Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Season 2 (2023)

Ichigo Kurosaki, the teenager with the abilities of a Soul Reaper, is thrust once again into the chaos of the spirit world. The calm that had once settled over the Soul Society is shattered by warning sirens and unexplained disappearances. As the Soul Society scrambles to understand the menace lurking in the shadows, Ichigo and his friends in Karakura Town find themselves drawn into the web of mystery. Tensions rise as they encounter threats not only from the supernatural realm but also from the deepest corridors of their own hearts. This season promises a blend of heart-stopping action and deep emotional introspection, exploring themes of friendship, duty, and the grey areas between good and evil.

Length: 5hrs 12min
Genre: Action, Adventure, Animation, Anime, Fantasy

Trailer

Cast

• Johnny Yong Bosch as Ichigo Kurosaki
• Richard Epcar as an undisclosed role
• Masakazu Morita as Ichigo Kurosaki (Japanese voice)
• Alain Mesa as Yasutora “Chad” Sado, replacing Jamieson Price from the original series.

Parental Guidance

Maturity Rating: TV-MA (Suitable for mature audiences, 18 and older)

This installment of BLEACH features less censorship compared to the original, with a more explicit portrayal of blood and graphic violence. Although the anime does dial down some of the more intense scenes from the manga, parents should be aware of the potential for mature content. The dark tone and intense battles make it suitable for older audiences, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

Trivia

• BLEACH: Thousand Year Blood War follows up on the original Bleach (2004) and is designed to bring the remainder of the manga’s final arc to screen.
• Despite being a sequel, it’s been structured to span 52 episodes, released in four split cours of 13 episodes each. These will air a few months apart, integrated within the lineup of seasonal anime titles.
• The cumulative episode count, when combined with the original anime, totals a staggering 418 episodes. However, “The Blood Warfare, Separation (Interlude) (2023)” stands as an exception, treated as special episodes separate from the main numbering.
• Unique to this series, episode titles are showcased alongside the episode numbers.
• With sensitivity to issues of cultural representation, Jamieson Price stepped down from voicing Yasutora “Chad” Sado. His replacement, Alain Mesa, brings a touch of authenticity, being of Cuban heritage, and fitting the character’s mixed descent.

Our Review

It’s always a challenging endeavor to breathe life back into an anime that has been dormant for years, but “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Season 2” rises to the occasion splendidly. The action sequences remain as thrilling as ever, with animation that captures the fluidity and dynamism fans have come to expect from the franchise. The darker, mature tone is a refreshing change, allowing for deeper exploration of character emotions and motivations. This season has successfully reignited the BLEACH fervor, effortlessly intertwining the old with the new. While some purists might argue against the slight toning down from the manga’s gorier scenes, the balance struck ensures the show remains engaging without becoming gratuitously violent. The voice casting, particularly the decision to bring in Alain Mesa for Chad, adds layers of depth and authenticity. In essence, whether you’re a longtime fan or a new viewer, “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – Season 2” offers an exhilarating ride worth hopping onto. We eagerly await the next installment!