Published By: Nomeeta Sharma

Exploring the Legends of the Big Three Anime Series

Step into the captivating worlds of ‘One Piece,’ ‘Naruto’, and ‘Bleach’ – the Big Three of the anime world which continue to create a world of wonder while capturing vast audience globally.

Imagine an anime enthusiast who has never set sail with Monkey D. Luffy in "One Piece," never walked the treacherous ninja path with Naruto Uzumaki, and never brandished their Zanpakuto in the spiritual battles of "Bleach." These three legendary series, collectively referred to as the "Big Three,” stand tall at the zenith. For those who've yet to traverse these anime landscapes, there's a rich tapestry of adventures, battles, and emotional depth waiting to be explored. Let’s find out what these series are all about and delve into the captivating worlds that revolve around them.

One Piece: One Piece a Japanese manga sensation is the brainchild of Eiichiro Oda. It's a treasure trove of adventure that has given rise to a thrilling festival film from Production I.G and an animated series courtesy of Toei Animation, making its debut in 1999. The series is about Monkey D. Luffy, a pirate with an unbreakable spirit to claim the title of the Pirate King. He's set his course for the perilous waters of the Grand Line and beyond, and he won't rest until he's seized the ultimate treasure: the mythical Legendary One Piece.  For an impressive stretch of eleven years, from 2008 to 2018, "One Piece" held the illustrious title of the best-selling manga series. And the popularity continues to stand strong, captivating fans around the world.

Naruto: Naruto, a Japanese manga masterpiece penned and illustrated by the skilled Masashi Kishimoto, tells us the journey of Naruto Uzumaki. He's a young ninja, craving recognition from his peers, all while nursing a dream of becoming the Hokage, the chief of his village. This gripping tale splits neatly into two acts: the first capturing Naruto's youthful pre-teen years, in volumes 1 to 27, and the second, in his teen years chronicled across volumes 28 to 72. Part I of the manga found its animated counterpart in a television series brought to life by Pierrot and Aniplex. This series gracefully unfurled over 220 episodes, gracing the screens from October 2002 to February 2007, courtesy of TV Tokyo. Continuing the saga, a second series named Naruto: Shippuden emerged to breathe life into the tales of Part II of the series. This epic saga lasted for a remarkable 500 episodes, enthralling viewers from February 2007 to March 2017, as it continued to grace the screens of TV Tokyo. A sequel known as "Boruto" has stepped into the spotlight. With 273 episodes already unveiled and more adventures in the pipeline, the story continues to evolve and enthrall its audience. The enduring acclaim of the series, even to this day, comes as no shock, thanks to its loving characters, captivating plotlines, and a finely crafted script.

Bleach:"Bleach" is a Japanese anime series, born from Tite Kubo's manga masterpiece. Produced by Studio Pierrot and directed by Noriyuki Abe, it graced TV Tokyo from October 2004 to March 2012, spanning 366 episodes. The narrative charts Ichigo Kurosaki's journey, marked by the bestowal of Soul Reaper powers by Rukia Kuchiki. He's tasked with safeguarding humans from malevolent spirits and guiding souls to the afterlife. Beyond manga adaptation, the anime weaves original tales and characters into its rich number of episodes. "Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War," a sequel series encompassing the manga's climactic storyline, aired its first 13-episode cour (a word used to describe a span of anime episodes) on TV Tokyo from October to December 2022. The second 13-episode cour followed from July to September 2023, and fans can look forward to the forthcoming third cour, set to make its debut in 2024.

The Big three anime series garnered wide scale public attention. The allure of these series along with their popularity is in the profound impact they have on those who immerse themselves in their narratives. These series are not just cornerstones of the anime world; they are a gateway to a universe of imagination and storytelling that has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.