Portal:Anime and Manga/Selected biographies/7
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Rukia Kuchiki (朽木 ルキア Kuchiki Rukia?) is a fictional character and protagonist in the anime and manga series Bleach created by Tite Kubo. In the anime and manga, Rukia is a Soul Reaper in the 13th Division under Jūshirō Ukitake. Shortly after meeting the main protagonist of the series, Ichigo Kurosaki, who can see supernatural phenomena such as Soul Reapers, she is forced to give him her powers in order to fulfill her duties as a Soul Reaper. Rukia has appeared in several other pieces of Bleach media, including the two featured films in the series, the two original video animations, and several video games.
Numerous anime and manga publications have praised and criticized Rukia's character. She has been noted for her differences from stereotypical shōnen heroines due to the loss of powers and dependence on Ichigo; Anime News Network commented on how it was "a great source of both drama and comedy in the show."[1] Her personality has been praised, with Active Anime celebrating her "enjoyably evil sense of humor."[2] Rukia usually ranks second in popularity polls, making her one of the series' most popular characters as well as the most popular female character.[3] Several pieces of merchandise have been released in Rukia's likeness, including a plush doll and a figurine.[4][5]
