Why Can’t People Accept That Bleach Was Always Part of the Big 3?
The term "Big 3" in the context of anime typically refers to Bleach, Naruto, and One Piece. Despite Bleach being consistently acknowledged as one of the three most commercially successful shonen manga and anime series in the late 2000s and early 2010s, some fans continue to debate its inclusion in the Big 3. Understanding the reasons behind this debate provides valuable insights into the nature of fan communities and the factors that influence anime popularity.
Popularity Fluctuations and Longevity
Popularity fluctuations are a critical reason why some fans argue against Bleach's inclusion in the Big 3. After a strong early run, Bleach experienced a significant decline in popularity nearing its conclusion. In contrast, Naruto and One Piece maintained consistent releases and fanbases. The dramatic fluctuation in Bleach's popularity has led to debates about its overall relevance and impact.
Cultural Impact and Influence
One Piece and Naruto are often praised for having more lasting cultural impacts on the shonen manga and anime genre. Their influence extends beyond their immediate audience, permeating popular culture and inspiring new generations of anime enthusiasts. This perceived greater cultural impact has contributed to the argument that Bleach is less deserving of a place in the Big 3.
Narrative and Pacing Issues
Some critics point to specific issues with Bleach's storytelling, particularly in its later arcs. Critics argue that the narrative and pacing struggles in certain segments may have negatively affected the overall reception of the series. These criticisms are often leveled against the more internally consistent and generally well-received narratives of Naruto and One Piece.
Fan Base Divisions and Community Polarization
Fan communities can be quite polarized, leading to strong opinions and debates about the rightful place of a series within the Big 3. Fans may align themselves more strongly with one series over another, which can result in deep divisions. Despite these divisions, Bleach played a crucial role in shaping the anime landscape and continues to be a significant force in the genre.
The Common Strawmann Argument
Many detractors of Bleach's inclusion in the Big 3 argue that it is merely due to ignorance or misplaced loyalty. They claim that those who dislike Bleach are either unfamiliar with it or unfairly compare it to Naruto and One Piece. While it is true that these series represent the Big 3 in terms of sales and cultural impact during Shueisha's peak, other factors contribute to the debate.
Challenging the Status Quo With a Devil's Advocate’s View
Devil's advocate perspectives help dissect the reasons why Bleach is sometimes excluded from the Big 3. For instance, the unique character arc and goals of Ichigo, which prioritize selfless and on-going endeavors, significantly deviate from the typical shonen protagonist narrative. This shift in storytelling can be jarring and unconventional, leading to mixed reactions.
The Dispute Over Fights and Strategies
Another reason for the debate is the perception of Bleach's fights as less strategic and dynamic compared to those in Naruto and One Piece. While Naruto and One Piece often focus on intricate battle strategies, Bleach emphasizes power levels and ideological conflicts. Critics argue that the reliance on sudden power boosts and simple ideological battles makes the fights less engaging. However, supporters highlight the emotional weight and innovation in fight scenes, such as Ichigo's Getsuga Tensho and Aizen's strategic planning.
Community Bias and Popular Consensus
Communities for each of the Big 3 forms a significant part of the debate. Fans of Naruto and One Piece sometimes feel threatened by the recognition of Bleach, leading them to actively dislike and campaign against its inclusion. The loudest and most vocal factions often shape the popular consensus, influencing others to share their views. In essence, the debate is as much about community bias and popular opinion as it is about the objective merits of the series.
In conclusion, the inclusion of Bleach in the Big 3 is a matter of perspective, influenced by factors such as popularity fluctuations, cultural impact, narrative quality, and community divisions. Despite these debates, Bleach remains a culturally significant and commercially successful anime series, forever part of the Big 3 for many fans.