Tite Kubo accentuates the sass with Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s breaking of the fourth wall in the latest episode of Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War anime.
SUMMARY
Bleach has its fair share of unique and diverse characters that deserve their due recognition.
Fans responded to the iconic pop culture moment in Bleach’s latest episode.
Tite Kubo redefined sass with Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s characterization in Thousand-Year Blood War.
While Bleach is often celebrated for its supernatural themes, the series is more than that. Its riveting storyline and fleshed-out characters are what sets it apart from other series.
Both manga and the anime outline the badassery of Shinigami in every possible way. From their Bankai to their persona, Tite Kubo takes character building to a whole new level. This is especially true with the recent episode of the sequel.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
Kubo took storytelling to a whole new level with this iconic scene in the sequel. The fourth-wall-breaking scene is, by far, one of the most iconic moments in the series.
But what notches it up is the mangaka’s characterization of Mayuri Kurotsuchi. This very aspect deems him as the sassiest Shinigami in the series.
4th wall-breaking scene in Bleach screams ‘iconic’
Gore, violence, and horror are centric to the Bleach series. But what sets it apart is its depth and storytelling. The series is a complete treat in terms of visuals and well-written characters.
Both manga and anime outline an array of characters through their diverse representations. To this date, Kubo’s series is lauded for its layered and versatile characters. But that is not what makes the series a top-notch shonen story.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
The mangaka is meticulous in laying out the eccentricities of each character. From Shunsui to Urahara, the Shinigami each have their flair. This also applies to yet another character in the series, Mayuri.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi is the mad scientist in Kubo’s series who is a morally grey character. His choices are questionable and his motives are beyond diabolical. Nonetheless, his knowledge streak combined with his sassiness was notched up in this very scene.
Most fans couldn’t help but marvel at the 4th wall breakdown in the recent episode of the sequel.
The recent episode sparked an array of reactions from most fans, and it was hilarious nonetheless. But what is noteworthy is Kubo’s redefining of Mayuri’s sassiness in the sequel.
While his Bankai became meme-worthy material along with his sunflower attire, the character speaks sass in every way. This is exaggerated in the sequel and we couldn’t help but appreciate it.
Tite Kubo redefined Mayuri’s sassiness in Thousand Year Blood War
Mayuri Kurotsuchi is anything but a bog-standard mad scientist in Tite Kubo’s series. As one of the captains of the Gotei 13, he also holds influence as the President of the Shinigami Research Institute. His thirst for power and knowledge is unparalleled.
This is aggravated by his modification of the Bankai which is nothing short of terrifying. Although his Bankai has been the butt of jokes, it isn’t something to be trifled with. This also applies to the level of sass Kubo gave the character in the sequel.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot
In the recent episode Thousand-Year Blood War, the character unveiled his new Bankai with several modifications. Most fans deemed him worthy of being an antagonist. This also ties in well with his wit and intelligence, which can outclass Aizen.
And while it makes sense, it would go against the mangaka’s conception of the character. Barring his sadism and menacing pursuits, the character is constructed as morally grey. This was confirmed by the mangaka in an interview with Kohei Horikoshi.
By and by, the series left no stone unturned in giving fans one of the iconic pop culture moments. This holds true with both the fourth-wall-breaking scene, along with Kubo’s excellence in highlighting the character’s eccentricities.
