Bleach, once a titan among Shounen anime and manga, stood tall alongside One Piece and Naruto as part of the “Big Three.” In the early 2010s, it was a fan favorite, captivating audiences with its unique world-building, intense battles, and memorable characters. However, over the years, Bleach experienced a significant decline in popularity. What led to this fall from grace?
1. The Downfall Begins: Aizen’s Defeat
Aizen, the most iconic villain in the Bleach universe, was the focal point of the series for a significant portion of its run. His cunning, power, and mysterious motives kept fans on the edge of their seats. However, after his defeat, the series seemed to lose its sense of direction. The absence of a central, compelling antagonist left the story feeling aimless. Fans who had invested in the epic showdown with Aizen were left wondering where the series could possibly go next.
2. The End of the Anime
The anime adaptation of Bleach came to an abrupt halt in 2012, a time when anime was just beginning to gain mainstream traction. Unlike its counterparts Naruto and One Piece, which continued to produce weekly episodes and maintain relevance, Bleach was cut short before the anime boom. As new fans flooded into the anime community in the years that followed, they found themselves gravitating towards ongoing series, while Bleach was left in the past. Though it made a comeback in 2020 with its final arc, the momentum it had once enjoyed was long gone.
3. The Void of New Content
Following the conclusion of Bleach, there was a noticeable lack of new content. While Naruto and One Piece continued to thrive with new games, movies, and spin-offs, Bleach fell silent. This absence of new media meant that there was little to keep the fanbase engaged. With nothing to discuss, analyze, or get excited about, even the most dedicated fans began to drift away, leaving Bleach in the shadow of its former self.
4. Manga’s Ending
The ending of the Bleach manga was another major point of contention among fans. Due to health issues, Tite Kubo was forced to rush the conclusion of the series, leading to an ending that many fans felt was unsatisfactory and incomplete. Key plot points and character arcs were left underdeveloped, and the final battle felt anticlimactic compared to the buildup that preceded it. However, with the anime’s return in 2020, there is hope that the final arc will be expanded upon, with Kubo himself involved in the process to give the story the conclusion it deserves.
