Set after The Soul Society Arc and The Bount Arc, Aizen betrays the Soul Society. He gathers the Arrancar. Stronger and deadlier evil counterparts of the Soul Society. Aizen orders them to eliminate Ichigo and his friends. As the storyline progresses, Aizen has a grand master plan up his sleeve. It’s up to Ichigo and his allies to prevent Aizen’s scheme from happening. Several Episodes Later, Ichigo and the others embark on a rescue mission to save one of their friends.
“Bleach: The Arrancar Arc”officially aired in 2009 (same year Assassin’s Creed II came out) on Adult Swim. It received praise from critics, fans and viewers alike. The Arrancar Arc serves as the first half of Hueco Mundo Arc. Second half “Arrancar vs. Shinigami Arc” concludes this lengthy plot.
It’s been a long time since I watched and reviewed a Bleach related story arc. Had a lot on my plate like movies and shows from 2025. Luckily, I got a chance to view all 58 episodes. An insane amount of coverage. I’m not gonna breakdown every single episode. I’ll do my best sharing the pros and cons.
By the way, I have plans to attend Fan Expo Dallas 2026. It’ll happen on September 11-13. A three-day event featuring anime voice actors signing autographs, taking pics and having a Q&A.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS.
Powerful & Weak Qualities
Powerful: Voice Actors reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Animation brings a few things to life such as character models, lighting, fluid movement, environmental locations etc.
Action Sequences display various fighters wielding unique weapons. Boss Fights never get old.
Humor has a ton of funny moments.
The Arrancar Arc spans a total of 58 episodes in three seasons. Slightly longer than the Bount Arc. Unlike the former lackluster filler arc, the former arc has better pacing, memorable villains and the stakes are high.
The Arrancar reside in Hueco Mundo. A dimension set between the Real World & Soul Society.
Speaking of The Bount Arc, it’s not a priority to watch it. You can skip to Arrancar Arc. The Soul Society Arc’s all you need.
Ichigo takes a big gamble in an attempt to control his inner Hollow. So, he can become stronger.
Chad & Aizen are my favorite characters. The latter’s a well-written fascinating villain.
Pacing felt natural. I was hooked right from the get-go.
Episode 111 contains a Plot Twist. I won’t say what it’s all about. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Episodes 132-137 focuses on recurring characters while the main leads prepare for a point of no return. In other words, training before squaring off against the Arrancars.
At one point, Uryu wields a bright sword resembling a lightsaber. To quote Chris Rock in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” “I think George Lucas gonna sue somebody!”
We’re introduced to new characters including Grimmjow & Nel. The latter’s funny as heck. She speaks in third person like Rolf from “Ed, Edd n’ Eddy.” Nel earns Bonus Points for making me laugh so hard.
Grimmjow factors in. He’s a blue-haired villain with feline themed combat abilities. Not quite on the same power level as Aizen, but he’s a tough opponent who matches Ichigo’s level. Making it a fair fight.
Opening Themes Listed
- Rolling Star – Episodes 110-120
- Alones – Episodes 121-143
- After Dark – 144-167
Ending Themes Listed
- Sakura Biyori – Episodes 110-120
- Tsumaskai – Episodes 121-131
- Daidai – Episodes 132-143
- Tane wo Maku Hibi – Episodes 144-154
- Kansha – Episodes 145-167
Episode 167 sets up the actual story arc from the manga, Arrancar vs. Shinigami Arc. You can skip filler arc, The New Captain Shūsuke Amagai Arc.” Episode 190’s where the fun begins.
Weak: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Studio Pierrot an Extra Point for crafting a worthy story arc as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
The Arrancar Arc’s a significant improvement making up after filler dud, The Bount Arc. I did my best remembering the good and bad stuff. Not a single con spotted. Once I finally finished all filler and main story arcs, I’ll finally get a chance to check out “Thousand-Year Blood War.” Bear with me folks, there’s an insane amount of episodes prior to the current one. Give me some time.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 