Bleach is known as one of the “Big Three” anime. It has one of the largest fanbases, and there are hardly any anime fans who haven’t watched Bleach.
The series was aired from October 2004 to March 2012 on TV Tokyo and had 366 episodes. Eight years have passed since the anime ended, and fans began to become hopeless about seeing a proper ending of the series.
However, the creators finally dropped the big news that everyone had waited for by announcing Season 17 on Bleach’s 20th Anniversary. Yes, you heard that correctly. A new season is coming up, and here’s everything you need to know about it.
What happened so far in Bleach
The anime adaptation has original storylines that aren’t in the manga with repeated appearances and stories with these original characters. Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after obtaining the powers of a Soul Reaper from Rukia Kuchiki, another Soul Reaper. His new powers obligate him to protect humans from evil spirits and guide deceased souls to the afterlife.
In the last season, Ichigo loses his powers. Ginjo and Ichigo battle with Tsukishima, who’s trying to kill Ichigo even in his current condition. But this is prevented by Riruka because she exits from Rukia’s body.
Later, Ichigo visits Genrysai Shigekuni Yamamoto and requests Ginjo’s body to be buried in the human world. Ichigo agrees to continue being a Substitute Soul Reaper, and in the end, Ichigo arrives in town and is welcomed by friends and family.
What is going on with Pierrot?
Studio Pierrot is one of the top animation studios in Japan. It is not surprising that the studio remained active even after completing Bleach and worked on many projects. Their most notable ones include Naruto: Shippuden, Tokyo Ghoul, Black Clover, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Their recent projects were Black Clover and Mr. Osomatsu 3, both of which aired till March 2021.
However, during the official announcement of the new season, the creators did not reveal which animation studio would be animating the new season of Bleach. It may be Studio Pierrot anyways because they have animated all the seasons of Bleach and did a great job.
What do we know about Bleach Season 17 so far?
According to Weekly Shonen Jump, the creators are renewing the series for its final arc, the “Thousand-Year Blood War arc,” from Bleach manga.
There are 218 chapters in the “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, “and the anime adaptation will likely have over 20 episodes. Either the season will split the anime into series, or there could be a fully animated film instead.
The creators have confirmed that the adaptation of the final arc will be uncensored. Shonen Jump also posted an official announcement video on the internet.
What are fans saying about Bleach Season 17?
After waiting for eight years for a proper ending, fans started to lose hope about a new season. After hearing the announcement, fans filled the internet with discussions and were excited about a new season.
Since 2021 is ending soon, and there hasn’t been a trailer yet, fans are beginning to think that a new season will maybe come out in 2022.
Will there be Bleach Season 17?
Bleach is among the highest-grossing anime/manga franchises of all time. Bleach sales were outstanding. In 2017, it sold 90 million tankōbon copies in circulation worldwide. In 2018, it sold 120 million tankōbon copies in circulation, making it the 6th best-selling series of all time from Weekly Shōnen Jump. The franchise has made a whopping 7.24 billion dollars. Bleach was very popular when it was airing, and even after it finished airing, it has maintained its popularity.
Considering its popularity, success, and demand from fans for another season, the creators couldn’t hold back anymore. Finally, in March 2020, on the 20th Anniversary of Bleach, the creators announced that Bleach Season 17 is officially in the making, and it will be adapting the ‘Thousand-Year Blood War arc.’ Bleach returning after eight years was one of the most shocking anime news of 2020.
When will Bleach Season 17 be released?
Officials have confirmed that Bleach Season 17 will be released in 2021. Since it hasn’t been in the current season, it will most likely release in the winter season in December 2021. Bleach will have its art exhibition in December 2021 in Hikarie Hall, and it can be predicted that season 17 will also be released at the same time.
Since “My Hero Academia” had an exhibition in Tokyo event that coincided with season 5. Maybe the creator of Bleach, Tite Kubo, became inspired to do the same for Bleach’s new season release as he was present in both the exhibitions and applauded Horikoshi’s MHA show.
What can we expect in Season 17 of Bleach?
It has been officially announced that Season 17 will adapt the manga arc, Thousand-Year Blood War, which starts in chapter 424 and is the conclusive arc.
In season 16, Ichigo loses his powers but then regains them with the help of Rukia Kuchiki. Meanwhile, all the Hollows disappear, which causes the union to crush. Their disappearance is a mystery because no one knows what triggered them to disappear suddenly.
Afterward, in the new season, it will be shown that a new group of soldiers named Wandenreich launches its attack in the Soul Society. Wandenreich translates to Invisible Empire, and it is a confidential group of Quincy. After being defeated by Shinigami a thousand years ago, Quincy escaped and built themselves a hiding place. They spent these years gathering power for their attack. In this season, Ichigo will mysteriously disappear.
At the same time, chaos breaks out as this powerful Wandenreich group attacks the soul society, which causes a long war between Quincy and Shinigami. Ichigo will once again go through harsh training to become strong enough to defeat the Wandenreich.
