The Big Three

"One Piece," "Naruto," and "Bleach" are the three most well-known and influential anime series from the late 1990s and early 2000s. These three anime series, which were regarded as the foundations of the shonen (boys') anime subgenre, played a crucial role in the globalization of anime

Eiichiro Oda's "One Piece" was the first of the "Big Three" video games. Monkey D. Luffy, a young child with rubber-like powers, is the main character of the novel. He sets out to become the Pirate King by discovering the fabled treasure known as One Piece. Since 1999, there have been over 900 episodes of the anime. One Piece is renowned for its vivid characters, innovative world-building, and emotionally impactful plots

Masashi Kishimoto's "Naruto," the second anime in the "Big Three," is a popular choice. Naruto Uzumaki, a teenage ninja who aspires to govern his village as the Hokage, is the protagonist of the novel. He encounters a lot of obstacles and conflicts along the journey and learns truths about his history. Action-packed combat sequences, intricate characters, and themes of camaraderie and tenacity made "Naruto" famous. The "Naruto Shippuden" television series, which followed the anime from 2007 to 2017, lasted from 2007 to 2017.

"Bleach," produced by Tite Kubo, is the third and last anime of the "Big Three". The narrative centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who develops the power to see ghosts and is entrusted with protecting mankind from bad spirits as a Soul Reaper. The action-packed battles, rich world-building, and endearing characters of "Bleach" were well-known. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War, a remake series, is scheduled to premiere in 2021. The anime aired from 2004 to 2012.

 

Combined, these three anime series played a significant role in the globalization of anime and the development of the shonen subgenre as a dominant force in the market. Fans still adore them today, and they have spawned innumerable spinoffs and imitations. While the "Big Three" period is over, its legacy still influences new generations of anime producers and viewers.