Summary
The classic hero archetype usually represents the paragon of goodness. The hero is righteous, kind, self-sacrificing, and just. He has an affable personality and stands in stark contrast to his villains, who are very often vile, greedy, and cruel. Heroes like these can be found from classical examples like Odysseus to more modern exampleslike Superman and All Might.
In contrast, the anti-hero is a little more unscrupulous. The anti-hero still fights on the side of good, but may also have some flaws that make them less than ideal. They may be selfish, cowardly, or lack a desire to help others. Anti-heroes are common in many anime and manga, but they are especially common in series likeBleach. Here are some examples of the best anti-heroes found inBleach.
1Mayuri Kurotsuchi
In some ways, Mayuri Kurotsuchi could be considered more of a villain than a hero. He was introduced as an antagonist during the Soul Society Arc when he fought against Ichigo and his friends during their mad dash to save Rukia. Aside from his skills as Captain of the 12th Division, Kurotsuchi is also an avid scientist who has come up with a myriad of inventions and modifications to both his equipment and his body.
Despite ostensibly being an ally for the rest of the series, Kurotsuchinever loses his creepy demeanor and ethically questionable practices. Though he is certainly good to have on the team, he remains a relatively risky person for Ichigo and the others to rely on.
2Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
The Fight-Loving Lone Wolf Of The Arrancar
Grimmjow Jaegaerjaquez was initially introduced in the Arrancar Arc as the Sexta Espada,one of the ten strongest Arrancarsin Aizen’s army. Though he soon lost his rank due to his loss against Ichigo, he retained his fighting spirit and continued to act as a rogue agent during the Hueco Mundo arc.
Grimmjow was one of only two Espada to survive the events of Aizen’s fight against Ichigo and the Soul Society. Though he remains largely neutral, he does come to help Ichigo during the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc, though only because he wants to verify he can fight his rival again.
3Kisuke Urahara
The Ever-scheming Mystery Man
Kisuke Urahara isinitially introduced as a supporting character, helping Ichigo and Rukia by giving them goods and equipment meant for their Hollow-hunting activities, such as the gigai that allowed her to manifest in the real world. Despite coming off as a relatively helpful guy, Urahara has always seemed to have motives beyond what’s on the surface.
In truth, Urahara was once the Captain of the Gotei 13’s 12th division, hiding out on Earth after being exiled from Soul Society. Though he ultimately means well, his secret plans for fighting Aizen and stopping his plans require him to deceive even his allies, making him hard to trust.
4Uryu Ishida
The Overly Prickly Quincy
Seemingly a straight-laced high school student at Karakura High, Uryu Ishida is a Quincy, one of a society of humans with the power to fight Hollows with their own class of supernatural powers. Uryu initially appeared as an antagonist to Ichigo, but he soon became a close friend and ally, despite being rather reluctant to admit it.
For a time, Uryu appeared to betray Ichigo and his friendsduring the Thousand-Year Blood War Arcwhen he appeared as part of Yhwach’s army. In truth, he only joined to take revenge for the death of his mother, which Yhwach caused.
5Kenpachi Zaraki
The Gotei 13’s Most Natural Fighter
A Shinigami granted the name of Kenpachi, Zaraki isone of the strongest Shinigami in Soul Society. Zaraki is so strong that he has reached Captain-level despite not even mastering his Shikai, something even lower-level Shinigami can do. During the Soul Society Arc, Zaraki was one of Ichigo’s most perilous foes, due to his immense strength and spiritual power.
In later arcs, Zaraki would essentially serve as a recurring ally for Ichigo, and a reliable one due to his incredible strength. His thirst for battle and unrelenting ferocity have not changed, and he will often prioritize a good fight over an important task. Even so, his appearance on the battlefield brings great relief to his comrades and subordinates.
