Tite Kubo - The Creator of the Best-Selling Manga Series 'Bleach'

Early Life and Career

Tite Kubo was born on June 26, 1977, in Hiroshima, Japan. He was raised by his grandparents and grew up surrounded by the world of manga and anime. Kubo began drawing manga at a young age, and by the time he was in high school, he had already decided to pursue a career as a manga artist.

After graduating from high school, Kubo attended a manga school in Tokyo, where he honed his skills as an artist and developed his unique style. He eventually made his professional debut in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine with his first one-shot manga “Ultra Unholy Hearted Machine."

Burn the Witch and Zombiepowder: Other Works by Tite Kubo

Aside from the highly popular “Bleach” manga series, Tite Kubo has also created two other notable works: “Burn the Witch” and “Zombiepowder”. Both of these series showcase Kubo’s signature dark and supernatural themes, as well as his unique and distinctive artwork.

Burn the Witch

”Burn the Witch” is a three-chapter manga series that was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2018. The story takes place in Reverse London, a world that exists in the opposite direction of our own, and follows the adventures of two witch pilots, Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, as they work to protect their city from supernatural threats. The series has been well-received by fans and critics alike, with its unique world-building and character designs drawing particular praise. In addition, the series is notable for its strong female characters and its exploration of themes such as prejudice and discrimination.

Zombiepowder

”Zombiepowder” is a four-volume manga series that was first serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from 2000 to 2001. The series takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where humans and zombies coexist, and follows the adventures of a young man named Gamma Akutabi as he searches for the mythical substance known as “Zombie Powder”, which is said to grant immortality. While the series was not as commercially successful as “Bleach”, it still received positive reviews for its dark and mature themes, as well as its well-developed characters and intricate world-building.

Tite Kubo Influences

Tite Kubo’s journey to becoming a manga artist began in elementary school, where he discovered his passion for creating stories and illustrations. Driven by this love for manga, he focused his efforts on becoming a manga-ka, while also developing an interest in architecture and design.

Tite drew inspiration from a number of sources, including “Saint Seiya” by Masami Kurumada and “Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro” by Shigeru Mizuki. He was particularly drawn to the intricate armor and weapons in “Saint Seiya” and the yokai (monsters) in “Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro”.

Despite facing initial setbacks, Tite’s talent was eventually recognized by an editor at a manga magazine. After being introduced through a manga contest, the two worked together on several projects, launching Tite’s career as a successful manga artist.

In his own words, Tite has said that his biggest influences and inspirations continue to drive him to create exciting and memorable works that captivate audiences.

Tite Kubo Art Style

Tite Kubo’s art style has undergone a significant evolution since the beginning of his career, and it was only after the anime adaptation of his work that his style really started to solidify. He credits much of this evolution to the influence of Masashi Kudo, the character designer for the anime adaptation.

Tite places a strong emphasis on conveying the mood and emotions of his characters, often sacrificing intricate backgrounds in order to keep the focus on the characters themselves. This is evident in the way he introduces new characters, often leaving the background blank in order to heighten the impact of the character’s mood and presence.

In creating the world of “Bleach,” Tite aimed to create something that could only be achieved as a manga, and not as a live-action film. When it came to the creation of battle scenes, Tite approached each fight with a focus on capturing the emotions and physicality of the characters. He first imagines the fight in his mind, with empty backgrounds, and then works to find the best angle to showcase the action. Injuries are also depicted in a highly realistic manner, with the intention of making the reader feel the pain and intensity of the moment.

Overall, Tite Kubo’s art style is characterized by its emphasis on mood, emotions, and character, as well as its attention to detail and realism in the depiction of action and injuries.

Tite Kubo's Net Worth

Tite Kubo, with his exceptional talent and hard work, has been able to establish himself as one of the most successful manga artists in the world. He has a staggering net worth of $50 million, which is a testament to his incredible success and popularity.

Tite Kubo’s manga series “Bleach” has sold over 120 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into numerous other forms of media, including anime, movies, and video games. This has contributed significantly to his net worth, and it is evident that Tite Kubo has made a significant impact in the world of manga and beyond.

Tite Kubo’s success is a reminder that hard work and determination can lead to incredible achievements, and his net worth serves as an inspiration to aspiring manga artists everywhere.

Conclusion

Tite Kubo is a true master of the manga world, and his work has left a lasting impact on the industry. “Bleach” is a timeless series that will continue to be loved and enjoyed by fans for generations to come. If you haven’t read the series yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of “Bleach” and experience the magic for yourself.