This lesser-known sequel not only expands the Bleach universe but also showcases Tite Kubo’s ability to add twists in a familiar concept.

SUMMARY

Tite Kubo has expanded the Bleach’s universe by creating another manga, Burn the Witch.

However, this manga is set in London, and uses a magical setting.
Burn the Witch released in 2018 and it was adapted into anime in 2020.

While the epic confrontation between Ichigo Kurosaki and the Quincy king, Yhwach is taking center stage in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, Tite Kubo has quietly unleashed another story that is set within somewhat the same universe — Burn the Witch. In contrast to Bleach, which focuses on Japan, this new story brings us to the western hemisphere and provides a new viewpoint on the Soul Society and its operations.

Burn the Witch | Credit: Studio Colorido

Set in London, Burn the Witch shifts the focus from Soul Reapers to witches, from swords to tea, and from Hollows to Dragons. This lesser-known sequel not only expands the Bleach universe but also showcases Tite Kubo’s ability to reinvent familiar concepts with innovative twists.

The Premise of Burn the Witch

The setting of Burn the Witch is Reverse London, a hidden society that runs concurrently with regular London. The Western Branch of the Soul Society employs witches and wizards in this setting, which is in charge of overseeing and managing Dragons. These mythical creatures are not the friendly, fire-breathing companions of fantasy literature; rather, they are lethal monsters that account for 72% of fatalities in the UK.

Ninny and Noel from Burn the Witch | Credit: Studio Colorido

The story revolves around two witches, Ninny Spangcole and Noel Niihashi, who work for Wing Bind, a department dedicated to Dragon conservation and management. Ninny is a spunky, outspoken witch who moonlights as a pop idol in the “front” London. In contrast, Noel is calm, pragmatic, and slightly aloof. Her methodical approach to problems and no-nonsense attitude complements Ninny’s fiery nature.

Instead of Bleach‘s Hollows, Burn the Witch takes a bold step away by introducing Dragons as its central antagonists. Another striking aspect of Burn the Witch is how it weaves British culture into its storytelling. Instead of Zanpakuto, witches use wands and magic, reminiscent of European fantasy traditions. The hierarchical structure of Wing Bind, with its various divisions and strict regulations, also resembles the bureaucracy of the original Soul Society but with a Western flair.

Burn the Witch: The Hidden Gem That Deserves More Attention

Initially, Burn the Witch manga was published as a one-shot in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2018 before expanding into a four-chapter serialized manga in 2020. Though short, the series packed in enough world-building to captivate fans. In the same year, a three-episode anime adaptation was released, giving fans a cinematic introduction to Reverse London.

A still from Burn the Witch | Credit: Studio Colorido

The anime adaptation perfectly captured Tite Kubo‘s signature art style, blending his detailed character designs with fluid animation. It provided a visual spectacle of broomstick chases, dragon battles, and a quirky yet dangerous world.

Moreover, Burn the Witch directly ties into the Bleach universe, albeit in subtle ways. It takes place 12 years after the Quincy Blood War and 2 years after the events of chapter 686 of Bleach. However, the Western Branch of the Soul Society operates under different rules and faces distinct challenges compared to its Japanese counterpart.

While Burn the Witch did not achieve the same cultural impact as Bleach, it has carved out a niche among fans who appreciate its unique setting and characters. It serves as a testament to Kubo’s creativity and willingness to explore new ideas within familiar frameworks. While Ichigo Kurosaki remains the face of the Bleach franchise, Burn the Witch reminds us that the Soul Society is a vast, interconnected world filled with untold stories.