Over the years, there has been a raging debate on which series in The Big Three has featured the best-written female characters. Opinions would vary from person to person; some people would feel that Tite Kubo’s Bleach is much more of a gripping series.
However, the real fans of the otaku community would often agree that Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece is much more outstanding considering the popularity of the title. Some fans believe Kubo-sensei’s title is infectiously popular among fans, who praise the show for featuring a long list of pretty faces for fans to gawk at.
Oda-Sensei has silenced those fans as well because, in the past 25 years, he has not only featured a vast creative world but also some of the most remarkable female characters that would leave a lasting impact on its viewers, which proves the mangaka’s creative genius.
One Piece Proves Why It Stands Miles Above Tite Kubo’s Bleach
Tite Kubo’s Bleach features a male-dominated storyline, where Ichigo Kurosaki, who gains the ability to see Shinigamis, encounters Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who transfers her powers to our protagonist. He also encounters formidable foes to protect the living and the dead.
Despite everything, Kubo-San has given ample moments for the ladies to shine in the limelight. Not only are these ladies drop-dead gorgeous, they also get the job done as they showcase their true potential on the battlefield.
These ladies, ranging from fierce warriors to compassionate healers, have captivated the fans with their depth and complexity. Yet, the series doesn’t stand a chance against its rival, One Piece. Eiichiro Oda has masterfully crafted the female characters.
Though the female characters often play a secondary role, unlike in Bleach, Oda-Sensei would use each woman to add a unique narrative to the major storyline of the Shonen series. For instance, the Third Member of the Straw Hat Pirates, Nami, the navigator of Luffy’s crew, added profound depth to the plot.
The character is not just a crew member, as she went from a girl running from a tragic past who was not only oppressed by Arlong the Fishman but also witnessed her mother getting murdered in front of her eyes as a kid. However, it was the love and unwavering faith of her crewmates that saved her and made her the character she is today.
Likewise, Nico Robin, nicknamed the Devil Child, was hunted by the World Government and the Marines. As a result, she had lost faith and gave up on the idea of living. However, she was touched by the kindness of Luffy and his crewmates, as they pulled her from darkness, giving her hope and giving her the will to live.
The retelling of a gripping narrative of redemption and hope surrounding the women of One Piece breaks past stereotypes, showcasing what it means to be strong. This notion reinforces why the Shonen series has continued to be well-received by the fans, while other members of The Big Three have fallen out of favor.
The Otaku Community Silences Bleach Fans on Having the Best Female Characters
A fan had taken to r/bleach, where a fan asked “What are the things that Bleach does better than the other these two animes?” A fan of Tite Kubo’s work stated “Bleach does the best female characters of the three I would say.”
However, the entire otaku community gets summoned to the Reddit post to clear the misconception that Eiichiro Oda has cooked with his magnum opus, as he uses the women in his title to add a profound layer of depth and emotions to its viewers, taking them on a rollercoaster of emotions. They commented,
Nevertheless, Oda-Sensei has proved his narrative prowess and expressed his rebellious nature by showcasing feminine strength. As a result, the viewers were mesmerized by how the strength of women can come in many forms, leaving a lasting impression on their minds.
One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
