► This blog is dedicated to the manga series, 'Bleach' by Tite Kubo. The series is published every week in 'Weekly Shonen Jump' magazine and has been since it launched in 2001.
1/3»
- Since Bleach is on a three week break, there is extra info pages getting posted for the next three weeks, focusing on SS characters and what has happened to them/will happen to them next arc.
- This post contains all translation of the five pages we got this week.
- Translations from here.
- Week 1 Info Chapter found here and here.
- Week 2 Info Chapter found here.
That more will be revealed in the final arc?
Tite Kubo Interview:
Q: When does thew new arc take place?
Kubo: If it starts too long after the Lost Agent arc, people’s appearences will change, so it occurs immanently after that arc.
Q: Did Ichigo return to his status of a substitute shinigami?
Kubo: He’s still doing konso and related duties, so this is still Ichigo during the substitute shinigami phase.
Q: What about Kurumadani (laughs)?
Kubo: I think he’s become unemployed (laughs).
Q: When did you start planning this arc?
Kubo: I started planning out the details during the Arrancar arc. When I was thinking about what I wanted to draw after that arc, there was the story of the substitute shinigami before Ichigo (the lost Agent arc) and the very last arc. I thought about it a lot, and finally decided to draw the story of the substitute shinigami. To tell the truth, I started thinking about it around the time the Soul Society arc ended. The badge being designed by Ukitake, Isshin being a past shinigami, and the fact that Isshin is a past shinigami shows that “that person” … I thought all these things.
Q: The secret of Ichigo’s birth will be revealed?
Kubo: I want to draw it at a certain place.
Q: I’m sure readers are also interested in the question of “why is Ichigo so strong?”
Kubo: Yes, at the same time everyone’s bloodlines will also be clear.
Q: Isshin is a past shinigami, but Urahara was the only one who went to Soul Society with the reiatsu sword. Why didn’t isshin go as well?
Kubo: If Isshin went, then certain things would be revealed to the shinigami of the Gotei 13, so he didn’t go. He also doesn’t know any of the vizards captains from 100 years ago. Other than that, I’d also like to draw the story of how Yoruichi and Urahara met, over 100 years ago.
Q: Will the shinigami’s pasts become important in the new arc?
Kubo: That’s correct.
Q: What about the zero division that was mentioned in TBTP?
Kubo: I’ve decided to let them appear. I’ve already designed all their characters. However, I’m trying to figure out when and when to let them appear (laughs).
Q: Is there to say that the new arc will feature a situation where there’s the need for the zero division to appear?
Kubo: Yes. They didn’t even show up for the battle with Aizen, so I think I have to draw a really major event. I also want to let Aizen appear. I wanted to draw a draft of him appearing in the restraints.
Q: Will it be an extremely serious event?
Kubo: Yes, it has to be something that will leave even the Seireitei in ruins, something that will cause the shinigami to cry out in their hearts, a danger that has never happened before.
Q: Who will this enemy be?
Kubo: There aren’t very many, but their numbers will increase
________________________
Translations from the storyboard pages of chapter 480:
(showing Mayuri and Akon in the 12th division)
九O一一 - O二O一 亦消灭一百二十只虚！
Nine O one one - O two O one - one hundred and twenty hollows destroyed!
六六O三 - 八九八三 消灭五十一只！
six six O three - eight nine eight three - fifty-one destroyed!
境界侵蚀矫正O 二四度 告知矫正实动班
Border correction O.two four degrees! Tell the correction team!!
这样下去几天内和现实的境界就会。。。
A few more days like this and the border with the living world will…
那已经转逢了！没其他情报的话就退下！
That’s already been reported! If you don’t have any other news then go away!
非。。非常抱歉！！
Very… very sorry!!
。。队长。。 这是。。”
…Captain… This is…
。。还用说吗 能够将虚的存在本身消除的。。。只有他们了啊。。。
…What is there to say. Being able to remove a hollow’s entire existence… it can only be them…
- Since Bleach is on a three week break, there is extra info pages getting posted for the next three weeks, focusing on SS characters and what has happened to them/will happen to them next arc.
- This post contains all translation of the five pages we got this week.
- Translations from here.
- Week 1 Info Chapter found here and here.
- Week 2 Info Chapter found here.
IMAGES: (Source)
Upcoming Arc!
Kubo has been planning this final arc for 5 years.
______________________________________________
Divisions 10 - 13
10th Division Captain:
Hitsugaya Toshiro
The path of A prodigy and the youngest captain
A child prodigy who became the youngest captain in the history. During the 17 months of training [Daiguren Hyorinmaru] has perfected. He does not care about his height all the time. Except during the small movie chapter 53, kubo sensei says [his height does not change] Leading the young Hitsugaya to become a shinigami, Rangiku’s past will be significant to the plot.
Tite Kubo Interview:
Q: Has Hitsugaya’s bankai completed?
A: There is an achievement after the training, it’s completed. So far, Hitsugaya’s bankai will be removed once the flower petals at the back of him disappears.. However….
Q: Is there any other part that has changed?
A: During the mini movie chapter 53, Hitsugaya state that he has grown taller, actually he did not(laugh). Also the chain of his zanpakuto has changed.
11th Division Captain:
Zaraki Kenpachi
Kenpachi who evolved into a beast and the 11th division
The combat group . 11th division’s captain, Kenpachi took off his bells, eye patch and hairstyle has changed. Yachiru and Ikkaku’s appearances have changed too Yumichika strength now rivals Ikkaku. Kubo has a rough idea for Yumichika’s bankai!? Ikkaku wears an amour equipment that has the word “dragon” on his right shoulder.
Tite Kubo Interview:
Q: Kenpachi still unable to obtain shikai or bankai?
A: Kenpachi zanpakuto is a constant release type, hence it’s shikai state. Also, I always wanted to draw the story when Kenpachi became a captain. However,the story will deviate from the main plot if I were to draw it, hence the dilemma…
Q: What will happen to the shinigami who cannot bankai?
A: Do you mean vice captains etc? It doesn’t matter if they bankai, but I wonder who should bankai? Yumichika isn’t a bad choice. Izuru’s bankai feels a bit gross/disgusting (laugh)
Q: Yachiru’s shikai hasn’t draw either?
A: Come to think of it, I have not even illustrate her battle scene (laugh)
12th Division Captain:
Kurotsuchi Mayuri
The key to the new arc of the Kurotsuchi Mayuri’s research purpose.
The endless research makes Kurotsuchi Mayuri busy.
His past research “study of the body” will be the main part to make up the final arc. His “face” often changes during the TBTP arc, SS arc and Arrancar arc, it will further improve in the new arc!?
Tite Kubo Interview:
Q: Kurotsuchi Mayuri changes will be?
A: Kurotsuchi Mayuri huh (laugh). Will have different looks in the new arc, but what should I do,will improve his hairstyle (laugh)
Q: He did not appear in the [lost shinigami representative arc]?
A: At first I intend to draw him in 479, but I was unable to make him appear.
13th Division Captain:
Juushiro Ukitake
The drastically changed Thirteenth Division
Ukitake was an important figure in the Lost Agent Arc. His Thirteenth Division is the one that has undergone the most changes during these 17 months. His lieutenant is Kuchiki Rukia! Ukitake is troubled both in heart and body, but Kubo-sensei has said that “he will recover.” These two were very supportive of Rukia becoming their lieutenant. Becoming a lieutenant, but still worrying about Kaien’s approval!?
Tite Kubo Interview:
Q: Is Ukitake’s illness the same as it was before?
Kubo: Yes. (laughs)
Q: No change?
Kubo: That’s right. But although Ukitake and Shunsui haven’t changed much outwardly, they have changed somewhat in their hearts after the battles with Aizen.
Q: No change in hairstyle and such?
Kubo: Shunsui changing wouldn’t be so bad, since he is quite fashionable (laughs). Ukitake doesn’t have any sense of fashion. (laughs)
Q: The Thirteenth Division’s lieutenant is now Rukia. What about the two third seats Kiyone and Sentaro?
Kubo: They’ve been passed over. (laughs) But still, I think the two of them would support Rukia.
Q: How does Rukia feel having taken on Kaien’s old position?
Kubo: I want to carefully draw how Rukia felt upon becoming a lieutenant, but doing so would take up many chapters, so I’ve decided to do it through flashbacks.
Q: Approximately when did she become a lieutenant?
Kubo: I planned to have her be one by the time she next appeared following the Arrancar arc. While training after that arc, she had a period where she hesitated and asked herself “Is it really right of me to take it.” Only after that did she become a lieutenant. (laughs)
- Since Bleach is on a three week break, there is extra info pages getting posted for the next three weeks, focusing on SS characters and what has happened to them/will happen to them next arc.
- This post contains all translation of the five pages we got this week.
- Translations from here.
- Week 1 Info Chapter found here and here.
The Gotei 13 Reborn
(What happened during those 17 missing months? Vol. 2)
Captain of the 5th Division - Hirako Shinji
The changes in Hirako, who has returned to the Fifth Division
Hirako has changed his bangs during the 17 months after battling with Aizen and returning to the Fifth Division. Also, same as when he was part of the Vizards in the living world, and perhaps because he likes to pay attention to his appearance, he also wears a tie.
Tite Interview
Q: What happened to Hirako’s hair?
Kubo: Since his hair can’t grow all that much over 17 months, only his bangs changed a little bit. And one day, I’d like to draw how Hinamori, who was heartbroken after losing Aizen, developed a good trusting relationship with Hirako.
Captain of the 6th Division - Kuchiki Byakuya
Expensive personal ornaments
Byakuya, who previously declared that the Captain’s haori is cheap, has changed his appearance somewhat. Details of what Kubo-sensei has noted is not kenseikan, as well as the finely crafted Captain’s haori
Lieutenant of the 6th Division Abarai Renji
Becoming even more wild and rough over the 17 months.
With a towel wrapped around his wrists, and a “specially made, not store bought” ornament in his hair.
Tite Interview
Q: Renji trained hard to become stronger?
Kubo: Yes.
Q: Other people trained as well?
Kubo: Yes.
Q: So they wouldn’t be troubled by even Aizen-level opponents?
Kubo: They’re not quite at that level (laughs). What can I say, they’ve become stronger. But even so, they haven’t gotten to the point where they’re not worried about Aizen-level opponents (laughs).
Q: Will they display new abilities or techniques in the new arc?
Kubo: That will be revealed. Renji’s bankai has already changed.
Captain of the 7th Division - Komamura Sajin
Armor-like shoulder adornments extended to his neck, forearm and feet.
Komamura who lost his close friend, Tousen, a distressing moment. 17 months after the battle, his clothing has changed. Inside where it usually covers by shihakuhou, wore an armor-like adornment
Captain of the 8th Division - Shunsui Kyoraku
The origin of the colorful haori: Shunsui,who releases shikai during the battle against Starrk, the colorful haori that he wore hiddens “a history”, the truth will be revealed in the next arc!?
Tite Interview:
Q: The senior captains doesn’t change their appearance much, so Kyouraku did not change either?
Kubo: Yes. Captains who holds the position for a very long period will not change a lot. Thats because they’ve undergo numerous pitched battle in the past. However, we will witnesses the difference and new sides in the future battles. I guess Shunsui will go bankai. Also the haori that he wore contains some “history/background”
Captain of the 9th Division - Murguruma Kensei
The reunion of fate of 9th Division: Hisagi’s saviour, Kensei is back to the 9th division, the division where Hisagi became a vice captain to take on the captain spot.They also responsible for business editing for the 9th division’s task [Sereitei news magazine]
Lieutenant of the Ninth Division - Hisagi Shuuhei
Hisagi still wears sleaveless haori to inherit Kensei from hundred years ago.With Murguruma “6” Kensei leading the “ninth (9)” division. Hisagi who inherits the number “69” became his saviour’s subordinate.
_____________________________________________________
The places that have seen innumerable battles:
Naruki City
The place where Ichigo’s friend Keigo lives. The battlefield for the Lost Agent arc. The base for Xcution.
Seireitei
In the center of Soul Society, where the shinigami live. Soul Society itself already has 1 million years of history.
Rukongai
Located outside of Seireitei, separated into 320 districts.
Karakura Town
A town located near central Tokyo. Also a center of spiritual activity.
Hueco Mundo
A place that is largely desert. Barragan’s “city” is also located here.
Tite Kubo’s comment:
The new arc is located neither in Karakura Town nor Soul Society. Although it is a new location, but it’s also “underneath somewhere” and “unexpectedly close.”
The location of the new arc is here!!!
“The concept is a place like a ‘palace made of ice.’”
Partial sketch:
Two pillars immediately catch the eye in this rough sketch of the new arc’s battlefield. Behind them, there is a “palace of ice.” Perhaps the new enemies are hiding in there.
Partial sketch:
Like tall cliffs and precipices. Everything is covered with ice, and what is that at the very end resembling a large waterfall…. The palace is on top of all this?
Tite Kubo’s comment:
In the new arc, I want to draw a place like a “palace of ice.” It will be colored white, with blues and silvers as well.
Kubo-sensei confesses! The Arrancar are also in his plans!!
Tite Interview
Q: In the new arc, the shinigami will of course be represented, but will other characters from the past also appear?
Kubo: Yes, if the arrancar appear, I think they will stand with the shinigami.
Q: Will there be characters that appear in the role of a friend?
Kubo: Ulquiorra has already turned into ash. Grimmjow might become a friend. Also, what about Harribel, who is still alive. But, I wonder how I’d bring them out of Hueco Mundo. I think Harribel would not leave Hueco Mundo.
Q: Was the idea of arrancars becoming friends in your plans before this break? Or was it just a feeling that they might return?
Kubo: “They might appear.” Or it could be that “they might not appear.” (laughs) Even if they did appear, it wouldn’t be individually, but as a group.
Q: What about Nel?
Kubo: I think I will let Nel appear.
Q: I’d really like to see her interactions with Kon.
Kubo: Kon did not appear in the Lost Agent arc. But to tell the truth, he has rarely appeared since the end of the Soul Society arc, roughly five years ago. (laugh) People who only recently started reading might not know that he exists. (laugh)
Q: It can’t be that you’ve forgotten him?
Kubo: (laugh)
Will the espada return in the new arc? The editor makes a courageous prediction!!
- Since Bleach is on a three week break, there is extra info pages getting posted for the next three weeks, focusing on SS characters and what has happened to them/will happen to them next arc.
- This post contains all translation of the five pages we got this week.
- Translations from here.
- Part 1 found here.
Bleach Pre-Publication Planning Journal
Kurosaki Ichigo and Kuchiki Rukia before publication!!
Before publication, Kubo-sensei drew Ichigo and Rukia in his journal. Looking back, Sensei says Ichigo with glasses looked like a “young intellectual.” Along with a scythe-wielding Rukia, they are truly different from the characters as they are today!!
Secret Theme – Agent of the Shinigami and Soul Society Arcs
(The volume on Rukia)
With the status of a Substitute Shinigami, stepping into battles to protect the living world!! In order to protect his family, friends, and Karakura town, Ichigo became a shinigami. In Rukia’s place, he fought and confronted the hollow responsible for his mother’s death. One day, emissaries from another world appeared.
Tite Kubo’s comment:
Each arc has its own theme. The Soul Society arc was about saving Rukia. The Arrancar arc was about saving Orihime. The Lost Agent arc was connected to Chad. The new arc will be about…
Title is… “Snipe”
Tite Kubo’s comment:
The original advertisement was titled “Snipe.” But I decided that it didn’t feel right, so I changed it.
Tite Kubo’s Idea Note:
Sensei’s secret notes contain sketches of some familiar characters. This is one portion. They all look different from how they are now. We can guess that during the planning stages, Sensei had already drawn out his main characters.
Rescue Rukia from execution!!
Because she gave shinigami powers to Ichigo, Rukia was sentenced to death. In order to save his own savior, Ichigo and friends went to Soul Society. Ichigo fought several deadly battles with the shinigami protecting Seireitei, and succeeded in saving Rukia. At this time, Aizen’s deception was revealed…
Secret Theme – Arrancar Arc
(The volume on Orihime)
A new power enters the stage, shinigami enter full-on battle!!
After returning to the living world from Soul Society, Ichigo took up the duties of substitute shinigami again. At this time, before him appeared two new powers, the Vizards and the Arrancar. The shinigami begin battling against the Arrancar under Aizen’s leadership…
Both current and previous members of the Gotei 13 fight against the traitor shinigami and the hollows under their command!!
The Idea Note:
Hirako, whose character was planned out pre-publication, finally enters the scene!!
Hirako was drawn on the very first color spread in the first chapter.
Tite Kubo’s comment:
I originally wanted to draw stories about Ichigo’s classmates, so I drew Hirako as one. Gradually disappearing, Rukia’s existence…
Secret Theme – The Lost Agent Arc
(The volume on Chad)
Time passes, although 17 months later all is well…
Aizen created disorder never seen before. In order to defeat him, Ichigo lost his shinigami powers. He got the normal student life that he’d hoped for, but also became restless as he couldn’t protect his friends. At this time, a group of people with mysterious powers appeared. The fullbringers began a battle against Ichigo and the other shinigami at Karakura town.
Receiving new powers, Ichigo continues his development…
Ichigo’s new look from “The Lost Agent Arc!!”
Before the Lost Agent Arc began, Kubo-sensei sent this sketch of Ichigo 17 months later to his editor. The armor around his arms and neck represent the mixture of his shinigami and fullbring powers. How will he continue to change in the new arc!?
Tagline: The two people hidden by the tear revealed for the first time!! To find out their true identity.
The Gotei 13 Reborn: What happened during those missing 17 months!!?
Captain of the First Division - Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni
A softer Captain Commander Yamamoto. Commander of the entire Gotei 13, lost his arm due to a sacrificial kido.. but did he also change inside!?
Tite Interview
Q: What about Genryuusai’s left arm?
Kubo: He only has his right arm now.
Q: Is that all that’s changed?
Kubo: I think Genryuusai wouldn’t change much from his current state if he trained. Wouldn’t it be strange for someone who’s lived for over two thousand years to change over a period of 17 months? However, he does have unseen, inner changes.
_________________________________
Captain of the Second Division - Soi Fon
Following the deadly battles with Aizen and the Espadas, Soi Fon changed her hair during the 17 month period. Perhaps because the Second Division prizes quickness, her hair is now shorter. Losing her left hand during the battle with Barragan.
The Second Division Captain, whose duty is assassination, lost her left hand during the battles at Karakura town. Thanks to the top healing skills of the Gotei, it has now been restored.
Tite Interview
Q: What happened to the hand lost to “aging?”
Kubo: Soi Fon’s left hand has been healed.
Q: What about her change in appearance?
Kubo: Her hair has changed a little. Speaking of changes, I also wanted to change Yoruichi, but her current look really suits her, so it’s difficult for me.
_________________________________
Captain of the Third Division - Otoribashi Rojuro
Rojuro has returned to his same position from a hundred years ago. Same as TBTP, his look is modeled on that of a western gentleman. His hair has also become more refined. Kira remains the lieutenant of the Third Division. How well does he complement his new captain!?
Tite Interview
Q: Rojuro has rejoined the Gotei 13.
Kubo: Rojuro and Izuru suit each other very well, so I decided to put Rojuro into the Third Division. I should add that Shinji returned to the Fifth Division, and Kensei returned to the Ninth.
_________________________________
Captain of the Fourth Division - Unohana Retsu
Unohana, who will finally turn her zanpakuto against the enemy and enter battle.
The Captain of the Fourth Division, who has the special duty of healing and is the most senior captain next to the Captain Commander, will finally enter battle, and release her reiatsu & zanpakuto in the new arc.
Tite Interview
Q: Unohana will finally fight?
Kubo: In the next arc, I’ve decided that Unohana will enter the battlefiled. Her zanpakuto’s true form will also be revealed. I can also add that when Unohana fights, she unravels her large braid.
Next Week: Kubo-sensei describes the new arc’s battlefield!! Also, the Gotei 13 Reborn (Fifth Division – Ninth Division)
This time, it’s the real deal.don’t kill me.
From: http://deathberry.com/index.php?topic=65.msg1031#msg1031
ジャンプフェスタ2012初日！ 大勢のお客様に御来場頂きました。誠にありがとうございました！ 本当に感動しています。 スーパーステージでは、食い入るように観てくださる皆さんの熱い視線に感動させて頂きました。 ぴえろステージでの皆さんと一体になったライブに大興奮！ 続く。
“Jump Festa 2012 opening day! A big number of customers came today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! It really moves me. I was really touched by the passionate eyes of all the people glued to us. I got really excited in the live program where we, in the Pierrot Stage were all able to unite (to be continued)”
ライブ後の皆さんの楽しそうな笑顔に感動しました！ 今日は本当に幸せです！ 皆さんの喜ぶ姿が僕の生きている証なのだと、心の底から感じることが出来ました。 本当にありがとうございました！ それと…。 あんまり大きな声じゃ言えないんだけど、最後まで待っててくれてありがとう。
“I was (once again) touched by everyone’s smiling faces after the live show! I am truly happy today! I was able to feel from the bottom of my heart that everyone’s happy appearance was my mark of living. Thank you very much! And… I can’t really say out loud but, thank you for waiting for me until the very end.”
スーパーステージで森田さんが 「ルキア先生、おかえりなさい！」
At the super-stage Morita said “Welcome back Rukia-sensei!”
スクリーンのFTBを見たらいいのか迷った
最後卍解のコールな時にちょうど画面が「死神ではない朽木ルキアだ」のシーンで
At the encore part when Morita sings Koyoi Tsuki ga Miezutomo FTB played at the background screen
歌ってる森田さんの後ろにいる折笠さんがたまに画面をちらっと見てるのも萌えた！
While Morita sings Oririn who are behind him keep stealing a glance from behind the screen it’s cute
折笠さんが描いたルキアたんはちょっと汗かいたジト目な感じで
「こんな顔になっちゃいながら描いてましたｗ」をコメントした
Oririn draw Rukia with sweatdrop and cute eye (glaring/staring eyes)
Then she said “This is my exact face when drawing (laugh)”
Q: Ichigo, Shinigami vs. XCUTION. The whereabouts of the battle?
A: The reaction of the readers for the part where Ginjou betrays them was good. It was large. Ginjou was suspicious from the start, and the readers were feeling ill/doubtful of him, so now that is cleared.
Touchi: Ginjou has always been suspicious and it was a betrayal at a point where I start to think if he was a nakama, so I was surprised.
Ono D: Tsukishima is alone. More than being a nakama to Ginjou and the gang, he’s more of a “business partner”. Seems about to explain and doesn’t.
Kubo: Tsukishima’s solitude is an important point.
New Kubo interview.
Credits to Nacchan on deathberry.com
第53回JUMPとレジャー新人漫画賞の久保先生のコメント
Q1.個性的な面々が揃うXCUTIONですが、彼らを創る過程で工夫した点、注力した点などを教えてくだ さい。
A.今までBLEACHを描いてくる途中で頭の中に出てきたキャラクターの中で「これは尸魂界でも虚圏でも 出せない。現世に居るべきだな」と思ったキャラクター達の中から、一つの集団として相性が（いろんな意味で ）良さそうな連中を選んで登場させました。
Kubo-sensei comments for JUMP 53th Leisure Newcomer Mangaka Awards
Q1. We’ve already get the backgrounds from each members of the XCUTION but can you tell us more about the process how you first created them?
A. While I’m drawing BLEACH among the characters that keeps popping up inside my head there are this group that「Haven’t appeared in soul society or hueco mundo. They belong in the real world」 I picked those who has the best looks be it individually and when being put together as a group then I put them on the manga.
Q2.一護の完現術や死神の力復活時の姿などの形態変化のデザインをする上で気をつけていることを教えてく ださい。
A.一護の完現術は特撮ヒーローのようなイメージで、小さい子達にはカッコ良く見え、長らくBLEACHを 読んでいる、或はある程度年齢のいった読者には違和感や不満を持ってもらえるものを目指して描きました。「 死覇装に戻った時」の爽快感を大きくする為に。そしてそれと同じくらい重要だったのは「衣装のイメージが一 護よりも銀城に似合う」という事です。
Q2. Please tell us more about the change of designs from Ichigo’s Fullbring outfit to his new appearance when he got back his shinigami power.
A . Ichigo’s fullbring outfit was based from the image of tokusatsu heroes that little kids would find it as cool. My goal when designing the fullbring outfit was to give the longtime BLEACH readers in certain age groups feels uneasy and worried, so the “relieved” impact when Ichigo is back in his shihakuso (shinigami robes) can be felt more immensely. At the same time I designed those with 「an outfit that would suits Ginjou far better than Ichigo」in mind.
Q3.志望者に一言メッセージをお願いします。
A.好きなものを好きなように作れる仕事は、それほど多くありませんが、マンガ家はそれができる数少ない仕 事です。楽しんで描きましょう。楽しくなくなったら諦めましょう。自分が楽しくないものを、読者に楽しんで もらおうなんて思うことのないように。
Q3. Some messages for the contestants?
A. There are not many jobs that enables you to make something you truly love in a way that you also love. Being a mangaka is one of those few jobs. Let’s draw with enjoyment, and when you can’t find the enjoyment when drawing then stop because I don’t think readers can enjoy reading something that the author himself didn’t enjoy making it.
A/N : Right now SJ is holding contest for new mangaka, Kubo’s messages is for the applicants.
PAGE 1
Q: Around what time did you come up with the Arrancar arc?
A: I really don’t remember (laugh).
Q: In the story, just when Ichigo obtained bankai, we learn that Aizen is the mastermind of all this. Then, the Hougyoku got removed from within Rukia. So you thought that the next series would have Aizen as a foe?
A: I think so. While drawing the final stages of the Soul Society arc, I felt that Aizen wouldn’t die here. From that point, I’ve imagined a story that will unfold in the world of the hollows.
Q: In the early stages of the story, during the times Ichigo defeated Grand Fisher, an arrancar appeared during its medical treatment. During that time, were you simply drawing what represented the world of hollows?
A: Yes, the world of hollows. There were no establishments for arrancars. Just that during that medical treatment, the line “remove the mask” was spoken and I’ve depicted it as such literally. While drawing/writing the manuscript, I’ve remembered it and I’ve thought of doing a battle between a “hollow that removed its mask” and a “shinigami that put on a mask”.
Q: Did the Vizards born from that?
A: Yes. And very timely, Ichigo put on a mask and hollowfied, I thought that it would be interesting if it will be a battle with both parties trying to destroy the fence of the other party. I wanted to create a company that was in the same position as Ichigo.
PAGE 2
Q: Was the appearance of Hirako as a Vizard naturally come up during the battle of the arrancars in the world of hollows?
A: No, I have always thought of introducing Hirako to the point I’ve drawn him in the color spread of chapter 1. Just that, I haven’t decided on his role yet. Then, while thinking of the next series (arc) I thought “oh, I think it’s good to make him appear here”. Moreover, I was very hooked on the imagery of the next arc, that’s why I was able to decide that the role of Hirako be a Vizard.
Q: Don’t tell me, you’ve also thought of … from way before…
A: Originally, during the time I started drawing Bleach, I’ve resolved Orihime’s story [Sora chapters], next was Sado’s story [Parakeet]. In fact, I was planning on resolving the stories of the classmates first before moving to the next story. That’s why I drew every classmate in the spread. From it, I’ve imagined Hirako to be the new transfer student-ish role that will come in along the way.
Q: Were there no possibilities of him appearing as a shinigami?
A: I didn’t have the shinigami image (on him). From the start, he was to be a member of the Real World team. It’s just that, originally I had an image of him being a new transfer student, or like the outsider type. Hirako’s character’s personality, (I’ve put) his personality into how he speaks. But then I didn’t get to find any significance so..
[Hikaro speaks Osaka dialect which is not the normal nor formal Japanese; it’s like a slang]
Q: How did the organization called Espada come to be?
A: More than wanting a certain number of members, I wanted a corps that was directly under the command of Aizen. So, I thought of how many people would the group comprise. I wanted a name for it so I looked for a Spanish word, and came across “espada” which meant “sword”. If it were to become 10 sets of swords, I also had an image of the fact that every Shinigami also wield swords, so I’ve decided on that.
Q: Which character did you decide on first?
A: I think it was definitely Ulquiorra. The first time that Ulquiorra appeared, the establishment of an “Espada” wasn’t made yet. The reason I made the number of Espada “10”, and the the word “Espada” into kanji, like Soul Society, I wanted to make the character (the word) fit for the kanji. The character “10 (kanji)” for me was the most western-ish character, and it felt like the Cross. I had kind of image in my head so it can be put into comparison with the Shinigami, that’s why I made it to 10 people. But the first time I drew, I only had the image of Yammi and Ulquiorra in my head. Even during the time he stood in front of Aizen in Hueco Mundo, I’ve only made them (the other espada) into shadows to shade them off.
[Jyuu (ten) in Japanese is written as 十]
Q: From there you were able to establish how many people there will be?
A: In reality, I was only supposed to limit it to the people that were there in that scene, but I felt like it was too small a scale.
Q: Was the concept of “Espada”, the symbolism, the number already decided?
A: I haven’t decided on their ranks yet. I was so undecided to the point of interchanging Zommari and Hallibel’s numbers till the last minute, halfway through the story.
Q: For Sensei, I know every character is obviously strong, but is it in a rival leaders (warlords) sense? [LOL, don’t know how else to phrase this D8]
A: In sense/imagery, more than fighting over control, everyone has their own ambition, there’s also this image of it being replaced. Like Luppi.
PAGE 3
Q: We do not know where Zommari’s rank number is located. What about it?
A: I didn’t think about it (laugh). I only think about it when the character will show his/her rank number (laugh)
Q: “Like the part where Ulquiorra showed his rank number?”
A: “I was thinking of the best place to put (the rank number) according to the scene, and if that place is right for that character. I’ve imagined it according to the last part of volume 27’s poem: “The 5th lies in where the heart is” <- this part, and the fact that Ulquiorra’s number is in where his heart is. Though I have forgotten on which I decided on first.
Q: Nnoitora has his on his tongue.
A: In reality, I think of a place where you feel “it has to be here (no where else)”. For the arrancars, it’s a big deal to be able to receive numbers.
Q: If it’s for a shinigami, it’s like being a captain, or a vice captain, am I right? Speaking of shinigami, Isshin appeared in shinigami form. I remember being shocked from that.
A: I can’t say anything detailed (laugh).
Q: That kind of suggestive line and sight, is it because you are thinking of drawing him after this?
A: Yes. To draw or not to draw. Some foreshadowing lines and such, will for sure be tied together one day. That is, closer to “coming around (the idea)”, and “remembering it” than “thinking of it”. In the beginning, I myself do not know the reason but “this is best for this”, “there’s nothing but this”, those thoughts run through my head and (I) decide on drawing that for the character. If I do that, while drawing the following [next/future] story, I’ll definitely come across that scene thinking “was this thing I drew from that time for this?”. That is similar to the feeling of “remembering something about a person you knew from the start” or “discovering a new side/angle of a person you just met”. That’s why in the TBTP arc, for example, Hisagi’s “69”, which is that of Muguruma 9th squad. (Muguruma’s spelled with a 6-> muttsu’s MU)
Q: You don’t normally put “69” right?
A: Right. At first, my intention was that to make it a questionable number (laugh). It has a meaning but I thought to make it a word a kid won’t ask his/her parents about, so I made it “69” (laugh). His first appearance, when Jidanbou came out, Hisagi and Izuru were behind (the wall), during that time there were no depictions that they were vice captains. After that, at the time the vice captains came together, it’s the first time it became clear (laugh). If it’s only from that, you won’t know he’s a vice captain but he was. Then, they are 3rd squad’s and 9th squad’s vice captains. Then, the 3rd squad’s and 9th squad’s captains were Aizen’s subordinates. That’s why the 3rd squad and the 9th squad were headed that way.
Q: AMAZING!
A: That’s how it is connected.
PAGE 4
Spanish and the Names’s Origin.
Q: Spanish frequently comes up but is it to contrast them from the Shinigami?
A: During the the time the Menos Grade came out, I was thinking I wanted to use a language that had a good meaning yet sounds bad/evil. If it’s evil, Indian sounds evil, but I had an image of something that sounded very cool and cool-headed. Similarly, Spanish has this devil-ish, and sexy sounding and a dark* sound to it which I liked, that’s why I have chosen Spanish. [*don’t know the right word]
Q: Did you first decide on the names of the attacks in Japanese, or did it first occur to you in Spanish?
A: The names of the attacks in Resureccion form are mixed up. It’s like vaguely deciding on an image. For Nnoitora, it was decided quickly. I had a image of a praying mantis. It was whether a snake or a praying mantis. I was tie-dyeing on both, so I looked it up in the dictionary and chose which sounded better.
Q: So you decide on an image on the character’s outward appearance?
A: More than from the outward appearance, it’s while thinking of the outward appearance along with the personality, and more than anything else it’s whether there will be an appeal to it. And there’re also some things I take from the 7 deadly sins. Like the one now, who are the espadas? Barragan, Aroniero’s “Gluttoneria”, Zael Apollo’s “Fornicaras”, and the same applies for Yammi. Those are the early days of “Espada”. In the early stages of Espada, there were only 7 people. It’s “Espada” with 7 swords but, it increased gradually and became the “Espada” of now. That’s why there are some more of the 7 sins I haven’t used. While drawing Aaroniero, he had the power “to eat” so I’ve got the “Gluttony” from the 7 deadly sins. But I also didn’t want to just get stuck with the 7 sins. That’s why there are times I don’t use them on purpose and leave them be. Like for the early days Espada that survived (laugh).
Q: That’s nice.
A: Maybe they were pushed aside. Maybe they disappeared/died by themselves. That kind of story.
Q: So it’s like you’re not limiting the names of the characters to Spanish.
A: That, I’m getting everything from designers. Designer or architect or an interior designer. Wonderweiss was from a designer named Maricel Wanders. From that I’ve reversed and made sort of an parody out of.
Q: Everyone? Like Jaggerjack?
A: That one I’ve put on conveniently. “Jagger” is a peculiar spelling isn’t it? I’ve named it according to a clock named “Jaeger-LeCoultre”. Originally, “Grimmjow” was from an architect named “Nicholas Grimshaw”. “Grimshaw” sounded cool, so I used that. But Nicholas didn’t come out nicely so (laugh). Then, I’ve made it into “Grimmjow” that sounds nicely and fit the spelling into it.
Q: Also Stark?
A: Stark is from “Stark” Philip Stark. There’s also one for Ulquiorra. It’s from a woman named “Patricia Ulquiorra”.
———————-
Q: For the Real World team, “Kurosaki” and “Ishida” and the likes are familiar surnames.
A: Yes. For the Real World members, I thought to make them a common name. But as much as possible, I thought (of their names) while thinking I wanted them to make an impact. Mostly it was based on sound and the design but I thought it would be nice if the somewhere in the sound would get people hooked. Like Ichigo whose name is weird for a guy. And the “hime” in Orihime would have us asking “What/Hmm?”. In Sado, the “tora” in Yasutora. Lastly, as much as possible, I wanted as many strokes in the Kanji as possible (laugh). It’s a matter of design when I put the kanji together.
Q: I’ll return to the story, when Ryuuken saw Isshin’s Shinigami attire and said “So it came back”, I was thinking that it meant they knew each other from the past. So if Isshin is a shinigami, it means that he once was in Soul Society, right?
A: That’s right.
Q: In reality, Quincy and Shinigami hate each other but, they are surprisingly friends. Will that be clear in the future?
A: That part, it’s still a secret (laugh).
Q: I’m looking forward to that. Is the Past Chapter over with that? (TBTP)
A: I want to draw about the stories that happened around the Past Chapters (TBTP). Because I’ve finally introduced the Lieutenants and stuff.
Q: Like how Oomaeda’s father wasn’t able to make it to Captain class? (laugh)
A: I think so (laugh), if I get the opportunity, I want to draw about it.
Q: Can Sasakibe ever become a captain?
A: As long as Genryuusai lives, I don’t think he can be one (laugh).
————————————
Extras:
1. Kubo said the next arc will take place in Karakura town, a character who’s older than ichigo will show up..
2. The guy who interviews kubo whether chojiro had a chance on becoming a captain, kubo said he doesn’t have captain quality. Then he said its the way how he draws a character… the way he draws the vice captains like hisagi and izuru etc probably doesn’t have the material to become a captain. However its interesting to see if the vice captain gets promoted to be a captain.
3. Kubo thinks Marenoshin(omaeda’s father) is more outstanding than his son..
4. The guy asking whether the Omaeda’s were a secret mobile corps for the past generation? Kubo replied : yes
5. Kubo said Hanataro’s brother : seinnosuke has a bad character…however, he respect captain Unohana very much
6. The guy asking how old is unohana, kubo replied that she was already a captain from the beginning she was there right from the beginning period, so who knows?, and he’ll draw her true face in the future story.
7. Kubo wants Ganju to re-appear in the manga again.
8. Kubo plans to reveal all the Royal Guard.
9. Kubo says he’ll probably draw a TBTP II since the unknown characters have been introducedXD
10. Kubo says he wish the readers doesn’t have the impression in loving a character(hisagi especially) when they didn’t even know much about a character, but the readers need to understand the character only to fall in love with him/her, that’s why he made hisagi plays an active role in FKT battle.
11. Kubo says some of the dead characters(for example: nnoitra) don’t have the ” feeling of death” ..so he was wondering how is he gonna arrange those dead characters that doesn’t feel like he/she’s already dead…..
to quote my explanation for this part:
Q : May I ask you about the 10th division captain from the past? (TBTP)
A : OOO isn’t dead. OOO is perfectly fine in OOOOOO
Q : the so-called OOOOO, do you mean OO is OO?
A : yeap, OO is OO. At that time the candidate was the 10th division vice captain-OOO(nt: someone’s name),who was originally to be promoted as captain, but…
Q : Woo, I felt there is an incredible spoilers coming up.
A : yeap, OOOO (laugh). But alot of things happened, so..eventually, OOOO,OOO hitsugaya toushiro is promoted .OO is OOOOOOO.
Q : eh? could it be at that time OOOOO is involved?
A : yeap, OOOO. If OOOOO, such OO should do. (laugh)
Q : Personally, I would have expect if OOOOO, OO will be the vice captain, but I was totally wrong (laugh)
A : That’s interesting (laugh).
Q : The thing that’s hanging in Syazel Apporo’s lab, how is that happening?
A : ah, OOO.The drawing was OOO and OOO.
Q : (while reviewing shonen comics-ジャンプ.コミックス) ahh!!! eh—??!! Indeed!! It really is OOOO (laugh)
A : your reaction makes me feel so happy (laugh).
Q : Why thank you (laugh). From now on, are you gonna develop OOOOOO?
A : perhaps there will be no connection with OOO,but I think will be in connection with OOOO.
OOOOO.
Q : hold on a sec(laugh). Just now, do you mean OOOOOOO ?
A : (laugh)
Q : If it is OOO, then this will be the next series?
A : not the next series, its the next next series. Now OOOO is already OOOOO, its all already in OOOOOstate/condition.
Q : oh(laugh)!?
A : Even in this state, OOO still maintains the original look, although OOOOOOOOOOO (laugh). If OOOOO,forOOOOO its like a OOOOO device, OOOOOO (laugh).
