“I have a lot of fun drawing them”: Rukia and Orihime Couldn’t Impress Tite Kubo the Way 2 Other Female Bleach Characters Did
Tite Kubo’s legendary shonen series, Bleach, has a roster of fan-favorite characters, ranging from the cool and aloof Byakuya Kuchiki to the strong, good-hearted Chad, and iconic villains like Yhwach and Aizen. Bleach fans also look forward to seeing powerful women and other compelling female characters in the show.
Looking back, Bleach was way ahead of its time when it came to representing female characters. None of them were eye candies or token love interests; they were all strong characters with interesting personalities who had something to offer to the series.
Bleach‘s female characters are loved by fans for different kinds of reasons. It might be a character’s unique personality or memorable dialogue, a unique combat power, her brave actions, or simply her character design. Whatever the reason might be, Bleach women are one-of-a-kind and even Tite Kubo has a difficult time resisting their appeal.
Tite Kubo’s Favorite Female Characters Do Not Include Rukia Kuchiki Or Orihime Inoue
In an interview with Tite Kubo at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con, he revealed his favorite female characters in Bleach, and surprisingly it was not Rukia Kuchiki or Orihime Inoue. The interviewer, Deb Aoki of About.com, asked Kubo if he has a favorite female character in Bleach, and Kubo said:
“Hmm. Yoruichi and Rangiku! Their attitude is like, they just don’t care what people think of them! (laughs) I have a lot of fun drawing them and creating stories with them.“
While some fans of Rukia or Orihime might get offended by Kubo’s choice, it perfectly reflects why Bleach is so loved among the fans. Kubo’s explanation as to why they are his favorite female characters also shows how he thinks about the female characters he creates.
Throughout the series, several female characters demonstrate strong personalities and a self-affirmative attitude, something that many anime series lack. Although Yoruichi Shihoin and Rangiku Matsumoto are only two of the many female characters from the series, they are also the strongest. For Kubo to single them out from a plethora of other lovable female characters, he must adore these two characters a lot.
Yoruichi Shihoin and Rangiku Matsumoto, Explored
Yoruichi is an interesting character who can morph into a cat and an ex-Soul Reaper with highly advanced skills. She is an endearing and bright character who appealed to Bleach fans with her incredible martial arts skills, carefree attitude, and surprisingly kind side. Yoruichi also invented a kido hybrid style called Shunko, which she taught to Soi Fon.
Rangiku Matsumoto immediately established herself as a fun and lively character in the series, with the capability to brighten any room she is in. However, it wouldn’t do to ignore her when it comes to a battle. Not only can she hold on her own in combat, but she could make anyone’s life a living hell if they seem like a threat to the people she cares about (she is hella protective).
You can read Bleach manga on VIZ Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
