Key Takeaways:
– Manga Creator Tite Kubo originally envisioned Soul Reapers donned in suits with handguns as their primary weapon.
– Kubo decided against this idea to better fit the overall theme of the series.
– The iconic Japanese–style black kimono attire and katana were Kubo’s final choice.
– Had Kubo proceeded with his original concept, the Bankai, the final form of a Zanpakuto, wouldn’t have been introduced.
– The series’ original title had been “Snipe” owing to Soul Reapers using guns.
Initial Plan for Soul Reapers’ Attire in Bleach Unveiled
Tite Kubo, the creator of the popular manga and anime series Bleach, initially had a notably distinct plan for the look of his Soul Reaper characters. He considered a more modern approach, envisioning the soul protectors in sleek suits, bearing handguns. This striking image significantly deviates from the eventual traditional, Japanese-inspired style chosen for the Soul Reapers, complete with kimonos and katanas.
In a reveal that piqued the interest of fans, this intriguing tidbit about Kubo’s initial concept for Bleach was shared during an interview in the Bleach box set.
Kubo’s Concept of Modernized Soul Reapers
In the interview, Kubo elaborated on his original vision, stating, “Actually, the first shinigami I thought up wore a suit. I had an image in my head of boys wearing black suits and girls wearing something like a Catholic girls’ school uniform.” However, he noticed a saturated usage of such styles for shinigami characters in other manga formats and movies. This discouraged him from proceeding with his initial idea.
He further stated: “Skull shinigami wearing black hoods have been around forever and shinigami in black suits as a modernized version of that. So I wondered what style of shinigami still hadn’t been done, and then I decided on a Japanese-style black kimono.”
Origins of the Iconic Bleach Outfit
After thoughtful contemplation on the attire of his Soul Reapers, Kubo discarded his initial plans. Settling on the traditional Japanese-style black kimono as the uniform of choice, this marked the birth of what has now become the iconic Bleach outfit.
Bleach’s Evolution from Snipe to Bankai
Interestingly, the traditional Japanese clothing was not the only thing Kubo decided to switch from his original concept. He initially dreamt up his Soul Reapers yielding handguns, embracing a concept that led him to contemplate naming the series “Snipe”. He stated: “Back when I was considering suits, they carried handguns. At that point, I had changed scythes to guns.”
However, he revisited this when pivoting to kimonos, recognizing the discord between traditional Japanese attire and modern weaponry. As a result, he adopted the katana— or Zanpakuto, as it’s referred to in the series. This eventual shift was an essential component of the series, introducing the concept of Bankai, the final upgraded form of a Soul Reaper’s Zanpakuto.
Conclusion
Given the stark contrast between Kubo’s initial concept and the final product, it is clear that Bleach could have ended up as a markedly different series. Traditional styles regularly featured in the series belie the fact that Kubo initially envisioned a modernized take on shinigami. Had he proceeded with his original concept, beloved elements such as the Bankai may not even exist. Yet thanks to his final decisions, Bleach has carved its unique identity in anime history.
