A Critical Look at Sōsuke Aizen in the Bleach Anime
A Critical Look at Sōsuke Aizen in the Bleach Anime
When it comes to anime antagonists, few are as feared, respected and downright hated as Sōsuke Aizen in the Bleach anime. Having joined the Bleach world in 2004, Aizen is one of the series’ main villains, and his exploration of power and manipulation often puts Ichigo and the gang on the back foot as they battle him. Here, we take a look at what makes Aizen such an iconic part of the series and why he’s been such an integral part of the narrative.
Aizen's Background
As a former captain in the 5th division of the Gotei 13, Aizen displays remarkable wisdom and loyalty for part of the series. His modesty and politeness were respected by both his allies and enemies alike, and his status as the commander of the Onmitsukido secret police only brought further respect into the mix. These traits made Sōsuke Aizen's betrayal even worse when he revealed his true colors, as part of the Sternritter.
Aizen's Powers
Aizen’s powers are immense, to say the least. With the combined power of all four noble houses (Kyouka Suigetsu, Joukentou, Zangetsu and Nijigasumi), Aizen is practically unstoppable. He possesses the ultimate shikai, a rare power granted to only two captains throughout the entire series. His ambition and spiritual awareness has accounted for his incredible resilience against his biggest opponents, such as Ichigo, Byakuya Kuchiki and even Yhwach, the quincy emperor.
Sōsuke Aizen and the Plot
The Bleach anime revolves around Aizen from the get-go and his role in the plot is as integral as it has been horrifying. His manipulation and deception have caused a number of key events in the story, from the death of Gin Ichimaru to the infiltration of the soul society. Through his actions, we see a trend in Aizen where he is not only thirsty for power but also for control over the souls and fate of people around him. This ambition and sense of entitlement makes him a key figure in the series and a character the viewers just love to hate.
Conclusion
Sōsuke Aizen in the Bleach anime exemplifies a perfect antagonist. His power is unrivalled, his agenda is ambitious and his intensity always keeps the viewers on their toes. It’s no wonder he’s become so iconic and integral to the plot, as his ability to deceive and manipulate leads to powerful and intense moments that the Bleach universe has come to draw from again and again.