The conclusions of two of the most beloved contemporary Shonen series, Bleach and Jujutsu Kaisen, have ignited extensive discussions among fans. While both shows are packed with exhilarating combat and heartfelt moments, the ending of Bleach showcases notable strengths in storytelling and character arcs that Jujutsu Kaisen does not fully achieve.
This article examines 10 reasons why the finale of Bleach stands out in comparison to Jujutsu Kaisen, emphasizing how these elements connected more profoundly with the audience.
1) Farewells for fallen characters in Bleach provided deeper emotional impact than those in Jujutsu Kaisen
In Bleach, characters such as Masaki Kurosaki and Uryu Ishida’s grandfather are given heartfelt farewells through evocative flashbacks that delve into their bonds and sacrifices. This adds emotional weight, allowing individuals to reflect on their losses, exemplified in Rukia’s goodbye to Kaien Shiba, which enriches their narratives.
Conversely, in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nobara’s destiny remained uncertain until her later reappearance in chapter 267, which lessened the emotional payoff. Furthermore, unexpected deaths like Gojo’s leave minimal contemplation time, choosing surprise over emotional resonance. Action often overshadows these farewells, as illustrated by Choso’s sacrifice, making the goodbyes feel hurried and disorganized.
Sukuna’s defeat appeared sudden, missing the gradual build-up his journey warranted. Despite his formidable presence, the resolution was hasty and lacked foreshadowing. The swift defeat of Ryomen Sukuna by Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara diluted the stakes, leaving fans wanting more.
In contrast, Yhwach’s demise involved multiple key players — Ichigo, Uryu, and Aizen — raising the stakes considerably and culminating in a more collective effort. Despite the hasty nature of Yhwach’s conclusion, it provided clearer narrative closure and appropriate buildup, leading to a more cohesive resolution.
Emotionally, Sukuna’s defeat lacked gravitas, while Yhwach’s demise bore significance due to the intricate connections and character developments tied to it.
3) Byakuya Kuchiki’s return from the brink of death felt well-structured, unlike Kugisaki Nobara’s seemingly random revival
Following his encounter with As Nodt, Byakuya Kuchiki faces vulnerability, experiencing fear for the first time. His recovery within the Royal Palace symbolizes both his renewal and strength, ultimately culminating in his heroic return to rescue Rukia, mirroring themes of honor and rejuvenation within the Soul Society.
On the other hand, Kugisaki Nobara’s return in Jujutsu Kaisen lacks depth, feeling abrupt and without adequate emotional or thematic significance. Her revival doesn’t resonate with the series’ overarching themes of growth and redemption, prompting doubts about narrative stakes and rendering her comeback less impactful than Byakuya’s.
4) Side characters in Bleach received more fulfilling conclusions than those in Jujutsu Kaisen
In Bleach, numerous side characters, such as Renji Abarai and Rukia Kuchiki, experienced meaningful growth; Renji’s valiant battles in the Thousand-Year Blood War underscored the central themes of sacrifice and redemption. Meanwhile, characters like Sajin Komamura found resolution through their loyalty and sacrifices, with Grimmjow’s transformation further emphasizing these motifs.
Gojo Satoru’s abrupt demise felt like a disservice to his character’s development, and Nobara’s return lacked the emotional weight established in her previous narratives.
5) The fight between Ichigo and Yhwach was more exhilarating than the clash between Yuji and Sukuna
Ichigo’s battle against Yhwach carries monumental emotional stakes, with the fates of the Soul Society and multiple realms hanging in the balance. The epic scale and meticulously choreographed action intensify its significance.
Conversely, while the fight between Yuji and Sukuna highlights Yuji’s development and new skills, it lacks the same gravitas. The pacing feels uneven, and the conclusion raises several unanswered questions, lending a rushed atmosphere to the encounter. While both confrontations are impactful, Ichigo’s face-off with Yhwach provides a more compelling and satisfying narrative resolution.
6) Shikai and Bankai were explored in greater detail than the concept of Cursed Energy
Cursed Energy, originating from negative emotions, empowers Jujutsu sorcerers and drives their specialized techniques; however, it lacks a well-defined structure and deep lore. Although it enables a range of offensive and defensive capabilities, it is not intricately connected to character development.
In contrast, Bleach’s Shikai and Bankai represent a well-organized power system with distinct phases, closely tied to the individuality and growth of characters. Mastering these forms is critical to their personal journeys, as aptly exemplified by Renji Abarai’s path. The lore of Bleach is comprehensive and offers profound insights into the Soul Society and Zanpakuto, creating a richer narrative experience compared to the exploration of Cursed Energy.
7) Ichigo showcased steady power growth, unlike Yuji and Megumi
Ichigo Kurosaki’s power evolution in Bleach is both gradual and consistent, cultivated through training with Rukia and Urahara, along with pivotal transformations such as Hollowfication and Bankai. His ultimate form merges Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy abilities, signifying the climax of his journey.
In stark contrast, Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen experience substantial power boosts later in their saga. Yuji acquires the Reverse Cursed Technique in Chapter 248 following intense trials. Additionally, he learns skills like Cleave and Blood Manipulation toward the series’ end. Megumi, on the other hand, has not yet refined his techniques, leading many fans to anticipate that he would master his Domain Expansion by the Shinjuku Showdown arc, but that expectation was not met.
8) The ending of Bleach features an entire arc, whereas Jujutsu Kaisen’s finale feels rushed as merely the conclusion of an ongoing arc
Major characters, including Ichigo, Byakuya, and Kenpachi, underwent profound changes, with Ichigo’s climactic battle against Yhwach addressing themes of sacrifice and legacy. The grand battles and elevated stakes provided closure for long-time fans.
Conversely, the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen felt hurried, wrapping up its final arc in a mere five chapters. Key antagonists like Kenjaku were insufficiently developed, leaving many plotlines unresolved and readers feeling unfulfilled. The climactic struggle between Yuji and Sukuna lacked the emotional depth and resolution achieved in Bleach.
9) Yhwach’s origins were well-explored compared to Sukuna, whose backstory remains vague
Yhwach, introduced in the Thousand Year Blood War arc of Bleach, is depicted as the Soul King’s son and the origin of the Quincy. His motivations to overthrow the Soul King, viewed as a tyrant, lend depth to his character, rendering him a multifaceted antagonist. His power to absorb other Quincies’ abilities through “The Almighty”illustrates his vision for a new world order.
In contrast, Sukuna from Jujutsu Kaisen has a murky history, alluded to as a formidable sorcerer from the Heian period. Although recognized as the “King of Curses,”the reasons behind this title remain largely unexplored, leaving much of his past as the “Disgraced One”in obscurity.
10) Bleach adhered closely to its central narrative, while Jujutsu Kaisen has yet to secure a well-defined conclusion
Bleach, crafted by Tite Kubo, follows a coherent narrative revolving around Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey as a Soul Reaper, with well-articulated arcs like the Soul Society introducing vital characters and conflicts. The climax arrives as Ichigo faces Sōsuke Aizen, propelling the story forward.
The character development shines through with figures like Rukia Kuchiki and Mayuri Kurotsuchi achieving significant growth, enriching the overall tale. The themes of life, death, and moral complexity are adeptly examined, adding layers to its narrative.
In comparison, Jujutsu Kaisen, by Gege Akutami, presents a more disjointed storyline, especially evident in the Culling Game arc. Its intricate mechanics and unresolved mysteries can leave the audience bewildered.
Character arcs frequently appear incomplete, with many introductions lacking fulfilling resolutions, resulting in a jarring viewing experience. Despite tackling themes of curses and existential dread, it faces challenges in delivering the cohesive narrative that Bleach achieved.
Final thoughts
Through its impactful farewells, consistent power evolution, clearer romantic conclusions, and more developed antagonists, Bleach crafted a finale that tied up its loose ends while leaving open avenues for future expansion.
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