As the Bleach anime reemerges with the highly anticipated Thousand-Year Blood War arc, it’s crucial to revisit a poignant chapter in its history – the original manga’s abrupt and controversial ending. This return not only reignites excitement among fans but also brings to light the real, often misunderstood reasons behind the manga’s hasty conclusion.
The Misconception and the Truth: Kubo’s Health, Not Sales
Contrary to popular belief, the rushed finale of Bleach in 2016 wasn’t a result of dwindling sales or publisher pressure. The heart of the matter was Tite Kubo’s declining health. Battling severe mental and physical challenges, including a partially torn tendon in his left shoulder, Kubo found himself grappling with the relentless demands of serializing a manga in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Kubo’s journey was marked by continuous struggles to keep pace with the weekly magazine’s requirements. The culmination of this ongoing battle was in 2016 when, plagued by health issues, he made a personal decision to conclude his series within a year or two. Shueisha, the publisher, ultimately granted him a year, leading to the accelerated end of Bleach.
Ichigo vs Grimmjow will always be one of my fav fights.
Just a masterpiece, I like how Ichigo and Grimmjow push each other to their limit & just straight hands no talk-no-Jutsu.
Imagine this with Bleach TYBW animation 🔥 kubo cooked pic.twitter.com/K5yPKq7Ozb
— J👑BLEACHTYBW (@Animesempai0) November 30, 2023
The Burden of Manga Creation: A Glimpse into Kubo’s Struggle
The story of Kubo’s deteriorating health is a reflection of the broader, often harsh reality of manga creation. Manga artists frequently endure grueling schedules to produce weekly chapters, a norm that can take a significant toll on their health and well-being. While there are exceptions like Eiichiro Oda of One Piece, who has maintained a continuous run for over two decades, they are rare in an industry known for its unforgiving pace.
In Kubo’s case, his commitment never waned even in the face of physical adversity. His artistic integrity remained intact, ensuring that the quality of Bleach’s artwork never suffered, even as plot aspects had to be curtailed or altered due to the shortened timeline.
The Path to Redemption: Thousand-Year Blood War Anime
There’s a silver lining in the form of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime. With Kubo’s direct involvement, this adaptation presents an opportunity to rectify the manga’s unsatisfactory ending. Fans are hopeful that the anime will enrich the story, potentially expanding on elements like the unrevealed Bankai of various Shinigami and refining the final battle, which was a point of contention among followers.
Kubo’s involvement in this project is not just a chance for redemption but also a testament to his resilience and dedication to his creation. It offers a beacon of hope for fans seeking a more fitting conclusion to one of the most beloved manga series.
In Conclusion: A Hopeful Horizon for Bleach Fans
As we eagerly await the unfolding of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc on Hulu, it’s important to acknowledge the real reasons behind the original ending of Bleach. The challenges faced by Tite Kubo shed light on the often unseen struggles of manga artists. Now, with improved health and renewed involvement, Kubo is set to give fans the conclusion that Bleach truly deserves.
Acknowledgements and Sources
This article draws on various sources for its insights, including discussions from a Reddit thread and perspectives shared in a YouTube video by HitReg. These sources have been instrumental in piecing together the narrative behind Bleach’s dramatic ending and the hopeful resurgence with the Thousand-Year Blood War anime.
