The Bleach franchise, once heralded as one of the “Big Three” of shonen anime alongside Naruto and One Piece, has faced considerable scrutiny over the years. While still beloved by many, several aspects of the series have been highlighted as problematic, ranging from pacing issues and repetitive plotlines to character underdevelopment and questionable humor. Here’s a breakdown of the major issues that continue to plague the franchise today.
Overabundance of Villains
One of the most common criticisms of Bleach is the sheer number of villains introduced, especially in the later arcs. While having a variety of antagonists can be a strength, Bleach often overdoes it. The Thousand-Year Blood War arc is a prime example, with the introduction of the Sternritter, a vast group of powerful Quincy, many of whom feel like padding or just excuses for more fight scenes. This glut of villains makes it difficult for the audience to become invested in them, and it turns what should be climactic battles into a slog. The earlier Arrancar arc also suffered from this issue, leaving the audience struggling to keep track of numerous antagonists.
Forced and Repetitive Power-Ups
Bleach often relies on contrived power-ups to bail its heroes out of difficult situations. Instead of showing characters growing stronger through hard work and strategic thinking, the series frequently bestows sudden boosts in power, usually at the last minute. Ichigo, the main character, is particularly prone to these rushed power-ups, which undermine the sense of earned victory. Additionally, his training sequences become repetitive, often involving sword duels or taming his inner Hollow rather than showcasing creative new abilities.
Excessive and Poorly-Paced Filler
The original Bleach anime is notorious for its excessive filler content. Out of 366 episodes, a staggering 165 are considered filler, which means almost half the series consists of non-canon material. These filler arcs often interrupt the main story, introduce characters and plotlines that ultimately go nowhere, and disrupt the pacing of the series. The quality of these filler episodes is also often criticized for being inferior to the manga canon, which leads to a jarring experience for viewers.
Uneven Pacing
Bleach struggles with inconsistent pacing throughout its run. While the early arcs, such as the Soul Society arc, are well-paced, later arcs, particularly the Arrancar arc, are criticized for dragging on for extended periods with little plot progression. Conversely, the Thousand-Year Blood War arc in the manga felt rushed. This inconsistent pacing makes the series a chore to get through, with some parts feeling like they’re moving too slowly while others feel like they’re skipping important steps.
Underdeveloped Supporting Characters
Despite introducing a large cast of intriguing characters, Bleach often fails to develop them properly. Many of these characters are given a moment to shine, but they soon fade into the background, their arcs unresolved, to make room for the core heroes. This is especially true for many Soul Reapers such as Ikkaku Madarame, Yumichika Ayasegawa, and Momo Hinamori, leaving the audience wondering why they were introduced in the first place.
Over-reliance on the “Damsel in Distress” Trope
One of the most criticized aspects of Bleach is its frequent use of the “damsel in distress” trope. Female characters, such as Rukia and Orihime, often go from strong and competent individuals to helpless characters who need rescuing. This trope is repeated multiple times, with both characters being captured and taken to a distant tower, prompting Ichigo to undergo many trials and tribulations to save them. The repetition of this trope makes the female characters feel passive and undermines their potential.
Repetitive Plotlines
The plot of Bleach is often criticized for being repetitive and too simple. The Hueco Mundo arc is frequently described as a rehash of the Soul Society arc, with Ichigo having to rescue a captured friend from another dimension. This reliance on similar plotlines makes the story feel predictable and uninspired. The recurring theme of “rescue the princess” while Aizen watches from the sidelines becomes tiresome, even though technically they are saving two different characters, as it’s the same overall concept.
Overuse of Tsundere Characters
While Bleach has some great character dynamics, the series overuses the tsundere archetype. This archetype is used to create drama and humor, but the joke soon wears thin, making it feel like the same character is being copied and pasted repeatedly. While Ichigo and Rukia had strong chemistry, the overuse of this archetype throughout the series diminished its effectiveness.
Questionable Humor
Bleach’s humor is also seen as a significant issue. Early in the series, the show relies heavily on perverse humor, particularly from characters like Kon, Ichigo’s father Isshin, and his friend Keigo. These characters often engage in harassment and perverted comments, which many find to be inappropriate and unfunny, making the show less enjoyable and causing many fans to label it as childish.
Unresolved Plotlines and Rushed Ending
The ending of the Bleach manga is widely considered rushed and anticlimactic. Many plotlines are left unresolved, and there are many unanswered questions that leave fans frustrated. The final battle felt lackluster and did not live up to the epic scope that the series seemed to be building towards. This poor ending is partially due to the creator Tite Kubo’s declining health, as well as pressure from Shonen Jump, which led to a rushed and dissatisfying conclusion.
In conclusion, while Bleach remains a beloved franchise for many, it is not without its flaws. The problems outlined above, including an overabundance of villains, forced power-ups, excessive filler, inconsistent pacing, and underdeveloped characters, continue to be major points of criticism that weigh down the series.
