new Bankai.
Extended fights in the anime add depth to Bankai abilities, making them more impactful and visually stunning.
The anime clarifies confusing Bankai abilities, adds new scenes to emphasize power, and breathes life into manga moments.

In the world of Bleach, activating a Bankai is a significant event because it represents a captain or lieutenant from the Gotei 13 unleashing their maximum power through an extraordinarily potent ability or skill. Tite Kubo’s original manga showcases numerous Bankai for viewers to appreciate, yet some were only briefly mentioned while others were not shown at all due to various reasons.

It’s great news that Tite Kubo is collaborating with Pierrot on the new Bleach Thousand Year-Blood War anime! This means that the author can influence animators to devote a bit more effort to certain attacks, making them more powerful and unforgettable. Additionally, an entirely fresh Bankai has been presented to viewers exclusively through this anime, making it a must-watch, even for those who have already consumed the original content.

8. Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari – Shinji

Shinji Finally Got To Put His Full Power On Show In An Anime-Exclusive Bankai Scene

First Appearance: Cour 2 Episode 3

Initially, during the false Karakura Town, Shinji demonstrated some of his Zanpakuto’s mighty Shikai, leaving Aizen astonished. However, his Bankai remained hidden in the manga. Fortunately, the anime provided Shinji with more attention and even a chance to shine, displaying his captivating Bankai that he used to annihilate a band of Quincy soldiers who had encircled him.

The Bankai of Shinji causes his opponents to perceive a reversed reality, causing them to question their beliefs, sense of justice, and personal identity. This confusion often leads the Quincy to shoot arrows at each other unknowingly, inflicting damage. This powerful Bankai is one reason why Shinji gained his Captain rank in the past.

7. Hakka No Togame – Rukia

Hakka No Togame’s Range And Power Is Emphasized Much More In The Anime

Episode: Cour 2 Episode 6

In the climactic battle against Sternritter “F”, known as Nodt, Rukia ultimately revealed her long-anticipated Bankai from the pages of the manga. Even before this moment, her icy technique was captivating; however, it wasn’t entirely clear just how expansive its range truly was. The visuals primarily showed only Rukia and Asnode Tachibana enveloped in ice when she activated the Bankai, leaving some uncertainty about its full extent.

As I watched Rukia summon Hakka no Togame in the anime, there were additional scenes that depicted her ice spreading rapidly across the environment, underscoring both its speed and potential danger. These extra moments only served to amplify the cool factor of this risky maneuver.

6. Tekken Tachikaze – Kensei

Kensei’s Strikes Look Extra Explosive During His On-Screen Encounter With Mask

First Appearance: Cour 2 Episode 5

Kensei’s Bankai is frequently criticized for appearing simple and commonplace in comparison to many other captains’ abilities. In essence, this Bankai empowers Kensei to amass an immense amount of force within his fists, enabling him to disperse opponents with just a few swift, lethal strikes.

In the comic book (manga), the Bankai character appears only briefly before Mask de Masculine overpowers Kensei and seemingly kills him. However, in the animated version (anime), despite Kensei still being defeated by the masked wrestler, the dynamic and powerful animation makes his Bankai appear more impressive and destructive, as if this was the intended portrayal in the original comic book chapter.

5. Minazuki – Retsu Onahana

Minazuki’s True Abilities Are Now Much Easier To Understand Thanks To The Anime

First Appearance: Cour 1 Episode 10

Minazuki, Bankai of Unohana that unveiled her true Kenpachi persona at the war’s outset, was among the most puzzling powers in the manga, causing numerous readers to ponder upon its workings when initially introduced. Since Unohana didn’t fully utilize its abilities and continued fighting normally, fans were left speculating about its functions, with some hypothesizing that it enabled her sword to produce searing acid, while others suggested it involved creating darkness to disorient the adversary.

It’s worth mentioning that the explanation could have been improved, but the anime provided a clearer picture by emphasizing the weapons’ unique power to control blood. In the anime, Unohana appears to launch streams of blood at Kenpachi during their fight, and due to the high-quality animation, this technique now seems significantly more menacing and unsettling than before.

4. Shatatsu Karagara Shigarami No Tsuji – Senjumaru

A New Bankai Which Managed To Rock The Three Worlds Just From Being Activated

First Appearance: Cour 2 Episode 13

In the manga, Squad 0, known for their formidable reputation within Soul Society, didn’t quite live up to expectations as they were swiftly defeated by Yhwach and his Schutzstaffel. Many fans felt this was a weakness of the story that needed addressing in the anime. Not only did they extend the fight sequence, but they also unveiled an astonishing Bankai from the enigmatic Senjumaru, adding a stunning twist to the narrative.

With her exceptional textile artistry, Senjumaru envelopes adversaries within an expansive area brimming with deceptive illusions and mesmerizing visuals to disorient them, followed by a precise strike at their vulnerabilities, gradually breaking them down part by part. This overwhelmingly potent Bankai, when activated, sent ripples through the three realms slightly, undeniably boosting Squad 0’s prestige substantially.

3. Katen Kyōkotsu Karamatsu Shinju – Kyoraku

The Animation Team Gave Shunsui’s Bankai A Stylish Color Palette To Help It Stand Out More

First Appearance: Cour 3 Episode 9

Fans have been eagerly waiting to see Kyoraku’s impressive Bankai, which was first revealed in the last few series chapters, brought to life through animation. The attack is not portrayed as weak in the manga but rather exudes an incredible level of badassness and style that would undoubtedly be enhanced with animation. This was demonstrated when it made its appearance in the episode “Don’t Chase A Shadow” and left everyone awestruck by how visually striking it was.

When Kyoarku pointed his double blades towards the earth, the surrounding area turned a bright yellow and tree branches sprang up beneath him. The animation team opted to incorporate this golden hue and traditional music as a nod to classic Japanese theater productions, significantly enhancing the visual appeal and design of the Bankai for viewers’ appreciation.

2. Soo Zabimaru – Renji

Renji Finally Got An Opportunity To Use Soo Zabimaru To Its Full Extent Against Uryu

First Appearance: Cour 2 Episode 5

In the original manga, viewers don’t get to witness Renji using his Bankai for an extended period due to a short skirmish with Mask de Masculine, leaving many fans feeling let down since he had put in so much effort training with Squad 0 prior. However, the anime compensated for this by providing Renji with a fresh battle against Uryu, offering ample opportunity for him to demonstrate Zabimaru’s full potential. It can be safely said that when released, Zabimaru is more than capable of causing significant turmoil.

When Bankai is activated, Renji’s sword extends farther and gains additional powers. He can make his blade ignite and spin around, summon its fur for an attack, and launch a massive Reishi blast called Zagga Teppo that nearly defeated Uryu. Moreover, he can grow skeletal hands from the sword to shield himself against enemy attacks, such as Uryu’s arrows.

1. Zanka No Tachi – Genryusai Yamamoto

Zanka No Tachi Looks Absolutely Jawdropping In Action Thanks To The Gorgeous Animation

First Appearance: Cour 1 Episode 6

In the manga, the scene where Yamamoto awakens his intense Bankai left a lasting impression on readers, and when it came to the anime adaptation, fans were eager to see how it would be portrayed. However, no one could have anticipated just how much attention and detail would go into this scene. The episode that highlights Yamamoto’s Bankai might showcase some of the best animation ever seen in Bleach, as the creators aim to convey the sheer magnitude of the head captain’s Zanpakuto’s immense power.

In its initial form, the Bankai appears imposing as it allows Kubō to shatter vast expanses of the Soul Society with just the edge of his sword. However, it’s at Zanka no Tachi West where things become truly awe-inspiring. Here, Yamamoto transforms into a colossal inferno, underscoring why he holds the esteemed position of captain of the Soul Society. The breathtaking animation in this episode accentuates the legendary power of his Bankai, making a compelling case for his title as head captain.

2025-01-07 07:34