The Bleach manga series, created by Tite Kubo, is one of the most popular and enduring manga franchises worldwide. Since its debut in 2001, Bleach has captivated fans with its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and dynamic battles. For new readers and longtime fans alike, understanding the scope of Bleach manga — including how many volumes, spin-offs, and related publications exist — is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the total number of Bleach manga titles, their publication history, and related works to provide a clear picture of the franchise's manga universe.
Overview of the Bleach Manga Series
The Original Bleach Manga
The main Bleach manga series was serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from August 2001 to August 2016. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains Soul Reaper powers and becomes involved in the spiritual world’s conflicts.
- Total Volumes: 74
- Serialization Period: 2001–2016
- Published by: Shueisha
- English Publisher: VIZ Media (for North America)
This core series is divided into multiple story arcs, including:
- The Soul Society Arc
- The Arrancar Arc
- The Hueco Mundo Arc
- The Fullbring Arc
- The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc
Final Arc and Its Significance
The Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which is the concluding part of the main series, was originally serialized from 2012 to 2016. It was later adapted into an anime, but the manga concluded with volume 74, wrapping up the primary story.
Spin-off and Side Manga Series
Beyond the main series, Bleach has spawned several spin-off manga titles, one-shots, and special editions. These works expand on side characters, alternative stories, or are created as tribute works.
Notable Spin-off and Side Manga Titles
1. Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You
- A side story published as a one-shot that ties into the main plot.
2. Bleach: The Death Save the Strawberry
- A humorous side story focusing on Ichigo and his friends.
3. Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World
- A novel series that explores the aftermath of the main story, particularly focusing on the Soul Society and the Quincy conflict. It includes manga adaptations.
4. Bleach: Official Character Book
- Not a manga, but a companion book featuring character profiles, artwork, and concept sketches.
Bleach: Official Character Book and Artbooks
While not manga per se, these publications are essential for fans interested in the artwork and character details:
- Bleach: Official Character Book (2008)
- Bleach: Unmasked (2010)
- Bleach: All Color But The Black (2018)
These books compile artwork, interviews, and additional lore, enriching the manga universe.
Bleach Manga: Publication and Volumes Breakdown
Main Series Volumes
| Aspect | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Total Volumes | 74 |
| Serialization Duration | 2001–2016 |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| English Publisher | VIZ Media |
Special Editions and Box Sets
In addition to individual volumes, various box sets and collector’s editions have been released, often compiling multiple volumes for easier access.
Digital and Reprint Editions
With the rise of digital manga, Bleach is available on various platforms, and reprint editions often feature colored pages or special covers.
Other Related Manga Works
Bleach in Other Media
- Anime Adaptation: Covering the main story arcs.
- Light Novels: Including Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, which expands the lore.
- Video Games and Art Books: Not manga but part of the franchise’s expanded universe.
How Many Bleach Manga Titles Are There?
To summarize:
- Main Series: 74 volumes covering the core story.
- Spin-off & Side Manga: Several one-shots, side stories, and manga adaptations, including Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World.
- Supplementary Publications: Character books, artbooks, and special editions.
Total Count of Bleach Manga-Related Works
While the main series comprises 74 volumes, including all related manga and spin-offs, the total number of manga titles and volumes related to Bleach exceeds 80 when counting all side stories, special editions, and adaptations.
Conclusion
How many Bleach manga are there? The answer hinges on what qualifies as part of the franchise. The main manga series consists of 74 volumes, making it a substantial and complete story arc that fans can follow from start to finish. Beyond the core series, there are multiple spin-offs, side stories, and supplementary publications that expand the universe. Altogether, these works amount to over 80 manga titles and volumes related to Bleach.
For dedicated fans and new readers interested in exploring the full scope of Bleach’s manga universe, starting with the main series is recommended, but exploring the spin-offs and special publications will provide a richer understanding of Ichigo Kurosaki’s world and the intricate lore created by Tite Kubo.
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Keywords: Bleach manga, Bleach volumes, Bleach spin-offs, Bleach series count, Tite Kubo manga, Bleach publication history, Bleach franchise
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Bleach manga volumes are there in total?
There are 74 volumes of the Bleach manga series published as of now.
Is the Bleach manga complete or still ongoing?
The Bleach manga was officially completed in 2016, but a new sequel called 'Thousand-Year Blood War' was released starting in 2020.
How many chapters does the Bleach manga have?
The original Bleach manga has a total of 686 chapters.
Are there any additional Bleach manga spin-offs or side stories?
Yes, there are several side stories and spin-offs, including 'Bleach: Spirits Are Forever With You' and 'Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World,' but these are not part of the main series.
When did the Bleach manga originally start and end?
The Bleach manga was first published in 2001 and concluded in 2016.
Is there a manga continuation after the anime ended?
Yes, the manga continued with the 'Thousand-Year Blood War' arc, which was later adapted into a new anime series.
Are there collected volumes for the Bleach manga?
Yes, the manga has been collected into 74 tankobon volumes.
Will there be more Bleach manga or anime in the future?
While the main manga concluded, the ongoing 'Thousand-Year Blood War' anime suggests ongoing interest, and new chapters or projects could be announced in the future.
