“Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” - Episode 6 Review
“Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” Episode 6, entitled “The Fire” is a 22 minute non stop death match between two of the most powerful characters in “Bleach.”
The battle between Yamamoto and Yhwach is visually stunning, and elevates Episode 6 above anything fans have seen so far this season.
The final moments of Episode 5 saw head captain Yamamoto making his way to the frontlines and coming face to face with the leader of the Quincy army, Yhwach.
After a brief cold open, Episode 6 immediately shifts it’s focus towards the conflict between Soul Society’s leader and the Quincy King.
The dialogue shared between Yhwach and Yamamoto hints at a conflict between the two which took place one-thousand years ago.
Thorough details are not given so viewers can look forward to learning more about the pair’s history in upcoming episodes.
After a brief conversation the fight begins. Yamamoto has rarely been seen in combat throughout all 16 seasons of “Bleach”, so seeing him go all out in this episode will be a treat for any long time fans of the series.
Yhwach tries to defend himself against the head captain’s sword to no avail, and is eventually forced to draw his own blade.
It’s at this moment that Yamamoto releases his bankai for the first time in the whole series, giving him access to multiple powerful flame based attacks.
The Quincy King is easily overwhelmed by the power of the head captain's bankai. Each of his attempt to defend against Yamamoto’s flames was thwarted.
One slash from Yamamoto’s blade is able to effortlessly destroy the Quincy’s blade, leaving him with little ability to fight back.
After being completely worn down by his enemy’s relentless attacks, Yhwach is unable to continue to fight. In one foul swoop he is sliced in half by Yamamoto.
And just like that the conflict which began 1,000 years ago ended with Yamamoto as the victor, or so he thought..
Episode 6 of “Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War” is easily the best in this season thus far. Studio Pierrot clearly put their all into their attempt to bring Yamamoto vs Yhwach from page to screen.
Animation has been a consistent high point in each episode of this season so far, and the visuals in Episode 6 are the best that’ve been shown up to this point.
The visual effects work on the flames which erupt from Yamamoto’s blade are jaw dropping, and really emphasize his immense power.
The choreography seen in this Episode is impressive to say the least, with every slash, dodge and counter attack flowing together to create a relentlessly fast paced, yet thoughtful confrontation.
Episode 6 of “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War” is not only the best episode of the season, but stands amongst the best episodes from the entire series in terms of quality.
The battle between Yhwach and Yamamoto is engaging throughout, and has an ending which will leave viewers dying to see the next episode.
Rating: 5/5
Will Anderson is a first-year majoring in communications. To contact him, email wda5053@psu.edu.
