The Bleach anime and manga feature an extensive cast of beings known as
Hollows (虚(ホロウ) Horō?),
the central antagonists of the series. These are malevolent, deceased souls of
formerly ordinary humans in the Bleach universe. Much of the series focuses on
the Arrancars, more powerful variants of Hollows. The Arrancars make up the
army of Sōsuke Aizen, the former primary antagonist, and have a system of
ranking based on strength. The most prominent Arrancars in the series are the
ten most powerful Espadas and their direct subordinates.
The creator of the series, Tite Kubo, uses many Spanish motifs for
Hollows. This is most prominent in the names for the various Hollow and
Arrancar attack techniques. Many of the Arrancars also have Spanish-derived
names.
Overview
A Hollow is a spirit that becomes an evil incarnation of itself, formed
when the soul loses its Chain of Fate (因果の鎖 Inga no Kusari?), the link to
its physical body, and is overcome with negative emotions.
One plane of existence in the Bleach universe is the desert-like Hollow
world called Hueco Mundo (虚圏(ウェコムンド) Weko Mundo?, Spanish for "Hollow World,"
kanji translates as "Hollow Range") where the Hollows thrive on
"spirit energy" as a life force. The Hollows that appear in the human
world have a strong desire to feed on living souls in an attempt to fill the
void in their hearts left from losing their Chains of Fate, hence the reason
they are said to attack first those they had loved most in life Hollows
generally do not have recollections of their lives as humans. Hollows also have
varied character designs, though most are designed with monster-like
appearances, skull-like masks, and a large hole somewhere through each of their
bodies, usually where their hearts used to be.
There are two main duties of the Soul Reapers regarding souls: to
perform a ritual known as a soul burial (魂葬(こんそう) konsō?) on normal souls before
they become Hollows, and to purify the sins of Hollows so they once again
become normal. When either of these duties are fulfilled, the soul goes to the
Soul Society. If a Hollow committed grave sins as a human, its destruction
opens the gates of the underworld, where it is dragged to its punishment.
There are also special case Hollows like Menos and Arrancars, who gain
access to unique skills and abilities, fueled by the souls they have consumed.
The most common ability is Cero (虚閃(セロ) Sero?, Spanish for
"zero," kanji translates as "Hollow Flash") also called
"Doom Blast" in the English manga, a high-powered energy blast that
is fired from some part of the body, such as the mouth or hand.
Menos
Menos (メノス Menosu?,
Spanish and Portuguese for "minus" or "less") Hollows have
an unusually strong thirst for souls, leading them to consume other Hollows and
evolve into a stronger state of being. Within the Menos are three levels of
evolution, each with superior strength, speed, and intelligence compared to its
previous form.
The first level of Menos is the Gillian (最下大虚(ギリアン) Girian?, kanji translates as
"Least of the Great Hollows") class, they are also known as
"Menos Grandes" (大虚(メノスグランデ) Menosu Gurande?, Spanish and Portuguese for
"less big/not as big," kanji translates as "Great Hollow").
They are considered foot soldiers to the other Menos, and normally reside
within the Menos Forest located below the desert surface of Hueco Mundo. The Gillians
are powerful giants, masses of countless cannibalistic Hollow identities
gathered into one form, each with very little intelligence or individuality.
If one of the Hollow consciousnesses that now make up the Gillian
surfaces above the others, that identity dominates the entirety, and through
eating other Gillians, eventually evolves to the next level, Adjuchas (中級大虚(アジューカス)
Ajūkasu?, kanji translates as "Intermediate Great Hollow").Granted
with superior intelligence, Adjuchas give orders to Gillians, and are better
able to do combat with Soul Reapers. Adjuchas must continue to eat Hollows to
maintain their individuality or they risk regressing to their original Gillian
form. There are some cases where Adjuchas will halt regression, since if a part
of their bodies are eaten they shall stop evolving completely.
The very few Adjuchas that transcend their limits become Vasto Lorde (最上大虚(ヴァストローデ) Vasuto
Rōde?, Spanish for "complete lord," kanji translates as "Great
King of the Hollows") class. They are the closest Hollows in size to
humans and have power greater than that of a captain-class Soul Reaper. At one
time in the story, Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya speculates that the Soul Society
"would be doomed" if their enemy Sōsuke Aizen gets at least ten Vasto
Lordes under his command. It is shown in the anime that at least one of the
Espadas (Tier Halibel) was a Vasto Lorde before joining the Espadas.
Arrancar
An Arrancar (破面(アランカル) Arankaru?, Spanish for "to tear off,"
kanji translates as "broken mask") is a human-like Hollow with its
Hollow mask almost completely removed. Arrancars have the powers of a Soul
Reaper, including a weapon similar to a zanpakutō, as well as strength, speed,
and intelligence beyond the level of normal Hollows. In addition to these
improvements, Arrancars also have hierro (鋼皮(イエロ) iero?, Spanish for
"iron," kanji translates as "steel skin") skin, hard enough
to defend against swords to an extent. Arrancars use a technique known as
sonido (響転(ソニード) sonīdo?,
Spanish for "sound," kanji translates as "moving sound") to
travel at extremely high speeds across a short distance. Stronger Arrancars
have been shown to possess relatively harder hierro or faster sonido among
other abilities, either unique or based on common techniques, such as the
several variants of the Cero technique.
Like Soul Reapers, all Arrancars possess a zanpakutō (斬魄刀?, literally, "soul-cutting
sword"). Unlike a Soul Reaper's, however, whose zanpakutō is a
manifestation of its owner's soul, an Arrancar's zanpakutō is a manifestation
of its former self. With occasional exceptions an Arrancar's zanpakutō
resembles a regular sword in its "sealed state." When
"released" through a process called resurrección (帰刃(レスレクシオン)
resurekushion?, Spanish for "resurrection," kanji translates as
"returning blade"), the sword combines with and changes the
appearance of the Arrancar. In most cases of resurrección part of the
Arrancar's original Hollow form is restored and the Arrancar is granted greater
strength and access to his or her original abilities. Arrancars are able to
discard or remove certain elements of their released forms to better focus
their powers. This results, however, in the Arrancars losing those attributes
permanently, comparable to ripping off one's limb.
Arrancars become major antagonists in Bleach during the second part of
the series, as they are led by Sōsuke Aizen, who uses the hōgyoku to create and
perfect the Arrancars. According to Tite Kubo, many of the Arrancars are named
after real life architects and designers.
Espada
The Espadas.
Top row from left to right: Nnoitora, Barragan, Grimmjow, Aaroniero,
Halibel.
Bottom row from left to right: Yammy, Stark, Ulquiorra, Szayelaporro,
Zommari.
The Espadas (十刃(エスパーダ) Esupāda?, Spanish and Portuguesefor
"sword," kanji translates as "ten blades") are the ten
strongest Arrancars in Sōsuke Aizen's army and each of them represents an
aspect of death. They are based at Las Noches (虚夜宮(ラス・ノーチェス) Rasu Nōchesu?, Spanish for
"The Nights," kanji translates as "Hollow Night Palace"),
which was originally the Espada Barragan's domain, until Aizen took it over and
remodeled it into his palace. The Espadas are ranked in order of their strength
and have their respective numbers tattooed somewhere on their bodies as proof
of their status. While it was originally thought the Espadas were ranked from 1
to 10, with 1 the strongest and 10 the weakest, they are according to Yammy
ranked 0 through 9. The Espadas are also allowed to personally choose any
two-digit Arrancar, collectively known as the Números (数字持ち(ヌメロス)
Numerosu?, Spanish for "Numbers", Japanese translates as "Number
Holders"), as their direct subordinate, referred to as their Fracción (従属官(フラシオン)
Furashion?, Spanish for "fraction," kanji translates as
"Subordinate Official"; plural is Fracciones). Each Espada also
possesses a Caja de Negación (反膜の匪(カハ・ネガシオン) Kaha Negashion?, Spanish for "Negation
Box"), a cube-like item meant to seal away any one Fracción as a
punishment, and could possibly be held forever, but stronger Arrancars are able
to escape from the Caja de Negación's subspace.
Yammy Llargo
Yammy Riyalgo (ヤミー・リヤルゴ Yamī Riyarugo?, romanized as Yammy Llargo in the
Japanese media), as signified by the "10" tattooed to his left
shoulder, is usually believed to be the Decimo Espada. Though he only refers to
himself to be the Arrancar Diez, Yammy
is actually the Cero Espada, as the "1" from his tattoo flakes off
through his resurrección, which he claims to allow his power to surpass all
other Espadas. What remains of his Hollow mask is the jawbone, which rests on
his chin. He is the largest of the Espadas, but relies upon others to explain
things to him while in battle. Yammy primarily uses his brute strength and Cero
blasts in battle, taking little interest in using his sword unless he is overpowered.
Aside from his fighting abilities, Yammy can suck the souls from living humans
en masse using his ability called gonzui (魂吸(ゴンズイ)?, kanji translates as "soul
suction"). It affects a wide area, but any individual with slight
spiritual power is able to resist death. Yasutora Sado has examined that his
stature has grown considerably since his first appearance. He has a pet dog
with a Hollow mask named Kukkapūro that is seen twice in the series: once
during Ichigo's battle with Ulquiorra and again after Yammy is killed by
Byakuya and Kenpachi.
His Zanpakutō is Ira (憤獸(イーラ) Īra?, Spanish for "Anger," kanji translates as "Angry
Beast"). When released, as his true tattoo is revealed, Yammy's size and
power increase dramatically, becoming a giant, multi-legged ankylosaurus-like
centaur. As Yammy represents rage as an aspect of death, his power depends
directly on his anger, allowing his size to increase and to resume to a
humanoid form with a pair of large spikes protruding from his shoulders and a
row of smaller spikes down his spine.
Yammy is one of the first Arrancars to be introduced, appearing
alongside Ulquiorra when they arrive in the human world to find Ichigo
Kurosaki. There he gets his right arm chopped off by Ichigo in an ensuing fight
before he and Ulquiorra escape. After having his arm reattached, Yammy again
accompanies Luppi, Grimmjow, and Wonderweiss to attack the Soul Reapers in the
human world. He shortly loses to Kisuke before he falls back to Hueco Mundo a
second time. Later, Yammy reappears in front of a battling Ichigo and Ulquiorra
in the throne room of Hueco Mundo's Las Noches. Before he is about to kill
Orihime Inoue, Uryū Ishida disables him with a special land mine created by
Mayuri Kurotsuchi and he falls to the very bottom of the palace complex, near
Rukia and her comrades. He then enters resurrección, subsequently defeating
Chad and Renji and attempts to crush Rukia, but Ichigo intervenes, saving her
and taking over the battle. Ichigo is also overpowered by Yammy, and so Byakuya
Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki intervene as well. When it appears that the latter
two have disabled him, Yammy undergoes a second, much larger transformation He
is eventually defeated by both Byakuya and Kenpachi, while Kukkapūro stands
beside him.
He is voiced by Kenji Nomura in the Japanese version and by Paul St.
Peter in the English dub.
Coyote Starrk and Lilynette Gingerbuck
Coyote Stark (コヨーテ・スターク Koyōte Sutāku?, romanized as Coyote Starrk in the
Japanese media) is the Primera Espada, signified by the "1" tattooed
on the back of his left hand. The aspect of death he represents is solitude.
His sole Fracción is Lilinette Gingerbuck (リリネット・ジンジャーバック Ririnetto Jinjābakku?, romanized
as Lilynette Gingerbuck in the Japanese media), who is actually another part of
him. Stark and Lilinette came into being as the result of a Hollow splitting
its soul in two out of loneliness brought on by the fact that its vast
spiritual pressure was too deadly for those who got too close, even other
Hollows it tried to befriend. Stark does not remember which of them the
original Hollow resembled. Some time after coming into being, Stark and
Lilinette encountered Aizen, with Stark joining him as an ally as he saw him to
be someone who could stay around them without dying. Stark has an overall lazy
and laid back personality and is normally reluctant, yet can be serious and
willing to do what needs to be done to complete the task at hand. Lilinette
typically shows the concern that Stark does not, like a sister and giving him
incentive. The remains of Stark's Hollow mask consist of a bottom jaw that is
positioned like a necklace and his Hollow hole is on his sternum, right below
the tip of his mask. Lilynette's Hollow mask is in the form of a partial skull
with a french horn.
Stark also appears to be uninterested in fighting, going as far as to
suggest that he and Shunsui Kyōraku pretend to fight until everyone else is
finished. His laziness also manifests itself in his fighting style, as he
refuses to fight Shunsui Kyōraku at full strength when asked to. His interest
in the fight increases however as he sees the bankai of the other captains and
asks Shunsui to reveal his. He is very fast, easily kidnapping Orihime Inoue
while Kenpachi Zaraki and Ichigo Kurosaki are only a few feet away Stark is an
intelligent combatant with an implied visual perception on a par with a
high-speed camera. Stark's visual acuity is fine enough to note that Shunsui's
swing with his left hand is faster than with his right, and deduces that
Shunsui is ambidextrous and capable of using both the katana and wakizashi at
once. In a similar manner, he is able to observe how Jūshirō Ukitake's shikai
operates by firing a Cero and then moving to get a side view as the Cero is
absorbed into one of Ukitake's swords and then directed out another. Lilynette,
while aggressive, is weak and her Cero is described as immature and less
powerful than that of a Menos.
Unlike the rest of the Espadas, Stark's power is not sealed inside his
Zanpakutō, but is released when he recombines with Lilinette. When they combine
their release is Los Lobos (群狼(ロス・ロボス) Rosu Robosu?, Spanish for "The Wolves,"
kanji translates as "Wolf Pack"). Upon release, Stark resembles a
gunslinger, gaining a fur-lined suit, a pair of bandoliers, and an eyepiece covering
his left eye, resembling Lilinette's mask fragment. He wields two ornamental
guns able to fire off ceros in rapid succession, one of these guns actually
being Lilinette with whom he is able to converse. Stark also takes on some of
Lilinette's personality quirks, becoming more vocal and short tempered. Stark
and Lilinette can also separate portions of their souls to form a pack of
wolves that explode upon contact with an enemy as well as form swords for close
combat.
Stark takes on the Visoreds Rose and Love after Kyōraku and Ukitake are
injured, and is shown to be emotionally affected by Barragan Luisenbarn's
death. He gains the advantage over the two until Kyōraku returns to battle.
Stark is ultimately cut down by Kyōraku, falling to his death. He apologizes to
Aizen for not being able to repay him. As he falls, he remembers Lilinette and
the other Espadas and repeats that he is not alone to himself. In the anime,
Lilinette takes the form of the wolf spirits and dies before Stark, sacrificing
herself to block an attack from Kyōraku.
Stark and Lilinette are voiced by Rikiya Koyama and Kiyomi Asai in the
Japanese version and by Keith Silverstein and Kate Higgins in the English dub.
Baraggan Louisenbairn
Baraggan Louisenbairn (バラガン・ルイゼンバーン Baragan Ruizenbān?, romanized as Baraggan
Louisenbairn in the Japanese media) is the Segunda Espada. Before becoming an
Espada, he reigned over Hueco Mundo from Las Noches and considered himself the
"god of Hueco Mundo". Aizen, before he defected from the Soul
Society, arrived at Baraggan's kingdom offering him greater power if he submits
to him. Though he refused the offer, Baraggan is forced to accept after Aizen
easily killed many of his followers, intending to someday kill Aizen and make
him regret ever meeting him.
Baraggan is the oldest of the Arrancars, the remnants of his mask taking
the form of a five-pointed crown and his Hollow hole is located in the center
of his chest. He bears large visible scars on the left side of his chin and
across his right eye, and wears a large rope-like sash with a sun-crested
buckler attached to it in addition to the regular obi sash. Though dethroned,
Baraggan still sees himself to be superior to every form of life. Though given
the position of Segundo Espada by Aizen, Baraggan asserts his leadership once
Aizen is trapped, giving orders from a skull-adorned throne, even instructing
Halibel to "not underestimate him". As an Espada, his representation
of death is aging, thus Baraggan is able to age his opponent in his unreleased
form, such as when he slows down Soi Fon's kicks and ages the bones in her arm
to the point that they dissolve completely.
Baraggan has six male Fracciones who all refer to him as king: Charlotte
Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, Findorr Calius, Choe Neng Poww, Ggio Vega, and
Nirgge Parduoc.
His Zanpakutō is Arrogante (髑髏大帝(アロガンテ) Arogante?, Spanish for
"Arrogant," kanji translates as "Great Skull Emperor") and
it takes the form of a giant battle-axe. When released, Baraggan transforms
into a crown-wearing, robed lich. In this form, he can perform Respira (死の息吹(レスピラ)
Resupira?, Spanish for "breathe", kanji translates as "Breath of
Death"), which continually ages whatever it touches. When it touches Soi
Fon's and Hachigen Ushōda's hands, it makes them decay down to the bones and
then starts spreading, forcing each of them to sever the decayed hands.
Baraggan's Respira also has the power to deteriorate kidō, as demonstrated when
he dissolves one of Hachigen's barriers. Baraggan states that his power is
absolute and affects everything under the sway of time. He has also been shown
to retain a weapon in his released state which takes the form of Gran Caída (滅亡の斧(グラン・カイダ) Guran
Kaida?, Spanish for "Great Fall," kanji translates as
"Downfallen Axe"). It is essentially a released form of his
zanpakutō.
After all of his Fracciones are killed, Baraggan engages Soi Fon and
Ōmaeda, gains the upper hand, and negates Soi Fon's Bankai, until the
intervention of the Visoreds. By creating multiple barriers of kidō, Hachigen
is able to contain Baraggan's aging abilities to the point that Soi Fon is finally
able to wound the Espada with her Bankai. Furious, Baraggan releases his
Respira everywhere, eventually hitting Hachigen's right arm. Before the aging
can spread, however, Hachigen uses his kidō to sever his right arm and teleport
it and the Respira affecting it inside Baraggan's stomach. Baraggan's own
ability literally dissolves him from the inside-out and he makes one last
unsuccessful attempt to kill Aizen before dying.
He is voiced by Shōzō Iizuka in Japanese version and Steve Kramer in the
Hueco Mundo arc (though Michael McConnohie voiced Baraggan in the Fake Karakura
Town arc).
Charlotte Chuhlhourne
Arrancar 20 Charlotte Chuhlhourne (シャルロッテ・クールホーン Sharurotte Kūruhōn?) is one of
Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción, an extremely vain drag queen who believes
himself to be the most beautiful thing in creation. When in the fake Karakura
Town, Baraggan sends Charlotte to target one of the pillars. He ended up
fighting with Yumichika Ayasegawa in what becomes both a physical battle and
one over whose ideals of beauty is the right one.
His Zanpakutō is Reina De Rosas ((宮廷薔薇園ノ美女王(レイーナ・デ・ロサス) Reīna de Rosasu?, Spanish for
"Queen of Roses", Japanese for "Beautiful Queen of the Palace
Rose Garden") which resembles a large katana with a purple hand and sheath
and hilt shaped like a flower with holes in the petals. When released, he wears
an outfit resembling those of the "magical girl" archetype found in
some manga. When he uses his "Rosa Blanca" (白薔薇ノ刑(ロサ・ブランカ) Rosa
Buranka?, Spanish for "White Rose", Japanese for "White Rose's
Punishment") to surround himself and Yumichika, gloating that no one can
sense their spiritual pressure within, the Soul Reaper takes the opportunity to
unleash his Zanpakutō's full power to fatally wound Charlotte. Near death,
Charlotte admits the attack to be a thing of beauty and dies hearing why
Yumichika did not use the move prior.
He is voiced by Kenta Miyake in the Japanese version and by Travis
Willingham in the English dub.
Abirama Redder
Arrancar 22 Abirama Redder (アビラマ・レッダー Abirama Reddā?) is one of
Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción and the most violent of the six. When in
the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Abirama to target one of the pillars. He
ended up fighting Izuru Kira.
His Zanpakutō is Águila (空戦鷲(アギラ) Agira?, Spanish for
"Eagle", Japanese for "Sky Battle Eagle") which resembles a
standard-sized red katana with an oval-shaped guard with a protrusion on four
sides. When released, Abirama transforms into a red humanoid eagle. Abirama had
the upper hand with this form being able to fly. Izuru managed to spring a trap
by getting him hit by Wabisuke which makes Abirama too heavy to fly. Izuru then
proceeds to behead Abirama.
He is voiced by Kazunari Tanaka in the Japanese version and by Benjamin
Diskin in the English dub.
Findorr Calius
Arrancar 24 Findorr Calius (フィンドール・キャリアス Findōru Kyariasu?) is one of
Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción. When in the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan
sends Findorr to target on the pillars. He ended up fighting Shūhei Hisagi.
During the battle, Findorr chisels parts of his mask off to increase his
powers.
His Zanpakutō is Pinza Aguda (蟄刀流断(ピンサグーダ) Pinsagūda?, Spanish for
"Sharp Pincer", Japanese for "Crab Sword Cutting Current")
which resembles a standard-sized katana with a pink handle and a guard that
resembles a Spanish épée or rapier. When released, Findorr transforms into a
humanoid crab. After a fierce battle, Findorr is killed by Shūhei.
He is voiced by Takashi Kondō in the Japanese version and by Travis
Willingham in the English dub.
Choe Neng Poww
Arrancar 25 Choe Neng Poww (チーノン・ポウ Chīnon Pō?) is one of Baraggan
Louisenbairn's six Fracción and the largest of the bunch. Like the others, Choe
Neng Poww is loyal to Baraggan and treats him as his god. When in the fake
Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Choe to target one of the pillars. He ends up
fighting Ikkaku Madarame and succeds in defeating Ikkaku and destroying one of
the pillars. Before Choe Neng Poww can finish off Ikkaku, Sajin Komamura took
over the fight while Tetsuzaemon places some poles down to keep the real
Karakura Town from materializing.
His Zanpakutō is Calderón (巨腕鯨(カルデロン) Karuderon?, Spanish for
"Pilot Whale", Japanese for "Giant-Armed Whale") which
resembles a wakizashi (resembling more a pocket knife in proportion to the
massive Arrancar's size) which he stores up in his sleeve. When released,
Choe's entire body swells up into a giant with whale-like features going from
his chin to his chest. Sajin Komamura unleashes his Bankai which he uses to
crush Choe.
He is voiced by Hiroshi Shirokuma in the Japanese version and by
Jamieson Price in the English dub.
Ggio Vega
Arrancar 26 Ggio Vega (ジオ・ヴェガ Jio Vega?) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción and the
shortest of the bunch. Following the deaths of Charlotte Chuhlhourne, Abirama
Redder, Findorr Calius, and Choe Neng Poww, Ggio Vega and Nirgge Parduoc ended
up fighting Suì-Fēng and Marechiyo Omaeda with Ggio fighting Suì-Fēng.
His Zanpakutō is Tigre Estoque (虎牙迅風(ティグレストーク) Tiguresutōku?, Spanish for
"Tiger Rapier", Japanese for "Tiger Fang Swift Wind") with
its hilt resembleing a normal katana with a light yellow handle and silver
oval-shaped guard with slits going down the middle of both ends. When released,
Ggio Vega becomes more tiger-like. Before he can do anything upon assuming his
Tigre Estoque El Sable (虎牙迅風•大劍(ティグレストーク•エルサブル) Tiguresutōku Erusaburu?, Spanish
for "Tiger Rapier, The Saber", Japanese for "Tiger Fang Swift
Wind Great Sword") form, he is killed when Suì-Fēng used Suzumebachi's
Death in Two Steps ability on him.
He is voiced by Tetsuya Kakihara in the Japanese version and by Tony
Oliver in the English dub.
Nirgge Parduoc
Arrancar 27 Nirgge Parduoc (ニルゲ・パルドゥック Niruge Parudukku?) is one of
Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción. Following the deaths of Charlotte
Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, Findorr Calius, and Choe Neng Poww, Nirgge Parduoc
and Ggio Vega ended up fighting Suì-Fēng and Marechiyo Omaeda with Nirgge
fighting Marechiyo.
His Zanpakutō is Mamut (巨象兵(マムート) Mamūto?, Spanish for "Mammoth", Japanese
for "Giant Elephant Soldier") which resembles an average katana with
a silver oval-like guard with a light-green handle. When released, Nirgge
resembles a green humanoid woolly mammoth with enhanced strength and an
extendable trunk. Marechiyo manages to knock out Nirgge with his Zanpakutō.
When Marechiyo celebrates his victory, Nirgge wraps his trunk around him and
gets knocked out by a rock that fell when Suì-Fēng was thrown into a nearby
building.
He is voiced by Daisuke Matsuoka in the Japanese version and by Kyle
Hebert in the English dub.
Tier Halibel
Tier Halibel (ティア・ハリベル Tia Hariberu?, romanized as Tier Harribel in the
Japanese media) is the Tercera Espada, signified by the "3" tattooed
on the side of her right breast. She is also the only current female Espada,
and her Hollow hole is located inside her uterus. The aspect of death she
represents is sacrifice. She is very calm and rarely speaks, and when she does
it is fairly serious.
In contrast to the majority of her fellow Espadas, Halibel prefers not
to engage in combat and to commit acts of needless slaughter; she is content
silently observing the battle between Soul Reapers and Arrancars until it
reaches its conclusion, and refuses to fight until she or her Fracciones are
challenged or ordered by her superiors. The remnants of Halibel's Hollow mask
are covered by her coat and collar most of the time; her mask covers the lower
portion of her face from her nose down, extending down her neck and out to
either side of her chest, covering her nipples, although still leaving very
much of her breasts exposed. In the manga, her breasts are partially shown;
however in the anime they are mostly covered. In the anime, Halibel's backstory
as a shark-like Vasto Lorde is revealed, in which she gathers female Menos to
work together against more aggressive, male Menos that consider them easy prey.
After saving the three Adjuchas named Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and
Cyan Sung-Sun who joined her campaign, Halibel becomes at odds with Baraggan
for defying him. It is only after being saved by Aizen from a berserk
Hammerhead Arrancar (which was previously seen as a normal Hollow in Baraggan's
court) that Halibel joins his group with her three comrades becoming her
Fracciones.
Her Zanpakutō is named Tiburón (皇鮫后(ティブロン) Tiburon?, Spanish for
"Shark", kanji translates as "Imperial Shark Empress"). She
carries it horizontally behind her shoulders; the sword itself is notably broad
and short compared to those of other Espadas, and the inner portion has been
removed, leaving only the "outline" of the sword. The sword can
create 'ribbons' of energy from the empty inner portion named Ola Azul (波蒼砲(オーラ・アズール) Ōra
Azūru?, Spanish for "Blue Wave", kanji translate as "Blue Wave
Gun") to be used in combat. When released, she loses the portion of the
Hollow mask that covers her face and gains markings on each side of her face,
as well as two wing-like protrusions on her back, an armored skirt, and armor
that covers her arms, shoulders and legs. She also carries a massive pata, which
resembles an elongated shark tooth. Her strength and speed are increased,
evident by the blow she delivered to Tōshirō Hitsugaya, cutting a portion of
him off before he could even react (though this was revealed to be a clone of
Hitsugaya made of ice). She controls water to perform attacks in this form.
Her battle with Tōshirō starts off in her favor, but soon levels to a
draw as their powers are opposites. However, as she attempts to avenge her
Fracciones' apparent deaths by Yamamoto, Tōshirō reveals that Hyōrinmaru can
control the weather. He then proceeds to trap her in an ice prison with his
newly learned Hyōten Hyakkasō technique, leaving her for dead. However,
Wonderweiss arrives and frees her just by yelling. Halibel then engages Tōshirō
and the Visoreds Hiyori and Lisa, maintaining her ground, despite being
outnumbered. After witnessing the deaths of Stark and Barragan, Aizen
interrupts Halibel's battle and slashes her with his sword, stating she
"is not strong enough to fight for him anymore". Halibel recalls her
past and after an unsuccessful attempt on Aizen's life, Aizen tells her that
she "will never raise her sword to him again" and he cuts Halibel
down, seemingly killing her. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel
and her Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to
return to Hueco Mundo.
Seventeen months after Ichigo defeats Aizen, Halibel is captured by the
Vandenreich, who have taken over Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Megumi Ogata in the Japanese version and by Laura
Bailey in the English dub.
Emilou Apacci
Arrancar 54 Emilou Apacci (エミルー・アパッチ Emiruu Apatchi?) is one of Tier
Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a deer-like Adjuchas who was
befriended by Halibel after she saved her from a Hollow that tried to eat her.
She was brought to Halibel's base where she met Franceska Mila Rose and Cyan
Sung-Sun. Emilou ended up joining Halibel's group. Sometime after Halibel's
audience with Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base
was attacked by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke
Aizen. Some years later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with halibel
when she was watching Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town,
Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until
Momo Hinamori arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Cierva (碧鹿闘女(シエルバ) Shieruba?, Spanish for
"Doe," Japanese for "Blue Deer Battle Girl") which are
actually the collars she wears over her wrists. When released, Emilou becomes
more deer-like with brown fur, antlers, and hooves in place of her feet.
Combined with the powers of Franceska and Cyan, Emilou can perform the Quimera
Parca where their left arms can combine to form the chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages
to defeat most of the lieutenants. After Ayon is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni
Yamamoto, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan were hit by Yamamoto's fire attack and
fell to the ground. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her
Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to
Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Kumi Sakuma in the Japanese version and by Megan
Hollingshead in the English dub.
Franceska Mila Rose
Arrancar 55 Franceska Mila Rose (フランチェスカ・ミラ・ローズ Furanchesuka Mira Rōzu?) is one
of Tier Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a lion-like Adjuchas who
was a part of Halibel's team alongside Cyan Sung-Sun. She was present when
Emilou Apacci was introduced to them. Sometime after Halibel's audience with
Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base was attacked
by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke Aizen. Some years
later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with Halibel when she was watching
Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town, Emilou, Franceska,
and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until Momo Hinamori
arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Leona (金獅子将(レオーナ) Reōna?, Spanish for "Lioness", Japanese
for "Gold Lion General") which resembles a broad sword instead of the
regular katana. When released, Franceska resembles an armored Amazon warrior
with lion-shaped fangs and a lion-like mane. Combined with the powers of Emilou
and Cyan, Franceska can perform the Quimera Parca where their left arms can
combine to form the chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages to defeat most of the
lieutenants. After Ayon is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Emilou,
Franceska, and Cyan were hit by Yamamoto's fire attack and fell to the ground.
It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracción's wounds at
the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She was voiced by Sayori Ishizuka in the Japanese version and by Erin
Fitzgerald in the English dub.
Cyan Sung-Sun
Arrancar 56 Cyan Sung-Sun (シィアン・スンスン Shyian Sunsun?) is one of Tier
Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a snake-like Adjuchas who was a
part of Halibel's team alongside Franceska Mila Rose. She was present when
Emilou Apacci was introduced to them. Sometime after Halibel's audience with
Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base was attacked
by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke Aizen. Some years
later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with Halibel when she was watching
Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town, Emilou, Franceska,
and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until Momo Hinamori
arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Anaconda (白蛇姫(アナコンダ) Anakonda?, Spanish for
"Anaconda", Japanese for "White Snake Princess") which
resemble a sai that is concealed in Emilou's sleeve. When released, Emilou
resembles a Nāga. Combined with the powers of Emilou and Franceska, Cyan can
perform the Quimera Parca where their left arms can combine to form the
chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages to defeat most of the lieutenants. After Ayon
is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan were hit
by Yamamoto's fire attack and fell to the ground. It is later revealed that
Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracciónes' wounds at the battle's conclusion,
allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Ayumi Sena in the Japanese version and by Karen
Strassman in the English dub.
Ayon
Ayon (アヨン?) is a chimeric
being created by Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and Cyan Sung-Sun via the
Quimera Parca (混獣神(キメラ・パルカ) Kimera Paruka?, Spanish for "Sparing
Chimera", Japanese for "Mixed-Beast God") by combining their
left arms to create a Hollow-like being that combines all of their physical
attributes. It is a beast of immense strength that takes out Rangiku Matsumoto,
Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Shūhei Hisagi, until Captain Yamamoto joins the
fray to use his Shikai to destroy the beast and the Fracciónes. Ayon has an
ability called "El Martillo" (怪槌(エル・マルティージョ) Eru Marutījo?, Spanish for
"The Hammer", Japanese for "Spectral Hammer"), where Ayon's
size and strength increase with its anger.
Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck
Nel in her child and adult forms.
Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck (ネリエル・トゥ・オーデルシュヴァンク Nerieru Tu Ōderushuvanku?),
commonly known as Nel Tu (ネル・トゥ Neru Tu?) or "Nel" for short, is a good-natured, child-like
Arrancar when first introduced and has a habit of saying the opposite of what
she actually meant. The remains of her Hollow mask make up a cartoonish skull
on the top of her head. She is really the former 3rd Espada, resembling a
full-grown woman with a ram-horned version of her Hollow mask and bearing a
large "3" tattooed on her back. Compared to the other Espadas, having
empathy for the least fortunate Hollows that remain as feral monsters, Nelliel
has a sense of honor and respect for her opponents who she sees as warriors and
only kills within reason. This ideology results with her being attacked by Nnoitora
Gilga from behind as part of the Espada's revenge scheme with the help of
Szayelaporro's device, managing to crack her mask and tossing her unconscious
body out of Las Noches before enough of her spirit energy leaked out to shrink
her into current form. But as the resulting amnesia freed her of the sorrow
that plagued her, Nel was able to live a carefree life with her two Fracciones
bent on protecting her from the dangers of Hueco Mundo while making sure she
does not remember.
By the time she is introduced in the series, Nel and her companions
encounter Ichigo Kurosaki's group and help them as their guides in Hueco Mundo,
though were originally afraid of Soul Reapers as they saw them to be the bad
guys. But Nel develops an attachment to Ichigo and starts following him around
after her introduction. As a result, when she encounters Nnoitora as he begins
to torture Ichigo, Nel assumes her true form with her memories restored. Though
considerably more mature than her child form, Nelliel retains her child-like
voice and affection for Ichigo, as she comically hugs him without realizing
that her strength is causing him personal injury. As she is about to defeat
Nnoitora after assuming her released form, Nelliel reverts back to her child
form and was knocked unconscious before she came to as a witness to Nnoitora's
death.
Seventeen months after Aizen's defeat, Nel returns, distressed because
the Vandenreich have taken over Hueco Mundo.
In her child-state, Nel's vomit (though she claims it to be saliva) acts
as a rather weak but useful healing agent. In both her child and adult form,
she can swallow Cero attacks and fire them back. In her adult form, she can
also add her own Cero to this blast, doubling its power, aptly named a Cero
Doble (重奏虚閃(セロ・ドーブル) Sero Dōburu?,
Spanish for "Double Zero", kanji translates as "Heavy
Performance Hollow Flash").
Nelliel's Zanpakutō, which manifests when she transforms, is named
Gamuza (羚騎士(ガミューサ)
Gamyūsa?, Spanish for "Chamois", kanji translates as "Antelope
Knight"). Her released form is that of an ibex-like centaur with longer
curved horns, a thick tail, and armor over her shoulders and hands. Her sword
transforms into a double-ended white lance, giving her the appearance of a
medieval knight or a jouster. One of her attacks in this form is called
Lanzador Verde (翠の射槍(ランサドール・ヴェルデ) Ransadōru Verude?, Spanish for "Green
Lancer", kanji translates as "Green Javelin"), in which she
throws her lance directly at her opponent. The lance moves at high speed and
rotates extremely fast, drilling through anything it hits.
She is voiced by Tomoko Kaneda in the Japanese version and by Colleen
O'Shaughnessey in the English dub.
Pesche Guatiche
Pesche Guatiche (ペッシェ・ガティーシェ Pesshe Gatīshe?) is a seemingly harmless, humanoid
Arrancar whose body is covered in a sort of light armor, complete with a mask
resembling an insectoid head with a large pair of mandibles. His Hollow hole is
positioned near his stomach. He was once Nelliel's Fracción, Arrancar 41, but
after his mask fragment was forcibly removed by Nnoitora Gilga and Nel received
amnesia, he accompanied her around Hueco Mundo to keep her safe while donning a
new mask. Years later, when Nel accompanies Ichigo into Las Noches, Pesche
follows her but loses her. Attempting to find Nel, Pesche ends up following
Uryū Ishida, having mistaken him for Ichigo Kurosaki (and later on uses it just
to irritate him), which upsets him because Uryū's appearance leads him to
believe that he is the weakest of the group. Pesche possesses an ability he
calls "Infinite Slick" (無限の滑走(インフィナイト・スリック) Infinaito Surikku?), in which he
sprays his saliva at an object, severely reducing its friction. Contrary to its
name, it is of limited supply, "Finite Slick" having been a less
powerful name. He carries an energy sword he calls Ultima (究極(ウルティマ) Urutima?, Spanish for
"Final," kanji translates as "Ultimate") inside his
loincloth, but it is unclear if it is his zanpakutō. He and Dondochakka are
capable of combining their Cero attacks together to create an even more
powerful attack they have named Cero Sincrético (融合虚閃(セロ・シンクレティコ) Sero Shinkuretiko?). The only
time it has been shown, Szayelaporro Grantz renders the attack ineffective,
making the full extent of its power unclear.
He is voiced by Takehito Koyasu in the Japanese version and bt Michael
P. Greco in the English dub.
Dondochakka Bilstin
Dondochakka Bilstin (ドンドチャッカ・ビルスタン Dondochakka Birusutan?, romanized as Dondachakka
Birstanne in the Japanese media) is a large, spotted, humanoid Arrancar with a
tiki-style mask and compound eyes. Despite his menacing appearance, he is prone
to tearful outbursts at the slightest provocation, usually when he is worried
about something. Speaking in a stereotypical Bronx accent in the English
version, he frequently inserts the phrase "You know what I'm saying?"
(ヤンス yansu?)
in his speech. He was once Nelliel's Fracción, Arrancar 42, but after his
original mask fragment was forcibly removed by Nnoitora Gilga and Nel received
amnesia, he accompanied her around Hueco Mundo to keep her safe. Years later,
when Nel accompanies Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, Dondochakka follows her
into Las Noches where he loses her. Attempting to find Nel, Dondochakka ends up
following Renji Abarai, whom he frequently irritates with his clumsiness and
emotional outbursts. Dondochakka possesses numerous insect spirits within his
stomach, one being Bawabawa (バワバワ?), an eel-like worm Hollow who acts as both pet and transportation for
Nel Tu and her companions, and he can spit these spirits out at will as allies
in combat. In addition, he carries a kanabō inside his stomach, but it is
unclear if this is his zanpakutō.
He was voiced by Daisuke Gōri in the Japanese version and by Pete
Sepenuk in the English dub.
Ulquiorra Schiffer
Ulquiorra Schiffer (ウルキオラ・シファー Urukiora Shifā?, romanized as Ulquiorra Cifer in
the Japanese media) is the Cuarta Espada, signified by the "4"
tattooed to his chest. His name is believed to either come from a furniture
designer named Patricia Urquiola or a variation of "the one who
cries" in Spanish which is El Que Llora. As the Espada whose aspect of
death represents emptiness, he has a largely stoic appearance and rarely even
changes his expression. This lack of feeling explains his inability to
comprehend the meaning of "heart" and supports his firm belief that
what his eye cannot see does not exist. Bent on completing tasks set to him by
Sōsuke Aizen, Ulquiorra has no qualms about attacking his own allies if they
impede his intent and deems anyone he finds not to be of particular interest to
be "trash," and therefore expendable. The remainder of Ulquiorra's
Hollow mask forms a broken helmet with a curved horn and covers the left half
of his head. His Hollow hole has moved since his first appearance; when first
introduced it is at the base of his neck, but in later appearances, it is
centered just below his collarbone.
Grimmjow Jeagerjaques notes that Ulquiorra tends to stab opponents in
the same location as his Hollow hole whenever he is particularly interested in
a battle, though it is unclear if Ulquiorra is conscious of this habit.He is
very analytical: he almost accurately theorizes the means behind Orihime
Inoue's abilities, and recognizes that Ichigo Kurosaki's power constantly
fluctuates between very weak to greater than his own strength. He also refrains
from killing a person unless necessary, twice sparing Ichigo and proclaiming he
would not harm Orihime because he had not been ordered to. He can replay events
he has seen to others by removing and crushing his left eye, which turns into
dust and flows around those to whom Ulquiorra is relaying information While other Hollows traded defensive
abilities for raw strength upon becoming Arrancars, Ulquiorra chose not to, and
boasts that he is the only Espada who possesses high-speed regeneration
abilities.
When released, his Zanpakutō, Murciélago (黒翼大魔(ムルシエラゴ) Murushierago?, Spanish for
"Bat," kanji translates as "Giant Black-winged Demon")
creates two large black bat-like wings on his back. His Hollow helmet is
complete and sports two large horns, while his Arrancar uniform appears more
form-fitting at the top, becoming robe-like towards the bottom. Additionally,
Ulquiorra is apparently unique among the Espadas in that he has a second
release, Resurrección Segunda Etapa (刀剣解放第二階層(レスレクシオン・セグンダ・エターパ)
Resurekushion Segunda Etāpa?, Spanish for "Resurrection Second
Stage", kanji tranlsates as "Sword's Release: Second Level")He
becomes more muscular with clawed hands and feet, his sclera turn green, and
his helmet is replaced with elongated horns. Black fur covers Ulquiorra's arms
and legs from the hip down, he gains a long thin prehensile tail, and gains
markings similar to blood flowing freely from his Hollow hole. His second
release is said to be secret to everybody, even Aizen.In both forms he can
create long "lances" of energy called Lanza del Relámpago (雷霆の槍(ラソサ・デル・レランパーゴ) Ransa
deru Reranpāgo?, Spanish for "Spear of Lightning"), which, when
thrown, can cause immense explosions that dwarf even the massive dome of Las
Noches. Ulquiorra seems unfamiliar with the technique when he uses it in his
second release state, unexpectedly missing Ichigo with his first one; to
compensate, he can produce more should his first miss the target.
Ulquiorra is one of the first Arrancars to be introduced, appearing
alongside Yammy Riyalgo in the real world on Aizen's orders to seek out Ichigo.
The pair leaves without killing him when Ulquiorra sees Ichigo's current
strength as no threat to Aizen. He does, however, remark that he is concerned
over Ichigo's growth potential, stating that if he should pose a threat, then
he would kill Ichigo himself. He later kidnaps Orihime for Aizen, serving as
her jailer and forcing her to remain alive for Aizen's use. When Ichigo leads
his group to Las Noches, Ulquiorra confronts Ichigo and provokes him into
fighting. He easily withstands and defeats Ichigo's Hollow form, then leaves
Ichigo for dead. Much later, after escaping imprisonment by the Espada
Grimmjow's Caja de Negación, Ulquiorra engages Ichigo in another battle that
ends in Ulquiorra's defeat. Mortally wounded by Ichigo's second Hollow state,
Ulquiorra asks Ichigo to finish him off, but Ichigo refuses.As he dies,
Ulquiorra comes to understand the meaning of "heart" when an unafraid
Orihime reaches out to him as his body dissolves into the wind. A short story
depicting Ulquiorra's backstory as a Hollow was published within the third
character book Unmasked.
He is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa in the Japanese version, Tony Oliver in
the English dub of the anime, and Steven Blum in Bleach: Shattered Blade.
Nnoitra Gilga
Nnoitra Gilga (ノイトラ・ジルガ Noitora Jiruga?, romanized as Nnoitra Gilga in the
Japanese media) is the Quinta Espada, signified by the "5" tattooed
to his tongue, and was shown to have been the Octavo Espada back when Nelliel
was the Tercera. The aspect of death he represents is despair. He wears a large
eye-patch that covers most of the left side of his face, as well as the
remnants of his Hollow mask (a small set of jawbones and teeth) and his Hollow
hole, both located around his left eye socket. He has the self-proclaimed
strongest hierro of any Espada, both past and present, enabling him to block
attacks, even from blade wielding opponents, by his skin alone. Nnoitora has
stated the only time he feels truly alive is when he is gurgling on his own
blood.As a result, combined with his rudeness and arrogance, he wishes to fight
only the strongest and spares the weak as it is a waste of his time. He firmly
believes in male chauvinism, hating the idea of a woman being stronger than or
outranking a man with intent to give any woman in such a position their
"deserved" inferior rank. This mindset, coupled with his inferiority
complex over being pitied by an opponent, led to his attack on Nelliel, who
frequently defeated him in battle and spared him as she refused to acknowledge
him as a warrior, calling him a beast. Forcing her to fight him again by
ripping her Fraccións' masks off, Nnoitora uses an invention of Szayelaporro's
to catch Nel off guard, cracking her mask and unintentionally causing her
amnesia as he tosses her into the desert so he can become even stronger.
His Zanpakutō Santa Teresa (聖哭螳螂(サンタテレサ)?, Spanish for "Saint
Teresa," but translated as "Praying Mantis, "kanji translates as
"Sacred Crying Mantis") takes the form of a giant axe-like weapon
bearing two crescent blades fused together at their backs. It is shown via
several flashbacks that it used to only have one crescent. When released,
Nnoitora gains two additional pairs of arms, and each of his hands gains an
identical scythe-like weapon.Nnoitora's wounds heal almost instantly in his released
state, and he can also regenerate severed limbs.
Though ordered by Aizen to remain on stand-by, Nnoitora, instead,
decides to seek out the intruders in hopes of finding a worthy challenge. After
easily defeating Chad, Nnoitora is drawn to the site of the battle between
Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. While he tortures the exhausted
Ichigo, Nelliel Tu Oderschvank returns to what is revealed to be her true form
and effortlessly repels Nnoitora's attacks. Though she almost defeats him yet again,
she reverts to her amnesic child-state. Having won, Nnoitra knocks Nel
unconscious, restrains Orihime, and has Tesla kill Ichigo off for him. However,
Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and cuts down Tesla, resulting with Nnoitora fighting
the Soul Reaper and the both finding great enjoyment in the fact that they can
survive one another's attacks and therefore prolong the battle. After a long
and destructive battle, refusing to stop fighting regardless of it turning in
Kenpachi's favor, Nnoitora dies gratefully by what he believes to be a
"warrior's death"; losing consciousness a split second before his
body hits the ground.
He is voiced by Nobutoshi Canna in the Japanese version and by Michael
Sinterniklaas in the English dub.
Tesla Lindocruz
Nnoitora's sole Fracción is Arrancar 50 Tesla Lindocruz (テスラ・リンドクルズ Tesura
Rindokuruzu?, romanized as Tesra Lindocruz in the Japanese media) who idolizes
Nnoitora and models himself in Nnoitora's image despite Nnoitra's regular abuse
of him. Tesla first appeared where he accompanied Nnoitora into attacking
Yasutora Sado. When Nnoitora attacked a weakened Ichigo and Grimmjow, Tesla
seized Orihime and told her not to interfere or he will break her hair clips.
Tesla also manages to find where Nelliel was hiding attacking the spot where
she was which revealed her to Nnoitora.
Tesla's Zanpakutō is Verruga (牙鎧士(ベルーガ) Berūga?, Spanish for
"Wart," Japanese for "Tusked Armored Warrior") which takes
the form of a rapier with a chakram embedded into the blade just above the
hilt, and spikes on the hilt rim. When it is released, Tesla becomes a large
warthog-like creature with enhanced strength. In this form, Tesla managed to
knock down Ichigo and was cut down by Kenpachi Zaraki before he can finish
Ichigo off. Tesla was later seen dying on the ground when Nnoitora is killed by
Kenpachi.
Tesla is voiced by Yuichi Nakamura in the Japanese version and by Keith
Silverstein in the English dub.
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez (グリムジョー・ジャガージャック Gurimujō Jagājakku?) is the Sexta Espada,
signified by the "6" tattooed to his back. Before becoming an Espada
he was known as Arrancar 12. The aspect of death he represents is destruction.
His name stems from that of an architect named Nicholas Grimshaw. Grimmjow is
very disrespectful and defiant towards authority figures. He is often openly
insulting to such people save for Sōsuke Aizen, and even this respect is
quickly abandoned when Aizen is out of earshot. Grimmjow has an overly violent
lust for battle, always seeking out the strongest opponent in a given area and
he is very confident in his abilities, believing himself to be equal to, or
even stronger than Ulquiorra.However, Grimmjow does follow a code of honor and
takes offense to anyone who looks down on him and is very disrespectful. The
remains of his Hollow mask consist of the right jawbone, and his Hollow hole is
located on his abdomen.
Before becoming an Arrancar, Grimmjow was a panther-like Adjuchas who
wandered Hueco Mundo and hunting Hollows to devour prior to becoming leader of
a group of other Hollows who desire to become Vasto Lordes. As time passed,
Grimmjow became the only one who grew stronger, eating pieces of his comrades'
flesh at their request when they came to accept their fate as Adjuchas,
offering themselves for Grimmjow to continue on in their place and they can
maintain their current forms. These Hollows later became his Fracción, who were
all killed off when Grimmjow brought them to the land of the living in an
attempt to exterminate Karakura Town's spiritually enabled people and stationed
Soul Reaper alike: Shawlong Koufang, Edorad Leones, Nakeem Grindina, Yylfordt
Grantz, and Di Roy Rinker.
When his Zanpakutō Pantera (豹王(パンテラ)?, Spanish for
"Panther," kanji translates as "Panther King") is released
he regains some of his former feline characteristics such as jagged teeth,
feline ears, clawed hands and feet, and a tail that can be used as a powerful
whip.This state augments his speed drastically with animalistic agility and
movement to match. His roar can create shockwaves in the air, he can also fire
a number of largely destructive "darts" from his elbows and create
energy claws called Desgarrón (豹王の爪(デスガロン) Desugaron?, Spanish for "Laceration,"
kanji translates as "Panther King's Claw") from his fingertips.
Though he developed an interest in Ichigo as a worthy opponent,
Grimmjow's actions were against Aizen's order and it resulted with him losing
his arm to Tōsen and his rank soon after. However, after Orihime restores his
arm and tattoo, Grimmjow resumes his position as an Espada. After saving
Orihime from Loly and Menoly to return the favor, Grimmjow takes her to Ichigo
so she can heal his wounds before their final rematch. Although he loses this
fight, spared by Ichigo, Grimmjow refuses to surrender before being attacked by
an impatient Nnoitora. Nnoitora tries to finish Grimmjow off, but Ichigo
protects him from Nnoitora's attack and fights him soon afterwards. Although
his current whereabouts are unknown, it was later revealed (in a 2012 interview
with Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach) that Grimmjow survived Nnoitra's final
attack.
He is voiced by Junichi Suwabe in the Japanese version and by David
Vincent in the English dub.
Shawlong Koufang
Arrancar 11 Shawlong Koufang (シャウロン・クーファン Shauron Kūfan?, romanized as
Shawlong Koufang in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións. In
his early life, Shawlong was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was the apparent
leader of a small group of Menos consisting of himself, Edorad Leones, Nakeem
Grindina, Yylfordt Grantz, and Di Roy Rinker. He and his group met Grimmjow one
day and took him into his group as their "king." Shawlong and his
Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows.
When nothing happened after each hunt, Shawlong and the others had Grimmjow eat
a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Shawlong and
those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took
over Hueco Mundo. Shawlong and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura
Town. Shawlong and Nakeem ended up fighting Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku
Matsumoto with Shawlong fighting the captain.
His Zanpakutō is Tijereta (五鋏蟲(ティヘレタ) Tihereta?, Spanish for
"Earwig", Japanese for "Five-Pincered Insect") which looks
like a standard katana with a guard shaped like to oval with a gap going down
the middle and hollow corners. When released, Shawlong grows armor that covers
his arms and upper chest, while his hands transform into long claws and his mask
extends down to cover the left side of his face, while the part of his mask
fragment, extending out to his right, becomes a claw-tipped tail. Upon
releasing his limited, Tōshirō Hitsugaya manages to freeze Shawlong in ice
which then shatters.
Shawlong is voiced by Hideyuki Tanaka in the Japanese version and by
Michael McConnohie in the English dub.
Edorad Leones
Arrancar 13 Edorad Leones (エドラド・リオネス Edorado Rionesu?, romanized as
Edrod Liones in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións. In his
early life, Edorad was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was the apparent leader of a
small group of Menos under Shawlong Koufang before they met Grimmjow one day
and accept him as their "king." Edorad and his Menos allies hunted
other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing
happened after each hunt, Edorad and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them
to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Edorad and those that were
associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco
Mundo. Shawlong and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. Edorad
encountered Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa. Before fighting him, he
sensed that Di Roy Linker was killed.
His Zanpakutō is Volcánica (火山獣(ボルカニカ) Borukanika?, Spanish for
"Volcanic", Japanese for "Volcanic Beast") which looks like
a regular katana, but with a hexagonal-shaped guard and a slightly-longer hilt.
When released, his mask reforms into wings on both sides of his head while his
arms become gigantic with his shoulders growing large extensions. He also has
the ability to use fire attacks. Edorad later falls in battle against Ikkaku
Madarame and states that he is glad to know Ikkaku's name.
Edorad is voiced by Taiten Kusunoki in the Japanese version and by Beau
Billingslea in the English dub.
Nakeem Grindina
Arrancar 14 Nakeem Grindina (ナキーム・グリンディーナ Nakīmu Gurindīna?, romanized as
Nakeem Grindina in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fracción. In
his early life, Nakeem was an Adjuchas-class Menos who a member of a member
Shawlong Koufang's group before they met Grimmjow one day and took as their
"king." Nakeem and his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an
attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt,
Nakeem and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current
forms. Many years later, Nakeem and those that were associated became Fraccións
of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Nakeem and the others
accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. Shawlong and Nakeem ended up fighting
Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto with Shawlong fighting Rangiku. Upon
releasing her limiter, Rangiku manages to kill Nakeem.
The name and abilities of his Zanpakutō are unknown.
Nakeem is voiced by Taketora in the Japanese version and by J.B. Blanc
in the English dub.
Yylfordt Grantz
Arrancar 15 Ilfort Grantz (イールフォルト・グランツ Īruforuto Gurantsu?, romanized
as Yylfordt Granz in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións and
the older brother of Szayel Aporro Grantz. In his early life, Yyfordt was an
Adjuchas-class Menos who was a member of Shawlong Koufang's group before they
met Grimmjow one day and accepted him as their "king." Yylfordt and
his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde
Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt, Yyfordt and the others had
Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later,
Yyfordt and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke
Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Yylfordt and the others accompanied Grimmjow to
Karakura Town. He ended up fighting Renji Abarai who would later be assisted by
Ururu Tsumugiya and Noba.
Yylfordt's Zanpakutō is Del Toro (蒼角王子(デルトロ) Derutoro?, Spanish for "Of
the Bull," Japanese for "Pale-Horned Prince") which looks like a
regular katana, except that its guard is diamond-shaped. When released,
Yylfordt's upper body enlarges and is covered in armor shaped like a bull's head
and torso. In this form, he walks on four legs and can skewer his opponents
with his horns. Upon releasing his limiter, Renji manages to kill Yylfordt.
He is voiced by Kōichi Tōchika in the Japanese version and by Ezra Weisz
in the English dub.
Di Roy Rinker
Arrancar 16 Di Roy Rinker (ディ・ロイ・リンカー Di Roi Rinkā?, romanized as Di
Roy Rinker in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións and is
the weakest of the five. In his early life, Di Roy was an Adjuchas-class Menos
who was a member the small group of Menos under Shawlong Koufang before they
met Grimmjow, Di Roy's attempt to kill the Hollow resulting with a piece of
himself devoured and forced to remain in his current state as he continues to
aid his Menos allies in hunting other Hollows. Many years later, Di Roy and
those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took
over Hueco Mundo. Di Roy and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town.
He ended up fighting Rukia Kuchiki. The name and abilities of his Zanpakutō are
unknown as he was killed by Rukia before he can use activate it.
He is voiced by Takashi Kondō in the Japanese version and by Spike
Spencer in the English dub.
Luppi Antenor
Luppi Antenor (ルピ・アンテノール Rupi Antenōru?, romanized as Lupi Antenor in the
Japanese media) temporarily replaced Grimmjow Jeagerjaques as the Sexta Espada,
signified by the "6" tattooed to his right hip. He has a youthful and
feminine appearance, and tends to be rather demeaning to opponents or those of
lower ranks. The remains of his Hollow mask (a top row of teeth) rest on the
left side of his head.
Luppi's zanpakutō is Trepadora (蔦嬢(トレパドーラ) Torepadōra?, Spanish for
"Vine," kanji translates as "Ivy Girl"). In his released
state, Luppi has eight tendrils sprout from a carapace mounted on his back, which
he can control independently to fight multiple opponents. The tentacles can
also grow spikes to cause additional damage.
Sent on a mission, later learning to his annoyance that it was a
distraction, Luppi overpowered Hitsugaya's assigned group personally until he
was defeated by Hitsugaya himself. Falling back while learning his role in
Aizen's scheme to get her to Las Noches, Luppi saw Orihime to be of no use to
them until she regenerates Grimmjow's arm to his shock. After Orihime restores
Grimmjow's tattoo as well, Grimmjow kills Luppi to regain his rank.
He is voiced by Daisuke Kishio in the Japanese version and by Michael
Sinterniklaas in the English dub.
Zommari Rureaux
Zommari Rureaux (ゾマリ・ルルー Zomari Rurū?) is the Séptima Espada. He is a quiet, reverent figure
that praises Sōsuke Aizen and despises Soul Reapers for arbitrarily judging
Hollows. The remnants of his Hollow mask take the form of a necklace made out
of teeth and a ridge of spikes running down the center of his forehead, and his
Hollow hole is located on his right breast. Zommari has the self-proclaimed
fastest sonido among the Espadas, his Gemelos Sonido (双児響転(ヘメロス・ソニード) Hemerosu
Sonīdo?, Spanish for "Sound Twins") allowing him to leave up to five
afterimages that are capable of fighting an opponent. The aspect of death he
represents is intoxication.
His Zanpakutō is Brujería (呪眼僧伽(ブルヘリア) Buruheria?, Spanish for
"Witchcraft," kanji translates as "Sangha of Bewitching
Eyes") and in his released state he gains forty-eight additional eyes, each
of which can be used in his technique Amor (愛(アモール) Amōru?, Spanish for
"Love"). The ability allows each of his eyes to take control of
whatever falls under its gaze, usually a body part, though Zommari can take
full control if one of his eyes gazes at a person's head. His legs are also
replaced by a lotus-like structure that he can hide within as a defensive
measure.
After Aaroniero's death at the hands of Rukia Kuchiki, Zommari appears
with the intent to avenge his foolish comrade and clean his mess by killing the
comatose Rukia. However, Zommari is stopped by Byakuya Kuchiki and forced into
releasing his zanpakutō to gain control over Byakuya's arm and leg. However,
Byakuya severs the tendons and muscles in both limbs to negate the effect.
Zommari then takes control of Rukia's body, forcing her own sword against her
throat. Byakuya binds Rukia with kidō, and quickly overwhelms Zommari by
blinding most of his eyes with his Bankai. When it becomes apparent that he
will lose, Zommari begs for mercy. But seeing Byakuya intends to kill him,
Zommari demands what gives him and the other Soul Reapers the right to kill
Hollows, only to learn that Byakuya will not kill him because he is a Soul
Reaper, but because Zommari "aimed his blade at his only pride,"
referencing Rukia. With the deathblow dealt, Zommari shouts his praise to Aizen
and disbursts into thin air.
He is voiced by Taiten Kusunoki in the Japanese and Greg Eagles in the
English dub.
Szayel Aporro Grantz
Szayel Aporro Grantz (ザエル・アポロ・グランツ Zaeruaporo Gurantsu?, romanized as Szayel Aporro
Granz in the Japanese media) is the Octava Espada. The aspect of death he
represents is madness. The remains of his Hollow mask take the form of
rectangular-framed glasses, and his Hollow hole is located in his groin. He is
an intellectual and the scientist of the Espadas, thinking highly of himself
and following his plans down to the finest detail. He is quite sadistic and
views others as little more than research material (a characteristic he shares
with Mayuri Kurotsuchi), thinking poorly of non-Hollows with the hope that
Aizen would wipe them all out. Previously, he lost a position as an Espada and
was forced to aid Nnoitora to take out Nelliel to regain his position. Szayel
Aporro has a variety of methods for analyzing an opponent's abilities, such as
studying the damage done to their former opponents. Once doing so, Szayel
Aporro can nullify the effects of their abilities, making him virtually immune
to their attacks. In addition to the immunities gained from studying his
opponents, Szayel Aporro has a large number of Fracciones which were originally
Hollows whom he experimented on and personally modified so that he can heal his
wounds by eating them. The first of these many Fracciones were Lumina (ルミーナ Rumīna?) and Verona (ベローナ Berōna?).
His Zanpakutō is called Fornicarás (邪淫妃(フォルニカラス) Forunikarasu?, Spanish for
"You will fornicate," kanji translates as "Lewd Princess");
La Lujuriosa in the English dub(ラルフリオサ)Ra Ruhuriosa, Spanish for "The Lustful,"
and in his released state he grows two pairs of thin wings, and his lower body
transforms into a flock of long tentacles.[56] He can shoot a stream of
blood-like liquid from his body and if even one droplet comes into contact with
an opponent a doppelganger of them is created that Szayelaporro can control to
use their abilities against them. By wrapping an opponent in his wings,
Szayelaporro can create voodoo dolls of them. Each doll can open up to reveal
replicas of internal organs, the destruction of which would do major debilitating
damage to the victim from the inside. The last of his many abilities, known as
Gabriel (受胎告知(ガブリエール)
Gaburiēru?, kanji translates as "the Annunciation"), allows him to be
reborn if he is injured beyond repair by impregnating an enemy and absorbing
their spirit particles, turning them into his own and killing the victim in the
process while his previous body, if devoured, breaks down into cells that fuse
into the eater's nervous system, allowing him to gain complete control.
Prior to his introduction, Szayel Aporro sends Rudobone to bring him any
defeated Arrancars in order to analyze the abilities of those who defeated
them. Szayel Aporro later engages Renji Abarai in battle, revealing himself as
the younger brother of Ilfort Grantz whom Renji killed. Revealing that he had
analyzed data on Renji's attacks through the insects he laced on Ilfort's body
prior, Szayel Aporro had the advantage over the Soul Reaper before unleashing
his Fracción Medazeppi (メダゼピ Medazepi?) on him. Though Uryū Ishida arrives to aid him, Szayel Aporro
eventually nullifies Uryū's abilities as well from studying Cirucci's corpse.
He toys with the two for a time, but when his domain is destroyed in the fight,
a vexed Szalyel Aporro decides to personally finish them off despite Pesche and
Dondochakka's attempted surprise attack. However, Kurotsuchi arrives to help
them and is able to render all of Szayel Aporro's abilities useless. After he
is killed by Mayuri's bankai, Syzael Aporro reconstitutes himself through Nemu
Kurotsuchi (whom he had taken hostage), ingesting a large dosage of one of the
experimental drugs stored inside Nemu's body in the process. The drug, a
"Superhuman Potion", increases his reaction time to the point where
one second seems like a century to him.[57] With his physical body unable to
compensate for his over-enhanced mental state, Szayel Aporro is effectively
paralyzed and left to suffer an agonizing death from his perspective by Mayuri
shortly after.
He is voiced by Kōsuke Toriumi in the Japanese version, and Hank
Matthews in episodes 145-175 and Benjamin Diskin in episodes 190-200 in the
English dub.
Aaroniero Arruruerie
Aaroniero Arruruerie (アーロニーロ・アルルエリ Āronīro Arurueri?) is the Novena Espada, signified
by the "9" tattooed on his two faces. The aspect of death he
represents is greed. In place of a head, Aaroniero has a pair of infantile
skull-like creatures which float inside a glass capsule filled with red liquid,
which is usually covered with a tall white mask. The two skulls speak
alternately (one with a deep voice, the other childlike), often finishing each
other's sentences, and refer to themselves as "we," suggesting that
Aaroniero is to some degree two separate beings.
Aaroniero is introduced as one of the last first-generation Espadas as
well as the only Gillian member of the current Espadas. But in spite of being a
Gillian, Aaroniero is made an Espada due to his unique talent of devouring
other Hollows through his tendril-like Zanpakutō, Glotonería (喰虚(グロトネリア)
Gurotoneria?, Spanish for "Gluttony," kanji translates as
"Eating Hollow"), a deformed mouthed appendage in place of his left
arm which he usually covers with his robes and a glove. Compared to regular
Gillians, Aaroniero can completely incorporate those he consumes into himself,
giving him access to their memories and special abilities and even allowing him
to shapeshift into their physical form if he so desires. Exposure to sunlight,
however, nullifies his powers and forces him back into his original form if he
was shapeshifted.
At the time of his appearance, Aaroniero claims to have absorbed over
30,000 Hollows. Although the full range of his acquired abilities is never
shown, they include "synchronized awareness", an ability to project
any information and thoughts to his allies' minds., and (through a series of
events which cumulated with the consumption of the Hollow Metastacia) the
powers, memories and form of Soul Reaper Kaien Shiba. Furthermore, his
Zanpakutō release transforms his lower body into a purple, house-sized
octopus-like mass with dozens of tentacles and cartoonish mouth-like mask
pieces. With Glotonería released, Aaroniero can access the full range of his
acquired abilities at will.
After Ichigo and his friends break into Hueco Mundo, Aaroniero seeks out
Rukia and, in the guise of Kaien Shiba, attempts to use Rukia's guilt at
Kaien's death to trick her first into allowing him to kill her. However, when
he almost attempts to trick her into killing her friends, Rukia senses
something is amiss and engages him. Though eventually unmasked, Aaroniero
reveals that he was not merely shapeshifted, but actually in control of Kaien's
spirit body. As she believes that she had freed Kaien Shiba by killing him
those many years before, Aaroniero's revelation shatters Rukia's resolve,
enabling Aaroniero to overpower and wound her with his own released zanpakutō.
Before he can kill her, however, Rukia, spurned on by memories of Kaien,
retaliates by stabbing Aaroniero through his upper skull, shattering his glass
capsule and reducing the rest of his body to liquid. As he dies, broadcasting
his final moments to his allies, Aaroniero's lower skull screams for Aizen's
help while the upper skull merely curses Rukia, refusing to accept his defeat,
before splitting in half.
Toshihiko Seki voices both skulls in the Japanese version. In the
English dub, Keith Silverstein voices the top skull and Wendee Lee voices the
bottom skull while Dave Mallow voices Aaroniero's guise as Kaien Shiba.
Privaron Espada
Gantenbainne (left), Dordoni (top), and Cirucci (bottom).
The Privaron Espadas (十刃落ち(プリバロン・エスパーダ) Puribaron Esupāda?, Spanish for "Deprived
Sword," kanji translates as "Fallen from the Ten Blades") are
Arrancars that were once Espadas yet were demoted out of either being a disgrace
to the group or replaced by the artificially-created Arrancars Aizen created
with the Hōgyoku. They have received a three-digit number in order to separate
them from the regular Arrancars since their power is still far above average.
Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio
Arrancar 103 Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio (ドルドーニ・アレッサンドロ・デル・ソカッチオ Dorudōni
Aressandoro Deru Sokatchio?) is goofier when compared to other Espadas;
however, he is much more serious in battle. During his battle with Ichigo
Kurosaki, Dordoni tries to goad Ichigo into using his Bankai and Hollow mask,
hoping to earn his former position back by defeating Ichigo at full power. He
is defeated once Ichigo complies, and thanks Ichigo for the favor by fighting
against the Exequias to buy Ichigo time to escape, dying by their hands with
his final thoughts that Ichigo would discard his kindness while fighting future
opponents. His death was later reported to Aizen to be the work of the
intruders.
Dordoni's Zanpakutō is Giralda (暴風男爵(ヒラルダ) Hiraruda?, kanji translates as
"Storm Baron"), and in his released state, Dordoni grows armor that
starts at his feet, wraps around his calves, and juts out at his waist with two
more spikes. While released, two enormous cyclones come from exhaust spouts on
the armor covering his legs, which keeps him hovering in the air and add extra
force to his kicks. In addition, two beak-like extensions jut out from these
cyclones, which are used to execute long-range strikes, though Dordoni is also
capable of manifesting many more if the need arises.
He is voiced by Kōji Ishii in the Japanese version and by Bob Johnson in
the English dub.
Cirucci Sanderwicci
Arrancar 105 Cirucci Sanderwicci (チルッチ・サンダーウィッチ Chirutchi Sandāwitchi?) has an
appearance similar to a gothic lolita; her outfit consists of a frilly dress,
large, round sleeves that cut off at her shoulder, short purple-colored hair,
teardrop markings on each cheek, and knee-high boots. The remains of her Hollow
mask are positioned in her hair right above the left side of her forehead and
resemble a spiked hairpin. Despite her rather odd appearance, she has no qualms
about pointing out when others have similar fashion, as she does to Uryū
Ishida. She also follows a soldier-like ideology.
Her Zanpakutō, Golondrina (車輪鉄燕(ゴロンドリーナ) Gorondorīna?, Spanish for
"Swallow," kanji translates as "Wheeled Steel Swallow"),
takes the form of a whip with a large, spinning, Yo-Yo like disk looped into
it. When released, Cirucci's arms become longer with claws at the end as she
sprouts large wings with ten moon-shaped blades in place of feathers. These
blades vibrate at a high frequency, making an audible humming noise in the
anime. Cirucci can remove these blades and fire them through the air or summon
them back at her own will.
Her released state rapidly consumes her spiritual energy, which Uryū
took advantage of before she discarded her released state arms and wings,
focusing her spirit energy into a luminous pink blade at the tip of her head
crest's tail. But Uryū still defeats her, sealing away her power. Even though
letting her live may come as an insult to Cirucci, Uryū spares her life with
the inability to get revenge on him. But no sooner did he leave than the
Exequias arrive and kill her, taking her corpse to Szayelaporro for research.
She is voiced by Hōko Kuwashima in the Japanese version and by Tricia
Pierce in the English dub.
Gantenbainne Mosqueda
Arrancar 107 Gantenbainne Mosqueda (ガンテンバイン・モスケーダ Gantenbain Mosukēda?) has an
afro-style haircut with thick sideburns and a goatee. The remains of his Hollow
mask are a sunglasses-shaped plate on his forehead with four teeth coming out
above each eye.
Gantenbainne's Zanpakutō, Dragra (龍拳(ドラグラ) Doragura?, kanji translates as
"Dragon Fist"), takes the form of a pair of two-pronged punching daggers
attached to Gantenbainne's wrists by hinges. In its released state,
Gantenbainne's arms grow longer and become covered in dome-shaped armor plates,
and the punching daggers come to resemble dragon heads. Similar plates also
extend down his back and form a tail. He pulls his mask fragment over his eyes
at certain points in combat. When attacking, he can shoot various blasts from
his fists.
After Yasutora Sado defeats him, Gantenbainne is spared in thanks for
fighting at his full strength while risking defeat. As Chad leaves, Nnoitora
Gilga appears wanting to fight the first person to make it out of the domain of
the Privaron Espadas. Gantenbainne tells Chad to escape, but Chad attacks
Nnoitora and is defeated with a single blow. After Nnoitora senses Ichigo and
leaves, the unconscious Chad and Gantenbainne are found by the Exequias. Retsu
Unohana intervenes before they can be killed, and heals Chad and Mosqueda's
wounds after Rudobone decides to leave and not attack any of them.
He is voiced by Masato Funaki in the Japanese version and by Greg Eagles
in the English dub.
Other
The following are those Arrancars and Números that have never received a
position as an Espada.
Grand Fisher
Grand Fisher (グランドフィッシャー Gurando Fisshā?) is, when first introduced, a Hollow
that has evaded the Soul Reapers for over fifty years. During this timeframe he
killed Masaki Kurosaki in her efforts to protect her son, Ichigo Kurosaki.
Grand Fisher's Hollow form resembles that of a giant hamster with bird-like
hands and feet. A "lure" (similar to the lure or esca of angler fish)
hangs from his forehead, which can take the form of anyone he wishes. He
typically uses this ability to lure spiritually aware people into his grasp,
making them easy meals, hence his name. In battle the lure can be used to take
the form of someone close to the opponent, keeping them from attacking him. To
create the perfect lure, he has the ability to use the claws on his left hand
to peer into his opponent's memories for the person that they would never attack.
This lure also serves as a second body in case his larger one is wounded and
needs to recuperate. After Ichigo is able to defeat him in battle, Aizen at
some point converts Grand Fisher into an imperfect Arrancar with a more
humanoid appearance. Grand Fisher carries a large zanpakutō on his back which
he releases to become a huge, monstrous creature with bull-like horns. When he
tries to use this form to have a rematch with Kon, who he mistakes for Ichigo,
he is killed by Ichigo's father, Isshin Kurosaki.
He is voiced by Chafurin in Japanese and Paul St. Peter in English.
Rudbornn Chelute
Arrancar 61 Rudbornn Chelute (ルドボーン Rudobōn?, sometimes written as
Rudobone) is the leader of the Exequias (葬討部隊(エクセキアス) Ekusekiasu?, Spanish for
"Funeral Rites", kanji translates as "Funerary Attacking
Force"), a group responsible for dealing with rebels and intruders in Las
Noches. Unlike most Arrancars, his face is completely hidden by his mask. He
and his subordinates clean up after each battle, collecting data for Szayelaporro
Grantz before killing any survivors.
He carries a Zanpakutō with the name Arbol (髑髏樹(アルボラ) Arubora?, Spanish for
"Tree," kanji translates as "Skull Tree"), which in his
released state grants him tree limbs that twist around his body, adorned with
skulls at the tips. Rudbornn is capable of balancing on top of these tree
limbs. From these branches, Rudbornn gains the ability to generate full-bodied
minions with skulls for masks, which he refers to as his Calaveras (カラベラス Karaberasu?, Spanish for "Skull").
These calaveras apparently comprise the entirety of the Exequias, thereby
making Rudbornn the only real Exequias member.
He carries out his duties by killing off two of the Privaron Espadas
after they lose their respective fights. As he begins to do the same with the
third he is stopped by Retsu Unohana. Surprised by the arrival of a Soul Reaper
Captain, Rudbornn and the rest of the Exequias withdraw in order to avoid
conflict. Later, he and the rest of the Exequias attempt to prevent Ichigo Kurosaki
from reaching Orihime Inoue and Ulquiorra Schiffer, but they are intercepted
and his followers and he are subsequently defeated by Rukia Kuchiki, Yasutora
Sado and Renji Abarai where he is then frozen by Rukia's Shikai. Yammy attacks
the frozen Rudbornn along with the intruders, and he is presumably killed.
Rudbornn has expressed disappointment and regret that he was unable to achieve
the role of Espada, despite his prodigious ability. Regardless, he expresses
great pride and confidence in the Espadas that Aizen has chosen to lead.
He is voiced by Taro Yamaguchi in Japanese and in English by Michael
Lindsay in Episode 153, by Doug Erholtz in Episode 157, by Benjamin Diskin in
Episode 195, and by Dan Woren in Episode 196 onwards.
Wonderweiss Margera
Wonderweiss Margera (ワンダーワイス・マルジェラ Wandāwaisu Marujera?, romanized as Wonderweiss
Margela in the Japanese media) is an Espada-level Arrancar.[65] Wonderweiss is
small, thin, and somewhat child-like, and what is left of his Hollow mask
remains on top of his head and resembles a tiara or small crown. Though not an
Espada, Arrancar 77, Wonderweiss is extremely powerful and is later revealed to
be a specially-modified Arrancar created for the sole purpose of absorbing the
flames of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's zanpakutō.
To make Wonderweiss powerful enough to counter Yamamoto's Zanpakutō,
Aizen removed all forms of Wonderweiss' rationality, his memory retention,
speech, and intelligence. As a result, Wonderweiss's personality is very
child-like; when sent on a mission to kill, he instead plays around with a
dragonfly. He possesses a level of hostility, firing a retaliatory energy blast
called bala (Spanish for "bullet"), toward Kisuke Urahara during
their battle, but quickly reverts back to his regular state after doing so.
Kaname Tōsen states that Wonderweiss (like himself) is a pure being, but
wonders whether he is pure good or evil. He follows Tōsen everywhere when
possible and is hostile to what he perceives as Tōsen's enemies.
Wonderweiss' own Zanpakutō Extinguir (滅火皇子(エスティンギル) Esutingiru?, Spanish for
"To Extinguish," kanji translates as "Prince of Extinguished
Flames") resembles a purple-colored claymore or zweihander. In his
released form, Wonderweiss appears as an odd mutated version of himself with
giant shoulders and thighs, skinny limbs, and a large crown-like headpiece.
Upon contact he instantly extinguishes and absorbs Ryūjin Jakka's flames into
his body. Furthermore, his strength is augmented, he is capable of
instant-regeneration, and can produce numerous arms from his shoulders and back
that extend to great lengths.
Shortly after his creation, Wonderweiss is sent to the human world with
the Espadas Grimmjow, Luppi, and Yammy to engage and distract the Soul Reapers
while Ulquiorra captures Orihime. He later appears during Aizen's assault on
Karakura Town leading a massive Hollow, impaling Jushiro Ukitake with his bare
hands, and then freeing Halibel from Tōshirō Hitsugaya's ice prison by merely
yelling. Despite being seen engaging in battle with the Captain-level Visored
Kensei, Wonderweiss reappears to save Aizen from Yamamoto's suicide attempt and
engages the Captain-Commander in a hand-to-hand battle. He is ultimately killed
and shattered to pieces by Yamamoto's Sōkotsu technique; however, having sealed
Ryūjin Jakka's flames into his body prior to their fight, Wonderweiss's corpse
explodes and Yamamoto is forced to throw himself onto Wonderweiss' body to
prevent the release of the absorbed flames from destroying the entire town.
He is voiced in the Japanese version by Hisayoshi Suganuma and in the
English version by Christopher Corey Smith.
Aisslinger Wernarr
Aisslinger Wernarr (アイスリンガー•ウェルナール
Aisuringā Werunāru?, Iceringer in the English version) is the 17th Arrancar in
Sōsuke Aizen's army and one of the gatekeepers of Las Noches.
The name of his Zanpakutō is unknown, but Aisslinger always has it in
his released state. In this form, he has four arms portruding from underneath
his cloak. He and Demoura Zodd ended up fighting Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado,
and Uryu Ishida when they were on a mission to rescue Orihime. He is defeated
by Uryu Ishida. He and Demoura are killed when the room they are in collapses.
He is voiced by Eiji Takemoto in the Japanese version and by Travis
Willingham in the English dub.
Demoura Zodd
Demoura Zodd (デモウラ•ゾッド Demoura
Zoddo?) is the 18th Arrancar in Sōsuke Aizen army and one of the gatekeepers of
Las Noches. He and Aisslinger ended up fighting Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado,
and Uryu Ishida when they were on a mission to rescue Orihime. He was defeated
by Yasutora Sado. He and Aisslinger are killed when the room they are in
collapses.
He is voiced by Hajime Iijima in the Japanese version and by J.B. Blanc
in the English dub.
Loly Aivirrne and Menoly Mallia
Loly Aivirrne (ロリ・アイヴァーン Rori Aivān?) and Menoly Mallia (メノリ・マリア Menori Maria?) are a pair of
female Arrancars, Arrancar 33 and 34 respectively, that antagonize Orihime
Inoue during the "Hueco Mundo" and "Fake Karakura Town"
arcs. They serve Sōsuke Aizen personally and show much jealousy of his interest
in Orihime. Loly, who hates Orihime out of both envy and later fearful
prejudice, appears as an arrogant young woman with black hair tied in pigtails,
and the remains of her mask surround her left eye socket. Menoly, the remains
of her mask surrounding her right eye socket, appears to be more willing to
cope with her jealousy than to risk her life by making trouble. While they are
tormenting Orihime during Ichigo's fight with Ulquiorra, Yammy interrupts and
knocks Menoly out when Ulquiorra refuses to allow him to fight Ichigo. Loly
turns on him, but is defeated and thrown through the tower wall. It was later
shown that Loly was rescued by one of Uryū's arrows. Neither were killed.
Loly's resurrección is Escolopendra (百刺毒娼(エスコロペンドラ) Esukoropendora?, Spanish for
"Centipede," kanji translates as "Hundred Poisonous
Stings") which takes the form of a small dagger with a curved guard. When
released, Loly gains centipede-like appendages on her arms which erode everything
they touch.
Loly and Menoly are voiced respectively by Hana Takeda and Hitomi Harada
in the Japanese version and by Colleen O'Shaughnessey and Wendee Lee in the
English dub.
Reception
The Hollows of Bleach have received praise and criticism from several
publications for anime, manga, and other media. Anime News Network praised
Kubo's "grasp of character and storytelling" in his creation of
Hollows who are not "the average monster of the week", but have
"strong emotional ties" to their victims. Meanwhile, the later introduced
Arrancars are described as conceptually interesting.
Of the Hollow characters, the Espada character Grimmjow has garnered the
most attention, with ActiveAnime describing him as "the most psycho of
them all". Additionally, IGN commented that "it's very difficult to
take a book seriously when one of its main characters is named "Grimmjow
Jeager-Jacques" [sic] but damned if this book doesn't pull it off".
In contrast, Anime News Network lamented that the first battle between Ichigo
and Grimmjow was "a lumbering, inelegant mess". Grimmjow is also the
most popular Hollow character with readers of Weekly Shōnen Jump, placing
fourth in its fourth Bleach Popularity contest.Ulquiorra, another Arrancar
character, was voted into tenth place in the same poll, though he had also
appeared in the previous poll in twentieth place.
The visual appearances of the Hollows in the anime and manga have also
received notice from reviewers. The Los Angeles Times compared the early
Hollows to "the misshapen fossils of unsuccessful dinosaurs". Of the
Arrancar characters, Yammy is described as a "stereotypical, muscle-bound
anime villain", while Ulquiorra is likened to "L from Death Note,
with a bone hat and some tear makeup
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