Bleach Pre-Publication Planning Journal
Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia before publication!!
Before publication, Kubo-sensei drew Ichigo and Rukia in his journal. Looking back, Sensei says Ichigo with glasses looked like a “young intellectual.” Along with a scythe-wielding Rukia, they are truly different from the characters as they are today!!
Secret Theme – Agent of the Shinigami and Soul Society Arcs
The volume on Rukia
With the status of a Substitute Shinigami, stepping into battles to protect the living world!!
In order to protect his family, friends, and Karakura town, Ichigo became a shinigami. In Rukia’s place, he fought and confronted the hollow responsible for his mother’s death. One day, emissaries from another world appeared --------
Tite comment
Each arc has its own theme. The Soul Society arc was about saving Rukia. The Arrancar arc was about saving Orihime. The Lost Agent arc was connected to Chad. The new arc will be about…
Title is… “Snipe”
Tite comment
The original advertisement was titled “Snipe.” But I decided that it didn’t feel right, so I changed it.
Tite Idea Note
Sensei’s secret notes contain sketches of some familiar characters. This is one portion. They all look different from how they are now. We can guess that during the planning stages, Sensei had already drawn out his main characters.
Rescue Rukia from execution!!
Because she gave shinigami powers to Ichigo, Rukia was sentenced to death. In order to save his own savior, Ichigo and friends went to Soul Society. Ichigo fought several deadly battles with the shinigami protecting Seireitei, and succeeded in saving Rukia. At this time, Aizen’s deception was revealed…
Secret Theme – Arrancar Arc
The volume on Orihime
A new power enters the stage, shinigami enter full-on battle!!
After returning to the living world from Soul Society, Ichigo took up the duties of substitute shinigami again. At this time, before him appeared two new powers, the Vizards and the Arrancar. The shinigami begin battling against the Arrancar under Aizen’s leadership…
Both current and previous members of the Gotei 13 fight against the traitor shinigami and the hollows under their command!!
The Idea Note
Hirako, whose character was planned out pre-publication, finally enters the scene!!
Hirako was drawn on the very first color spread in the first chapter.
Tite comment
I originally wanted to draw stories about Ichigo’s classmates, so I drew Hirako as one.
Gradually disappearing, Rukia’s existence…
Secret Theme – The Lost Agent Arc
The volume on Sado
Time passes, although 17 months later all is well…
Aizen created disorder never seen before. In order to defeat him, Ichigo lost his shinigami powers. He got the normal student life that he’d hoped for, but also became restless as he couldn’t protect his friends. At this time, a group of people with mysterious powers appeared. The fullbringers began a battle against Ichigo and the other shinigami at Karakura town.
Receiving new powers, Ichigo continues his development…
Ichigo’s new look from “The Lost Agent Arc!!”
Before the Lost Agent Arc began, Kubo-sensei sent this sketch of Ichigo 17 months later to his editor. The armor around his arms and neck represent the mixture of his shinigami and fullbring powers. How will he continue to change in the new arc!?