One does not simply take a seat at the Big Three table without first producing some innovative and captivating character designs for the anime fandom. The amazing Tite Kubo seems to have an endless supply of cool concepts, and choosing only a handful of aesthetically eye-catching individuals from Bleach is a challenge in its own right!
Assessing a character design usually encompasses more than just their face-value appearance, as their personality traits have to also be taken into consideration. In this case, how appealing each warrior's abilities are is also a vital component, particularly when it comes to creating epic fight scenes!
This article will contain some light spoilers from Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War, currently streaming on Hulu.
11 Coyote Not-So-Ugly
Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck are like two peas in a pod (quite literally), as Starrk made little Lily from his own being in an attempt to cure his loneliness. The Primera (#1) Espada throws out epic bounty hunter vibes and is one of the few Bleach characters to possess a gun-like Zanpakuto.
Starrk embraces faux-fur chic in his dress code, likely in hommage to the powerful pack of wolf spirits that he can summon to his side at will. Lilynette, on the other hand, takes a more feminine approach to her personal style. The pair become a singular united force again during the Resurrección process.
10 Unabashed And Undervalued
Kūkaku Shiba is a highly underrated individual whose bold personality and intriguing character design leave a memorable impression, especially considering her limited screen time. Kūkaku won't take nonsense from anybody and appears to own more bandages than clothing, but don't worry, she gets creative!
Kūkaku may have a prosthetic arm, but that doesn't stop her from dominating on the battlefield, not to mention her mastery of fireworks, too. The nomadic Head of the Shiba Clan is known for redesigning her entire home on a whim, with each new abode as elaborately decorated as the last.
9 Pretty In Pink
When it comes to Shunsui Kyoraku, it is hard to say who has collected more admirers: the Shinigami or his remarkable Zanpakuto spirit, Katen Kyōkotsu. Shuinsui prefers to wear a pink-patterned kimono over his traditional black-and-white uniform. However, seeing that he is one of the founding members of the Gotei 13, he has certainly earned that liberty.
Katen similarly personifies elegance with her elaborate Japanese-themed garments adorned with striking skull motifs. Most can agree that Shunsui and Katen are the most attractive 'couple' in Bleach, who are emboldened with enough fan service to keep everyone happy!
8 Pompous And Posh
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=1500&dpr=1.5)
Byakuya Kuchiki might be one of the most arrogant, self-entitled members of the Gotei 13 (who arrested and nearly killed his own sister, just by the way!), but somehow, fans just can't help but like him (even though Kenpachi clearly doesn't!)
This proud aristocrat simply oozes style and sophistication with locks so long and luscious they would make any K-Pop idol jealous. Byakuya's beautiful Bankai elevates his whole style to another level, as Senbonzakura adorns the sky with thousands of delicate (yet deadly) cherry blossom petals.
7 The Most Majestic Mohawk
Bazzard Black, better known as Bazz-B, has gained quite a following among manga readers and is due to cause quite a stir in the Thousand Year Blood War. As a Sternritter of Wandenreich, this pink-haired punk rocker survived a rather troubling past, before Yhwach unceremoniously scooped him up for his personal army.
Anime fans love some elemental fire-power, which 'The Heat' can clearly deliver! Bazz-B has gone to great lengths to ensure his anarchist mindset is reflected in his fashionable (yet alternative) dress sense.
6 The Queen Of The Crop
Tier Harribel's sexualized design provides some of the best fan service from the Espada, but her heartwarming backstory brings her straight back from encroaching on the manic pixie dream girl realm.
The gorgeous Lady Halibel is the epitome of Girl Power and leads a female-only dream team with a firm moral compass, making this blonde bombshell the perfect leader for Hueco Mundo. Harribel's Resurrección ensures to leave even less to the imagination (and is more revealing in her manga design!) while that Hollow half-skull across her bewitching visage significantly adds to her whole aesthetic.
5 The Grimmkitty
Grimmjow Jaggerjaquez has an extensive fanbase, and with that chiseled jawline, charismatic aura, and bad-boy attitude, what's not to like? He is arguably the most hardcore Hollow around and produces some truly entertaining fight scenes, particularly when his Panther form comes out to play!
The 6th Espada is effortlessly cool in every way, and even his name is fun to say out loud. Grimmjow's debonnaire wardrobe choices and perfectly-styled baby blue hair definitely add to his overall exceptional sex appeal, making him the unofficial James Dean of Aizen's Army.
4 The Savage Strawberry
Besides the orange-toned hair, not much about Kurosaki Ichigo's human form draws much attention, but his handy Hollow is always keen to help him out! He has several transformations in his arsenal that each have their own aesthetically appealing elements. However, Ichigo's Vasto Lorde and Final Getsuga Tenshou forms are probably the most breathtaking of them all.
This Substitute Shinigami's personality characteristics go through as much development as his physique. Ichigo's constant internal conflict finally subsides once he finds synchronicity with Zangetsu and accepts the Hollow within.
3 The Feline Flash Goddess
Everyone may have different opinions about who Bleach's Best Girl is, nevertheless, not many can deny that Yoruichi Shihōin's overall design is the most unique out of the Shinigami's girl squad. Far from being pushed to the sidelines (like many other black anime characters are), Yoruichi dominated the spotlight, whether she arrives as a feisty feline or in her fabulous female form.
The complimentary colors of Yoruichi's purple hair and form-fitting orange jacket are incredibly eye-catching, especially when coupled with her cheeky grin! She arguably has the most erotic Bankai in Bleach, but don't get too excited because she rarely ever uses it.
2 The Demon Of Despair
Ulquiorra Cifer had all the emo fans wrapped around his finger, with that deathly pale skin contrasted by jet-black peek-a-boo bangs and a pair of captivating dark-rimmed emerald eyes.
The bat-like transformation that comes with The No. 4 Espada's Segunda Etapa Resurrección is hauntingly beautiful and forms a vital component of arguably the most iconic fight scene in Bleach history (against Hollow Ichigo). Ulquiorra's nihilistic approach to life perfectly complements his gloomy punk style, and he was actually the very first Espada that Tite Kubo designed.
1 Bold And Unapologetic
Mayuri Kurotsuchi is in a whole league of his own and undoubtedly has the most distinctive character in the Bleach line-up. If the mad scientist's dramatic and elaborate attire doesn't catch viewers' attention, his sadistic curiosity might. Or what about the intriguing body modifications and otherworldly Zanpakuto?
The manipulative Mayuri is a master of pushing boundaries and, although he is not exactly the most likable character around, fans know some incredible visuals and thought-provoking mind games are on the way once the 12th Division Captain arrives on the scene!