As two highly anticipated anime shows are scheduled to air in October, it has been a good month for anime fans. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Chainsaw Man Both have aired on our television screens. Both shows aired one day apart; since their launch, much has been said about which show is better. Bleach This series has already reached a wide audience, having re-emerged on TV after a decade. As for Chainsaw ManThis is the first time that it has made a TV debut. Despite this, I am here for you to determine which one performs better.
Bleach: TYBWIs nostalgia mixed with a darker plot?
The story focuses this time on the King Quincy, Yhwach’s attempt to control the Soul Society. Considering that Quincy’s are more powerful than Soul Reapers, the show poignantly shows the struggle between two factions. This includes Quincys trying invade the Soul Society, and many Hallows infiltrating human world.
It’s a great opening. I was amazed at how many manga references are there. This is pretty cool, Yhwach.#Bleach #BLEACHTYBW pic.twitter.com/3h4Lf6z8CU
— ゲタ帽子🇳🇱 Road To 4K (@Geta_Boshi_) October 17, 2022
Fans will also recognize many familiar faces, such as Chad, Ichigo and Ishida. It is interesting to note how the story has grown more complicated as the writers emphasize darker themes such as violence, death, and betrayal. Bleach offers some comic relief, with great comedy time and beautifully alternates between dark and light themes.
Quilge works well as a charachter.#Bleach #BLEACHTYBW pic.twitter.com/A3I0zp5VO3
— ゲタ帽子🇳🇱 Road To 4K (@Geta_Boshi_) October 17, 2022
Another fascinating aspect is how BleachIt has updated its animation and style. Tomohisa Taguchi is now the series’ director. Taguchi replaces Noriyuki Abe. Abe kept it simple by including manga instances that were not important, but Taguchi explores the story between them. It’s his interpretation of the original story that makes BleachAll the more compelling. For instance, Taguchi’s had a frame where the villain contorts his more than seen in the manga.
Yhwach’s VA makes him sound so intimidating. He is RUTHLESS #BLEACHTYBW pic.twitter.com/IV8KQwQZvD
— Crow ✪ (@ExiledCroww) October 17, 2022
The Quincies are among the most frightening villains in the world, thanks to their use of light shadows and textures. Bleach’s favour. It’s perhaps one of the most interesting returns to the series, where Taguchi has poured his heart and soul into ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers be ready for a wild ride.
Chainsaw Manis full of emotions amid death-defying actions
It is a simple story, but it is very moving. Denji is a young hunter devil who lost his father, leaving behind a large debt. Denji works with Pochita, his chainsaw-devil dog, for the man who gave money to his dad. Unfortunately, Denji is killed in a tragic accident. His pet then revives him.
Pochita is always in our hearts😫 pic.twitter.com/PjjHodUpiy
— Chainsaw Man EN (@Chainsaw_EN) October 22, 2022
The premiere episode opens with a harrowing story of Denji’s life, where he barely has any money in his savings to buy food. Every scene is beautifully animated. You can relate to Denji’s struggle to make ends meet and his desire to have enough money to live a better existence. Pochita also understands this and will eventually sacrifice his life to help his master realize his dreams.
This riveting plot will make many cry. Moreover, Pochita’s very brief character development still gives you an idea about how much the little devil cares. Denji is eventually killed by his murderers, and Makima who manages an agency that executes Demons, discovers him in his transformation state. She may appear nice but she is cold, evil, and this is the difference between a Pochita demon and Makima, who is supposed to make her more empathetic.
Mappa already knows how to use the Fujimoto pause technique, and I love it. It creates a wonderful atmosphere. pic.twitter.com/hze9kftSqH
— 👻 Zach 👻 (@onearmedhokage) October 25, 2022
The action scenes are beautiful and the dialogues are flawless, but what really stuck with me was how the show played into stereotypes. One scene shows Denji living the life he desires after moving in with Aki (a fellow devil hunter). He takes a bath, enjoys good food and wonders what his next steps are. I would have expected something else, but Deni is focused on touching Makima’s and then Power’s breast (she is a devil).
THE ICONIC DENJI AND POWER IN THE TRAIN PANEL ANIMATED#chainsawman #チェンソーマン pic.twitter.com/kiDmb0KWEY
— Daily Chainsaw Man Shots (@CSMperfect) October 25, 2022
Denji is a teenager, and he has never had his needs met. But the timing in this episode is off. It’s too easy to say whether it will become a character trait or not, but it, as of now, doesn’t sit well with me. Denji, despite his knowledge of their cruelty, is a thoughtful character. It’s because of his friendship with Pochita that he realises that they, too, can be friendly, which shows his positive side.
Which should you choose?
Both would be my advice. Bleach is more mature in terms of its’ storyline and character development, and so far, does not feature any overtly sexual references or stereotypes. As for Chainsaw ManDespite its sexy teenager aspect, the show is capable to touch on the nuances of love, loss, as well as greys between good, bad, and ugly.
Both shows feature excellent action choreography and are well-produced. The lighting and details stand out, and it’s a visual treat for many viewers. Fans who haven’t yet seen Bleach The stunning design and creation will leave you in awe. As for Chainsaw ManThere are many emotions that remain to be discovered. These shows, despite minor criticisms, are entertaining and exciting. You will enjoy a lot as you uncover complex and nuanced layers.
