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Under the production of Pierrot Films, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 was released on November 23, 2024. Titled Baby Hold Your Hand, the episode witnessed the adaptation of Mayuri vs. Pernida, one of the most hyped battles from the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
However, Pierrot Films' production for Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 left most fans divided over the subpar usage of modern CGI technology. Although the episode looked stunning for the most part, some seconds of substandard CGI used on Pernida marred the overall experience.
Moreover, the episode was the first proper one-on-one adaptation of the manga in this third installment, without the bulk of anime original scenes. Wakabayashi's storyboard captured the iconic panels from Tite Kubo's manga. However, some frames had excessive zoom into them, which bereft means of the battle's complete experience.
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Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8.
Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 review: Pierrot Films missed the mark with CGI on Mayuri vs. Pernida battle
Evaluating the adaptation, narrative, and the production
Under the direction of Otsuka Takahiro and storyboards by Atsushi Wakabayashi, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 was full of mixed moments. While the episode adapted the Mayuri vs. Pernida, one of the epic battles from Tite Kubo's manga, the production studio's usage of CGI puts it under heavy scanner.
With his gigantic form, It was always a challenge to animate Pernida. Previously in the second cour, Studio Pierrot experienced such a task while employing CGI to animate Sajin Komamura's Kokujo Tengen Myo-oh: Dangai Jouei. The overall outcome was met with mixed responses from fans.
Although Pierrot Films, the subsidiary studio of Studio Pierrot, improved on the CGI in the third installment, the latest episode didn't show the same flair. Rather, the CGI made Pernida look jittery in some parts. Having said that, the subpar CGI only lasted for a few seconds, especially when Pernida revealed his gigantic form.
Pierrot Films's production did well to show Pernida's movements in the latter stage of the episode. Besides the CGI, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 had some crucial problems with respect to storyboards. Atsushi Wakayabashi has previously worked on the Renji vs. Mask de Masculine episode's storyboards, where the animator resorted to excessively zoomed panels.
In Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8, the same problem persisted. For example, when Pernida Parnkgjas twisted Zaraki's hands, the scene didn't focus on Zaraki's full figure, but rather on his face. Therefore, fans couldn't see how his hand was being twisted. It wasn't until he cut it off that we witnessed the grotesque moment.
Likewise, some frames featuring Mayuri Kurotsuchi had too many close-ups. Although Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 was a one-on-one adaptation, such production decisions marred fans' experience. Some may argue the episode was a set-up installment for the next one.
However, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 was a crucial point for Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the captain of the 12th Division Captain. Therefore, it's disheartening how Mayuri's battle didn't have the same production quality as the Renji vs. Uryu battle. Nevertheless, in some aspects, Pierrot Films did well to capture the special moments from the manga in anime format.
For example, the scene where Mayuri Kurotsuchi evaded Pernida's nerves from one building to another, was a sheer masterclass. Additionally, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 saw perfect art by the animators. Animation directors Ayaka Sato, Rina Suzuki, and Haru Watanabe did well to frame certain key moments.
Likewise, Michio Hasegawa, the chief animation director for the episode, ensured the staff nailed their roles. It's only the CGI and the moderate storyboards that robbed fans of the overall enjoyment. Otherwise, the episode could have been a lot better.
From the adaptation perspective, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 covered content from chapter 635, Hooded Enigma, to chapter 640, Baby Hold Your Hand 3. However, the staff rearranged the events to focus solely on the Mayuri vs. Pernida battle. The episode featured a brief anime original scene, showing an exchange between Liltotto and Bazz B.
The scene revealed that Bazz B would eventually battle Jugram Haschwalth. Additionally, the scene subtly hinted at their history, since Bazz B wanted to settle a score with Jugram. Likewise, the same scene revealed Giselle and Liltotto would try to defeat Yhwach. In other words, the one-minute-long scene set up the future events of this installment.
Besides that scene, Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 revolved around Mayuri's battle against Pernida. As mentioned, Pierrot Films remained faithful to the manga and didn't alter the events or improvise on Kubo's panels. Additionally, the episode properly used the OSTs throughout the battle. Overall, the production can be called good, minus the subpar use of CGI.
Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 review: Pernida and Mayuri's voice acting elevated the installment
While Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 failed to make the most of CGI technology, the voice actors for Mayuri and Pernida ensured fans were treated with a sublime experience. Bin Shimada did a fine job voicing Pernida. The renowned Seiyuu, who has previously voiced Broly in Dragon Ball Z and Wapol in One Piece, captured Pernida's evolution.
When Mayuri Kurotsuchi threw acid at Pernida's nerves, it shrilled like a baby. However, gradually, its manner of speech changed. According to the narrative, it is due to Pernida's control over evolution. Since it's Soul King's Left Arm, it could gradually grow in terms of intellect.
Bin Shimada nailed that aspect of the character with his excellent voice acting. On the other side, Ryusei Nakao hit it out of the park voicing Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8 was all about Mayuri, who showcased his grotesque side. Ryusei Nakao perfectly captured Mayuri's unhinged personality and verbosity.
Conclusion
While a few seconds of CGI technology can't overshadow a near-perfect adaptation, Pierrot Films has already set a huge standard for itself as a production studio. Many fans had huge expectations from Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 8, especially after the previous episode, which delivered arguably the best battle of the ongoing cour.
Most importantly, the Mayuri vs. Pernida battle serves as a crucial point in the manga, which sets up the chain of final battles in the arc. Tite Kubo perfectly choreographed the fight, so it didn't require any additional stuff. Pierrot Films followed everything from the manga and delivered a fine production.
Yet, the usage of modern CGI technology to animate Pernida's movements somehow toned down the episode's stature. While it was better than Sajin's Bankai, Pernida's initial movements could have been shown better.
Having said that, it was only a few seconds of subpar CGI. The episode still featured 2D backgrounds along with the CGI model of Pernida. So, it remains to be seen how the staff carries on with the battle in the next episode and shows more of Pernida.
Also read:
- Bleach: Thousand-year Blood War part 3 complete release schedule
- Bleach TYBW episode 34 full highlights
- Bleach TYBW part 3 episode 7 review
- Did Kubo reveal why Mayuri Kurotsuchi hide his real face under mask in Bleach? Explained
