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The Bleach franchise (including the Thousand-Year Blood War arc) has introduced many powerful warriors with their unique Zanpakutos, unleashing some of the most jaw-dropping Bankai ever seen. When the stakes are high and their backs are against the wall, these final forms work to show the real depth of each of the soul reapers’ power.

From overwhelming destructive force to stunning visual execution, Bankai has been one of the core techniques that redefine the meaning of being a captain-level combatant. From the long-awaited reveal to the shocking evolutions, here are the 10 best Bankais seen across Bleach and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.

1. Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari User: Shinji Hirako Shinji Hirako from Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War| Image Credit: Studio Pierrot

Shinji Hirako’s Bankai is one that fans have been eagerly waiting to see since his arrival in Bleach. His technique, Sakashima Yokoshima Happofusagari, has a psychological impact on his enemies.

Premiering at the 2024 Tokyo International Film Festival and later selected for D’A Festival Cinema Barcelona, “Adabana” marks the return of director Sayaka Kai, five years after her critically acclaimed debut “Red Snow.” Originally conceptualized in the late 1990s, the story was deemed too speculative for its time and shelved. The global Covid-19 pandemic, however, brought renewed relevance to its themes of medical ethics, isolation, and mortality, prompting Kai to revisit the project. Reuniting with longtime collaborators, including composer Kazuya Nagaya and cinematographer Koichi Furuya, she crafted a slow-burning, philosophical science fiction drama that explores identity, class, and the commodification of life. Echoes of Naomi Kawase‘s stylistic sensibility and the societal critique found in “Plan 75” (less) resonate throughout.

Set in a near future where a virus has drastically reduced the population, only the elite are entitled to possess a cloned version of themselves, known as “the Unit.” Shinji,...

If you’ve ever watched a Hollywood blockbuster and felt, “Hey, this kinda feels anime-ish,” well, you’re not imagining things. Over the years, some of the most memorable and mind-blowing movies in the West have taken heavy inspiration from anime. And we’re not referring to superficial influences or “maybe kinda sorta” similarities. We’re referring to straight-up, “yoink that theme, add some budget, and roll camera” love letters.

Hollywood has always had a thing for anime’s over-the-top visuals, wild plots, and big ol’ existential meltdowns. From mecha warfare to dream-hopping craziness, anime has been the hidden ingredient in some of your favorite films. So buckle up, because we’re diving into five incredible movies that were inspired by anime. Some of these are obvious homages. Others? Well, after you know the source, you can’t help but see it.

1. Pacific Rim: The lovechild of mechs and mayhem...

It is rather a shock, if you are familiar with Mikio Naruse‘s cinema, to discover “Summer Clouds”. The movie stands out in his filmography – not simply because it is his first color and widescreen feature, but also because it leaves behind the urban environment typical of the director to instead tell a tale about peasant life in the countryside. In place of the quiet domestic dramas set in small Tokyo homes, we now get wide shots of fields, valleys and beaches. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Naruse also stumbles somewhat in telling a story that feels much more polished and academic than his usual fare.

Summer Clouds is screening at Metrograph as part of the Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us program

There is still much to appreciate in a movie that bears strong similarities to Naruse’s earlier works, particularly in how it concentrates on a family...

Anime protagonists are often depicted as confident, stoic, and cool, especially if they are men and in a Shonen series. Fans have begun expecting it from every main character and are sometimes put off if they are anything but those traits. That’s why Shinji Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion is such a controversial protagonist.

Neon Genesis Evangelion, in general, is fairly complicated and not your typical anime. It’s a dark and gritty mecha series that delves deeply into its characters’ psychology. So, of course, Shinji’s broken psyche will have a special spotlight on it.

Hideaki Anno has made him entirely too realistic, and the audience finds it hard to accept that he’s a mirror of them. Animation is meant to be an escape, but the creator wanted to subvert that. He wanted the characters of Neon Genesis Evangelion to be a reflection and not give in to what we expect.

“A Wife’s Heart” is situated within Naruse’s prolific period during the 1950s, a decade in which he produced several works focusing on the lives and struggles of women in post-war Japan. This movie, along with others like “Repast” (1951), “Wife” (1953), and “Floating Clouds” (1955), exemplifies Naruse’s thematic focus on the quiet resilience of women navigating societal and familial constraints. In the case of “A Wife’s Heart,” Naruse offers a pointed critique of the family structure, particularly its dysfunction during this transitional period in Japanese society.

A Wife’s Heart is screening at Metrograph as part of the Mikio Naruse: The World Betrays Us program

Kiyoko and Shinji Tomita are a married couple running a small shop in a side street of a provincial town. They live in the same house as Shinji’s elderly mother, Ko, a domineering woman who acts as the de facto head of the household.

With the release of BrokenLore: Don’T Watch to Steam later this week, developer Serafini Productions and publisher Shochiku have announced that the game will also be coming to PlayStation 5 later this year. No specific date was mentioned in the announcement, but the game can currently be wishlisted on the PlayStation Store.

In BrokenLore: Don’T Watch (which has a demo available), players assume the role of Shinji, who is a young hikikomori, a Japanese term for individuals with a form of severe social withdrawal. In this case, Shiji is trapped inside his small Tokyo apartment. With unpaid rent, mounting bills, and a family that doesn’t understand him, he feels isolated from the world—and from himself. His only escape is video games, and his only window to the outside world is his PC. But even those have their limits.

You’ll explore Shinji’s mind as it unravels,...

Thirty years ago, Mamoru Oshii delivered the iconic cyberpunk masterpiece Ghost in the Shell. The film was quite a sensation in the genre and is celebrated to this date. It set a benchmark for most anime in the category for years.

Additionally, the film boosted his popularity and stature as an esteemed filmmaker and director. His vision behind creating revolutionary films is often talked of among cinema enthusiasts. But this time, Oshii took a dig at yet another known animator.

To give some context, the director wasn’t quite impressed by Hideaki Anno’s work, as he revealed in an interview. He put forth his outlook on art, artist, and expressionism, which brings us to the question of the hour. What exactly constitutes a true artist?

Ghost in the Shell director isn’t impressed by Hideaki Anno

Ghost in the Shell is the crème de la crème in the cyberpunk genre.

Shinji Ikari has never been your typical anime protagonist. In a medium that was dominated by loudness, boundless optimism, and courage, and other characteristics of the popular Shonen genre, Neon Genesis Evangelion gave us a main character who runs from confrontation, avoids connection, and wrestles with self-worth. He has never been confident, proud, or shown any quality that sets him apart from the usual crowd.

That dissonance wasn’t accidental and it was exactly as he was supposed to be. If not for that, Neon Genesis Evangelion might not have remained an iconic anime after thirty years. According to creator Hideaki Anno, Shinji was not inspired by any external source, but was built from within.

The Evangelion protagonist was never meant to be a hero

Creators often try to keep the perception that the fans and viewers have of them distinct and separate from that of the characters or the elements in the anime.

Most anime already bend logic and rules to do half of the things that happen in their universes, but none are more complex than Neon Genesis Evangelion. It defined the mecha genre and influenced many different anime, regardless of the genre they deal with.

It’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends the industry. It couldn’t have been easy to create something like Neon Genesis Evangelion, but its compelling quality is partly due to Hideaki Anno’s self-awareness.

It wouldn’t have been the same without his mind and soul. Psychology is a huge aspect of Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Anno explores it in-depth. He admits that Neon Genesis Evangelion also helped him learn more about himself, for good or for worse.

Neon Genesis Evangelion exposes your own flaws, something Hideaki Anno realized about himself

The franchise might be one of the heaviest in the anime industry, despite the numerous memes it has generated.

Rei Ayanami is one of those few anime characters who enjoys a massive fanbase both in Japan and overseas. Otakus fall head over heels for this Neon Genesis Evangelion character. However, Hideaki Anno, the creator of the franchise himself, has opposing opinions about her.

For years, Rei has been worshipped like a Goddess, but these worshippers often ignore or overlook how unsettling some aspects of her character are. She was never a character who fans were supposed to be engrossed with, but they did. Despite the ‘overdone’ mysteriousness of the character, people were eating up Rei’s merch.

Hideaki Anno did not care for Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s Rei Ayanami

When Rei Ayanami was first introduced in the anime, she was a withdrawn and emotionless character. She did not interact with anyone other than Gendo. Her mysterious personality was the actual mystery about her. By the end of the series,...

Bankai is no cakewalk, but Tite Kubo made some exceptions. This is true for Ichigo and Mayuri, who defied the ironclad rules in their mastery of the form. It is crazy to see the abilities in their full glory and intensity. While there are prodigies and geniuses, some took the road less traveled.

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Interestingly, Kubo took the difficult way out for this Bleach character. It took almost decades for the character to get Bankai, but we know one thing for sure. Even if it was delayed, it slayed. To top it off, the mangaka and Pierrot took it up a notch by giving us some of the stellar moments in the Tybw anime.

Delayed but Slayed: The Arduous Bankai in Bleach

The power system in Bleach is unique and impressive in more ways than one. From Kido spells to Shunpo,...

The 80s and 90s saw the emergence of cyberpunk and mecha anime and Hideaki Anno’s masterpiece shouldn’t be excluded. The series stands as a landmark anime in the genre through its depiction of profound themes. The conflict, trauma, and self-concept intermingle with the recurrent symbolism.

There are references, both philosophical and religious, that are meshed within Neon Genesis Evangelion’s plot. It is indeed fascinating how Anno mapped these out in the anime. However, the director burst our bubble through his statement regarding the series.

Asuka in a still from Neon Genesis Evangelion | Credit: Tatsunoko, Gainax

In doing so, he may have stirred the pot among fans who gave it all to the series. The revelation would most certainly dampen fans’ spirits and negate their emotional investment. But does that make the series any less significant or relevant? Not necessarily, and there are several reasons for that.

Hideako...

Bankai reveals are easily among the most exciting things about Bleach. For that reason, it’s unfortunate that the Bankai of one of the strongest characters in the series remains unknown. This character is none other than Sosuke Aizen, the orchestrator of chaos.

His introduction instantly established him as one of the kindest souls, and his true personality made him a fan-favorite villain. In this way, Aizen always enjoyed great popularity in the fandom. As a result of his massive popularity both as a good guy at first and a villain after the reveal, his Bankai has always been a subject of curiosity and speculation.

Sosuke Aizen in Bleach anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

A new theory has emerged during discussions on Reddit. It suggests that Aizen’s Bankai might not be as overpowered as most fans believe it to be. Moreover, this theory ties in with an important aspect of his character,...

On Friday April 4 2025, Axs TV broadcasts Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works!

Dancing After School Season 1 Episode 6 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works,” titled “Dancing After School,” promises to bring tension and mystery to the forefront. Set to air on Axs TV, this episode follows a troubling event at the school. A student has gone missing, leaving everyone on edge and questioning what could have happened.

As the story unfolds, Shinji, a character known for his complex relationships with others, also disappears. His absence raises concerns among his classmates and adds to the growing atmosphere of uncertainty. The episode explores the reactions of various characters as they try to piece together the events leading to these disappearances.

With a mix of suspense and character development, “Dancing After School” aims to delve deeper into the dynamics of the student body. Viewers can expect to see how...

The excitement builds for the next episode of “Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works,” titled “Dancing After School.” This episode, airing at 12:00 Am on Friday, April 4, 2025, on Axs TV, promises to delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the characters. With a gripping storyline, fans can expect tension and intrigue as the plot unfolds.

In this episode, a student mysteriously goes missing, leaving everyone on edge. The atmosphere in the school becomes heavy with concern and fear. As the search for the missing student intensifies, Shinji, another key character, also vanishes without a trace. His absence raises questions and adds to the unsettling feeling among the students and faculty.

The stakes are high as the characters grapple with the implications of these disappearances. Viewers will likely see familiar faces come together, trying to uncover the truth behind these events. As the episode progresses, the blend of action and mystery will keep...

The following contains major spoilers. Proceed with caution.

The best kinds of anime plot twists are the ones fans remember even long after the anime in question came and went. This, however, doesn't exactly mean that the plot twist has to be good, or at least popular. In the case of these particular anime, their biggest plot twists caused more controversy than anyone could've anticipated or wanted.

These controversial plot twists had little to no middle ground. Either fans loved it, or they despised it. Defenders say these contentious narrative developments enriched their respective anime, and are confident time will be kind to these twists. On the other hand, critics see these plot twists as the worst possible writing choices imaginable that only made the anime they came from all the more questionable.

Ichigo Kurosaki's Overpowered Status Has a Canonical Reason Stream Bleach on HuluImage by Pierrot Films

Bleach was...

Some anime protagonists face adversity, but then there are those whose lives seem to be nothing but torment and suffering. For these characters, every moment is a battle, whether against external forces, their inner demons or both. Their struggles are intense, shaping their worlds and molding them into figures of pain, resilience and often, tragic heroism.

From early trauma to ongoing suffering, these characters endure hardships that seem almost insurmountable. Their journeys are marked by devastating losses, betrayal and relentless violence, making their quest for survival or vengeance an agonizing trial. Through it all, they show immense strength, though often at the cost of both their humanity and sanity.

NausicaäCarries the Weight of a Dying World on Her Shoulders in Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Streaming on NetflixImage via Studio Ghibli

Few anime protagonists shoulder as much responsibility as Nausicaä. Orphaned at a young age, she carries the...

This article discusses sensitive themes. Reader discretion is advised.

The wondrous world of anime is a convoluted hotpot of various emotions induced by memorable and sometimes shocking stories. However, when it specifically comes to the shock factor, there are anime that literally leave fans gasping for air. These stories don’t generally start out with complicated premises or a noticeable body count. Good anime often depends on a slow-burn buildup and an eerie atmosphere that usually entails the coming of something disturbing.

However, sometimes nothing can prepare the viewers for a reality-breaking revelation or a mind-boggling conclusion that is more traumatizing than inspiring. From one of the most well-known mecha franchises to unsettling psychological thrillers, these unpredictable anime endings petrified fans.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’s Unexpected Sacrifice Made It Memorable Stream Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion on CrunchyrollImage via Sunrise

Lelouch vi Britannia is one of...

Originally slated for release this week, Serafini Productions had announced that they’ve pushed the launch of the second entry in their BrokenLore psychological horror series, Don’T Watch, to April 25th. However, the game will now features two additional new endings, allowing players to be able to make decisions that will impact the outcome of the game.

The delay was made to “expand the gaming experience,” as well as use the feedback received from BrokenLore: Low to expand the game. Additionally, players will uncover further connections to the other titles in the series through Elysium Technologies in the game’s secret ending.

The announcement was accompanied by a new teaser for BrokenLore: Don’T Watch, featuring a segment with reimagined graphics (a feature also present in BrokenLore: Low).

In BrokenLore: Don’T Watch, players will explore the crumbling mind of Shinji, a hikikomori, as he confronts Hyakume, a malevolent...

Most Neon Genesis Evangelion merchandise is based around the anime's iconic Eva units, typically in their completed forms. Now, a new collectible from Prime 1 Studio takes a look at the prototypical form of the anime's main mecha.

Designed by Josh Nizzi, the Prime 1 Studio Evangelion Test Type-01 is a mighty and massive bust depicting one of the earliest moments from the Evangelion anime. Standing at nearly three feet in height, every inch of the figurine is detailed to the max in ways that would make Shinji even more reticent to get in the robot. There's also one of the Angels included in the set, with pre-orders for the collectibles opening soon.

Prime 1 Studio Unleashes Angelic Giants With Upcoming Evangelion Figures

Prime 1 Studio's Evangelion Test Type-01 figurine is a massive behemoth of a bust, and one that any fan of anime dioramas will want to have on their shelf. Designed by artist Josh Nizzi,...

The massively popular Sakamoto Days anime, based on the hit Shonen Jump series of the same name, has received a new collection of perfumes. The range features scents themed after Taro Sakamoto, Shin Asakura and two other fan-favorite characters.

Via PR Times, Fairy Tail Co., Ltd. has released its latest anime perfume collaboration, starring four versions inspired by Sakamoto Days characters. Taro Sakamoto, Shin Asakura, Shaotang Lu and Heisuke Mashimo all received character-inspired scents to match their personalities and motivations. They're enclosed in 50 ml bottles and priced at 4,950 yen (~US$33). Readers can check out the Sakamoto Days perfumes and scent information below.

New Sakamoto Days Perfume Lets Fans Smell Like Their Favorite Anime (Ex)-Assassin Taro Sakamoto: Top notes: cinnamon, cara, benzoin Middle: lily of the valley, ylang-ylang, jasmine, centifolia rose Bottom: sandalwood, cedarwood, white musk

Shin Asakura: Top: grapefruit, blackcurrant, lemon Middle: rosemary, damask rose, vetiver, patchouli, verbena Bottom: cedarwood,...

There's nothing quite like a classic 90s anime to serve as a blast from the past for fans. Many grew up on these anime, while others found these series later on their journey or long after they stopped airing. While modern anime may now wow audiences with their visuals and their plots, there are still certain anime that will always be the best of their time.

These 90s anime didn't need fancy CGI to help stun viewers. They had fantastic plots, endearing characters, and enough life to be worth watching long after they reached their end. Sometimes, when watching anime, the best series worth watching is a classic from the 90s.

Outlaw Star Is an Underrated Sci-Fi Anime Classic That's Worth Every Episode Streaming on Apple TV

When fans think of fantastic space-faring anime from the 90s, Cowboy Bebop is often the first thing to come to mind. However, Outlaw Star is just as good,...

Mecha anime is easily one of the most action-packed genres in the medium, which comes with the territory when giant robots are involved. This is especially the case with the Real Robot anime that became all the rage after 1979, taking the genre in a somewhat grittier direction. As a result, many of these works are known for their "kill 'em all" mentality, seeing large swathes of the cast members killed off.

Mecha anime is synonymous with the characters suffering in brutal massacres, with these anime having numerous members of the cast killed off in the final episodes. Entries such as the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion might be the most popular examples of this, but this trend started long beforehand. As a result, the genre can many times result in the requisite "feel bad" anime of the year.

Bokurano Kills Characters Off Throughout the Story Streaming on Crunchyroll

Bokurano is one...

Evangelion fans are in for an aromatic treat with a new perfume collection inspired by the characters of the Rebuild of Evangelion anime tetralogy.

The Evangelion franchise received the new perfume release from Primaniacs, inspired by the five mecha pilots Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Kaworu Nagisa, and Mari Illustrious Makinami. Reservations are currently open on its online shop ahead of its release at Primaniac's main store in Ginza on April 18 and general sale on April 24. The perfume bottles feature nods to each character's hobbies and personalities, such as Shinji's cassette player, a piano for Kaworu and a doll for Asuka. Readers can check out the official images, fragrance information and more below.

Related'What the Hell Are You Doing?': Evangelion Director Reveals Major Fears Taking On New Gundam Anime

Rebuild of Evangelion director Kazuya Tsurumaki reveals his fears around helming the latest mainline entry of the Gundam franchise: GquuuuuuX.

Ahead of an April 2025 broadcast debut, the official accounts for Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu Suru? ) today unveiled the upcoming rom-com anime's first trailer, which also highlights core cast members and the opening song, "Shitsumon, Koitte Nandeshouka?" by HoneyWorks feat.Hakoniwaliliy. Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu Suru? Trailer Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu Suru? 's confirmed cast is now as follows: Yu Natsume voiced by Kikunosuke Toya Himari Inuzaka voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro Rion Enomoto voiced by Yuka Nukui Shinji Makishima voiced by Ko Bonkobara Hibari Inuzuka voiced by Masaaki Mizunaka Sakura Natsume voiced by Hisako Kanemoto Shinji Makishima Hibari Inuzuka Sakura Natsume Related: Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu Suru? Anime Announces Theme Song Artists Based on the light novels by Nana Nanana and Parum, Yohei Suzuki ( Sugar Apple Fairy Tale ) directs the Danjo no Yujo wa Seiritsu Suru? anime at studio J.C.Staff, with series composition by Nozu Yaemori and character designs by Natsuki Oyama.

The concept of imprisonment and release has been repeatedly explored in Japanese cinema, although the truth is that most of these movies usually revolve around the Yakuza. Go Furukawa, in his feature debut, takes a completely different approach, as he focuses on the issues of visitation and delivering in local prisons, through a man who runs a service like that.

Kaneko’s Commissary is screening at Festival International des Cinemas d’Asie de Vesoul

Shinji, a man who was imprisoned due to his violent tendencies, continues to be violent even towards his wife, Miwako, when she visits him in prison. Eventually, though, he manages to change with the help of his family, including his newborn son, wife and his uncle who is also staying with them. Furthermore, as soon as he is out of prison, he starts running a commissary named after his wife, which provides service for delivering items...

Neon Genesis Evangelion created a lasting legacy that has defined the mecha anime genre since its release in the U.S. back in 1995. Over the last 30 years, the franchise has garnered a worldwide fanbase, and has often been lauded as one of the most popular and famous anime of all time. But, does Neon Genesis Evangelion deserve the accolades and fame, or is it just an overrated series that coasts on hype and nostalgia?

The answer isn't a simple yes or no. Neon Genesis Evangelion deserves its fame, as not many anime have managed to reach the same level of popularity and hype as the sci-fi mecha series. The ending of the original anime has become infamous for its confusing and abrupt conclusion, but one could argue that the overall anime itself is nothing but a convoluted mess of ideas all tangled together.

Neon Genesis Evangelion's Overrated Nature What...

Anime endings have seen a sharp rise in recent years for failing to meet expectations, often leading to disappointment. Just because a series is well received doesn't mean the ending won't create a tarnished legacy for an otherwise good anime. Endings are the most important aspect of any story, yet so many anime seem to fail towards the end of the finish line.

While not every bad anime will make every mistake, there will always be a combination that leads to an otherwise poor conclusion. However, just because an anime makes a mistake or two, doesn't mean the ending will be bad. But, the ending will probably suffer. Keen-eyed viewers can spot common mistakes, as there are always telltale signs that point to disaster ahead.

Exposition Dumps Ruin the Flow of Anime Storytelling Too Much Talking Without Pay-off Isn't What Anime Fans Sign Up For

Exposition is one of those...

Another heaping helping of announcements came from Seven Seas Entertainment this week, from manga and light novels to a new audiobook and beyond. Among the announcements are Wataru Mitogawa's My Girlfriend is 8 Meters Tall manga, Softcoral's Korean novel series Be a Light in the Dark Sea and an audiobook version of Daemi's KinnPorsche . Check out the full slate below. God of Seduction in the Bedroom by Fumi Tsuyuhisa October 2025 Synopsis: Satoru's love life has hit rock bottom. As "The World's Worst Lover," he's been dumped time and again due to his terrible skills in bed. Just when he thinks all hope is lost, the God of Seduction, affectionately nicknamed Ecchan, suddenly appears to turn his fortunes around! Ecchan reveals that the only way to make things right is to find Satoru’s perfect partner—a match so ideal that sparks are guaranteed to fly. Enter Shinya Hoshina, a...

Author Tite Kubo's legendary Shonen series Bleachfeatures plenty of fan-favorite characters, from the cool, aloof Byakuya Kuchiki to intriguing villains like Ulquiorra Cifer and Grimmjow. Bleach fans also love the many powerful, compelling women and girls shown in the series. None of the female characters were token love interests or eye candy; they were all well-rounded individuals who had something to contribute to the story.

Bleach fans may love the best female characters for all kinds of reasons, from a character's cool dialogue and memorable personality to her unique combat powers, her brave actions, or even her visual design. The series has wonderful women among the heroes and villains alike, givingfans plenty of solid options for a list of the best Bleach female characters.

Updated on February 5, 2025, by Ajay Aravind: Some of the strongest and most influential characters in Bleach are women. Although some fans are known to minimize the achievements of female characters,...

One of The Big Three, Tite Kubo’s Bleach, has once again attained the same fame and recognition that was seen when the series was initially released in the year 2001. And the majority of the credit for all this goes to the Thousand-Year Blood War arc anime series, which, according to many Bleach fans, is the best storyline Kubo has ever created.

Bleach by Tite Kubo | Credit: Studio Pierrot

The Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War arc is also assumed to be the conclusion of one of the greatest stories ever. But what many fans don’t know is that after the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, Kubo also hinted at another storyline that might be able to overtake the current Bleach arc. This storyline is way into the future and adds a new twist to the series.

It was called the Hell arc, and although only a one-shot of the story has been revealed,...

While there are plenty of epic battles throughout Bleach’s narrative, one particular fight between Shinji Hirako and Sosuke Aizen has stuck in the minds of everyone across the world, and for obvious reasons. Many people still to this day debate over Shinji’s one decision in this intense battle.

Shinji Hirako from the Bleach series | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Why did Shinji take off his mask? With his mask put on, Shinji might have gained the advantage of the battle by using hollowfication to counter his opponent. However, without it, he seemed not to be his best self; this made viewers question the reason behind this rather odd narrative decision.

What could make Shinji want to remove the mask, and what does that say about the character and complexity of the world of Bleach?

The plausible reason behind Shinji’s taking off his mask against Aizen Shinji, Aizen, and Gin...

The following contains spoilers for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War's anime and manga. Proceed with caution.

Shortly after Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 - The Conflict ended, the title for the fourth and final installment of Bleach's epic grand finale was announced. While more specific details have yet to be announced, Part 4 - The Calamity is expected to release some time later this year, and finally close the war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies. More importantly, it will bring Bleach as a whole to its well-deserved ending.

Although The Conflict wrapped up its focal fights and subplots, it left enough hanging to keep fans on the edge of their seats. When the anime's cour ended, two of the four Schutzstaffel were defeated, but Ichigo Kurosaki and his allies are still nowhere near defeating the now-godlike Emperor Yhwach. Worse, the Quincies' god-king is on the precipice of ending...

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is truly splendid in terms of its animation, pacing, and stunning visuals. With every Cour, Studio Pierrot has taken it up a notch with its finesse. This holds especially true for epic fights and showdowns.

The sequel outdoes its precursor in many aspects but mostly, with its well-paced storyline and character designs. In particular, the anime amped it up by replicating one of the badass moments from the manga.

Rukia Kuchiki in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Most specifically, the sequel breathes life into Tite Kubo’s badass character and his Bankai. It would be a gross understatement to call it a visual masterpiece. In one of the most epic showdowns, Thousand-Year Blood War’s finesse would have most critics tucking their tails.

Above all though it also points to the element of power scaling in Kubo’s manga. From overpowered to banned,...

Neon Genesis Evangelion and McDonald's is a combo meal that fans never quite expected. Nevertheless, another order of the culinary crossover is coming right up, with the latest commercial now on the fast food chain's official social media.

Showcasing scenes from the classic mecha anime series, the newest commercial continues the most unlikely of branding mashups. The celebration comes as Evangelion rings in a major birthday, making the entire affair more than just a meal. Of course, if fans want to really be "lovin' it," there are several new items to try on the McDonald's Japan menu that are fit for a hungry Nerv employee.

Related "Try Not to Show Him Until the Last Minute": New Gundam Anime Designer Reveals the Level of Evangelion Creator's Involvement

The Neon Genesis Evangelion creator might not be as involved with the upcoming new Mobile Suit Gundam anime as some fans had previously expected.

Warning: Contains spoilers for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3, Episode #13.For almost a decade, one of the biggest debates in the Bleach fandom has been the canonicity of its sequel story, Can’t Fear Your Own World. The sequel trilogy of novels was written not by series creator Tite Kubo, but by Ryogo Narita of Baccano! and Durarara!! fame, and because of that, many people feel like it shouldn’t count as an official Bleach sequel story.

There has always been over the canonicity of Can’t Fear Your Own World, but Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War has been taking steps to rectify that. The part 3 finale, as with many other episodes, included new material to better reference the wider lore of the franchise, and surprisingly, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War part 3’s finale included an original scene that all but confirms Can’t Fear Your Own World as canon. That’s...

Publisher/developer Serafini Productions continues their work on their still-in-development BrokenLore series of games, and has released a new trailer each for two of them in Don’T Watch and Follow.

In BrokenLore: Don’T Watch (which has a demo available on its Steam page), players assume the role of Shinji, who is a young hikikomori, a Japanese term for individuals with a form of severe social withdrawal. In this case, Shiji is trapped inside his small Tokyo apartment. With unpaid rent, mounting bills, and a family that doesn’t understand him, he feels isolated from the world—and from himself. His only escape is video games, and his only window to the outside world is his PC. But even those have their limits.

You’ll explore Shinji’s mind as it unravels, which from the trailer, features plenty of eyes in some peculiar places. They’re the least of Shinji’s worries,...

Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War anime is peaking right now, as we see the fights between the Captains and the SternRitters unfold with every episode. As exciting as the battles have been so far, the deadliest Bankai was showcased in its full glory for the first time in the latest episode of the anime.

Shunsui Kyoraku is a menace and his Bankai reflects just how threatening he can be. Those who were already familiar with the manga and how things progress, were psyched to see the Head Captain unleash his true powers. Whether it’s the visual aspects or the thrill of every attack, the latest fight has lived up to the hype.

Shunsui Kyoraku in the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War | Credits: Studio Pierrot Co. Ltd.

It’s a shame how it’s not getting the same attention from the internet as the Gear 5 or Ultra Instinct reveal.

Hideaki Anno’s Neon Genesis Evangelion remains a cornerstone of the anime world ever since its release in the 1990s. A lot of anime fans went in expecting a quirky mecha anime, but by the end, they were likely questioning their life choices. The show explores the complex relationships between humans and beings referred to as “Angels” and “Gods”.

Neon Genesis Evangelion | Credits: Gainax

Neon Genesis Evangelion, debuting in 1995, remains one of anime’s most influential franchises, shaping the mecha genre and the medium itself. Nge heroes are imperfect, multifaceted individuals, each taking on a uniquely challenging role to save the world and themselves from destruction.

Though some fans may adore the Nge cast, many others find the characters’ extremely flawed personalities annoying or unlikeable. Asuka Langley Soryu, one of the most influential yet heavily criticized characters in the series, embodies these extreme flaws that provoke backlash among fans. But is the hate truly justifiable?...

Almost every Soul Reaper in Bleach possesses a Zanpakuto that is considered to be their main weapon. These Zanpakuto are in the form of swords and have multiple hidden abilities that can be unlocked only when the Soul Reapers reach their full potential. Once this happens, the Zanpakuto transforms into two different forms called the Shikai and the Bankai.

Bleach anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While Shikai is the second form, Bankai is considered the final form and strongest transformation for any Soul Reaper. The Bankai’s strength depends upon the Soul Reaper’s strength, and thus, it can vary for every other character. In some cases, the Bankai transformations can be extremely terrifying and the perfect example of this is Shinji Hirako.

Shinji’s Bankai is so powerful and dangerous that the Soul Reaper has been banned from using it within Soul Society. This is because it does not depend...

Bleach is a treasure trove of riveting storylines and arcs that are yet to be charted. Soya Azashiro’s famed battle with the previous Kenpachi Kuruyashiki is one of them. Both characters appear in the light novel Spirits Are Forever With You.

And while their fight is stands as one of the epic showdowns in the franchise, there is a catch to that as well.

Soya Azashiro in a still from the manga | Credit: Viz Media

The duel between both characters was toned down. What would have been a bloodied fight was neutralized for several reasons. This also had to do with Kuruyashiki’s Bankai which. according to a theory, is a living nightmare.

The 7th Kenpachi’s abilities aren’t explored fully but all we know is that it is a lethal weapon nonetheless. Despite his defeat at the hands of Azashiro, the Kenpachi stands unparalleled due to this very ability.

Hit anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion and famous Japanese car brand Nissan have teamed up to deliver some fun new collectibles in the form of model racing cars.

Nissan and Neon Genesis Evangelion may seem an unlikely pair, but this collaboration has fans from a variety of different backgrounds excited over the new model cars. Whether the fan is a toy collector, model car enthusiast or avid Evangelion viewer, the release can appeal to many different audiences. The official online Evangelion Store recently announced the launch of the new model cars, teasing, "Evangelion Racing" and "we can(not) make it alone."

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Evangelion Creator Hideaki Anno explains why his next anime is a true passion project that he is willing to devote the remainder of his career to.

Evangelion's New...

Contrary to popular belief, Bleach is one of the iconic series in the shonen genre. Besides being one of the big three of Jump’s shonen, the manga outclasses its contemporaries. From pacing to animation, it is a visual treat for most viewers and readers.

Interestingly, its unique power system and worldbuilding set it apart. This also applies to the concept of Bankai. While Ichibei’s Zanpakuto is deemed the strongest, there’s another character whose abilities are left uncharted.

Ichigo Kurosaki in a still from the anime | Credits: Studio Pierrot

As one of the major antagonists, Sosuke Aizen is also one of the powerful characters in the series. With his mastery in manipulation and Kido, he could outmaneuver his comrades.

Apart from strength and intelligence, the character embodies mystery. While his abilities are known, Tite Kubo has been reticent about Sosuke’s Bankai. This has led several fans to...

Fans of Bleach often consider Sōsuke Aizen an all-knowing mastermind, a schemer so omnipotent that every action in the series seems to be part of his plans. Aizen’s calculated moves, matched with his charisma, often give the impression of invincibility. However, it’s important to remember that, while Aizen may be exceptionally gifted, he is far from omniscient.

Shinji, Aizen, and Gin in Bleach | Credit: Studio Pierrot

Shinji’s confrontation with Aizen in Bleach episode 207 reveals that, unlike the god-like figure Aizen portrays, he is still capable of miscalculating a situation. This scene exemplifies why this distinction is crucial to understanding the complexity of his character.

Shinji Outsmarts Aizen, or Does He?

In episode 207 of Bleach, amid his conversation with Keisuke Urahara, Shinji Hirako exposed Aizen’s presence who was concealing himself through some form of camouflage. At that moment, Aizen praised Shinji’s perceptiveness, asking when he noticed his presence,...

A later cast member in the classic anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, Kaworu Nagisa became a fan-favorite, despite his limited screentime. Now, a new collectible figure represents his appearance in the franchise's final movie.

Released by Sega Plaza, the new Kaworu figure depicts him in the uniform of a Nerv commander. Inspired by the Evangelion reboot, the figurine is one of several collectibles developed by Luminasta. Even coming with a comfortable accessory, the new Evangelion figure is a must-have for those looking to recreate the Rebuild of Evangelion movies.

Related Evangelion Gives Rei Ayanami a Streetwear Makeover With Newest Collectible Reveal

A new high-quality figure from the Radio Eva series features the Evangelion fan-favorite character in stylish streetwear.

The Newest Kaworu Figure Depicts the Evangelion Character as a Nerv Commander

Dressed in the black suit of a Nerv commander, "Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a TimeLuminasta"Nagisa Kaworu" Commander Suit Ver.2" is the...

Fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion have a new, eye-catching collectible to add to their shelves, with the reveal of a new, stylish Rei Ayanami 1/7 scale figure set to be released.

Produced by Hobby Max, the figure depicts Rei in an inspired sporty design, the latest release in Evangelion's popular Radio Eva project. The official Evangelion merchandising initiative started in 2008 and integrates Evangelion characters with real-world aesthetics. Since then, Radio Eva has re-envisioned familiar characters with stylish streetwear and accessories, as well as provided fans with various out-of-the-box merch and collectibles, including clothing, bags and even home decor.

Related The Two Biggest Mecha Franchises of All Time Get New Model Kits for Ultimate Collectors

Bandai and Shokugan Toys are now releasing a new set of Gundam and Evangelion figures that are armed to the teeth with weapons and accessories.

Evangelion's Rei Ayanami Gets a Sporty Summer Twist With New Radio Eva Figure

The new release,...

Neon Genesis Evangelion's original ending is one of the most controversial and divisive conclusions in anime history. After gaining massive fanfare in Japan during its initial airing, countless viewers tuned in to its finale and, contrary to popular belief, were mostly satisfied. In fact, Evangelion placed first in the "Best Loved Series" category of the Anime Grand Prix Awards both in the year leading up to its ending, and in the year following.

In the many years since the airing of episodes #25 and #26 of Neon Genesis Evangelion, however, public perception of the anime's ending has shifted. The change may have had something to do with the series' rising popularity outside of Japan, or could even be boiled down to something as simple as evolving tastes. Regardless, when I decided to finally check out Evangelion, seemingly everyone offering their feelings about the series believed the TV ending to be bad.

During its heyday, the Bleach anime towered over the competition as a part of Shonen's big three alongside Naruto and One Piece. All three series have aged relatively well in the new generation of Shonen anime, and it's clear that the classic Bleach inspired the likes of Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. The Bleach anime's legacy is fairly strong, but it also has a few blemishes that fans will immediately notice when they rewatch it.

Fortunately, fans can find ways to tolerate or outright skip a lot of Bleach's downsides entirely. Still, if an anime fan takes the time to carefully watch every single Bleach episode in the original anime, they will find some iffy content that was barely tolerable at the time and is even less palatable now. This is due to a variety of factors, like the anime industry's now-higher standards and ever-changing tastes among anime fans.

Go Furukawa was born in Kyoto, Japan, in 1976. He majored in Japanese at Meikai University. After graduating, he entered the film industry as a production assistant and worked as an assistant director for Asahara Yuzo’s “Free and Easy 15: No Tomorrow for Hama-chan?” (2004). He then directed the short film “Dance?” (2010). “Kaneko′s Commissary” is his first feature film as a director.

On the occasion of his film “Kaneko’s Commissary” screening at Busan International Film Festival, we speak with him about shooting a film on an unusual subject, the female characters in the film, the famous actors in the cast and his future projects.

Why did you decide to shoot a movie about this particular concept of the detention center commissary?

When I was working as assistant director, I worked in “Departures” by Yojiro Takita. I was quite moved by the concept of the person who is preparing the deceased for the funeral.