5 Ways BLEACH Was Inspired By Berserk

gamerant.com:

BLEACH is one of the most famous anime released in recent years. As one of the mythologized trinity often referred to as «The Big Three», BLEACH is quoted amongst Naruto and One Piece as major inspirations to shonen titles that emerged after them.

BLEACH shares several close similarities with the late Kentaro Miura's, Berserk. Despite being vastly different stories, further investigation of both titles shows that it is increasingly difficult to separate the two. Here are five ways that BLEACH shows direct inspiration from Berserk. The following contains heavy spoilers for both Berserk and BLEACH and discusses material from the manga iterations of the aforementioned titles.

Why Black Cat and Berserk Are More Alike Than You'd Think

One of the biggest signs of BLEACH's inspiration from Berserk lies in the main characters. Both Guts and Ichigo are characters noted for their exceptional physical ability and fortitude. Both characters have tragic pasts. While not the type to readily admit it, Ichigo and Guts both share the trait of being intensely focused on their friendships; and that's despite appearing rather brash, aloof, abrasive, or even antisocial.

Ichigo and Guts are both broody, and they're known for their perpetual scowls. In combat situations, the pair are both seen as one of the most powerful characters in their respective universes, but even without the various skills and weapons they eventually come to wield, Guts and Ichigo share the trait of being immensely formidable in a fight. They also have been known to survive things most people wouldn't and operate outside the norm of the worlds in which they operate and exist.

While their respective backstories differ greatly, Ichigo and Guts share similar origin stories,