How does every Bankai in the Bleach anime stack up against each other? Just which among them is the strongest? Find out now.
A little more than a decade ago, the anime world was dominated by three series, and Bleach was one of them. At its core, Bleach focuses on the conflict between three factions: the Soul Reapers, Hollows, and Quincy, and each group possesses distinct attributes and abilities. When it comes to powerful iconic Shonen protagonists, Ichigo Kurosaki ranks near the top, and like several other Soul Reapers, he is capable of using Bankai.
Every Soul Reaper has a katana called a Zanpakutō, and each one possesses a Shikai release. Bankai refers to a Zanpakutō’s second release, and it can usually only be achieved by Captain-level Soul Reapers. Fans have seen more than a dozen of these Bankai, and they are all extremely powerful, but some are far stronger than others.
Updated on July 17, 2023, by George Voutiritsas: The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc has been a huge success thus far, and it has already introduced some never-before-seen Bankai, and as the story continues, several more Bankai will make their debut. The Bankai release is the strongest weapon that a Soul Reaper can use, but only a handful of Soul Reapers can actually awaken their Zanpakutō’s Bankai. Every Bankai is different in terms of ability and appearance, and some can wipe out dozens of enemies at once. Each Bankai may be powerful, but when it comes to overall power and effectiveness, they are not all equal. Most fans know what the strongest Bankai is, but there are still a few that need to be mentioned, including some that are only present in fillers and supplementary novels. 27 Ginjo’s Unnamed Bankai Boosts His Abilities
Kugo Ginjo served as the main antagonist of the Lost Substitute Shinigami Arc. He is a Fullbringer who gathered other members of his kind to form the Xcution organization. When he was younger, Soul Society took note of his immense power and made him the first Substitute Shinigami. When he realized that the Substitute Shinigami badge was a surveillance and power-dampening device, he turned against Soul Society and began killing Shinigami to increase his own power.
When Ichigo fully awakens his Fullbring, Ginjo betrays and stabs him. Ginjo goes absorbs all of Ichigo’s power, which allows him to use his Bankai later on. His Bankai has no name, but it significantly enhances his spiritual energy to the point he can fight other Bankai. His body gains extra skeletal armor, and the hilt of his massive sword receives a skeletal appearance. He can use an enhanced Getsuga Tensho and fire energy from the tip of his blade. 26 Mukojochu Muramasa Can Pull All Zanpakuto Spirits Into Reality
Koga Kuchiki is a filler character who appeared in several episodes of the Zanpakuto Unknown Tales Arc. He married into the Kuchiki Clan and became the 3rd seat of the 6th Division when Ginrei was Captain. He is Byakuya’s uncle, and he started a revolt within the Seireitei after killing several officials who tried framing him.
He wielded an illusion-type Zanpakuto named Muramasa – which would release a 360-degree wave of purple energy when its Shikai was activated. All other Zanpakuto in the area would turn against their wielder. When Bankai is activated, Muramasa’s soul physically manifests, taking the form of a slender man with long fingernails and a robe-like coat. He can manipulate other Zanpakuto to take their spirit forms too. Lesser Zanpakuto look like shadow beings, while Lieutenant and Captain-level Zanpakuto are fully materialized and can use their own abilities. 25 Raika Goen Kaku Unleashes Powerful Flames
Of all the filler characters that Bleach introduced, only one became a Gotei 13 Captain. Shusuke Amagai took command of the 3rd Division, and he wielded a Zanpakuto, which would heat up and unleash powerful fireballs and fissures of flames.
His Bankai is called Raika Goen Kaku, and it takes the form of an enlarged crimson blade with a hook at the end. Its hilt is covered by a large white shell which serves as a shield. Its special ability is quite simple, as it enhances his flames. This Bankai is basically an empowered flamethrower that can also create flaming spears from the ground. 24 Ryumon Hozukimaru’s Power Increases When Damage Is Dealt Or Received
Ikkaku has been a fan-favorite ever since he debuted during the Soul Society Arc. He loves to fight, and his Zanpakuto is perfect for melee fighting. His Shikai is a type of spear that can split into three pieces, but his Bankai is far larger, and it deals a lot more damage.
Ryumon Hozukimaru takes the form of three different weapons that are all connected via a thick metal chain. The main weapons are a monk spade and pole-like weapon, but there is also a large axe blade with a dragon crest above his head. The crest continues to turn red each time Ikkaku receives or deals damage, and when it is fully charged, he can utilize his Bankai’s true cutting power. 23 Tekken Tachikaze Produces Powerful Melee Attacks
Kensei Muguruma may not be the most likable Captain of the Gotei 13, but he is still a powerful Soul Reaper. When he activates his Shikai, his Zanpakuto takes the form of a combat knife that can produce air blades. His Bankai, on the other hand, looks far different.
Tekken Tachikaze takes the form of two knuckle blades with curved silver edges, and he gains segmented purple wraps that cover his arms like armor.
