Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 review: Uryu becomes Pierrot's favorite amongst anime original content

Modified Oct 28, 2024 09:39 GMT

Uryu as seen in Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4, titled The Betrayer, was released on Saturday, October 26, 2024 in Japan. The reception of the anime-original content in this installment is a triumph for mangaka Tite Kubo and Studio Pierrot, who have managed to delight both fans and critics alike.

The improvements to both the visuals and the narrative have viewers raving about how each episode manages to take the overall experience to the next level. After all, nobody expected to see such a well-executed clash between Ichigo and Uryu.

Indeed, there is a real sense of excitement about where the story is headed and what is coming next even from manga readers who already know the whole story. It is all about the execution and Bleach TYBW Part 3 is acing it. It is a rare case where the anime is far superior to the manga.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 review: Uryu is turned into the star of the episode as he faces off against Ichigo

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 review: The anime’s original content fixes the manga's pacing issues

Yoruichi as seen in Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 (Image via Pierrot Films)

The Thousand Year Blood War Arc has for a long time been criticized by readers for being hastily put together, mainly since mangaka Tite Kubo had been struggling with his health. The anime adaptation has also been criticized, especially with TYBW Part 2, which left out a lot of the original story and seemed to rush through various plot points.

However, the latest episodes do an excellent job of delivering well-developed sequences that enrich the story, making it engaging for both anime fans and manga readers alike. One of the best parts of Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 is seeing Yoruichi work on sealing the Soul King, even if it is only for a short period. This is really important because it makes her character more impactful and memorable than in the manga, where her contributions were downplayed and shown in small panels.

Similarly, characters like Orihime, Chad, and Ganju are actually shown fighting against Gerard Valkyrie, Askin Nakk Le Vaar, and Lille Barro in the anime, which adds a whole new dimension to the story compared to the manga.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 review: The latest installment adds more depth and conviction to Uryu's character

The unquestionable highlight of Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 is Uryu's arrival, followed by his unveiling of his winged Vollstandig form and his subsequent demonstration of new abilities during his battle with Ichigo. These are all original additions to the anime. Ichigo is understandably surprised when he learns that Uryu can now shoot arrows without using his Quincy Bow.

Now, in the manga, Ichigo just falls from the Soul King's palace, making Uryu's victory pretty straightforward. However, the anime makes this dynamic more complex, requiring Uryu to fight hard to prove himself a worthy recruit for Yhwach.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 thus features an extended fight scene where Uryu leaves a hole in Ichigo's body with Licht Regen, leading to his fall from the palace. So, when Gerard expresses his approval of Uryu, it seems like he has genuinely earned his spot among Yhwach's Schutzstaffels.

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 review: An incredible finish to an already awesome episode

Yhwach as seen in Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 (Image via Pierrot Films)

Yhwach's presence in the anime is so commanding, imbued with such intensity and power, that he immediately captures the attention of viewers. He exudes an aura of authority, making him perfectly suited to lead the Quincies to wage a war against the Shinigami.

In the post-credit scene of the episode, Yhwach is shown absorbing the Soul King completely. He kicks up a storm in the process, but when it subsides, viewers are presented with a close-up of the top half of Yhwach's face, where a dark, viscous substance now appears, dotted with multiple eyes. This unsettling and mysterious image serves as quite the cliff-hanger, leaving fans eager for how it will all play out in the next episode.

Final thoughts

Bleach TYBW Part 3 Episode 4 happens to be one of the best installment so far. There are a range of emotions at play, and the visuals complement the narrative really well. Yhwach is becoming more and more intimidating, while Uryu seems to have accepted his role as a Quincy with a kind of cold acceptance.

Even those who are familiar with the manga are captivated by this installment, which keeps viewers engaged and eager to see what happens next as each new episode presents a wealth of original content.