Kurosaki Ichigo's (黒崎一護) new form appears in BLEACH Episode 45, “DEFEND YOU,” with original creator Kubo Tite (久保帯人) handling its design and naming. The anime-original setting has attracted attention alongside the continuity of the production team.
In Episode 45, “DEFEND YOU,” Ichigo awakens the blood of the Hollow and partially becomes one, taking on a new form fused with his Zanpakutō. The form is called “Blood Chain Ichigo” and appears as an anime-original design that does not exist in the original work.
The design and name of this new form were reportedly not proposed by the production team. Instead, original creator Kubo Tite (久保帯人) personally devised and supervised them, which has become one factor behind the surprise among readers of the original work.
The production team has also drawn attention. PIERROT FILMS is handling the anime production, with the chief director, director, character designer and music staff continuing to be involved. References have also been made to continuity with a song from 19 years ago, leading to the view that the work is, overall, an original-creator-approved sequel.
The series is available not only on television but also on multiple platforms, including Lemino, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Reactions among fans spread along with the circulation of four-panel comic posts.