Bleach is one of the most iconic manga and anime of all time, and the quality of its 686-chapter run is a huge reason why it is so beloved. Its influence is still felt today, as many popular works are taken from this series that stood the test of time. Alongside One Piece and Naruto, it is considered a member of the “Big 3”, which shows how great it was.

Written and illustrated by Tite Kubo, the series started publishing on August 7, 2001, and ended on August 22, 2016, running for well over a decade and telling a story that made it worthy of its Big 3 status.

Like every other shonen series, it does have dips and peaks between arcs, with some towering above others in terms of quality. Bleach is a longer series – but only has a handful of canon arcs in the original manga, and while it has its dips, they’re all testaments to how well-made the series is as a whole.

6

Agent of the Shinigami Arc Was a Perfect Start

Chapters #1 to #70 of the original manga

This arc introduces the concept of Shinigami, the motivations of the main character, and the dynamics of the cast that serve to explain future plot points. Ichigi’s life and his motivations for fighting as well as his tragic past are a big focus, and the characters who would take up

Bleach‘s first arc was everything one could ask for at the beginning of a story, and it set up the preceding arcs, introduced us to the beautifully written character of Ichigo, and the main cast of the story, such as Rukia, Urahara, Orihime, Uryu and more. Although the arc had good action, the exploration of the emotional aspects of each character was really what made it so memorable. The fact that it was grounded and set the foundation for the future is what really makes Bleach’s first arc such a standout among first arcs in other series.

5

The Fullbring Arc Was a Game Changer For Ichigo

Chapters #424 to #479 of the original manga

Also known as the Lost Agent arc, this storyline is set after the climactic battle against Aizen and the Espadas. It focuses on Ichigo’s life without his powers and the mental strain this causes him, as his self-worth always hinged on his ability to protect his friends. A new antagonist group called Xcution is also introduced during this arc, and although Ichigo finds a way to restore his powers through them, he finds out that there is a much more sinister plot at play.

The Fullbring arc has arguably the best character development for Ichigo, as his depression and purpose are on full display. Although the fights were good, his growth was definitely the highlight of the arc. Unfortunately, the Fullbring Arc was much shorter and lacked the tension and stakes of previous arcs. Although it has caught flack as a filler-esque arc, the Fullbring Arc is a very necessary part of the story that is integral in understanding the compelling character of Ichigo, and fans would be wise to watch or read it.

4

The Arrancar Arc Was a Shift In the Series’ Tone

Chapters #183 to #315 of the original manga

After Orihime is abducted by the Arrancars, Ichigo and his friends invade Hueco Mundo to rescue her. They face intense battles against Grimmjow and Ulquiorra, and amid the fierce fights against the Espadas, Ichigo hones his Hollow powers. Successfully rescuing Orihime, they uncover Aizen’s plan to destroy Karakura Town.

It is not easy being the follow-up to an arc as amazing as the Soul Society arc, but the Arancarr Arc was an excellent sequel that solidified itself. The series might have always been dark, but it was in this arc that the air and atmosphere shifted with the exploration of the theme of hollows, finding a purpose and sacrifice. It also introduced the Espadas, one of the most iconic anime villain groups ever, and developed the romance between Ichigo and Orihime.

3

Thousand Year Blood War Had Some Of The Series’ Best Highs And Worst Lows

Chapters #480 to #686 of the manga

The final arc that is currently being adapted tied up the mystery and lore of the Quincies and Soul King by thrusting the Soul Society into a bloody war with the Quincy King, Yhwach, and his army. The arc had incredible moments, such as Ichigo’s “The Blade Is Me”, Yamamoto’s long-awaited battle, Aizen’s return, the many Bankai reveals, and more that elevated the Thousand Year Blood War to an incredible final arc.

Unfortunately, it suffered problems that the anime is currently fixing. The arc after the First Invasion felt very rushed, and many battles were cut short due to the author’s deteriorating health. The final battle between Yhwach and Ichigo was not nearly as conclusive as it should have been and was indeed lackluster. With Tite Kubo working diligently on the anime and creating new scenes, the anime version will surely expand on the manga and make it the arc that it was supposed to be.

2

Battle At Fake Karakura Was An Explosive Ending To Aizen

Chapters #316 to #340 of the original manga

The Gotei 13 captains and lieutenants face off against Sōsuke Aizen and his Espada in a replica of Karakura Town, protecting the real town from destruction. Aizen’s real motivations were revealed, and the Soul Society was shaken to its core by betrayals and chaos.

The confrontation between the Gotei 13 and Espadas was inevitable, and the Battle at Fake Karakura exceeded expectations of the long-awaited clash. What makes this battle really amazing is that it also focuses on the lieutenants and the Espadas’ subordinates, and the surprising character development each group receives was a highlight, particularly the dynamics of the Espada and their lives before being subjugated by Aizen. The fights were incredible, and characters such as Urahara, Yoruichi and Isshin were finally seen in action after much anticipation.

1

The Soul Society Arc Is the Pinnacle Of Bleach

Chapter #71 to #183 of the original manga

The Soul Society arc follows Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends as they infiltrate the Soul Society to rescue Rukia Kuchiki, who is sentenced to execution for transferring her shinigami powers to Ichigo. It was in this arc that introduced the main cast of the series going forward, and the shocking plot twist at the end served to be the basis for the rest of the series.

The Soul Society arc is often considered Bleach‘s peak, and for good reason. The worldbuilding was never better, with fans getting to see the Soul Society and the Seireitei, as well as the culture and inner workings of the Soul Reaper system. The fights were also out of this world, and Aizen’s plot twist was quite possibly the series’ strongest. The arc is hailed as Bleach‘s best, and although the series was incredible going forward, the Soul Society arc remains unmatched.