The Espada and their well-written backstories have been discussed endlessly, and now their character designs deserve a discussion of their own. Tite Kubo is a master of imbuing style into his storytelling. His character designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also meaningful in Bleach.
The Espada best exemplify how Kubo uses accessories, shapes, colors, and other details to highlight certain aspects of his characters. So, here’s a ranking of all the Espada based on their design and what makes them visually interesting.
10. Zommari Rureaux
Zommari’s character design is very extra. He looks creepy in his resurreccion form, and focused otherwise. What stands out about him are his accessories, especially the earrings and the neckpiece. Despite how exaggerated his design is, it’s not as impressive as the others.
9. Yammy Largo
Yammy is highly disliked by Bleach fans, and understandably so. He doesn’t live up to the standard he sets for himself or his first impression. Yammy is clearly someone who enjoys fights and has a superiority complex. His original design is simplistic; it’s his resurreccion form that’s spectacular.
He takes up this huge form, appearing like a cannon. The black and blue objects, protruding from his body, add to his menace. They also make his design more dynamic.
8. Szayelaporro Granz
Szayelaporro could easily replace a school president in a shojo or slice-of-life anime. He wears white, like all other Espada, and wears square glasses, looking composed and calculating as a result. It supports his sharp and intellectual brain in Bleach. His resurreccion form reveals the villainous aspects of him.
He doesn’t look like a saint in his original form either, but still looks civil. The mark on his eye, the dark lips, and his grown hair give off an evil and merciless impression. His clothes also have a more interesting fit in his resurreccion form.
7. Aaroniero Arruruerie
Aaroniero looks quite ordinary in his original form, resembling Kaein Shiba. What stands out the most about him is his long overcoat with frills on his sleeves and collar. The coat looks elegant, and so does his weapon. In his resurreccion form, his appearance doesn’t change much, except for his face. And that face is everything.
It’s a jar with a white cover. And inside the jar? There are two creepy gillians. It was a unique reveal.
6. Ulquiorra Cifer
Ulquiorra looks extremely young because of his lean frame. His eyes are untrusting, and the green lines running down his face add a dramatic effect. Despite the horns and the darkness he emits, he doesn’t look scary at all. He seems like a victim of his inhibitions and emptiness.
His character design is melancholic, and it’s great, but he’s the only Espada whose appearance comes second to his story. His character arc felt complete with a satisfying conclusion. He understood the meaning of heart through Ichigo.
5. Tier Harrible
Tier Harrible has the frame of a warrior, but doesn’t look like a brute. The calmness in her eyes and the elevated collar give off a tender and rather feminine impression. She looks taciturn, and her sharp, green eyes represent her fierce aspects. In both her resurreccion form and her original form, Harrible has an air around her that makes her unapproachable.
Yet she has this softness to her, which can be comforting for those she considers close, her subordinates in this case. The sharp edges of her attire in her resurreccion form are terrifying and send the message that she shouldn’t be taken lightly.
4. Nnoitra Gilga
Nnoitra could easily be mistaken for Loki, as he has that mischievous look. His style is dramatic and cunning. One look at him, and it’s clear that this man doesn’t play fair. His long, straight hair gives him a sharp look, whereas his big weapon adds weight to his lean frame.
In his resurreccion form, especially, Nnoitra looks extremely creepy like a snake. His design is very interesting and typical, but it makes for a good introduction to his sadistic nature.
3. Coyote Starrk
Starrk has a beautiful character arc in Bleach that focuses on his loneliness. His character design doesn’t let us in on his painful past, except for his eyes. He looks attractive and fierce, but his eyes look lifeless and uninterested. The highlight of his overall character design is his outfit. The fur leg warmers and the eyepatch make for great accessories.
For a man who doesn’t necessarily enjoy fights, he always looks battle-ready with those pistols and his wolf army in Bleach.
2. Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
Grimmjow’s character design might not be as complex as the other Espada, but the rule of cool works wonders for him. His attire is simplistic, but stylish. His face is wilder. While the clothes make him come off as poised, the face gives us a hint of his hunter-like nature.
His blue hair and vibrant eye makeup give a pop of color to his monochrome character design. His resurreccion form is more unhinged and fierce. From the predatory but empty glare to the disheveled long hair, it reveals his fighting spirit in Bleach.
1. Baraggan Louisenbairn
Baraggan Louisenbairn deserves the top spot on this list because of the maximalist aesthetic. Even in his original and senile form, he can’t be mistaken for a friendly or goofy grandpa, which is a very popular anime archetype. Contrary to that, he looks stern and uptight. He gives off the impression of a wise old man. This form conceals his vanity.
The golden accessories signify his attachment to the world and his materialistic side. His resurreccion form reveals the root of this sternness and his superiority complex. Unlike a skeleton, Baraggan isn’t stripped of luxuries, but laden with them. His character design conveys his pride.
The crown and the purple cloak/overcoat bear an interesting contrast with his dark attire. Whether it’s the accessories, textures, or colors, Baraggan’s design is extremely interesting.
| Espada Name | Rank | Resurrección |
|---|---|---|
| Zommari Rureaux | 7 | Brujería |
| Yammy Largo | 0 | Ira |
| Szayelaporro Granz | 8 | Fornicarás |
| Aaroniero Arruruerie | 9 | Glotonería |
| Ulquiorra Cifer | 4 | Murciélago |
| Tier Harribel | 3 | Tiburón |
| Nnoitra Gilga | 5 | Santa Teresa |
| Coyote Starrk | 1 | Los Lobos |
| Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez | 6 | Pantera |
| Baraggan Louisenbairn | 2 | Arrogante |
With that, we’ve captured a fraction of Kubo’s genius when it comes to character designs. This was our ranking of the Espada and their character designs. What about you? Do you agree with us? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Bleach is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
