The easiest way to spark a heated discussion among anime fans is to mention shonen anime and female characters in the same sentence. Most mainstream Shonen titles have lackluster female characters, except for Tite Kubo’s Bleach.
This might shock some fans because the mangaka has a tendency to go all out with fan service. When it comes to fanservice, the first character who comes to mind is Rangiku Matsumoto. However, most female characters in Bleach are so well-written that the competition is fierce.
The only thing dragging Rangiku down is the special emphasis on fanservice by the mangaka. She has some great traits, but the fanservice overshadows most of them, making it quite surprising that she still ranks among the best the animanga series has to offer.
Bleach has the best female characters among shonen titles
Every arc and group in Bleach has strong female characters, who play an integral role. Rukia and Orihime were the first few characters we were introduced to. Orihime came off as the typical female character, who screams the protagonist’s name every chance she gets. But, she evolved beautifully. Her healing abilities complemented her personality. She always ensured that she strikes back stronger after a setback.
Whether she was fighting strong opponents or being a good friend, Rukia could do it all. We also had characters like Unohana, Yoruichi, Senjumaru Shutara, and Kirio Hikifune, who were experienced and well-versed in how things work in the Soul Society. Their experience came in handy during crucial moments, whether it was about supporting Ichigo or fighting the big bad by themselves.
Yoruichi trained Ichigo and even supported him during the final battle against Yhwach, whereas Unohana was quick to deploy the medics when she realized Aizen’s true motivations. The Quincies had many female Sternritters, who were ruthless in battle and that rage was strangely satisfying to witness. A Reddit comment highlighted how Rangiku paled in comparison to them.
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Compared to the other characters mentioned, Rangiku’s contribution wasn’t as significant. Her character arc was limited to her personal relationships to some extent, and her character could have been explored better. However, as surprising as it is, it’s unfair to completely disregard her as one of the best female Bleach characters.
Here’s why Rangiku deserves to be on the list
Rangiku is the prime example of how fan service and great characterization for the female cast are not mutually exclusive. Most of her scenes are played off for comic relief, yet we see her true personality in glimpses. She owns her physical appeal and even uses it in combat. She loves to get people flustered. Even though she might not be as hardworking as the other Soul Reapers, she’s equally willing to lay her life on the line.
When it comes to supporting other characters, there’s no one better than her. She played that role for both Hinamori and Orihime. While not as apparent as the other characters, Rangiku comes with layers of details, and more screen time could have unraveled them all. But, even now she’s much better than most Shonen characters.
Bleach is available to stream on Netflix.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
