The Bleach anime and manga feature an extensive cast of beings known as Hollows (虚（ホロウ） Horō), the central antagonists of the series. These are malevolent, deceased souls of formerly ordinary humans[1] in the Bleach universe. Much of the series focuses on the Arrancars, more powerful variants of Hollows. The Arrancars make up the army of Sōsuke Aizen, the former primary antagonist, and have a system of ranking based on strength. The most prominent Arrancars in the series are the ten most powerful Espadas and their direct subordinates.
The creator of the series, Tite Kubo, uses many Spanish motifs for Hollows. This is most prominent in the names for the various Hollow and Arrancar attack techniques. Many of the Arrancars also have Spanish-derived names.
A Hollow is a spirit that becomes an evil incarnation of itself, formed when the soul loses its Chain of Fate (因果の鎖 Inga no Kusari), the link to its physical body, and is overcome with negative emotions.
One plane of existence in the Bleach universe is the desert-like Hollow world called Hueco Mundo (虚圏（ウェコムンド） Weko Mundo, Spanish for "Hollow World," kanji translates as "Hollow Range") where the Hollows thrive on "spirit energy" as a life force. The Hollows that appear in the human world have a strong desire to feed on living souls in an attempt to fill the void in their hearts left from losing their Chains of Fate, hence the reason they are said to attack first those they had loved most in life.[2] Hollows generally do not have recollections of their lives as humans. Hollows also have varied character designs, though most are designed with monster-like appearances, skull-like masks, and a large hole somewhere through each of their bodies, usually where their hearts used to be.
There are two main duties of the Soul Reapers regarding souls: to perform a ritual known as a soul burial (魂葬（こんそう） konsō) on normal souls before they become Hollows, and to purify the sins of Hollows so they once again become normal. When either of these duties are fulfilled, the soul goes to the Soul Society.[3][4] If a Hollow committed grave sins as a human, its destruction opens the gates of the underworld, where it is dragged to its punishment.[5]
There are also special case Hollows like Menos and Arrancars, who gain access to unique skills and abilities, fueled by the souls they have consumed. The most common ability is Cero (虚閃（セロ） Sero, Spanish for "zero," kanji translates as "Hollow Flash") also called "Doom Blast" in the English manga, a high-powered energy blast that is fired from some part of the body, such as the mouth or hand.
Menos (メノス Menosu, Spanish for "minus" or "less") Hollows have an unusually strong thirst for souls, leading them to consume other Hollows and evolve into a stronger state of being. Within the Menos are three levels of evolution, each with superior strength, speed, and intelligence compared to its previous form.
The first level of Menos is the Gillian (最下大虚（ギリアン） Girian, kanji translates as "Least of the Great Hollows") class, they are also known as "Menos Grandes" (大虚（メノスグランデ） Menosu Gurande, Spanish for "less big/not as big," kanji translates as "Great Hollow"). They are considered foot soldiers to the other Menos,[6][7] and normally reside within the Menos Forest located below the desert surface of Hueco Mundo. The Gillians are powerful giants, masses of countless cannibalistic Hollow identities gathered into one form, each with very little intelligence or individuality.[8][9]
If one of the Hollow consciousnesses that now make up the Gillian surfaces above the others, that identity dominates the entirety, and through eating other Gillians, eventually evolves to the next level, Adjuchas (中級大虚（アジューカス） Ajūkasu, kanji translates as "Intermediate Great Hollow").[7][10] Granted with superior intelligence, Adjuchas give orders to Gillians, and are better able to do combat with Soul Reapers. Adjuchas must continue to eat Hollows to maintain their individuality or they risk regressing to their original Gillian form.[9][11] There are some cases where Adjuchas will halt regression, since if a part of their bodies are eaten they shall stop evolving completely.[12]
The very few Adjuchas that transcend their limits become Vasto Lorde (最上大虚（ヴァストローデ） Vasuto Rōde, Spanish for "complete lord," kanji translates as "Great King of the Hollows") class. They are the closest Hollows in size to humans and have power greater than that of a captain-class Soul Reaper. At one time in the story, Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya speculates that the Soul Society "would be doomed" if their enemy Sōsuke Aizen gets at least ten Vasto Lordes under his command. It is shown in the anime that at least one of the Espadas (Tier Halibel) was a Vasto Lorde before joining the Espadas.
An Arrancar (破面（アランカル） Arankaru, Spanish for "to tear off," kanji translates as "broken mask") is a human-like Hollow with its Hollow mask almost completely removed. Arrancars have the powers of a Soul Reaper, including a weapon similar to a zanpakutō, as well as strength, speed, and intelligence beyond the level of normal Hollows. In addition to these improvements, Arrancars also have hierro (鋼皮（イエロ） iero, Spanish for "iron," kanji translates as "steel skin") skin, hard enough to defend against swords to an extent. Arrancars use a technique known as sonido (響転（ソニード） sonīdo, Spanish for "sound," kanji translates as "moving sound") to travel at extremely high speeds across a short distance. Stronger Arrancars have been shown to possess relatively harder hierro or faster sonido among other abilities, either unique or based on common techniques, such as the several variants of the Cero technique.
Like Soul Reapers, all Arrancars possess a zanpakutō (斬魄刀, literally, "soul-cutting sword"). Unlike a Soul Reaper's, however, whose zanpakutō is a manifestation of its owner's soul, an Arrancar's zanpakutō is a manifestation of its former self. With occasional exceptions an Arrancar's zanpakutō resembles a regular sword in its "sealed state." When "released" through a process called resurrección (帰刃（レスレクシオン） resurekushion, Spanish for "resurrection," kanji translates as "returning blade"), the sword combines with and changes the appearance of the Arrancar. In most cases of resurrección part of the Arrancar's original Hollow form is restored and the Arrancar is granted greater strength and access to his or her original abilities. Arrancars are able to discard or remove certain elements of their released forms to better focus their powers. This results, however, in the Arrancars losing those attributes permanently, comparable to ripping off one's limb.
Arrancars become major antagonists in Bleach during the second part of the series, as they are led by Sōsuke Aizen, who uses the hōgyoku to create and perfect the Arrancars. According to Tite Kubo, many of the Arrancars are named after real life architects and designers.[13]
The Espadas (十刃（エスパーダ） Esupāda, Spanish for "sword," kanji translates as "ten blades") are the ten strongest Arrancars in Sōsuke Aizen's army and each of them represents an aspect of death. They are based at Las Noches (虚夜宮（ラス・ノーチェス） Rasu Nōchesu, Spanish for "The Nights," kanji translates as "Hollow Night Palace"), which was originally the Espada Barragan's domain, until Aizen took it over and remodeled it into his palace. The Espadas are ranked in order of their strength and have their respective numbers tattooed somewhere on their bodies as proof of their status. While it was originally thought the Espadas were ranked from 1 to 10, with 1 the strongest and 10 the weakest, they are according to Yammy ranked 0 through 9. The Espadas are also allowed to personally choose any two-digit Arrancar, collectively known as the Números (数字持ち（ヌメロス） Numerosu, Spanish for "Numbers", Japanese translates as "Number Holders"), as their direct subordinate, referred to as their Fracción (従属官（フラシオン） Furashion, Spanish for "fraction," kanji translates as "Subordinate Official"; plural is Fracciones). Each Espada also possesses a Caja de Negación (反膜の匪（カハ・ネガシオン） Kaha Negashion, Spanish for "Negation Box"), a cube-like item meant to seal away any one Fracción as a punishment, and could possibly be held forever, but stronger Arrancars are able to escape from the Caja de Negación's subspace.
Yammy Riyalgo (ヤミー・リヤルゴ Yamī Riyarugo, romanized as Yammy Llargo in the Japanese media), as signified by the "10" tattooed to his left shoulder, is usually believed to be the Decimo Espada. Though he only refers to himself to be the Arrancar Diez,[14] Yammy is actually the Cero Espada, as the "1" from his tattoo flakes off through his resurrección, which he claims to allow his power to surpass all other Espadas. What remains of his Hollow mask is the jawbone, which rests on his chin. He is the largest of the Espadas, but relies upon others to explain things to him while in battle. Yammy primarily uses his brute strength and Cero blasts in battle, taking little interest in using his sword unless he is overpowered. Aside from his fighting abilities, Yammy can suck the souls from living humans en masse using his ability called gonzui (魂吸（ゴンズイ）, kanji translates as "soul suction"). It affects a wide area, but any individual with slight spiritual power is able to resist death. Yasutora Sado has examined that his stature has grown considerably since his first appearance.[15] He has a pet dog with a Hollow mask named Kukkapūro that is seen twice in the series: once during Ichigo's battle with Ulquiorra and again after Yammy is killed by Byakuya and Kenpachi.[16][17]
His Zanpakutō is Ira (憤獸（イーラ） Īra, Spanish for "Anger," kanji translates as "Angry Beast"). When released, as his true tattoo is revealed, Yammy's size and power increase dramatically, becoming a giant, multi-legged ankylosaurus-like centaur. As Yammy represents rage as an aspect of death, his power depends directly on his anger, allowing his size to increase and to resume to a humanoid form with a pair of large spikes protruding from his shoulders and a row of smaller spikes down his spine.
Yammy is one of the first Arrancars to be introduced, appearing alongside Ulquiorra when they arrive in the human world to find Ichigo Kurosaki. There he gets his right arm chopped off by Ichigo in an ensuing fight before he and Ulquiorra escape. After having his arm reattached, Yammy again accompanies Luppi, Grimmjow, and Wonderweiss to attack the Soul Reapers in the human world. He shortly loses to Kisuke before he falls back to Hueco Mundo a second time. Later, Yammy reappears in front of a battling Ichigo and Ulquiorra in the throne room of Hueco Mundo's Las Noches. Before he is about to kill Orihime Inoue, Uryū Ishida disables him with a special land mine created by Mayuri Kurotsuchi and he falls to the very bottom of the palace complex, near Rukia and her comrades. He then enters resurrección, subsequently defeating Chad and Renji and attempts to crush Rukia, but Ichigo intervenes, saving her and taking over the battle. Ichigo is also overpowered by Yammy, and so Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki intervene as well. When it appears that the latter two have disabled him, Yammy undergoes a second, much larger transformation.[18] He is eventually defeated by both Byakuya and Kenpachi, while Kukkapūro stands beside him.
He is voiced by Kenji Nomura in the Japanese version and by Paul St. Peter in the English dub.
Coyote Stark (コヨーテ・スターク Koyōte Sutāku, romanized as Coyote Starrk in the Japanese media) is the Primera Espada, signified by the "1" tattooed on the back of his left hand. The aspect of death he represents is solitude. His sole Fracción is Lilinette Gingerbuck (リリネット・ジンジャーバック Ririnetto Jinjābakku, romanized as Lilynette Gingerbuck in the Japanese media), who is actually another part of him. Stark and Lilinette came into being as the result of a Hollow splitting its soul in two out of loneliness brought on by the fact that its vast spiritual pressure was too deadly for those who got too close, even other Hollows it tried to befriend. Stark does not remember which of them the original Hollow resembled.[19] Some time after coming into being, Stark and Lilinette encountered Aizen, with Stark joining him as an ally as he saw him to be someone who could stay around them without dying.[20] Stark has an overall lazy and laid back personality and is normally reluctant, yet can be serious and willing to do what needs to be done to complete the task at hand. Liynette Gingerbuck typically shows the concern that Stark does not, like a sister and giving him incentive.[21] The remains of Stark's Hollow mask consist of a bottom jaw that is positioned like a necklace and his Hollow hole is on his sternum, right below the tip of his mask. Lilynette's Hollow mask is in the form of a partial skull with a french horn.
Stark also appears to be uninterested in fighting, going as far as to suggest that he and Shunsui Kyōraku pretend to fight until everyone else is finished. His laziness also manifests itself in his fighting style, as he refuses to fight Shunsui Kyōraku at full strength when asked to. His interest in the fight increases however as he sees the bankai of the other captains and asks Shunsui to reveal his. He is very fast, easily kidnapping Orihime Inoue while Kenpachi Zaraki and Ichigo Kurosaki are only a few feet away.[22] Stark is an intelligent combatant with an implied visual perception on a par with a high-speed camera. Stark's visual acuity is fine enough to note that Shunsui's swing with his left hand is faster than with his right, and deduces that Shunsui is ambidextrous and capable of using both the katana and wakizashi at once. In a similar manner, he is able to observe how Jūshirō Ukitake's shikai operates by firing a Cero and then moving to get a side view as the Cero is absorbed into one of Ukitake's swords and then directed out another.[23] Lilynette, while aggressive, is weak and her Cero is described as immature and less powerful than that of a Menos.
Unlike the rest of the Espadas, Stark's power is not sealed inside his Zanpakutō, but is released when he recombines with Lilinette. When they combine their release is '/'Los Lobos'/' (群狼（ロス・ロボス） Rosu Robosu, Spanish for "The Wolves," kanji translates as "Wolf Pack"). Upon release, Stark resembles a gunslinger, gaining a fur-lined suit, a pair of bandoliers, and an eyepiece covering his left eye, resembling Lilinette's mask fragment. He wields two ornamental guns able to fire off ceros in rapid succession, one of these guns actually being Lilinette with whom he is able to converse.[24] Stark also takes on some of Lilinette's personality quirks, becoming more vocal and short tempered. Stark and Lilinette can also separate portions of their souls to form a pack of wolves that explode upon contact with an enemy as well as form swords for close combat.
Stark takes on the Visoreds Rose and Love after Kyōraku and Ukitake are injured, and is shown to be emotionally affected by Barragan Luisenbarn's death. He gains the advantage over the two until Kyōraku returns to battle. Stark is ultimately cut down by Kyōraku, falling to his death. He apologizes to Aizen for not being able to repay him. As he falls, he remembers Lilinette and the other Espadas and repeats that he is not alone to himself.[20] In the anime, Lilinette takes the form of the wolf spirits and dies before Stark, sacrificing herself to block an attack from Kyōraku.[25]
Stark and Lilinette are voiced by Rikiya Koyama and Kiyomi Asai in the Japanese version and by Keith Silverstein and Kate Higgins in the English dub.
Baraggan Louisenbairn (バラガン・ルイゼンバーン Baragan Ruizenbān, romanized as Baraggan Louisenbairn in the Japanese media) is the Segunda Espada. Before becoming an Espada, he reigned over Hueco Mundo from Las Noches and considered himself the "god of Hueco Mundo". Aizen, before he defected from the Soul Society, arrived at Baraggan's kingdom offering him greater power if he submits to him. Though he refused the offer, Baraggan is forced to accept after Aizen easily killed many of his followers, intending to someday kill Aizen and make him regret ever meeting him.
Baraggan is the oldest of the Arrancars, the remnants of his mask taking the form of a five-pointed crown and his Hollow hole is located in the center of his chest. He bears large visible scars on the left side of his chin and across his right eye, and wears a large rope-like sash with a sun-crested buckler attached to it in addition to the regular obi sash. Though dethroned, Baraggan still sees himself to be superior to every form of life. Though given the position of Segundo Espada by Aizen, Baraggan asserts his leadership once Aizen is trapped, giving orders from a skull-adorned throne, even instructing Halibel to "not underestimate him".[26] As an Espada, his representation of death is aging, thus Baraggan is able to age his opponent in his unreleased form, such as when he slows down Soi Fon's kicks and ages the bones in her arm to the point that they dissolve completely.
Baraggan has six male Fracciones who all refer to him as king: Charlotte Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, Findorr Calius, Choe Neng Poww, Ggio Vega, and Nirgge Parduoc.
His Zanpakutō is Arrogante (髑髏大帝（アロガンテ） Arogante, Spanish for "Arrogant," kanji translates as "Great Skull Emperor") and it takes the form of a giant battle-axe. When released, Baraggan transforms into a crown-wearing, robed lich. In this form, he can perform Respira (死の息吹（レスピラ） Resupira, Spanish for "breathe", kanji translates as "Breath of Death"), which continually ages whatever it touches. When it touches Soi Fon's and Hachigen Ushōda's hands, it makes them decay down to the bones and then starts spreading, forcing each of them to sever the decayed hands. Baraggan's Respira also has the power to deteriorate kidō, as demonstrated when he dissolves one of Hachigen's barriers. Baraggan states that his power is absolute and affects everything under the sway of time. He has also been shown to retain a weapon in his released state which takes the form of Gran Caída (滅亡の斧（グラン･カイダ） Guran Kaida, Spanish for "Great Fall," kanji translates as "Downfallen Axe"). It is essentially a released form of his zanpakutō.
After all of his Fracciones are killed, Baraggan engages Soi Fon and Ōmaeda, gains the upper hand, and negates Soi Fon's Bankai, until the intervention of the Visoreds. By creating multiple barriers of kidō, Hachigen is able to contain Baraggan's aging abilities to the point that Soi Fon is finally able to wound the Espada with her Bankai. Furious, Baraggan releases his Respira everywhere, eventually hitting Hachigen's right arm. Before the aging can spread, however, Hachigen uses his kidō to sever his right arm and teleport it and the Respira affecting it inside Baraggan's stomach. Baraggan's own ability literally dissolves him from the inside-out and he makes one last unsuccessful attempt to kill Aizen before dying.
He is voiced by Shōzō Iizuka in Japanese version and Steve Kramer in the Hueco Mundo arc (though Michael McConnohie voiced Baraggan in the Fake Karakura Town arc).
Arrancar 20 Charlotte Chuhlhourne (シャルロッテ・クールホーン Sharurotte Kūruhōn) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción, an extremely vain drag queen who believes himself to be the most beautiful thing in creation. When in the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Charlotte to target one of the pillars. He ended up fighting with Yumichika Ayasegawa in what becomes both a physical battle and one over whose ideals of beauty is the right one.
His Zanpakutō is Reina De Rosas ((宮廷薔薇園ノ美女王 (レイーナ・デ・ロサス) Reīna de Rosasu, Spanish for "Queen of Roses", Japanese for "Beautiful Queen of the Palace Rose Garden") which resembles a large katana with a purple hand and sheath and hilt shaped like a flower with holes in the petals. When released, he is dressed in a girl-like outfit. When he uses his Rose Blanca to surround himself and Yumichika, gloating that no one can sense their spiritual pressure within, the Soul Reaper takes the opportunity to unleash his Zanpakutō's full power to fatally wound Charlotte. Near death, Charlotte admits the attack to be a thing of beauty and dies hearing why Yumichika did not use the move prior.
He is voiced by Kenta Miyake in the Japanese version and by Travis Willingham in the English dub.
Arrancar 22 Abirama Redder (アビラマ・レッダー Abirama Reddā) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción and the most violent of the six. When in the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Abirama to target one of the pillars. He ended up fighting Izuru Kira.
His Zanpakutō is Águila (空戦鷲 (アギラ) Agira, Spanish for "Eagle", Japanese for "Sky Battle Eagle") which resembles a standard-sized red katana with an oval-shaped guard with a protrusion on four sides. When released, Abirama transforms into a red humanoid eagle. Abirama had the upper hand with this form being able to fly. Izuru managed to spring a trap by getting him hit by Wabisuke which makes Abirama too heavy to fly. Izuru then proceeds to behead Abirama.
He is voiced by Kazunari Tanaka in the Japanese version and by Benjamin Diskin in the English dub.
Arrancar 24 Findorr Calius (フィンドール・キャリアス Findōru Kyariasu) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción. When in the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Findorr to target on the pillars. He ended up fighting Shūhei Hisagi. During the battle, Findorr chisels parts of his mask off to increase his powers.
His Zanpakutō is Pinza Aguda (蟄刀流断 (ピンサグーダ) Pinsagūda, Spanish for "Sharp Pincer", Japanese for "Crab Sword Cutting Current") which resembles a standard-sized katana with a pink handle and a guard that resembles a Spanish épée or rapier. When released, Findorr transforms into a humanoid crab. After a fierce battle, Findorr is killed by Shūhei.
He is voiced by Takashi Kondō in the Japanese version and by Travis Willingham in the English dub.
Arrancar 25 Choe Neng Poww (チーノン・ポウ Chīnon Pō) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción and the largest of the bunch. Like the others, Choe Neng Poww is loyal to Baraggan and treats him as his god. When in the fake Karakura Town, Baraggan sends Choe to target one of the pillars. He ends up fighting Ikkaku Madarame and succeds in defeating Ikkaku and destroying one of the pillars. Before Choe Neng Poww can finish off Ikkaku, Sajin Komamura took over the fight while Tetsuzaemon places some poles down to keep the real Karakura Town from materializing.
His Zanpakutō is Calderón (巨腕鯨 (カルデロン) Karuderon, Spanish for "Pilot Whale", Japanese for "Giant-Armed Whale") which resembles a wakizashi (resembling more a pocket knife in proportion to the massive Arrancar's size) which he stores up in his sleeve. When released, Choe's entire body swells up into a giant with whale-like features going from his chin to his chest. Sajin Komamura unleashes his Bankai which he uses to crush Choe.
He is voiced by Hiroshi Shirokuma in the Japanese version and by Jamieson Price in the English dub.
Arrancar 26 Ggio Vega (ジオ ヴェガ Jio Vega) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción. Following the deaths of Charlotte Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, Findorr Calius, and Choe Neng Poww, Ggio Vega and Nirgge Parduoc ended up fighting Suì-Fēng and Marechiyo Omaeda with Ggio fighting Suì-Fēng.
His Zanpakutō is Tigre Estoque (虎牙迅風 (ティグレストーク) Tiguresutōku, Spanish for "Tiger Rapier", Japanese for "Tiger Fang Swift Wind")with it's hilt resembleing a normal katana with a light yellow handle and silver oval-shaped guard with slits going down the middle of both ends. When released, Ggio Vega becomes more tiger-like. Before he can do anything upon assuming his Tigre Estoque El Sable form, he is killed when Suì-Fēng used Suzumebachi's Death in Two Steps ability on him.
He is voiced by Tetsuya Kakihara in the Japanese version and by Sam Riegel in the English dub.
Arrancar 27 Nirgge Parduoc (ニルゲ・パルドゥック Niruge Parudukku) is one of Baraggan Louisenbairn's six Fracción. Following the deaths of Charlotte Chuhlhourne, Abirama Redder, Findorr Calius, and Choe Neng Poww, Nirgge Parduoc and Ggio Vega ended up fighting Suì-Fēng and Marechiyo Omaeda with Nirgge fighting Marechiyo.
His Zanpakutō is Mamut (巨象兵 (マムート) Mamūto, Spanish for "Mammoth", Japanese for "Giant Elephant Soldier") which resembles an average katana with a silver oval-like guard with a light-green handle. When released, Nirgge resembles a green humanoid woolly mammoth with enhanced strength and an extendable trunk. Marechiyo manages to knock out Nirgge with his Zanpakutō. When Marechiyo celebrates his victory, Nirgge wraps his trunk around him and gets knocked out by a rock that fell when Suì-Fēng was thrown into a nearby building.
He is voiced by Daisuke Matsuoka in the Japanese version and by Kyle Hebert in the English dub.
Tier Halibel (ティア・ハリベル Tia Hariberu, romanized as Tier Harribel in the Japanese media) is the Tercera Espada, signified by the "3" tattooed on the side of her right breast. She is also the only current female Espada, and her Hollow hole is located inside her uterus. The aspect of death she represents is sacrifice. She is very calm and rarely speaks, and when she does it is fairly serious.
In contrast to the majority of her fellow Espadas, Halibel prefers not to engage in combat and to commit acts of needless slaughter; she is content silently observing the battle between Soul Reapers and Arrancars until it reaches its conclusion, and refuses to fight until she or her Fracciones are challenged or ordered by her superiors. The remnants of Halibel's Hollow mask are covered by her coat and collar most of the time; her mask covers the lower portion of her face from her nose down, extending down her neck and out to either side of her chest, covering her nipples, although still leaving very much of her breasts exposed. In the manga, her breasts are partially shown; however in the anime they are mostly covered. In the anime, Halibel's backstory as a shark-like Vasto Lorde is revealed, in which she gathers female Menos to work together against more aggressive, male Menos that consider them easy prey. After saving the three Adjuchas named Emilou Apacci, Franceska Mila Rose, and Cyan Sung-Sun who joined her campaign, Halibel becomes at odds with Baraggan for defying him. It is only after being saved by Aizen from a berserk Hammerhead Arrancar (which was previously seen as a normal Hollow in Baraggan's court) that Halibel joins his group with her three comrades becoming her Fracciones.
Her Zanpakutō is named Tiburón (皇鮫后（ティブロン） Tiburon, Spanish for "Shark", kanji translates as "Imperial Shark Empress"). She carries it horizontally behind her shoulders; the sword itself is notably broad and short compared to those of other Espadas, and the inner portion has been removed, leaving only the "outline" of the sword. The sword can create 'ribbons' of energy from the empty inner portion named Ola Azul (波蒼砲（オーラ・アズール） Ōra Azūru, Spanish for "Blue Wave", kanji translate as "Blue Wave Gun") to be used in combat. When released, she loses the portion of the Hollow mask that covers her face and gains markings on each side of her face, as well as two wing-like protrusions on her back, an armored skirt, and armor that covers her arms, shoulders and legs. She also carries a massive pata, which resembles an elongated shark tooth. Her strength and speed are increased, evident by the blow she delivered to Tōshirō Hitsugaya, cutting a portion of him off before he could even react (though this was revealed to be a clone of Hitsugaya made of ice). She controls water to perform attacks in this form.
Her battle with Tōshirō starts off in her favor, but soon levels to a draw as their powers are opposites. However, as she attempts to avenge her Fracciones' apparent deaths by Yamamoto, Tōshirō reveals that Hyōrinmaru can control the weather. He then proceeds to trap her in an ice prison with his newly learned Hyōten Hyakkasō technique, leaving her for dead. However, Wonderweiss arrives and frees her just by yelling. Halibel then engages Tōshirō and the Visoreds Hiyori and Lisa, maintaining her ground, despite being outnumbered. After witnessing the deaths of Stark and Barragan, Aizen interrupts Halibel's battle and slashes her with his sword, stating she "is not strong enough to fight for him anymore". Halibel recalls her past and after an unsuccessful attempt on Aizen's life, Aizen tells her that she "will never raise her sword to him again" and he cuts Halibel down, seemingly killing her. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Megumi Ogata in the Japanese version and by Laura Bailey in the English dub.
Arrancar 54 Emilou Apacci (エミルー・アパッチ Emiruu Apatchi) is one of Tier Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a deer-like Adjuchas who was befriended by Halibel after she saved her from a Hollow that tried to eat her. She was brought to Halibel's base where she met Franceska Mila Rose and Cyan Sung-Sun. Emilou ended up joining Halibel's group. Sometime after Halibel's audience with Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base was attacked by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke Aizen. Some years later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with halibel when she was watching Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until Momo Hinamori arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Cierva (碧鹿闘女 (シエルバ) Shieruba, Spanish for "Doe," Japanese for "Blue Deer Battle Girl") which are actually the collars she wears over her wrists. When released, Emilou becomes more deer-like with brown fur, antlers, and hooves in place of her feet. Combined with the powers of Franceska and Cyan, Emilou can perform the Quimera Parca where their left arms can combine to form the chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages to defeat most of the lieutenants. After Ayon is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan were hit by Yamamoto's fire attack and fell to the ground. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Kumi Sakuma in the Japanese version and by Megan Hollingshead in the English dub.
Arrancar 55 Franceska Mila Rose (フランチェスカ・ミラ・ローズ Furanchesuka Mira Rōzu) is one of Tier Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a lion-like Adjuchas who was a part of Halibel's team alongside Cyan Sung-Sun. She was present when Emilou Apacci was introduced to them. Sometime after Halibel's audience with Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base was attacked by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke Aizen. Some years later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with Halibel when she was watching Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until Momo Hinamori arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Leona (金獅子将 (レオーナ) Reona, Spanish for "Lioness", Japanese for "Gold Lion General") which resembles a broad sword instead of the regular katana. When released, Franceska resembles an armored Amazon warrior with lion-shaped fangs and a lion-like mane. Combined with the powers of Emilou and Cyan, Franceska can perform the Quimera Parca where their left arms can combine to form the chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages to defeat most of the lieutenants. After Ayon is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan were hit by Yamamoto's fire attack and fell to the ground. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She was voiced by Sayori Ishizuka in the Japanese version and by Erin Fitzgerald in the English dub.
Arrancar 56 Cyan Sung-Sun (シィアン・スンスン Shyian Sunsun) is one of Tier Halibel's Fracción. In her early life, she was a snake-like Adjuchas who was a part of Halibel's team alongside Franceska Mila Rose. She was present when Emilou Apacci was introduced to them. Sometime after Halibel's audience with Baraggan, she and the others tried to help Halibel when her base was attacked by a Hammerhead Arrancar only for them to be saved by Sōsuke Aizen. Some years later, she alongside Franceska and Cyan were with Halibel when she was watching Ichigo fighting Grimmjow. When in the fake Karakura Town, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan Sung-Sun ended up fighting Rangiku Matsumoto until Momo Hinamori arrived to help Rangiku.
Her Zanpakutō is Anaconda (白蛇姫 (アナコンダ) Anakonda, Spanish for "Anaconda", Japanese for "White Snake Princess") which resemble a sai that is concealed in Emilou's sleeve. When released, Emilou resembles a Nāga. Combined with the powers of Emilou and Franceska, Cyan can perform the Quimera Parca where their left arms can combine to form the chimeric Hollow Ayon who manages to defeat most of the lieutenants. After Ayon is slain by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto, Emilou, Franceska, and Cyan were hit by Yamamoto's fire attack and fell to the ground. It is later revealed that Orihime healed Halibel and her Fracción's wounds at the battle's conclusion, allowing the four to return to Hueco Mundo.
She is voiced by Ayumi Sena in the Japanese version and by Karen Strassman in the English dub.
Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck (ネリエル・トゥ・オーデルシュヴァンク Nerieru Tu Ōderushuvanku), commonly known as Nel Tu (ネル・トゥ Neru Tu) or "Nel" for short,[27] is a good-natured, child-like Arrancar when first introduced and has a habit of saying the opposite of what she actually meant. The remains of her Hollow mask make up a cartoonish skull on the top of her head. She is really the former 3rd Espada, resembling a full-grown woman with a ram-horned version of her Hollow mask and bearing a large "3" tattooed on her back.[28] Compared to the other Espadas, having empathy for the least fortunate Hollows that remain as feral monsters, Nelliel has a sense of honor and respect for her opponents who she sees as warriors and only kills within reason. This ideology results with her being attacked by Nnoitora Gilga from behind as part of the Espada's revenge scheme with the help of Szayelaporro's device, managing to crack her mask and tossing her unconscious body out of Las Noches before enough of her spirit energy leaked out to shrink her into current form. But as the resulting amnesia freed her of the sorrow that plagued her, Nel was able to live a carefree life with her two Fracciones bent on protecting her from the dangers of Hueco Mundo while making sure she does not remember.
By the time she is introduced in the series, Nel and her companions encounter Ichigo Kurosaki's group and help them as their guides in Hueco Mundo, though were originally afraid of Soul Reapers as they saw them to be the bad guys. But Nel develops an attachment to Ichigo and starts following him around after her introduction. As a result, when she encounters Nnoitora as he begins to torture Ichigo, Nel assumes her true form with her memories restored. Though considerably more mature than her child form, Nelliel retains her child-like voice and affection for Ichigo, as she comically hugs him without realizing that her strength is causing him personal injury. As she is about to defeat Nnoitora after assuming her released form, Nelliel reverts back to her child form and was knocked unconscious before she came to as a witness to Nnoitora's death.
In her child-state, Nel's vomit (though she claims it to be saliva) acts as a rather weak but useful healing agent. In both her child and adult form, she can swallow Cero attacks and fire them back. In her adult form, she can also add her own Cero to this blast, doubling its power, aptly named a Cero Doble (重奏虚閃（セロ・ドーブル） Sero Dōburu, Spanish for "Double Zero", kanji translates as "Heavy Performance Hollow Flash").
Nelliel's Zanpakutō, which manifests when she transforms, is named Gamuza (羚騎士（ガミューサ） Gamyūsa, Spanish for "Chamois", kanji translates as "Antelope Knight"). Her released form is that of an ibex-like centaur with longer curved horns, a thick tail, and armor over her shoulders and hands. Her sword transforms into a double-ended white lance, giving her the appearance of a medieval knight or a jouster.[29] One of her attacks in this form is called Lanzador Verde (翠の射槍（ランサドール・ヴェルデ） Ransadōru Verude, Spanish for "Green Lancer", kanji translates as "Green Javelin"), in which she throws her lance directly at her opponent. The lance moves at high speed and rotates extremely fast, drilling through anything it hits.
She is voiced by Tomoko Kaneda in the Japanese version and by Colleen O'Shaughnessey in the English dub.
Pesche Guatiche (ペッシェ・ガティーシェ Pesshe Gatīshe) is a seemingly harmless, humanoid Arrancar whose body is covered in a sort of light armor, complete with a mask resembling an insectoid head with a large pair of mandibles. His Hollow hole is positioned near his stomach. He was once Nelliel's Fracción,[30] Arrancar 41, but after his mask fragment was forcibly removed by Nnoitora Gilga and Nel received amnesia, he accompanied her around Hueco Mundo to keep her safe while donning a new mask. Years later, when Nel accompanies Ichigo into Las Noches, Pesche follows her but loses her. Attempting to find Nel, Pesche ends up following Uryū Ishida, having mistaken him for Ichigo Kurosaki (and later on uses it just to irritate him), which upsets him because Uryū's appearance leads him to believe that he is the weakest of the group. Pesche possesses an ability he calls "Infinite Slick" (無限の滑走（インフィナイト・スリック） Infinaito Surikku),[31] in which he sprays his saliva at an object, severely reducing its friction. Contrary to its name, it is of limited supply, "Finite Slick" having been a less powerful name. He carries an energy sword he calls Ultima (究極（ウルティマ） Urutima, Spanish for "Final," kanji translates as "Ultimate") inside his loincloth, but it is unclear if it is his zanpakutō. He and Dondochakka are capable of combining their Cero attacks together to create an even more powerful attack they have named Cero Sincrético (融合虚閃（セロ・シンクレティコ） Sero Shinkuretiko). The only time it has been shown, Szayelaporro Grantz renders the attack ineffective, making the full extent of its power unclear.
He is voiced by Takehito Koyasu in the Japanese version and bt Michael P. Greco in the English dub.[32]
Dondochakka Bilstin (ドンドチャッカ・ビルスタン Dondochakka Birusutan, romanized as Dondachakka Birstanne in the Japanese media) is a large, spotted, humanoid Arrancar with a tiki-style mask and compound eyes. Despite his menacing appearance, he is prone to tearful outbursts at the slightest provocation, usually when he is worried about something. Speaking in a stereotypical Bronx accent in the English version, he frequently inserts the phrase "You know what I'm saying?" (ヤンス yansu) in his speech. He was once Nelliel's Fracción,[30] Arrancar 42, but after his original mask fragment was forcibly removed by Nnoitora Gilga and Nel received amnesia, he accompanied her around Hueco Mundo to keep her safe. Years later, when Nel accompanies Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends, Dondochakka follows her into Las Noches where he loses her. Attempting to find Nel, Dondochakka ends up following Renji Abarai, whom he frequently irritates with his clumsiness and emotional outbursts. Dondochakka possesses numerous insect spirits within his stomach, one being Bawabawa (バワバワ), an eel-like worm Hollow who acts as both pet and transportation for Nel Tu and her companions, and he can spit these spirits out at will as allies in combat.[33] In addition, he carries a kanabō inside his stomach, but it is unclear if this is his zanpakutō.
He was voiced by the late Daisuke Gōri in the Japanese version and by Pete Sepenuk in the English dub.
Ulquiorra Schiffer (ウルキオラ・シファー Urukiora Shifā, romanized as Ulquiorra Cifer in the Japanese media) is the Cuarto Espada, signified by the "4" tattooed to his chest. His name is believed to either come from a furniture designer named Patricia Urquiola or a variation of "the one who cries" in Spanish which is El Que Llora.[13] As the Espada whose aspect of death represents emptiness, he has a largely stoic appearance and rarely even changes his expression. This lack of feeling explains his inability to comprehend the meaning of "heart" and supports his firm belief that what his eye cannot see does not exist. Bent on completing tasks set to him by Sōsuke Aizen, Ulquiorra has no qualms about attacking his own allies if they impede his intent and deems anyone he finds not to be of particular interest to be "trash," and therefore expendable.[34] The remainder of Ulquiorra's Hollow mask forms a broken helmet with a curved horn and covers the left half of his head. His Hollow hole has moved since his first appearance; when first introduced it is at the base of his neck,[35] but in later appearances, it is centered just below his collarbone.[36]
Grimmjow Jeagerjaques notes that Ulquiorra tends to stab opponents in the same location as his Hollow hole whenever he is particularly interested in a battle, though it is unclear if Ulquiorra is conscious of this habit.[37] He is very analytical: he almost accurately theorizes the means behind Orihime Inoue's abilities, and recognizes that Ichigo Kurosaki's power constantly fluctuates between very weak to greater than his own strength.[38] He also refrains from killing a person unless necessary, twice sparing Ichigo and proclaiming he would not harm Orihime because he had not been ordered to. He can replay events he has seen to others by removing and crushing his left eye, which turns into dust and flows around those to whom Ulquiorra is relaying information .[39] While other Hollows traded defensive abilities for raw strength upon becoming Arrancars, Ulquiorra chose not to, and boasts that he is the only Espada who possesses high-speed regeneration abilities.[40]
When released, his Zanpakutō, Murciélago (黒翼大魔（ムルシエラゴ） Murushierago, Spanish for "Bat," kanji translates as "Giant Black-winged Demon") creates two large black bat-like wings on his back. His Hollow helmet is complete and sports two large horns, while his Arrancar uniform appears more form-fitting at the top, becoming robe-like towards the bottom.[41] Additionally, Ulquiorra is apparently unique among the Espadas in that he has a second release, Resurrección Segunda Etapa (刀剣解放第二階層（レスレクシオン・セグンダ・エターパ） Resurekushion Segunda Etāpa, Spanish for "Resurrection Second Stage", kanji tranlsates as "Sword's Release: Second Level").[42] He becomes more muscular with clawed hands and feet, his sclera turn green, and his helmet is replaced with elongated horns. Black fur covers Ulquiorra's arms and legs from the hip down, he gains a long thin prehensile tail, and gains markings similar to blood flowing freely from his Hollow hole. His second release is said to be secret to everybody, even Aizen.[43] In both forms he can create long "lances" of energy called Lanza del Relámpago (雷霆の槍（ラソサ・デル・レランパーゴ） Ransa deru Reranpāgo, Spanish for "Spear of Lightning"), which, when thrown, can cause immense explosions that dwarf even the massive dome of Las Noches.[44] Ulquiorra seems unfamiliar with the technique when he uses it in his second release state, unexpectedly missing Ichigo with his first one; to compensate, he can produce more should his first miss the target.[45]
Ulquiorra is one of the first Arrancars to be introduced, appearing alongside Yammy Riyalgo in the real world on Aizen's orders to seek out Ichigo. The pair leaves without killing him when Ulquiorra sees Ichigo's current strength as no threat to Aizen. He does, however, remark that he is concerned over Ichigo's growth potential, stating that if he should pose a threat, then he would kill Ichigo himself. He later kidnaps Orihime for Aizen, serving as her jailer and forcing her to remain alive for Aizen's use. When Ichigo leads his group to Las Noches, Ulquiorra confronts Ichigo and provokes him into fighting. He easily withstands and defeats Ichigo's Hollow form, then leaves Ichigo for dead. Much later, after escaping imprisonment by the Espada Grimmjow's Caja de Negación, Ulquiorra engages Ichigo in another battle that ends in Ulquiorra's defeat. Mortally wounded by Ichigo's second Hollow state, Ulquiorra asks Ichigo to finish him off, but Ichigo refuses.[46] As he dies, Ulquiorra comes to understand the meaning of "heart" when an unafraid Orihime reaches out to him as his body dissolves into the wind.[47] A short story depicting Ulquiorra's backstory as a Hollow was published within the third character book Unmasked.
He is voiced by Daisuke Namikawa in the Japanese version, Tony Oliver in the English dub of the anime, and Steven Blum in Bleach: Shattered Blade.
Nnoitra Gilga (ノイトラ・ジルガ Noitora Jiruga, romanized as Nnoitra Gilga in the Japanese media) is the Quinto Espada, signified by the "5" tattooed to his tongue, and was shown to have been the Octavo Espada back when Nelliel was the Tercera. The aspect of death he represents is despair. He wears a large eye-patch that covers most of the left side of his face, as well as the remnants of his Hollow mask (a small set of jawbones and teeth) and his Hollow hole, both located around his left eye socket. He has the self-proclaimed strongest hierro of any Espada, both past and present, enabling him to block attacks, even from blade wielding opponents, by his skin alone. Nnoitora has stated the only time he feels truly alive is when he is gurgling on his own blood.[48] As a result, combined with his rudeness and arrogance, he wishes to fight only the strongest and spares the weak as it is a waste of his time. He firmly believes in male chauvinism, hating the idea of a woman being stronger than or outranking a man with intent to give any woman in such a position their "deserved" inferior rank. This mindset, coupled with his inferiority complex over being pitied by an opponent, led to his attack on Nelliel, who frequently defeated him in battle and spared him as she refused to acknowledge him as a warrior, calling him a beast. Forcing her to fight him again by ripping her Fraccións' masks off, Nnoitora uses an invention of Szayelaporro's to catch Nel off guard, cracking her mask and unintentionally causing her amnesia as he tosses her into the desert so he can become even stronger.
His Zanpakutō Santa Teresa (聖哭螳螂（サンタテレサ）, Spanish for "Saint Teresa," but translated as "Praying Mantis, "kanji translates as "Sacred Crying Mantis") takes the form of a giant axe-like weapon bearing two crescent blades fused together at their backs. It is shown via several flashbacks that it used to only have one crescent. When released, Nnoitora gains two additional pairs of arms, and each of his hands gains an identical scythe-like weapon.[49] Nnoitora's wounds heal almost instantly in his released state, and he can also regenerate severed limbs.[50]
Though ordered by Aizen to remain on stand-by, Nnoitora, instead, decides to seek out the intruders in hopes of finding a worthy challenge. After easily defeating Chad, Nnoitora is drawn to the site of the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. While he tortures the exhausted Ichigo, Nelliel Tu Oderschvank returns to what is revealed to be her true form and effortlessly repels Nnoitora's attacks. Though she almost defeats him yet again, she reverts to her amnesic child-state. Having won, Nnoitra knocks Nel unconscious, restrains Orihime, and has Tesla kill Ichigo off for him. However, Kenpachi Zaraki arrives and cuts down Tesla, resulting with Nnoitora fighting the Soul Reaper and the both finding great enjoyment in the fact that they can survive one another's attacks and therefore prolong the battle. After a long and destructive battle, refusing to stop fighting regardless of it turning in Kenpachi's favor, Nnoitora dies gratefully by what he believes to be a "warrior's death"; losing consciousness a split second before his body hits the ground.
He is voiced by Nobutoshi Canna in the Japanese version and by Michael Sinterniklaas in the English dub.
Nnoitora's sole Fracción is Arrancar 50 Tesla Lindocruz (テスラ・リンドクルズ Tesura Rindokuruzu, romanized as Tesra Lindocruz in the Japanese media) who idolizes Nnoitora and models himself in Nnoitora's image despite Nnoitra's regular abuse of him. Tesla first appeared where he accompanied Nnoitora into attacking Yasutora Sado. When Nnoitora attacked a weakened Ichigo and Grimmjow, Tesla seized Orihime and told her not to interfere or he will break her hair clips. Tesla also manages to find where Nelliel was hiding attacking the spot where she was which revealed her to Nnoitora.
Tesla's Zanpakutō is Verruga (牙鎧士 (ベルーガ) Berūga, Spanish for "Wart," Japanese for "Tusked Armored Warrior") which takes the form of a rapier with a chakram embedded into the blade just above the hilt, and spikes on the hilt rim. When it is released, Tesla becomes a large warthog-like creature with enhanced strength. In this form, Tesla managed to knock down Ichigo and was cut down by Kenpachi Zaraki before he can finish Ichigo off. Tesla was later seen dying on the ground when Nnoitora is killed by Kenpachi.
Tesla is voiced by Yuichi Nakamura in the Japanese version and by Keith Silverstein in the English dub.
Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez (グリムジョー・ジャガージャック Gurimujō Jagājakku) is the Sexto Espada, signified by the "6" tattooed to his back. Before becoming an Espada he was known as Arrancar 12. The aspect of death he represents is destruction. His name stems from that of an architect named Nicholas Grimshaw.[13] Grimmjow is very disrespectful and defiant towards authority figures. He is often openly insulting to such people save for Sōsuke Aizen, and even this respect is quickly abandoned when Aizen is out of earshot. Grimmjow has an overly violent lust for battle, always seeking out the strongest opponent in a given area and he is very confident in his abilities, believing himself to be equal to, or even stronger than Ulquiorra.[51] However, Grimmjow does follow a code of honor and takes offense to anyone who looks down on him and is very disrespectful. The remains of his Hollow mask consist of the right jawbone, and his Hollow hole is located on his abdomen.
Before becoming an Arrancar, Grimmjow was a panther-like Adjuchas who wandered Hueco Mundo and hunting Hollows to devour prior to becoming leader of a group of other Hollows who desire to become Vasto Lordes. As time passed, Grimmjow became the only one who grew stronger, eating pieces of his comrades' flesh at their request when they came to accept their fate as Adjuchas, offering themselves for Grimmjow to continue on in their place and they can maintain their current forms. These Hollows later became his Fracción, who were all killed off when Grimmjow brought them to the land of the living in an attempt to exterminate Karakura Town's spiritually enabled people and stationed Soul Reaper alike: Shawlong Koufang, Edorad Leones, Nakeem Grindina, Yylfordt Grantz, and Di Roy Rinker.
When his Zanpakutō Pantera (豹王（パンテラ）, Spanish for "Panther," kanji translates as "Panther King") is released he regains some of his former feline characteristics such as jagged teeth, feline ears, clawed hands and feet, and a tail that can be used as a powerful whip.[52] This state augments his speed drastically with animalistic agility and movement to match. His roar can create shockwaves in the air, he can also fire a number of largely destructive "darts" from his elbows and create energy claws called Desgarrón (豹王の爪（デスガロン） Desugaron, Spanish for "Laceration," kanji translates as "Panther King's Claw") from his fingertips.
Though he developed an interest in Ichigo as a worthy opponent, Grimmjow's actions were against Aizen's order and it resulted with him losing his arm to Tōsen and his rank soon after. However, after Orihime restores his arm and tattoo, Grimmjow resumes his position as an Espada. After saving Orihime from Loly and Menoly to return the favor, Grimmjow takes her to Ichigo so she can heal his wounds before their final rematch.[53] Although he loses this fight, spared by Ichigo, Grimmjow refuses to surrender before being attacked by an impatient Nnoitora. Nnoitora tries to finish Grimmjow off, but Ichigo protects him from Nnoitora's attack and fights him soon afterwards. Grimmjow's fate after that is unknown.
He is voiced by Junichi Suwabe in the Japanese version and by David Vincent in the English dub.
Arrancar 11 Shawlong Koufang (シャウロン・クーファン Shauron Kūfan, romanized as Shawlong Koufang in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións. In his early life, Shawlong was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was the apparent leader of a small group of Menos consisting of himself, Edorad Leones, Nakeem Grindina, Yylfordt Grantz, and Di Roy Rinker. He and his group met Grimmjow one day and took him into his group as their "king." Shawlong and his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt, Shawlong and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Shawlong and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Shawlong and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. Shawlong and Nakeem ended up fighting Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto with Shawlong fighting the captain.
His Zanpakutō is Tijereta (五鋏蟲 (ティヘレタ) Tihereta, Spanish for "Earwig", Japanese for "Five-Pincered Insect") which looks like a standard katana with a guard shaped like to oval with a gap going down the middle and hollow corners. When released, Shawlong grows armor that covers his arms and upper chest, while his hands transform into long claws and his mask extends down to cover the left side of his face, while the part of his mask fragment, extending out to his right, becomes a claw-tipped tail. Upon releasing his limited, Tōshirō Hitsugaya manages to freeze Shawlong in ice which then shatters.
Shawlong is voiced by Hideyuki Tanaka in the Japanese version and by Michael McConnohie in the English dub.
Arrancar 13 Edorad Leones (エドラド・リオネス Edorado Rionesu, romanized as Edrod Liones in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións. In his early life, Edorad was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was the apparent leader of a small group of Menos under Shawlong Koufang before they met Grimmjow one day and accept him as their "king." Edorad and his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt, Edorad and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Edorad and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Shawlong and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. Edorad encountered Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa. Before fighting him, he sensed that Di Roy Linker was killed.
His Zanpakutō is Volcánica (火山獣 (ボルカニカ) Borukanika, Spanish for "Volcanic", Japanese for "Volcanic Beast") which looks like a regular katana, but with a hexagonal-shaped guard and a slightly-longer hilt. When released, his mask reforms into wings on both sides of his head while his arms become gigantic with his shoulders growing large extensions. He also has the ability to use fire attacks. Edorad later falls in battle against Ikkaku Madarame and states that he is glad to know Ikkaku's name.
Edorad is voiced by Taiten Kusunoki in the Japanese version and by Beau Billingslea in the English dub.
Arrancar 14 Nakeem Grindina (ナキーム・グリンディーナ Nakīmu Gurindīna, romanized as Nakeem Grindina in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fracción. In his early life, Nakeem was an Adjuchas-class Menos who a member of a member Shawlong Koufang's group before they met Grimmjow one day and took as their "king." Nakeem and his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt, Nakeem and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Nakeem and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Nakeem and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. Shawlong and Nakeem ended up fighting Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto with Shawlong fighting Rangiku. Upon releasing her limiter, Rangiku manages to kill Nakeem.
The name and abilities of his Zanpakutō are unknown.
Nakeem is voiced by Taketora in the Japanese version and by J.B. Blanc in the English dub.
Arrancar 15 Ilfort Grantz (イールフォルト・グランツ Īruforuto Gurantsu, romanized as Yylfordt Granz in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións and the older brother of Szayel Aporro Grantz. In his early life, Yyfordt was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was a member of Shawlong Koufang's group before they met Grimmjow one day and accepted him as their "king." Yylfordt and his Menos allies hunted other Hollows in an attempt to become Vasto-Lorde Hollows. When nothing happened after each hunt, Yyfordt and the others had Grimmjow eat a part of them to maintain their current forms. Many years later, Yyfordt and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Yylfordt and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. He ended up fighting Renji Abarai who would later be assisted by Ururu Tsumugiya and Noba.
Yylfordt's Zanpakutō is Del Toro (蒼角王子, (デルトロ) Derutoro, Spanish for "Of the Bull," Japanese for "Pale-Horned Prince") which looks like a regular katana, except that its guard is diamond-shaped. When released, Yylfordt's upper body enlarges and is covered in armor shaped like a bull's head and torso. In this form, he walks on four legs and can skewer his opponents with his horns. Upon releasing his limiter, Renji manages to kill Yylfordt.
He is voiced by Kōichi Tōchika in the Japanese version and by Ezra Weisz in the English dub.
Arrancar 16 Di Roy Rinker (ディ・ロイ・リンカー Di Roi Rinkā, romanized as Di Roy Rinker in the Japanese media) is one of Grimmjow's five Fraccións and is the weakest of the five. In his early life, Di Roy was an Adjuchas-class Menos who was a member the small group of Menos under Shawlong Koufang before they met Grimmjow, Di Roy's attempt to kill the Hollow resulting with a piece of himself devoured and forced to remain in his current state as he continues to aid his Menos allies in hunting other Hollows. Many years later, Di Roy and those that were associated became Fraccións of Grimmjow when Sosuke Aizen took over Hueco Mundo. Di Roy and the others accompanied Grimmjow to Karakura Town. He ended up fighting Rukia Kuchiki. The name and abilities of his Zanpakutō are unknown as he was killed by Rukia before he can use activate it.
He is voiced by Takashi Kondō in the Japanese version and by Spike Spencer in the English dub.
Luppi Antenor (ルピ・アンテノール Rupi Antenōru, romanized as Lupi Antenor in the Japanese media)[54] temporarily replaced Grimmjow Jeagerjaques as the Sexta Espada, signified by the "6" tattooed to his right hip. He has a youthful and feminine appearance, and tends to be rather demeaning to opponents or those of lower ranks. The remains of his Hollow mask (a top row of teeth) rest on the left side of his head.
Luppi's zanpakutō is Trepadora (蔦嬢（トレパドーラ） Torepadōra, Spanish for "Vine," kanji translates as "Ivy Girl"). In his released state, Luppi has eight tendrils sprout from a carapace mounted on his back, which he can control independently to fight multiple opponents.[55] The tentacles can also grow spikes to cause additional damage.
Sent on a mission, later learning to his annoyance that it was a distraction, Luppi overpowered Hitsugaya's assigned group personally until he was defeated by Hitsugaya himself. Falling back while learning his role in Aizen's scheme to get her to Las Noches, Luppi saw Orihime to be of no use to them until she regenerates Grimmjow's arm to his shock. After Orihime restores Grimmjow's tattoo as well, Grimmjow kills Luppi to regain his rank.
He is voiced by Daisuke Kishio in the Japanese version and by Michael Sinterniklaas in the English dub.
Zommari Rureaux (ゾマリ・ルルー Zomari Rurū) is the Séptimo Espada. He is a quiet, reverent figure that praises Sōsuke Aizen and despises Soul Reapers for arbitrarily judging Hollows. The remnants of his Hollow mask take the form of a necklace made out of teeth and a ridge of spikes running down the center of his forehead, and his Hollow hole is located on his right breast. Zommari has the self-proclaimed fastest sonido among the Espadas, his Gemelos Sonido (双児響転（ヘメロス・ソニード） Hemerosu Sonīdo, Spanish for "Sound Twins") allowing him to leave up to five afterimages that are capable of fighting an opponent. The aspect of death he represents is intoxication.
His Zanpakutō is Brujería (呪眼僧伽（ブルヘリア） Buruheria, Spanish for "Witchcraft," kanji translates as "Sangha of Bewitching Eyes") and in his released state he gains forty-eight additional eyes, each of which can be used in his technique Amor (愛（アモール） Amōru, Spanish for "Love"). The ability allows each of his eyes to take control of whatever falls under its gaze, usually a body part, though Zommari can take full control if one of his eyes gazes at a person's head. His legs are also replaced by a lotus-like structure that he can hide within as a defensive measure.
After Aaroniero's death at the hands of Rukia Kuchiki, Zommari appears with the intent to avenge his foolish comrade and clean his mess by killing the comatose Rukia. However, Zommari is stopped by Byakuya Kuchiki and forced into releasing his zanpakutō to gain control over Byakuya's arm and leg. However, Byakuya severs the tendons and muscles in both limbs to negate the effect. Zommari then takes control of Rukia's body, forcing her own sword against her throat. Byakuya binds Rukia with kidō, and quickly overwhelms Zommari by blinding most of his eyes with his Bankai. When it becomes apparent that he will lose, Zommari begs for mercy. But seeing Byakuya intends to kill him, Zommari demands what gives him and the other Soul Reapers the right to kill Hollows, only to learn that Byakuya will not kill him because he is a Soul Reaper, but because Zommari "aimed his blade at his only pride," referencing Rukia. With the deathblow dealt, Zommari shouts his praise to Aizen and disbursts into thin air.
He is voiced by Taiten Kusunoki in the Japanese and Greg Eagles in the English dub.
Szayel Aporro Grantz (ザエル・アポロ・グランツ Zaeruaporo Gurantsu, romanized as Szayel Aporro Granz in the Japanese media) is the Octavo Espada. The aspect of death he represents is madness. The remains of his Hollow mask take the form of rectangular-framed glasses, and his Hollow hole is located in his groin. He is an intellectual and the scientist of the Espadas, thinking highly of himself and following his plans down to the finest detail. He is quite sadistic and views others as little more than research material (a characteristic he shares with Mayuri Kurotsuchi), thinking poorly of non-Hollows with the hope that Aizen would wipe them all out. Previously, he lost a position as an Espada and was forced to aid Nnoitora to take out Nelliel to regain his position. Szayel Aporro has a variety of methods for analyzing an opponent's abilities, such as studying the damage done to their former opponents. Once doing so, Szayel Aporro can nullify the effects of their abilities, making him virtually immune to their attacks. In addition to the immunities gained from studying his opponents, Szayel Aporro has a large number of Fracciones which were originally Hollows whom he experimented on and personally modified so that he can heal his wounds by eating them. The first of these many Fracciones were Lumina (ルミーナ Rumīna) and Verona (ベローナ Berōna).
His Zanpakutō is called Fornicarás (邪淫妃（フォルニカラス） Forunikarasu, Spanish for "You will fornicate," kanji translates as "Lewd Princess"), and in his released state he grows two pairs of thin wings, and his lower body transforms into a flock of long tentacles.[56] He can shoot a stream of blood-like liquid from his body and if even one droplet comes into contact with an opponent a doppelganger of them is created that Szayelaporro can control to use their abilities against them. By wrapping an opponent in his wings, Szayelaporro can create voodoo dolls of them. Each doll can open up to reveal replicas of internal organs, the destruction of which would do major debilitating damage to the victim from the inside. The last of his many abilities, known as Gabriel (受胎告知（ガブリエール） Gaburiēru, kanji translates as "the Annunciation"), allows him to be reborn if he is injured beyond repair by impregnating an enemy and absorbing their spirit particles, turning them into his own and killing the victim in the process while his previous body, if devoured, breaks down into cells that fuse into the eater's nervous system, allowing him to gain complete control.
Prior to his introduction, Szayel Aporro sends Rudobone to bring him any defeated Arrancars in order to analyze the abilities of those who defeated them. Szayel Aporro later engages Renji Abarai in battle, revealing himself as the younger brother of Ilfort Grantz whom Renji killed. Revealing that he had analyzed data on Renji's attacks through the insects he laced on Ilfort's body prior, Szayel Aporro had the advantage over the Soul Reaper before unleashing his Fracción Medazeppi (メダゼピ Medazepi) on him. Though Uryū Ishida arrives to aid him, Szayel Aporro eventually nullifies Uryū's abilities as well from studying Cirucci's corpse. He toys with the two for a time, but when his domain is destroyed in the fight, a vexed Szalyel Aporro decides to personally finish them off despite Pesche and Dondochakka's attempted surprise attack. However, Kurotsuchi arrives to help them and is able to render all of Szayel Aporro's abilities useless. After he is killed by Mayuri's bankai, Syzael Aporro reconstitutes himself through Nemu Kurotsuchi (whom he had taken hostage), ingesting a large dosage of one of the experimental drugs stored inside Nemu's body in the process. The drug, a "Superhuman Potion", increases his reaction time to the point where one second seems like a century to him.[57] With his physical body unable to compensate for his over-enhanced mental state, Szayel Aporro is effectively paralyzed and left to suffer an agonizing death from his perspective by Mayuri shortly after.
He is voiced by Kōsuke Toriumi in the Japanese version, and Hank Matthews in episodes 145-175 and Benjamin Diskin in episodes 190-200 in the English dub.
Aaroniero Arruruerie (アーロニーロ・アルルエリ Āronīro Arurueri)[58] is the Noveno Espada, signified by the "9" tattooed on his two faces. The aspect of death he represents is greed. In place of a head, Aaroniero has a pair of infantile skull-like creatures which float inside a glass capsule filled with red liquid, which is usually covered with a tall white mask. The two skulls speak alternately (one with a deep voice, the other childlike), often finishing each other's sentences, and refer to themselves as "we," suggesting that Aaroniero is to some degree two separate beings.
Aaroniero is introduced as one of the last first-generation Espadas as well as the only Gillian member of the current Espadas.[59] But in spite of being a Gillian, Aaroniero is made an Espada due to his unique talent of devouring other Hollows through his tendril-like Zanpakutō, Glotonería (喰虚（グロトネリア） Gurotoneria, Spanish for "Gluttony," kanji translates as "Eating Hollow"), a deformed mouthed appendage in place of his left arm which he usually covers with his robes and a glove. Compared to regular Gillians, Aaroniero can completely incorporate those he consumes into himself, giving him access to their memories and special abilities and even allowing him to shapeshift into their physical form if he so desires.[60] Exposure to sunlight, however, nullifies his powers and forces him back into his original form if he was shapeshifted.
At the time of his appearance, Aaroniero claims to have absorbed over 30,000 Hollows. Although the full range of his acquired abilities is never shown, they include "synchronized awareness", an ability to project any information and thoughts to his allies' minds.,[61] and (through a series of events which cumulated with the consumption of the Hollow Metastacia) the powers, memories and form of Soul Reaper Kaien Shiba. Furthermore, his Zanpakutō release transforms his lower body into a purple, house-sized octopus-like mass with dozens of tentacles and cartoonish mouth-like mask pieces.[62] With Glotonería released, Aaroniero can access the full range of his acquired abilities at will.[63]
After Ichigo and his friends break into Hueco Mundo, Aaroniero seeks out Rukia and, in the guise of Kaien Shiba, attempts to use Rukia's guilt at Kaien's death to trick her first into allowing him to kill her. However, when he almost attempts to trick her into killing her friends, Rukia senses something is amiss and engages him. Though eventually unmasked, Aaroniero reveals that he was not merely shapeshifted, but actually in control of Kaien's spirit body. As she believes that she had freed Kaien Shiba by killing him those many years before, Aaroniero's revelation shatters Rukia's resolve, enabling Aaroniero to overpower and wound her with his own released zanpakutō. Before he can kill her, however, Rukia, spurned on by memories of Kaien, retaliates by stabbing Aaroniero through his upper skull, shattering his glass capsule and reducing the rest of his body to liquid. As he dies, broadcasting his final moments to his allies, Aaroniero's lower skull screams for Aizen's help while the upper skull merely curses Rukia, refusing to accept his defeat, before splitting in half.
Toshihiko Seki voices both skulls in the Japanese version. In the English dub, Keith Silverstein voices the top skull and Wendee Lee voices the bottom skull while Dave Mallow voices Aaroniero's guise as Kaien Shiba.
The Privaron Espadas (十刃落ち（プリバロン・エスパーダ） Puribaron Esupāda, Spanish for "Deprived Sword," kanji translates as "Fallen from the Ten Blades") are Arrancars that were once Espadas yet were demoted out of either being a disgrace to the group or replaced by the artificially-created Arrancars Aizen created with the Hōgyoku. They have received a three-digit number in order to separate them from the regular Arrancars since their power is still far above average.
Arrancar 103 Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio (ドルドーニ・アレッサンドロ・デル・ソカッチオ Dorudōni Aressandoro Deru Sokatchio) is goofier when compared to other Espadas; however, he is much more serious in battle. During his battle with Ichigo Kurosaki, Dordoni tries to goad Ichigo into using his Bankai and Hollow mask, hoping to earn his former position back by defeating Ichigo at full power. He is defeated once Ichigo complies, and thanks Ichigo for the favor by fighting against the Exequias to buy Ichigo time to escape, dying by their hands with his final thoughts that Ichigo would discard his kindness while fighting future opponents. His death was later reported to Aizen to be the work of the intruders.
Dordoni's Zanpakutō is Giralda (暴風男爵（ヒラルダ） Hiraruda, kanji translates as "Storm Baron"), and in his released state, Dordoni grows armor that starts at his feet, wraps around his calves, and juts out at his waist with two more spikes. While released, two enormous cyclones come from exhaust spouts on the armor covering his legs, which keeps him hovering in the air and add extra force to his kicks. In addition, two beak-like extensions jut out from these cyclones, which are used to execute long-range strikes, though Dordoni is also capable of manifesting many more if the need arises.
He is voiced by Kōji Ishii in the Japanese version and by Bob Johnson in the English dub.
Arrancar 105 Cirucci Sanderwicci (チルッチ・サンダーウィッチ Chirutchi Sandāwitchi) has an appearance similar to a gothic lolita; her outfit consists of a frilly dress, large, round sleeves that cut off at her shoulder, short purple-colored hair, teardrop markings on each cheek, and knee-high boots. The remains of her Hollow mask are positioned in her hair right above the left side of her forehead and resemble a spiked hairpin. Despite her rather odd appearance, she has no qualms about pointing out when others have similar fashion, as she does to Uryū Ishida. She also follows a soldier-like ideology.
Her Zanpakutō, Golondrina (車輪鉄燕（ゴロンドリーナ） Gorondorīna, Spanish for "Swallow," kanji translates as "Wheeled Steel Swallow"), takes the form of a whip with a large, spinning, Yo-Yo like disk looped into it. When released, Cirucci's arms become longer with claws at the end as she sprouts large wings with ten moon-shaped blades in place of feathers. These blades vibrate at a high frequency, making an audible humming noise in the anime. Cirucci can remove these blades and fire them through the air or summon them back at her own will.
Her released state rapidly consumes her spiritual energy, which Uryū took advantage of before she discarded her released state arms and wings, focusing her spirit energy into a luminous pink blade at the tip of her head crest's tail. But Uryū still defeats her, sealing away her power. Even though letting her live may come as an insult to Cirucci, Uryū spares her life with the inability to get revenge on him. But no sooner did he leave than the Exequias arrive and kill her, taking her corpse to Szayelaporro for research.
She is voiced by Hōko Kuwashima in the Japanese version and by Tricia Pierce in the English dub.[64]
Arrancar 107 Gantenbainne Mosqueda (ガンテンバイン・モスケーダ Gantenbain Mosukēda) has an afro-style haircut with thick sideburns and a goatee. The remains of his Hollow mask are a sunglasses-shaped plate on his forehead with four teeth coming out above each eye.
Gantenbainne's Zanpakutō, Dragra (龍拳（ドラグラ） Doragura, kanji translates as "Dragon Fist"), takes the form of a pair of two-pronged punching daggers attached to Gantenbainne's wrists by hinges. In its released state, Gantenbainne's arms grow longer and become covered in dome-shaped armor plates, and the punching daggers come to resemble dragon heads. Similar plates also extend down his back and form a tail. He pulls his mask fragment over his eyes at certain points in combat. When attacking, he can shoot various blasts from his fists.
After Yasutora Sado defeats him, Gantenbainne is spared in thanks for fighting at his full strength while risking defeat. As Chad leaves, Nnoitora Gilga appears wanting to fight the first person to make it out of the domain of the Privaron Espadas. Gantenbainne tells Chad to escape, but Chad attacks Nnoitora and is defeated with a single blow. After Nnoitora senses Ichigo and leaves, the unconscious Chad and Gantenbainne are found by the Exequias. Retsu Unohana intervenes before they can be killed, and heals Chad and Mosqueda's wounds after Rudobone decides to leave and not attack any of them.
He is voiced by Masato Funaki in the Japanese version and by Greg Eagles in the English dub.
The following are those Arrancars and Números that have never received a position as an Espada.
Grand Fisher (グランドフィッシャー Gurando Fisshā) is, when first introduced, a Hollow that has evaded the Soul Reapers for over fifty years. During this timeframe he killed Masaki Kurosaki in her efforts to protect her son, Ichigo Kurosaki. Grand Fisher's Hollow form resembles that of a giant hamster with bird-like hands and feet. A "lure" (similar to the lure or esca of angler fish) hangs from his forehead, which can take the form of anyone he wishes. He typically uses this ability to lure spiritually aware people into his grasp, making them easy meals, hence his name. In battle the lure can be used to take the form of someone close to the opponent, keeping them from attacking him. To create the perfect lure, he has the ability to use the claws on his left hand to peer into his opponent's memories for the person that they would never attack. This lure also serves as a second body in case his larger one is wounded and needs to recuperate. After Ichigo is able to defeat him in battle, Aizen at some point converts Grand Fisher into an imperfect Arrancar with a more humanoid appearance. Grand Fisher carries a large zanpakutō on his back which he releases to become a huge, monstrous creature with bull-like horns. When he tries to use this form to have a rematch with Kon, who he mistakes for Ichigo, he is killed by Ichigo's father, Isshin Kurosaki.
He is voiced by Chafurin in Japanese and Paul St. Peter in English.
Arrancar 61 Rudbornn Chelute (ルドボーン Rudobōn, sometimes written as Rudobone) is the leader of the Exequias (葬討部隊（エクセキアス） Ekusekiasu, Spanish for "Funeral Rites", kanji translates as "Funerary Attacking Force"), a group responsible for dealing with rebels and intruders in Las Noches. Unlike most Arrancars, his face is completely hidden by his mask. He and his subordinates clean up after each battle, collecting data for Szayelaporro Grantz before killing any survivors.
He carries a Zanpakutō with the name Arbol (髑髏樹（アルボラ） Arubora, Spanish for "Tree," kanji translates as "Skull Tree"), which in his released state grants him tree limbs that twist around his body, adorned with skulls at the tips. Rudbornn is capable of balancing on top of these tree limbs. From these branches, Rudbornn gains the ability to generate full-bodied minions with skulls for masks, which he refers to as his Calaveras (カラベラス Karaberasu, Spanish for "Skull"). These calaveras apparently comprise the entirety of the Exequias, thereby making Rudbornn the only real Exequias member.
He carries out his duties by killing off two of the Privaron Espadas after they lose their respective fights. As he begins to do the same with the third he is stopped by Retsu Unohana. Surprised by the arrival of a Soul Reaper Captain, Rudbornn and the rest of the Exequias withdraw in order to avoid conflict. Later, he and the rest of the Exequias attempt to prevent Ichigo Kurosaki from reaching Orihime Inoue and Ulquiorra Schiffer, but they are intercepted and his followers and he are subsequently defeated by Rukia Kuchiki, Yasutora Sado and Renji Abarai where he is then frozen by Rukia's Shikai. Yammy attacks the frozen Rudbornn along with the intruders, and he is presumably killed. Rudbornn has expressed disappointment and regret that he was unable to achieve the role of Espada, despite his prodigious ability. Regardless, he expresses great pride and confidence in the Espadas that Aizen has chosen to lead.
He is voiced by Taro Yamaguchi in Japanese and in English by Michael Lindsay in Episode 153, by Doug Erholtz in Episode 157, by Benjamin Diskin in Episode 195, and by Dan Woren in Episode 196 onwards.
Wonderweiss Margera (ワンダーワイス・マルジェラ Wandāwaisu Marujera, romanized as Wonderweiss Margela in the Japanese media) is an Espada-level Arrancar.[65] Wonderweiss is small, thin, and somewhat child-like, and what is left of his Hollow mask remains on top of his head and resembles a tiara or small crown. Though not an Espada, Arrancar 77, Wonderweiss is extremely powerful and is later revealed to be a specially-modified Arrancar created for the sole purpose of absorbing the flames of Captain-Commander Yamamoto's zanpakutō.
To make Wonderweiss powerful enough to counter Yamamoto's Zanpakutō, Aizen removed all forms of Wonderweiss' rationality, his memory retention, speech, and intelligence. As a result, Wonderweiss's personality is very child-like; when sent on a mission to kill, he instead plays around with a dragonfly. He possesses a level of hostility, firing a retaliatory energy blast called bala (Spanish for "bullet"), toward Kisuke Urahara during their battle, but quickly reverts back to his regular state after doing so. Kaname Tōsen states that Wonderweiss (like himself) is a pure being, but wonders whether he is pure good or evil. He follows Tōsen everywhere when possible and is hostile to what he perceives as Tōsen's enemies.[66]
Wonderweiss' own Zanpakutō Extinguir (滅火皇子（エスティンギル） Esutingiru, Spanish for "To Extinguish," kanji translates as "Prince of Extinguished Flames") resembles a purple-colored claymore or zweihander. In his released form, Wonderweiss appears as an odd mutated version of himself with giant shoulders and thighs, skinny limbs, and a large crown-like headpiece. Upon contact he instantly extinguishes and absorbs Ryūjin Jakka's flames into his body. Furthermore, his strength is augmented, he is capable of instant-regeneration, and can produce numerous arms from his shoulders and back that extend to great lengths.
Shortly after his creation, Wonderweiss is sent to the human world with the Espadas Grimmjow, Luppi, and Yammy to engage and distract the Soul Reapers while Ulquiorra captures Orihime. He later appears during Aizen's assault on Karakura Town leading a massive Hollow, impaling Jushiro Ukitake with his bare hands, and then freeing Halibel from Tōshirō Hitsugaya's ice prison by merely yelling. Despite being seen engaging in battle with the Captain-level Visored Kensei, Wonderweiss reappears to save Aizen from Yamamoto's suicide attempt and engages the Captain-Commander in a hand-to-hand battle. He is ultimately killed and shattered to pieces by Yamamoto's Sōkotsu technique; however, having sealed Ryūjin Jakka's flames into his body prior to their fight, Wonderweiss's corpse explodes and Yamamoto is forced to throw himself onto Wonderweiss' body to prevent the release of the absorbed flames from destroying the entire town.
He is voiced in the Japanese version by Hisayoshi Suganuma and in the English version by Christopher Corey Smith.
Aisslinger Wernarr (アイスリンガー·ウェルナール Aisuringā Werunāru, Iceringer in the English version) is the 17th Arrancar in Sōsuke Aizen's army and one of the gatekeepers of Las Noches.
The name of his Zanpakutō is unknown, but Aisslinger always has it in his released state. In this form, he has four arms portruding from underneath his cloak. He and Demoura Zodd ended up fighting Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, and Uryu Ishida when they were on a mission to rescue Orihime. He is defeated by Uryu Ishida. He and Demoura are killed when the room they are in collapses.
He is voiced by Eiji Takemoto in the Japanese version and by Travis Willingham in the English dub.
Demoura Zodd (デモウラ·ゾッド Demoura Zoddo) is the 18th Arrancar in Sōsuke Aizen army and one of the gatekeepers of Las Noches. He and Aisslinger ended up fighting Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora Sado, and Uryu Ishida when they were on a mission to rescue Orihime. He was defeated by Yasutora Sado. He and Aisslinger are killed when the room they are in collapses.
He is voiced by Hajime Iijima in the Japanese version and by J.B. Blanc in the English dub.
Loly Aivirrne (ロリ・アイヴァーン Rori Aivān) and Menoly Mallia (メノリ・マリア Menori Maria) are a pair of female Arrancars, Arrancar 33 and 34 respectively, that antagonize Orihime Inoue during the "Hueco Mundo" and "Fake Karakura Town" arcs. They serve Sōsuke Aizen personally and show much jealousy of his interest in Orihime. Loly, who hates Orihime out of both envy and later fearful prejudice, appears as an arrogant young woman with black hair tied in pigtails, and the remains of her mask surround her left eye socket. Menoly, the remains of her mask surrounding her right eye socket, appears to be more willing to cope with her jealousy than to risk her life by making trouble. While they are tormenting Orihime during Ichigo's fight with Ulquiorra, Yammy interrupts and knocks Menoly out when Ulquiorra refuses to allow him to fight Ichigo. Loly turns on him, but is defeated and thrown through the tower wall. It was later shown that Loly was rescued by one of Uryū's arrows. Neither were killed.
Loly's resurrección is Escolopendra (百刺毒娼（エスコロペンドラ） Esukoropendora, Spanish for "Centipede," kanji translates as "Hundred Poisonous Stings") which takes the form of a small dagger with a curved guard. When released, Loly gains centipede-like appendages on her arms which erode everything they touch.
Loly and Menoly are voiced respectively by Hana Takeda and Hitomi Harada in the Japanese version and by Colleen O'Shaughnessey and Wendee Lee in the English dub.
The Hollows of Bleach have received praise and criticism from several publications for anime, manga, and other media. Anime News Network praised Kubo's "grasp of character and storytelling" in his creation of Hollows who are not "the average monster of the week", but have "strong emotional ties" to their victims.[67] Meanwhile, the later introduced Arrancars are described as conceptually interesting.[68]
Of the Hollow characters, the Espada character Grimmjow has garnered the most attention, with ActiveAnime describing him as "the most psycho of them all".[69] Additionally, IGN commented that "it's very difficult to take a book seriously when one of its main characters is named "Grimmjow Jeager-Jacques" [sic] but damned if this book doesn't pull it off".[70] In contrast, Anime News Network lamented that the first battle between Ichigo and Grimmjow was "a lumbering, inelegant mess". Grimmjow is also the most popular Hollow character with readers of Weekly Shōnen Jump, placing fourth in its fourth Bleach Popularity contest.[71] Ulquiorra, another Arrancar character, was voted into tenth place in the same poll, though he had also appeared in the previous poll in twentieth place.[72]
The visual appearances of the Hollows in the anime and manga have also received notice from reviewers. The Los Angeles Times compared the early Hollows to "the misshapen fossils of unsuccessful dinosaurs".[73] Of the Arrancar characters, Yammy is described as a "stereotypical, muscle-bound anime villain", while Ulquiorra is likened to "L from Death Note, with a bone hat and some tear makeup".[74]
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