What makes one long-running anime stand out from its rivals? For CBR, the case for Bleach is not about topping the sales charts. It is about the details that give the series its own character: its music, its cast, its fashion and the way its hero comes across.
Bleach was part of shonen’s “Big Three” alongside Naruto and One Piece, series that were major forces in the genre during the 2000s and early 2010s. The comparison is a familiar one, but CBR’s article makes a case for looking at Bleach from a different angle. It acknowledges that Bleach sold less than its two peers, while arguing that sales are not the only way to talk about what fans might value in a story.
One of the article’s main talking points is the soundtrack, composed by Shiro Sagisu. CBR describes it as distinctive and memorable, with experimental synth sounds and choruses that fit the series’ supernatural atmosphere. It also points to hard-rock music for battles and Spanish-inspired music in later arcs. These are critical judgments, not measurements that prove one soundtrack is better than another—but they help explain the particular mood the article associates with Bleach.
The article also highlights representation in the cast, naming Kaname Tōsen, Yoruichi Shihōin and Zommari Rureaux as Black characters with significant roles. That is another part of its argument about what makes the series appealing. Rather than treating its characters as background decoration, the article points to their place in the story as a reason to pay attention to Bleach’s cast.
Then there is the clothing. Bleach’s characters often appear in stylish alternate outfits, which CBR connects to creator Tite Kubo’s interest in modern fashion. Their looks help the series feel visually distinct, giving fans something to notice beyond the supernatural conflicts and battles.
The article’s comparison also comes down to personality. It suggests that some viewers may find Ichigo less grating than the louder protagonists Naruto and Luffy. That is plainly a matter of taste: viewers may prefer a more boisterous hero, or they may connect more with Ichigo’s approach. The point is not that every fan will agree, but that protagonist style can shape how a series feels to watch.
So CBR’s case for Bleach is best read as an invitation to notice its particular strengths, not as proof of an objective anime champion. Music, representation, fashion and characterization offer different reasons to enjoy it—and different viewers will weigh those reasons differently. The Big Three comparison may invite debate, but the article’s most useful takeaway is simple: a series can stand out for more than its place on a sales chart.
Source: 10 Ways Bleach Is The Best Of The Shonen Big Three, CBR
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