Bleach: Characters Whose Appearances Have Changed The Most

Summary

Characters evolve over time in Bleach, with the story’s impact being reflected in appearances.
Rangiku, Ichigo, Keigo underwent significant appearance changes for various reasons.
Design changes in Bleach are symbolic of character development and story progression.

As a long-time aficionado of the supernatural world that is “Bleach”, I must say that the series truly outdid itself when it comes to character design evolution. The transformation of our beloved characters, especially those who undergo significant revelations about their identities or roles, adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the storyline.

In the anime series Bleach, several characters may be well-known across the broader anime community. However, just because they are recognizable doesn’t mean their appearance has remained consistent throughout the series. Given that author Tite Kubo’s drawing style has evolved and changed over time, it’s not surprising to see some Soul Reapers appear slightly different compared to their initial appearances.

Additionally, such changes in a character’s appearance can also be intentional within the narrative, serving to demonstrate the growth and transformation a character has undergone as a result of the story’s events. Regardless of the cause, these visual transformations seen in characters by the end of Bleach often speak volumes about their personalities and journeys.

9. Rangiku Matsumoto

Rangiku Seems To Have Gone For A More Practical Look By The Final Arc

First Appearance: Episode 30

Given Rangiku’s significant focus on her appearance, it’s not surprising that she would modify her style over the course of the story. However, it might take a moment to recognize it’s her due to the changes. The most noticeable transformation is in her hair, which previously reached down to her legs but is now cropped into a casual, shoulder-length bob. This new style appears more functional for combat situations.

In the heat of the final conflict, I observed that Rangiku’s facial expressions grew remarkably dynamic, particularly her eyes, which seemed significantly wider in certain scenes compared to earlier ones. It’s plausible that she adopted this look for battle readiness, but her continually changing style is another reason why she presents such a striking transformation.

8. Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo’s Appearance Has Become A Lot More Stoic And Refined

First Appearance: Episode 1

As the narrative progressed, Ichigo’s appearance underwent significant transformation; his iconic spiky orange hair remained unchanged, yet nearly everything else about him altered. Initially in the series, Ichigo was noticeably leaner and sported a punk-rock aesthetic, with a style that closely resembled typical shonen protagonists.

Over time, after countless intense fights and repeatedly saving the world, Ichigo’s appearance becomes more authentic and polished in the series. Additionally, it’s hinted in the anime that Ichigo has significantly increased his muscle mass during the final arc, subtly highlighting how long he’s been engaged in combat by this stage.

7. Keigo Asano

Keigo Went From Looking Like A Derpy Goofball To A Stoic Imitation Of Ichigo

First Appearance: Episode 1

In the series, Keigo has traditionally served as a source of humor, with his eccentric facial expressions contributing significantly to this image. Yet, over time, there’s been a noticeable shift in Keigo’s appearance, transitioning from a more playful, mature look. Simultaneously, the character appears to have grown somewhat serious, managing his excessive energy better and exhibiting less of his usual goofiness.

Indeed, when we reach the final stage, Keigo appears strikingly similar to Ichigo due to his constant serious demeanor, albeit with brown hair instead of orange. It’s quite possible that Kubo might have overlooked this character entirely, but the thoughtful revision of his design to reflect his altered personality is a delightful detail.

6. Orihime Inoue

Orihime’s Change In Design Reflects The Ever Evolving Tone Of The Series

First Appearance: Episode 1

Over time, I’ve noticed the refined progression in the character design of Orihime, which clearly showcases Kubo’s impressive growth as an artist. Initially, in early chapters and episodes, Orihime’s face was simpler and somewhat comical, with her high eyebrows and chunky facial structure standing out notably.

Throughout each storyline, her features grew more angular, while her expressions transitioned into ones that were moodier and more somber to match the show’s overall tone. Additionally, it seems Orihime has undergone more wardrobe changes than any other character in the series; her most distinctive outfits include the Arrancar gown and the one tailored by Urahara during the climactic battle.

5. Zaraki Kenpachi

Kenpachi’s Appearance has Been Tinkered Over Time, Though He Still Looks Just As Intimidating

First Appearance: Episode 20

It’s pretty hard to confuse Kenpachi with another character given his imposing physical frame and bloodthirsty grin, but there’s no denying he’s had quite a makeover during the timeskip. While he used to don spiky black hair that gave a glimpse into how zany and off the rails he was, nowadays, Kenpachi’s hair is much longer and reaches down his back, which makes sense considering he’s probably too busy fighting to ever think about cutting it.

Moreover, instead of being looped around his eye, Kenpachi now sports an eyepatch that fits into its socket. This change, along with his generally somber and brooding demeanor, suggests that the losses of Yachiru and Unohana within a short span have significantly impacted him over time. While these alterations might seem minor, they effectively illustrate Kenpachi’s transformation throughout his tenure as a captain.

4. Momo Hinamori

Small Alterations Make Momo Hard To Recognize From A Visual Standpoint

First Appearance: Episode 24

It’s surprising how different Momo appears in the final arc of the series, considering she used to have a distinct look with her long, neatly tied-back hair and the constant green bun on her head.

In the concluding part, Momo has adopted a new hairstyle that falls slightly above her shoulders, with no sign of the cap anymore. Her eyes and overall facial characteristics seem more prominent now compared to before. This transformation in Momo’s appearance could be interpreted as her overcoming the traumatic experiences she faced early in the series, following the betrayal by her former captain whom she deeply loved.

3. Sosuke Aizen

Aizen’s Constant Changes In How He Looks Reflect His Status In The Wider Story

First Appearance: Episode 23

Initially in the series, Aizen’s appearance suggests a captain who appears reserved and non-aggressive, almost to the point of being harmless due to his glasses and unkempt brown hair, giving off an ordinary vibe. However, when he unveils his intentions, the transformation in his design that follows is particularly startling because it contrasts so starkly with his initial appearance.

After Aizen neatly combs his hair and discards his glasses, he dons a coat with a high collar, accentuating his newly acquired power as the head of the Espada. In the climactic battle, aspects of his face are concealed to underscore his transformation into a notorious criminal. Consequently, his appearance completes its evolution from an innocent Soul Reaper to a formidable convict.

2. Mayuri Kurotsuchi

Only Someone As Weird And Twisted As Mayuri Could Conjure Up Such Outlandish Outfits

First Appearance: Episode 24

Each time Mayuri appears in the series, he seems to sport a fresh, unusual style. In the Soul Society arc, his attire included a hat pointed towards one side, while in Hueco Mundo, where he battled the Espada, he donned a large blue headdress and gold-plated teeth.

Beyond that, during the Thousand Year Blood War, he’d repeatedly alter his facial features and ornaments, a testament to his creative madness! And let’s not forget about the sunflower suit – as wild as it seems! This endless reinvention merely underscores his daring experimentation and delight in terrifying his adversaries with an image as fearsome as he can craft.

1. Yachiru Unohana

Unohana’s Appearance Goes Through A Full 180 Once Her True Identity Is Revealed

First Appearance: Episode 24

In the anime “Bleach,” there’s no doubt that one character undergoes a significant transformation in appearance throughout the storyline – this character is Unohana, a former Squad 4 captain. For most of the series, Unohana appears as a gentle healer, with her soft braids, endearing smile, and comforting eyes, giving off an innocent vibe. However, by the end of the series, she doesn’t resemble that character anymore.

Upon being unveiled as Kenpachi, Unohana’s entire persona and attire undergo a transformation. Her hair becomes disheveled, and her once friendly expression is replaced with dread, revealing a terrifying true form. Eagle-eyed fans who watch the Thousand Year Blood War anime might notice signs of Unohana’s appearance changing beforehand. For instance, a scowl starts to appear on her face when the Royal Guard arrives, and her eyes seem to lower as the episodes progress.

2024-12-16 15:47