Tite Kubo has always been targeted for fan service in Bleach but the mangaka had a valid reason behind it specially in the case of Rangiku.

SUMMARY

Fans have always criticized Tite Kubo for filling Bleach with unlimited fan service moments.
The fan service negatively impacts the female characters within the series.

However, Kubo had a purpose for introducing fan service with Rangiku’s character.

Despite being one of the greatest manga creators in the world, the one allegation that Tite Kubo has not been able to beat is regarding the fan service that is allegedly included in Bleach by the manga creator. For the longest time, fans have assumed that Kubo has used the female characters in the series, like Orihime and Yoruichi, as fan service to grab the attention of the readers.

Bleach Anime | Credit: Studio Pierrot

While he is not the first manga creator to be bombarded with these allegations, he definitely is the one who has never rejected these accusations against him. He has defended the female characters in Bleach, and through the narrative of the series, he has tried to portray that the fan service has a bigger purpose behind it.

The biggest example of this would be the character of Rangiku Matsumoto, the lieutenant of the 10th Division of the Gotei 13, serving under Toshiro Hitsugaya. She has used her physical beauty to her advantage in the narrative and managed to prove that the fan service in Bleach is not only for the fans of the series.

The Unhealthy Amount of Fan Service in Bleach

While fan service is not an uncommon practice in the Shonen genre, Bleach takes it to the next level compared to other series. Almost every female character within the series has been used at least once for fan service, which ideally makes the central narrative a little inappropriate and uncomfortable. However, there are different intentions behind these fan service moments.

Some of them are used to create humor within the series’ storyline and make it a little light-hearted. It generally has no negative intention behind it, but Bleach has been criticized by fans for portraying the female characters in such ways. This generally involves creating characters with exaggerated body figures in overly sexualized scenes.

Rangiku Matsumoto | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Although it might not be the intention, portraying the female characters for fan service affects their development within the series in a negative manner. Their importance within the narrative is reduced, and fans only focus on them for the fan service moments.

Tite Kubo Had A Different Intention Behind Rangiku’s Fan Service

Tite Kubo has never officially talked about the blame on him for the fan service within Bleach, but the manga creator might have had other purposes behind including them to such an extent.

This is proved by Rangiku’s character, especially in episode 115 when she and other Soul Reapers visit the world of the living and decide to stay at Ichigo’s house.

Rangiku in Ichigo’s House | Credit: Studio Pierrot

When Ichigo refuses, Rangiku decides to persuade him through other ways. She starts removing her clothes but is stopped by Ichigo, who still doesn’t change his opinion. While Rangiku fails in her attempt, it proves that she is well aware of her physical beauty and does not shy away from using it to her advantage at all.

This is the biggest hint by the Bleach manga creator that the fan service within the series has other purposes as well. And in no way are they placed in the narrative to downgrade or negatively impact the development of the female characters of Bleach.

Bleach is available to watch on Hulu.