Bleach anime and manga has been running for a very long time, over that period we’ve gone through many different arcs with many different awesome and wonderful characters, some of which we’ve liked while others not so much. This article will list the top 10 underrated bleach characters who I think have been overlooked and didn’t quite get the attention they deserved.
Top 10: Don Kanonji
You may remember Don Kanonji, or by his real name Misaomaru Kanonji, who is in fact a spiritual medium who has his own television show. We first met him during the Agent of the Shinigami arc when he comes to film at a haunted and burnt-out hospital to get rid of a ghoul, or Hollow as we know it. He meets Ichigo in his Shinigami form, after that point we meet him at various points in time for very short amounts of time such as in Hueco Mundo when he’s trying to help Urahara, after that point he falls off and it seems that he’s completely ignored, being someone who can see hollows and fight them, for that matter, is someone I would’ve liked to see more off, even if it’s not in a main role, a supportive character perhaps.
Top 9: Zennosuke Kurumadani
We know Zennosuke Kurumadani from the very beginning, he’s popped in and out of the series multiple times, the first time was during his meeting with Ichigo when Rukia’s post in Karakura Town was compromised, she was replaced by him. I believe that Zennosuke could have had a lot more impact on the series, possibly even becoming something more important to what he is now. We could have also seen more of him in the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, but I’m guessing he’s already dead, trapped or escaped from the current war.
Top 8: Tetsuzaemon Iba
Being a lieutenant of the 7th Division would give him a larger role in the series, right? Well not quite, we’ve seen a lot within the series, but the problem here lies with the fact that he never usually gets in a battle as he puts loyalty to his division above his desire to fight. Being a lieutenant, he would be strong and able to battle and kick some ass, however it seems that he has yet to achieve a Bankai, it’s as though he’s being ignored quite a bit. He goes on to help his captain, Sajin, in the latest arc.
Top 7: Chojiro Tadaoki Sasakibe
He was a lieutenant of the 1st division for Yamamoto for over 110 years of his life, which seems like a very long time. He was one of the most loyal Shinigami’s to Yamamoto who has sworn to serve him as long as he lives. During the latest Thousand-Year Blood War arc, we see his death was he was quickly taken out. His power and abilities were much greater than most of the individuals who had captain status, he was someone who wanted to serve Yamamoto till the end, which I guess he did. On top of this, I believe that he should have gotten much more time to discover his past and such because we didn’t know a lot about him, he had a pretty awesome Bankai which we only saw once.
Top 6: Ururu Tsumugiya and Jinta Hanakari
Both are employees of the Urahara Shop, we’ve seen them time and time again, especially the time when Ichigo had to train in order to control his powers better. They helped here and there with the process, as well as serving customers who visited the shop with what they required. Initially we knew that Ururu and Jinta were just simple employees but they were much more, they had the abilities to fight against Hollows and even sense reiatsu of specific individuals. They have always been helping Urahara at the shop and with Ichigo, so I would have hoped that they could have gotten an episode or two just for themselves to enjoy so we can learn a bit more about them. Nevertheless, It’s nice to see that they have both grown up when we saw them mature at the shop once more.
Top 5: Akon
I had recently just noticed Akon, I didn’t really pay attention to him whilst he was helping the others in their efforts when it came to beating Aizen. Only now have I just noticed Akon and his efforts in restoring and helping captains and vice captains when it came to restoring their Bankai’s. Still from what I think, it seems that he may be an expert scientist, but I think that Mayuri doesn’t give him enough effort and is quickly overlooked.
Top 4: Izuru Kira
First question’s first, Is he dead? Well it’s not been confirmed. Right after the Vandenreich begin their attack, it seemed like Kira was the guinea pig to show how truly powerful they are, with just flash and attack, most of his body had but cut off whilst he just collapses. In fact, he’s been one of the more well-known lieutenants, who was able to battle against many Shinigami’s whose fight we all saw. However, recently it seems that before the latest arc even made a proper start, he was quickly dispensed.
Top 3: Shuhei Hisagi
The next three hard to figure out, starting out with Hisagi, we know that he’s currently co-lieutenant of the 9th Division with Mashiro Kuna. Looks wise, Hisagi usually battles like a badass, including his Shikai. On top of this, his Zanpakuto, Kazeshini, looks absolutely amazing. Over the period of the manga and anime, to me he seem like he’s lacking. He’s been able to battle the Quincy. I believe that this something that has been missing from the equation is the fact that his Bankai has not been shown, either it scares him to use it or he truly hasn’t achieved it. Either way I really want him to use it.
Top 2: Rojuro Otoribashi (Rose)
Rojuro Otoribashi (or Rose) is known to be a very strong captains and Vizard. I personally love the Vizards, they are all unique have some of the best abilities you can find in the series, plus their masks are fantastic. I believe that Rose has been somewhat put aside in Bleach, by this I mean that during the moments when Ichigo had gone to the Vizards for help, he didn’t quite take part, he took a large step back from it all as he just did his own thing. Just recently he got turned into a Zombie by Giselle, even this all happened after he showed his Bankai. He seemed like a disposable character to me who deserved more.
Top 1: Yasutora Sado (Chad)
Chad, the one character who I believe to be underrated in the anime and manga. We know that the main arcs within Bleach are directly related to Ichigo’s friends. We started with Rukia in Shinigami Arc, then Orihime in the Hueco Mundo Arc, then Chad in the Fullbring Arc, and now Uryu in the Quincy Arc. The reason why I put Chad as number 1 is that he is usually part of the main team that does something, for example attacking the Soul Palace, he is usually very involved in the activities of helping and defeating the enemy. However when it comes to talking and being part of the group, I feel as though he isn’t really part of the group. He’s very quite and that could possibly be part of that. Furthermore, one more annoyance I’d like to mention is how Chad’s arc, The Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc, which focused on Chad and his power, which is his Fullbringer abilities. This was supposed to be his arc, his chance to shine, his time to get most of the focus. It didn’t turn out like his, the arc wasn’t received well by the viewers and many fans began leaving, Kubo possibly felt obliged to quickly end it so Ichigo could quickly get his powers again, I believe this left Chad and his story behind.
That was a bit of a ramble wasn’t it, do you think that these characters could have received a little more time? Do you think they have been underrated and overlooked? Tell me what you think in the comments section, what is your top 10?
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Honestly, your list is very good. I find it interesting that you noticed Hisagi us underrated. Usually out of the lieutenants, Rangiku is more underrated by most fans. He does have Bankai, but I doubt he has mastered it. Like Rangiku. She achieved Bankai. But she hasn’t mastered it, so she doesn’t use it at all. Chad is definitely number one. I’m really hoping he gets an opponent he can fight by himself to prove how much stronger he has become.
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The way it’s going, I really think that Chad won’t get a major fight at all. I think he’ll just be stuck with Orihime trying to talk Uryu out of what he’s trying to do. And just be pushed around. I really think that Fullbringer Arc was his chance but Kubo was forced to finish that one quickly before all fans left the series.
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Well that sucks. I’m still hoping though. Akon was an interesting choice. I didn’t really pay attention to him until the arc 100 years ago. He was in the maggots nest and joined the SRDI. He is the same age as Hiyori, and got into fights with her. Rose is another good one. He is very underrated. Even his Bankai is considered the weakest by fans. I so think he is one of the weaker Visord, but not weakest. That’s Hiyori.
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Akon has been around for such a long time, but never noticed or given credit for what he’s done so far. When I first saw the Vizords when the episode first aired, I was like WOW they’re soo cool. Kensei I first thought was the badass of the group while others were good but not his level. Is Hiyori that weak? Really? I think she’s okay.
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Akon is kinda old. He is the same age as Rangiku, Byakuya, Hisagi, Nanao, and Gin. He is the 3rd Seat of the 12th Division. So he is at least lieutenant level. He and Nemu haven’t even shown their Shikai. Dud he even helped Mayuri Create Nemu. Well out of the Visord she is the weakest. But I consider her as strong as Toshiro. She is Captain level. Same with Lisa, Mashiro, and Hachi. Dude when I saw Kensei, I feel in love. He is so sexy. Kubo even made him more Muscular in this arc and the previous one XD
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Haha Kensei is definitely awesome 😛 I think if I was to make a Top 10 over rated, Toshiro would definitely be on that list. He is supposed to be a child prodigy, but he’s nothing at all most of the time.
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Ya I love Kensei. And Gerard of course 😛 Ya Toshiro kinda overrated. He does have potential, but he is very young. I would add some characters to that overrated list. Ulquiorra and Grimmjow are definitely on it.
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Grimmjow, probably but he is just as he is. Ulquiorra, I don’t know about him because he was calm and never tried to be what he wasn’t. He didn’t rage or do anything stupid like Grimmjow. Kubo made Ulquiorra very unhuman but strong.
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Oh I see. Okay I understand. The overrated characters are the ones that have been hyped by Kubo, but don’t have the power to do it. Kubo never hyped Ulquiorra like he did Grimmjow.
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and the most overrated characters are Hitsugaya Toshiro and four of Zero Squad Captains (i know it’s out panel KO but if they are not coming back to battlefield then they are pathetic when they powers should be bigger than Gotei13 overall)
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Im looking forward to the list of over-rated characters..
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I am too. I hope Sunite does one whenever he can. I personally don’t believe the Royal Guard are overrated.
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Great post and your list is spot on. Kubo has a knack for leaving characters underdeveloped. Anyone not tied directly to the main part of the current plot gets left to collect dust. Hell, even a good deal of those closely tied to the plot get left as well. The freakin Arrancar all got more back story than most of the Gotei 13!!
It’s a shame fans could not be patient with the substitute shinagami arc. Poor Chad and Inoue didn’t get a chance to do a thing. Inoue had just developed that new shield that reflected attacks (that looked really promising) and Chad didn’t get to show off anything, really.
What can I say… The whole thing is almost over and we still haven’t even seen all of the Bankai. I haven’t a clue what Kubo is saving them for! The Shinigami arc was so spectacularly epic that I was instantly sold and Bleach instantly became my favorite show, but in all honesty, it’s been a slow ride downhill ever since that first arc, mostly due to his writing style and his decision making.
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couldn’t agree more with Crimson Kinhgf
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If you really want to talk about underrated characters You should write something about Kon. He always gets the short end of the stick, despite the fact that we’ve seen him actually have good moments in the series. Plus we know despite his personality he does have good traits like a desire to protect all life no matter small. In addition Kon is sometimes been made the victim out of sheer spite from other characters. Lastly Kon showed that when he is actually given a chance to shine he does deliver. Examples are any filler episode featuring him including episodes 135 and 314.
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Thats what I mean, the ones I’ve mentioned here I believe to be underrated for a reason, Kon has had some amazing moments, and as he’s a perv, that is his angle and his personality that leads him to become who he is. On top of which Kon has has gotten to be even in movies compared to some of these here.
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That’s true about Kon. He isn’t underrated. He is very funny, but in my opinion, the funniest sode character is Pesche. He is so funny I love him! 🙂
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Oh yeahh he and Dondochakka are pretty awesome, I can still remember when they entered when they were chasing Nel and she hugged Ichigo. Good times lol
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I over them! Do you think Kubo will ever show us what they look like? Cause they have terrible scares from their masks being ripped off by Nnoitra. I like it when Pesche said ” Who is Itsygo?”
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I can’t believe that i actually agreed something with “Crimson” given our argument on the other side, im sort of regretting the fact that i did..hehehehehe!
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That’s normal! 😉 Its like me and Dreager1. We usually don’t agree, but on a few things we do.
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You agreed with me because My opinion was valid. How childish to now want to turn around and take it back because you lost a debate… lol. Please refrain from talking about me on here unless you are addressing me directly. It’s tacky.
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I don’t believe she meant to be tacky. She just happened to agree with you on this specific post.
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Right, and it’s childish to want to take it back now because of something unrelated. It’s not like my post in this thread has changed. Also, IMO it’s tacky to mention someone in a negative way. Keep it to yourself or address that person directly.
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I guess. Well I did somewhat agree with you about this post. Some of Kubo’s choices aren’t his. For example, he originally wanted to kill off Byakuya, but very mean threats from fans that brought Byakuya back.
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@Crimson Kinghgf, get over urself & move on, we are already passed that…
& that was my way of saying that simply because people cant agree on something doesnt mean they cant agree on the other.
Ur taking my words too literal, y dont u just have abit of humor for a change..
either way, my opinion hasnt change, This arc had the potential of being super epic written all over it but i guess one can just say that it has live up less to wat we expected at some counts. Cant believe in a arc such as this involving Quincies & Soul reaper, & the one that was said before the apperance of Yhwach to have bn bestowed with Quincies future “Ryūken Ishida” is nowhere to be heard off…
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Lol me get over myself and move on? Who went in another thread and talked about it? You did. If anyone needs to move on it’s you.
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And again you’re disrespectful, telling me to get over myself. I haven’t said one disrespectful thing to you. The anonymity of the internet has today’s generation totally deluded. You think it’s perfectly fine to talk to people in a way you most definitely would not talk to them if you were face to face… not to me anyway, I wouldn’t allow it.
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