Hell is part of the Bleach universe, but the mention of this mystical realm is extremely sparse in Tite Kubo’s manga. So, is there a possibility that fans will get a Bleach Hell arc?
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What Is Hell in Bleach?
In the Bleach universe, Hell is the destination for souls like Arrancars and Hollows who were wicked during their human existence.
A shinigami’s Zanpakuto can only purify the souls of sins they committed as Hollows.
However, if a spirit committed grave offenses as a human or didn’t escape to Hueco Mundo, it will be dragged to Hell rather than Soul Society.
The first time fans get a glimpse of Hell is in Episode 5 of Bleach.
Ichigo Kurosaki fights a terrible Hollow named Shrieker. He slashes Shrieker’s mask and slices his face into two.
But instead of the Hollow disappearing, something more sinister happens as the Gates of Hell manifest as the energy emanating from the Hollow’s wound.
These Gates of Hell are secured with chains and decorated with bandaged skeleton heads and torsos.
The skeletal arms on both sides are poised to pull the gate open when it is called forth.
From the inside of the Gates, a demon appears and impales the Hollow, and drags it through the Gates of Hell.
Is There Going to Be a Hell Arc for Bleach?
Unfortunately, there is no confirmation yet from Kubo about a possible Hell arc.
Hell appears quite early in Bleach manga, but Kubo never brings it back again in the subsequent arcs.
Interestingly, Hell remains this unknown and mysterious realm, which is explored in the 2010 movie titled Bleach: Hell Verse.
In Bleach: Hell Verse, Ichigo’s sister, Yuzu, is abducted by sinners, so he embarks on a journey to rescue her.
Ichigo, along with Rukia, Uryu, and Renji, must find a means to retrieve Yuzu from the depths of Hell.
The movie does a decent work of showcasing the sad and depressing realm of Hell, but it barely scratches the surface.
Later, in 2021, Kubo unveiled a 73-page special one-shot manga. This chapter takes place 12 years following the events of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
Toward the end of the chapter, Kubo revealed the title of this special one-shot – No Breaths From Hell. It's intriguing how the title's presentation hints at the start of a new arc.
Also, the 73-page special has a cliffhanger ending indicating that new beings or villains might appear from the Gates of Hell.
Fans were excited when an official colored version of the one-shot chapter was released on September 4, 2023.
So, like all Bleach fans, I eagerly wait for Kubo sensei to explore the Hell arc (fingers crossed!).
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