If you are a fan of Tite Kubo’s Bleach, you might be wondering if his new manga, Burn the Witch, is related to the popular series. The answer is yes, but not in a direct way. Burn the Witch is set in the same universe as Bleach, but it focuses on a different aspect of the supernatural world and a different location. Here is a brief overview of how the two manga are connected and what makes them different.
Contents
The Same World, Different Branches
Burn the Witch takes place in London, where there is a hidden dimension called Reverse London. In this dimension, there are dragons that can cause havoc and death in the normal world, but only a few people can see them. These people are called witches and wizards, and they work for an organization called Wing Bind, which is responsible for controlling and protecting the dragons.
Bleach, on the other hand, takes place mostly in Japan, where there are spirits called Hollows that can harm both the living and the dead. These spirits are fought by Shinigami, or Soul Reapers, who work for an organization called Soul Society, which is responsible for guiding souls to the afterlife.
Both Wing Bind and Soul Society are part of a larger structure called Soul Administration. They are essentially different branches of the same organization that deal with different types of threats. Wing Bind is the western branch, while Soul Society is the eastern branch.
The Same Author, Different Styles
Burn the Witch and Bleach are both created by Tite Kubo, who is known for his distinctive art style and storytelling. However, the two manga have different tones and themes. Burn the Witch is more lighthearted and comedic, while Bleach is more serious and dramatic. Burn the Witch also has a shorter format, with only four chapters and a one-shot so far, while Bleach has 74 volumes and over 600 chapters.
The main characters of Burn the Witch are Noel Niihashi and Ninny Spangcole, two female witches who work as Conservation Rangers for Wing Bind. They have to deal with various dragon-related incidents, as well as a mysterious boy named Balgo Parks, who has a special connection to dragons. The main character of Bleach is Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenage boy who becomes a Substitute Soul Reaper after meeting Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who transfers her powers to him. He has to deal with various Hollow-related incidents, as well as a complex plot involving Soul Society and other factions.
The Same Universe, Different Stories
Burn the Witch and Bleach are connected by their shared universe and author, but they are not crossover stories. They have different settings, characters, and plots that do not directly affect each other. However, there are some references and Easter eggs that fans can enjoy. For example, in Burn the Witch chapter 3, there is a mention of Squad Zero, an elite group of Soul Reapers that protect the Soul King. In Bleach chapter 686, there is a mention of Reverse London and Wing Bind in a newspaper article.
The two manga also have some similarities in their concepts and themes. Both deal with the coexistence of humans and supernatural beings, and the conflicts that arise from it. Both also explore the idea of balance and order in the world, and how different organizations try to maintain it. Both also feature action-packed battles with unique abilities and weapons.
Conclusion
Burn the Witch is not a true Bleach crossover, but it is a spin-off that takes place in the same universe. It has its own story and style that can appeal to both new and old fans of Tite Kubo’s works. If you are looking for a fun and fresh manga with dragons, witches, and magic, you should give Burn the Witch a try. If you are looking for a long-running and epic manga with spirits, Soul Reapers, and swords, you should revisit Bleach or wait for its upcoming anime adaptation.
