Was Starrk REALLY a Villain? - How Aizen SAVED an Espada from Despair | Bleach Discussion

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Coyote Starrk, the Primera Espada, is one of the most unique Arrancar in Bleach - and a lot of that stems from his backstory and his first meeting with Aizen. In this video, I want to look at how Starrk's past tells the story of an Espada who was rescued from despair, and felt truly indebted to the man who saved him. Enjoy!
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[@MrTommo2304]

Hey everyone! If you're interested, make sure to check out the newest video over on MrTommoTalksGames right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3XMhoxpfa-XjZY What did you think of Starrk and his motivation? Considering he already had everything he wanted, how does that change your perception of him in comparison to his Espada comrades? Let me know your thoughts!

[@vileluca]

Using an rpg alignment chart I'd rather say Starrk was neutral. There's arguments for lawful or chaotic. But Neutral. He wasn't good, because he was willing to help Aizen, but he also wasn't bloodthirsty - he valued life enough to allow people to flee from battle with him.

[@updrivedownthrow4557]

Do you have any theory how Zangetsu could fuse bodies with a Hollow for the Dangai Training?

[@malachirees-morny8662]

@MrTommo2304 Hey have you ever read Naruto/ have any plans on reading it?

[@DenizenoftheAges]

👍

[@janeq1618]

Starrk is one of my favorite characters, and he's my favorite Espada full-stop. Don't get me wrong, I love the others too, but Starrk is unusual in that he seems more like a complete person. He doesn't seem to have that yawing void inside driving him to rend, take, destroy. He wants peace and companionship, that's all. I wouldn't say he's a GOOD character, as such; I don't think he's had the opportunity to really understand what that entails. I don't think he really means any harm, though. His servitude to Aizen seems to have arisen out of a very genuine gratitude. It's a very unhealthy relationship, Aizen saying "come and Do Evil for me and I will give you nakama" and Starrk going with it because it's better than being alone for another however-many millennia. I was devastated that he didn't make it. I thought he was really good material and he was so easily redeemable; it's just a shame to waste.

[@dagdamor1]

He would’ve been a magnificent good guy in TYBW. Also the dynamic of Harribel still being Hueco Mundo’s ruler because the one person stronger than her is lazing around in the background would have been hilarious. Kyoraku & Starrk vs Lille would’ve been hype.

[@nonhumanperson9362]

He may return in the hell arc

[@Columbina3rdHarbringer]

​@@nonhumanperson9362 hell is a evil place in the Movie. Heaven would be better for Starrk.

[@ghostrouxinol6169]

I always imagine they would rule equally Heuco Mundo and being the new Yoruichi and Kisuke.

[@km2460]

Even Starrk vs Robert Accutrone would have been so good🔥🔥

[@adamknott7830]

​@@Columbina3rdHarbringerhe could still be there. Dont captains go there even if they arent evil due to their high riatsu levels?

[@anirule6833]

Man Starrk is one of the few espadas who I wished survived, along side Ulquiorra. Both would've gotten a massive development and probably been a big help to the soul societies against the quinces. It just shows how a non-evil person can be easily corrupted to do bad things when found by the wrong person.

[@sacredgear]

That’s probably why they died. As strong as they were, the Quincy invasion would have gone much differently and altered Ichigo’s path of unlocking his power

[@mosesmm5473]

Was he really evil? I mean, if Aizen hadn't ordered it, he and Shunsui would have taken a snack break and passed notes on best sleeping positions

[@sacredgear]

@@mosesmm5473 well he’s a hollow. By nature he’s the antagonist to the soul reaper. I don’t think he was evil but he wasn’t necessity good either

[@gishena]

Couldn't agree more - they did join my own Jupongatana squad.

[@gabrieldossantos1116]

​@@sacredgear Hollows aren't "naturally antagonists" tho. Hollows are mindless creatures so no different then any animal and they aren't evil. The difference is that Stark and Ulquiorra don't even need to feed on souls anymore since they are Vasto Lorde and don't regress like Adjucas. So as far as we know they could legit live normal lives in Soul Society or in earth

[@Yklowz180]

I always found it cool that aizen didnt jump into action during the karakura fight until stark lost. Harribel was still fighting with NO signs of losing and aizen said “screw this, starks down its time to do something”

[@Erinbeenwavy]

I never knew why he cut her down. She was holding Toshiro and Hiyori and Lisa off rather well. Granted she was the only one left but she could’ve been a help to the rest of the battles to come. Though I suppose aizen thought well stark is gone and you’re weaker than him so I don’t really need you anymore. Gin will suffice. Though he knew Gin was plotting against him the whole time and was just curious to see the method Gin would attempt to use to end his life.

[@Yklowz180]

@@Erinbeenwavy i always give her credit, she really held her own vs so many opponents at once, more than everyone else had. And she hadnt lost ground a single time all fight. Aizen had to off her himself 😭

[@rafaelramalho8673]

​​@@Yklowz180 Well, if you consider the fact that Harribel was frozen by Toshiro and had to be saved for not being able to fight JUST ONE of the weaker captains of the Gotei 13 doesn't mean "losing ground" then yes, Harribel didn't lose ground... ┐⁠(⁠‘⁠～⁠`⁠;⁠)⁠┌

[@dinolover]

@@Erinbeenwavy when your 1st and 2nd rank solider dies, what the hell do you expect outta the 3rd? Especially when she's fighting a 3 vs 1 that can quickly turn into a 9 vs 1. Aizen figured that if Barragan and Stark couldn't cut it then Harribel wasn't gonna do much either.

[@angrymaniac53]

Well in a way Starrk and aizen are similar, they are both lonely because they are stronger than others. Also let's not forget how Aizen went by himself to recruit starrk. Also starrk views Aizen more of a partner than a master.

[@aysheadavis1733]

Starrk is completely strange and unique among the Espada, for a simple reason; his aspect. Loneliness. Being so separated from all of his peers in terms of demeanour, power and attitude towards their leader keeps him isolated even though he ostensibly has comrades. He may be content with what he has, but it still rings tragic to an outside observer because anyone less starved for company than him can see that Starrk's fellow Espada are barely even allies towards him, let alone friends. Aizen just took him from being alone in a wasteland to being alone in a castle, the sunlight of Las Noches just as genuine as the camaraderie between the Espada.

[@MrGksarathy]

Exactly, but to Starkk, it was as real as he was ever getting, and he treasured it.

[@traineryvar7123]

Halibel was very close to him it seems. She makes Shunsui swear upon Stark's name in CFYOW

[@MrGksarathy]

For me, the real tragedy of Starkk is that his genuine care for the Espada was never reciprocated, even by the more noble ones like Harribel. That, and it felt like he had a potentially bright future outside of the Espada.

[@Rensune]

One of the best Bleach characters. His death was one of the biggest mistakes Kubo made

[@vanguardduelist]

I always loved the theme they play when Stark dies in the anime. The only other time we hear that song is when Ichigo discusses Aizen’s lonliness after beating him. It shows the similarity between Stark and Aizen and how they’re both so lonely.

[@Erinbeenwavy]

Would explain why Aizen approached him solo. He understood what it felt like to be lonely. He gave stark strong comrades to be around while still trying to find an equal himself.

[@jeepdino7353]

I think Aizen and Starrk being kindred spirits is a canon fact, after Deicide Ichigo confirms that Aizen was nothing if not lonely. I think of all the Espada, Ulquiorra and Starrk were his favorites, and the two he legitimately, maybe not cared for, but respected enough to treat them like people rather than animals or lackeys. I think Aizen "killed" Hallibel because once Starrk died, he knew Hallibel had no chance, and attacking her made her sympathetic in Soul Society's eyes and gave her an out so she could take over Hueco Mundo and rule it in his place. (If Aizen wanted her dead, she would be. IE Tousen) I also hope Ulquiorra and Starrk got a chance to hang out at some point. I feel like they're both loners and kinda despair driven. And Ulquiorra's the only one I can see actually having a conversation with Starrk's lazy personality.

[@km2460]

Stark😭😭😭 any video of him is an automatic 10/10 from me. Miss this character so much!

[@siriuslyorion2975]

Starrk has always been my favourite espada - from his rich theming to his unique nature as a hollow and his neat design, he's always been very appealing to me

[@joshshrum2764]

Well that’s great, but huhhh now i just wonder who that man in your profile picture is he looks familiar (:

[@rayvonvelez3129]

The interesting part to me, is when Aizen 1st met starrk. Aizen tells Starrk that he is also looking for some friends. Like how did Aizen know starrk also wanted friends? Or did Aizen himself genuinely want friends? Like Aizen didn't need to tell starrk this, but he did anyway. I've always been interested what Aizen meant by it.

[@corruptangel6793]

Well, remember all the quotes he has sprinkled around the story, and the reasoning Ichigo gave about why he lost, and it becomes pretty clear (to me at least) that he meant it.

[@HonkaiHistory]

Knowing Aizen, he probably did some research on him beforehand, where he found out about how Starrk tried to get close and befriend all those other hollows but was unable to. Then he appeared before them acting all oblivious like "oh, hello there~ did you kill all those hollows?"

[@cution97]

He said that he’s also looking for “comrades” because he was basically building his team of Espada and since Starkk mentioned his comrades just died by being around his existence Aizen figured he was lonely and recruiting him meant he’d join especially after telling Aizen “you seem strong you’re not dying just by being around our presence.” But Aizen never said “friends”

[@MaesterAlex]

I never really felt like any of the top 3 espada were villains. They all had their own motivations to work with Aizen, and none of which were the "destruction of soul society."

[@zacharywilson419]

I always find it interesting that stark is the aspect of loneliness in death and in the end also of acceptance. It feels kinda fitting for him to die even if I hate how such a cool character being lost more than any other Espada.

[@ImmaniGregory]

Never thought of Stark's relationship with Aizen like that before. He really did something out of character by approaching Stark completely alone and no trickery, show of force, or ulterior motives up his sleeve. Even named him the Primera, a title that definitely appointed him as a leader even if Yammy is 0 but only because of his strength. He took the same approach with Ulquiorra, always being straight up with him and even put him in charge of essentially his entire base of operations. I think him saying "I'm looking for friends" is very telling. I think he definitely found a kinship in Stark especially as it was revealed Aizen too felt alone because of his strength... man, 15 years later and I'm still finding new perspectives. Kubo is a damn wizard

[@NunoMatias-qq7ud]

The novels confirmed that even tho Aizen never saw any of the espada as anything close to him he did respect Haribel and Stark´s ideals and motivations

[@jadenwilliams4807]

Which novel? I read CFYOW and Stark was mentioned by Haribel (side note, it was bittersweet that someone remembered him) but I just wanna hear it from the man himself. I'd assume SAFWY since Aizen touches on his Bankai in that too.

[@NunoMatias-qq7ud]

@@jadenwilliams4807 I don´t remember which one sadly it´s been long since i´ve read them but i don´t think it was CFYOW

[@Aerthkil]

My favorite espada I miss him...

[@AJ-kt5zo]

Off hand topic though. I love the evolution and diamatics between the hollows and shinigami post and pre TYBW . Another I hope the new evolved hollows or ghouls brings new aspects of evil and Avenue to story and Shinigami \ Quincy / Fullbring = hollow daimatics.

[@ryeastra262]

Me too, he had the most potential to become a friend to the heroes.

[@Sashi_Mee]

I really like that look Kyoraku had after defeating stark. Like he wished Starrk wasn't an enemy and they could have gotten along pretty well together

[@GODOFAWSOMENESS1]

Stark’s hunger was the easiest to satiate because all he wanted was friends to fend off the loneliness.

[@apadilla2322]

This is another reason Aizen is so great. He is very adept on knowing how to handle different situations/people to further his goals and ambitions.

[@DarknessTemplar6]

Starrk 's relationship with Lillinette is the stand out of all the espada and their fracciones, they do develope more of a connection like people that know each other from long time, while Harribel and the tres bestias the time they talked to each other was only to deliver exposition abt Ichigo vs Grimmjow

[@asellape9270]

I’ve never understood why Starrk didn’t just leave, or why Kyōraku insists on fighting him. Starrk straight up tells Kyōraku he isn’t interested in fighting, yet Kyōraku insists on fighting, despite being an easygoing, generally conflict-aversive person.

[@daymianhogue1634]

Agreed. Especially since we know when the Aizen drama was over they let Harribel and her fraction go freely back to Hueco Mundo. And she DID fight of her own volition. Like Kyoraku and Ukitake were really out of character with both Starrk and Harribel. And you'd think when the vizards show up and help they'd understand to some degree being forced into a bad spot cause of Aizen.

[@itsa_me_amikey]

Agreed. It felt too forced to get a fight going.

[@gajeel9798]

Im sure it was the same thing that happened with kyoraku and chad, he didnt want to but their leaders wouldnt allow them to be their normal selves, stark being told "they must die" and shunsui being told "you must kill them all to stop this threat, there is no exception"

[@willkerr665]

I think Kubo was trying to show that Shunsui was gonna do what ever he had to do to win the battle/war and if that meant fighting dirty or killing my boy Starrk then so be it. I wish things turned out differently though too, it really seems strange that Harribel survived (not that im complaining, glad she made it out) yet Starrk had to die. I think he could've lived without too much impact to the story's direction and character development

[@gajeel9798]

@@willkerr665 oh yea but then again think of how easy he probably would have fought most of the Quincy's that invaded, with lilinet and his resurrection he could have wiped multiple targets at once...only sternritters with absorbtion type abilities may have been able to survive but people like bazz b and the others may not have which would cut the numbers drasticly...i wish he could have survived but alas...kubo had to be cruel yet again

[@quicksy__]

He is my favorite espada due to his laid back attitude in a group of hungry beasts that need to affirm their power. Also, when he retrieved Orihime, I liked that he was doing his job seriously, even if he was already at a top position and seemed rather lazy.

[@TCrimson05t]

In my own personal head canon I like to think that the reason why that Aizen went out to find Stark and he approached them with a bit more grace is because much like Stark Aizen was born with abilities far beyond everyone else and that made him lonely in the same way as it did Stark. And while I hesitate to use the words Aizen & 'empathize' in the same sentence.... I almost wonder if he did.

[@gabrieldossantos1116]

It could be a little bit. When Barragan died Aizen didn't give a shit but when Stark died he was like "okay, these arrancars aren't shit" so either he had really high hopes for them or he considered Stark really above everyone else. If the strongest Espada falls there is no reason for him to keep any Espada at all

[@TCrimson05t]

@@gabrieldossantos1116 yeah I could see that the only reason for him to be disappointed when Stark fell, is that he had expectations of him in the first place.

[@seldomsane5278]

@@gabrieldossantos1116 Be careful, the Ulq fanboys will be scratching your eyes out for saying Stark was the strongest...

[@Xjesus14X]

I never thought of this til just now but the fact that Aizen approached Starrk alone and didnt send or have anyone with him kinda proves how strong Starrk was as a individual. If a scuffle broke out like with Barragan could Gin or Tosen come out unscathed and could Aizen have sent one of the other Espada to try in recruit him without any harm bought upon them. You know Aizen himself can take Starrk 1v1

[@0eyes]

They would, he only killed fodder hollows with reiatsu.

[@seldomsane5278]

Yeah, even Gin would have trouble beating Stark in a 1v1 if it got to that point, because Stark would not have trusted Gin due to his general demeanor.. Aizen knew that a calm hand rather than a forceful push was needed for Stark's recruitment.

[@0eyes]

@@seldomsane5278 Gin is a near perfect counter for Stark, he would be fine.

[@seldomsane5278]

@@0eyes How so?

[@0eyes]

@@seldomsane5278 Stark's wolves can be countered by a swing, ceros are not a problem, Gin has the reaction time and speed to dodge, Gin's bankai.

[@wolfgod6443]

I think it's interesting that there's some espada like Zommari or Harribel who are very loyal to Aizen while others like Grimmjow are actively trying to sabotage him. For them it's all about the guy on top. Starkk sticks out because he's loyal to the team more than the leader.

[@JR-182]

Every time he talks Starrk it's a good day

[@Rhapsodos_X]

It was destined for Starrk to fall to Shunsui because of the theme of "facing off due to circumstance." But I would've loved to see Kubo explore this sympathetic villain further. I think that his ultimate survival like Harribel could've been great. The fact that he is happy and fulfilled because he found friends and comrades should be the last thing on his mind, yes. But imagine then the implications of surviving for them, sort of a living on mentality. When you are the strongest (especially when talking about the way of things in Hueco Mundo), you have an obligation to exist, for everyone who could not. Someone compassionate like Starrk would have a great arc coming to that conclusion while also struggling with survivor's guilt. I would've loved to see him show up with Grimmjow at the end of the Quilge fight having come out of being a hermit in the wastes with Lillinette like: "Your data on Espada is incomplete. You thought that by claiming the Primera Espada (Harribel), Hueco Mundo is yours... but Espada are not numbered 10-1." Showing him rebranded as the new 0 Espada before blasting Quilge to ashes while Grimmjow decimates the nearby platoon of foot soldiers

[@brandondiotte2104]

Starrk has always been my favourite of the Espadas largely because he is their complete antithesis. Every other Hollow in the series is constantly attempting to gain more and more power by devouring the souls of others and adding them to their own yet Starrk is the complete opposite. Throughout his run in the show he is constantly going out of his way to decrease his power. Given how the Arrancar's Resurrección operates in a similar manner to a Shinigami's Zanpakutō we can infer that on a core level Starrk believes that becoming weaker will result in him getting what he wants. Seeing how his main ability is Soul Partition allowing him to shave off pieces of his soul into animate beings such as his wolves the more he uses his powers the weaker he gets which aligns itself well with who he is but goes against the very nature of all the other Hollows. More so he is the antithesis to Aizen himself as the power Aizen has spent centuries trying to achieve through his research and scheming, Starrk basically had and decided to cast it aside after realizing it was such a lonely existence.

[@Luke-2954]

Starrk was one of the ones I was hoping would survive or be brought back, he was so much more unique than most of the other Espada and I could definitely see him converting to being a good guy, because Ichigo is strong enough

[@Thoray]

Starrk was such a great character. Easily of my favorites. Wish we could've seen more of him but hopefully he shows up in some way with the Hell arc

[@Chikararyoku]

Starrk was my favorite arrancar and while I didn't like to see him go, at least, him and Lilinette were cleansed by zanpaktou, so they could meet again in soul society

[@megalictis9002]

It's curious to me that Stark is perceived as being motivated by loneliness. Even among the Espada he seemed to prefer isolation (with the exception of Lilynette's company) and I can't recall him exchanging words with any other Hollows. So his loneliness didn't motivate him to cultivate any relationships among Aizen's "gang" as far as we are shown. This leads me to conclude that all he gained from his association with Aizen - and all he really wanted - was to be recognized as part of a larger group. He was content to "belong."

[@amaterasushen1993]

After Aizem was defeated. Ichigo said his blade felt lonely. I think Aizen related to Starrks situation and that’s why he treated him differently compared to the other Espada Really wished Starrk survived the fight. Maybe fingers crossed we could see him in the hell arc. Starrk is one of my favorites

[@richard_n]

Starrk was one of the best characters in the series. I really wish he'd gotten more screen time. I feel that he was so different from the other Espada because he had out evolved the rest of them on a mental and emotional level.

[@mosesmm5473]

Starrk was always my favourite because he was so different from the rest, he was Aizen's Shunsui in alot of ways, which is part of the reason the fight between them was so good despite it not being as long or explosive as the others. When I stopped watching Bleach, I actually forgot that and and Lillynette both died and thought it was just her, which really made me sad as I can't imagine how lonely he'll feel without his other half, though I can see that version of him fighting against the Quincy to protect that he still has, both in other Arrancar-and with Soul Reapers and seeing how there are two Quincy who can be called gunmen, their battle would be much different to any other as it'll be about who can hit who first.

[@michaeldoukas4444]

Stark was one my favorites because he had personality. Most people yearn for more power. Stark did not. He just wanted to be welcomed in a group. If I remember correctly, he really did seek out conflict. Sort of like Shunsui. Which made them fighting each other that must more interesting. In the end, I think he was a tragic character.

[@randallsavage2658]

Starrk and Kyoraku must have been brothers in another life

[@andyzhang7890]

Stark and Kyoraku vs Lille woulda been way too cool

[@Byuiso]

Starrk was such an interesting character in such a brief time we had him. I really don’t think Starrk was evil at all.

[@Jet_extremis]

I honestly think Stark was taken too early. He was by far my favorite Espada with his aspect of death (that and his simplistic design is so cool). He would have been excellent in the TYBW and CFYOW. I feel like he had much room to grow and I wanted to see his relationships with other characters. I think Kubo took him away way too soon, but that's just me. I hope he's somewhere in the Soul Society since he was killed by a Zanpakuto. It would be awesome to see him as part of the Gotei or something, because he would for sure be Captain level. That or he's gonna be in the hell arc. Do I really think these are possibilities? No. Can I hope they are? ABSOLUTELY!

[@dunndorr5651]

Starrk was always my favorite. He was a genuine soul. I'd imagine even if roles were reversed and it was Yamamoto who approached him in Hueco Mundo, he would still join, because he'd be apart of a family in his eyes. It goes so well with his name. Coyote Starrk. They're pack animals. When they're alone, they cry and cry and cry for their pack. It's beautifully written by Kubo. For real.

[@Malkiore1]

Hueco Mundo and the Hollow race is what hooked me onto Bleach. I love everything discussed about these 2 issues. Mr. Tommos videos on these things are my favorite and I did like the Quincy race and for many it is their favorite but Hueco Mundo and all that thrives within is what I get most interested in when it comes to Bleach. I was sad when King Barragan died and I really wish they would bring these Hollows back in the Hell Ark. Watching that crown shatter despite the fact we knew very little of him seemed so heart breaking. Watching the Espada die one after the other knowing that this is the end of an era and way to create such powerful villains would just not come again for the Hollows. I really loved how they all looked and though Yammy was not a favorite I still liked the over all approach and feel of these Bleach villains. I only had 1 issue and that was Tier's look after she transformed. I am sure many guys liked it but for me I though it was a down graded style to how she looked before. It was like she put on a bathing suit to fight and that wicked mask she had and her outfit was just thrown away to give a so called "sexy" look. I also wanted more on Barragan. I mean was he the first Hollow? Why did he look like a skeleton when no other Hollow ever did. What are Vasto Lordes anyway? Why was Stark so powerful? How big is Hueco Mundo? Does it have any boundaries or is just a never ending world? I just want so much more on this.

[@richardfrankenberg4268]

Stark was my favorite out of that team, for the same reasons youve expressed. I love stories that make you really analyze the characters. Because of how complex they are. Stark was assumed to be a Vastolorde. What we know of the evolution of the Hollow, as they consume, they take on characteristics of that soul. This is also true about consuming a Hollow. The length of time to become a Vastolorde, would be immense. Like possibly older than Head Captain Yamamato. What is the 1 characteristic, all the Hollows had in common that Stark consumed had? Human. As all these souls combine, the Human characteristcs begin to take the front seat. And in all that time, and all that power, I think i would also, calm the eff down and just ponder like Stark.

[@Hanitcal69]

I would absolutely love to see a hell version of stark some time in the future. Could be really cool design wise and I’d love to get some more character development given he keeps his personality

[@seldomsane5278]

Great vid. Aizen's approach to Stark for recruitment spoke volumes about how integral the 1st Espada was to his plans. I don't believe it was an accident that Stark and Shunsui faced eachother. Other than Ol'Man Yama himself, Aizen would've known that he needed someone powerful enough to deal with the future Head-Commander, and I don't see any other Espada having a chance vs Kyoraku.

[@flareinc7413]

Starrk was the coolest Espada by far and he should be brought back. Some characters are antiheroes bc between good and evil and that greyness makes them more interesting. Even though Starrk is technically a villain bc (quote) "The easiest way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" he still balanced between antihero and evil esp compared to the other Espada and that's why he stands out in all the good ways.

[@rosalynfox8215]

I'd really love to see a video of your take on the 5 noble houses of Bleach and their roles in the formation of the 3 realms we see in the story

[@kellythompson419]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. I remember watching Stark and Shunsui's fight and thinking the same. I cried when he died because he was, like you said, at peace. He had gotten what he had been searching for. The situation/friends aren't perfect and I'm sure he was smart enough to figure out he was being used, but he was no longer alone. The fact that he split into two beings, and that a pack of wolves appear as one of his attacks tells you how much he ached to have a pack, group friends, or family.

[@blackfox4138]

One of the things that I gotta say I love about your content is that you’re always able to add a fresh take on things. We’ve seen plenty of character analyses, but yours always seems to add more to the conversation rather than repeating it.

[@QuirklessShinobi]

this channel has been on the bleach content grind for 10 years gotta love it

[@willkerr665]

Yaaay a new Starrk vid!! Glad to hear your apt analysis on my favorite arrancar/hollow

[@hybrid5860]

Starrk was always one of my favorite espada. Admittedly it was because I loved his dub voice and his design was really cool. But seeing his flashback and realizing he truly had no interest outside of having friends made him super fascinating to me. Kubo did a great job making Kyoraku seem like the villain as well. Obviously he wasn't, but because of how much Starrk would rather be not fighting, it made Kyoraku feel ruthless and merciless. I kinda wish we could have gotten more Aizen and Starrk moments thought. Him being the primera espada was a big deal, and I think it would have been cool to see a moment where Aizen explained why he trusted Starrk to have that position (even if the reality is that he wanted to humiliate Barragan)

[@Rewwgh]

I have a saying with my friend about anime series refusing to kill their characters which goes "No one ever dies except Starrk". It's because for once I feel that it was a genuine mistake from Kubo to kill off Starrk. And that stakes in many of Kubo's conflicts do not feel that high. Overall I do think the Aizen & Espada standoff with the Gotei 13 in Fake Karakura was poorly handled on all fronts.

[@skyrogue1977]

Unfortunate that he wasn’t one if the Arrancar brought back by Mayuri. Seriously, who was asking to see Luppi again?

[@0eyes]

It’s because he raided Szayel’s lab, that’s specifically why.

[@km2460]

I don’t even get how Luppi was able to come back because Grimmjow blew the top half of his body off🤨 if he can come back after that then so can starrk LOL😂

[@williamgiusti7146]

It is interesting to think that Aizen was looking after a Vasto Lorde who could rival himself in strenght but never found one, you should make a video speculating why there seems to be no Hollow worthy of threatening all of Soul Society and how Hueco Mundo got the short end of the power stick against Shinigami and Quincy.

[@BlazingAce20]

Starrk being cut down and dying is kinda unfair as Harribel got cut down as well. The fact that Shunsui knew didn't have to attack means a lot as Starrk didn't even want to fight him. Not because Shunsui was strong but he had nothing against them. I still feel that if Starrk was alive those two would've been the best of friends. You know in that last shot it was one character i wish that was in there and that was the one starrk created from himself. As they was the closest to each other.

[@christophergonzalez1605]

Oooohhh, busy at work and needed some background noise 😂thanks for your hard work MrTommo 🎉

[@stevenjinkins2088]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for the content!

[@blueblade6174]

Really wish he didn't die. Too much potential. At the very least I hope the theory of his return in the Hell arc comes true.

[@coronbrown9238]

I do hope we see Stark in the hell arc. Favorite Espada for sure

[@manuelacosta9463]

It's tragic that the likes of Aizen was the one took someone like Starrk and gave him purpose and 'companions'. Starrk would be better off with Ichigo and company. His life was just a big tragedy and his end tear inducing. At least he is remembered in the postwar era and among us fans.

[@CaptainKotetsu]

Stark felt like his arc wasn’t finished. It would’ve been cool to see him actually care about a fight during tybw.

[@LeoLikesLamb]

Your videos butter my biscuits thank you

[@painfan476]

When Starrk falls, Aizen gives up on the Espada. That says alot

[@patrickbidwell6799]

Kubo should've kept Starrk alive. Starrk and Kyoraku vs. Lille Barro would have been epic. Starrk would've gotten to see Kyoraku's bankai in the end.

[@0eyes]

He would have died if he was close enough to see it.

[@DenizenoftheAges]

Starrk was my favorite Arrancar, but he could not have survived to do his character justice.

[@inverse_of_zero]

interesting video! three topics for you to consider in the future: * is aizen immortal? (and if so, an explanation) * what is aizen doing in muken? * how did he get even more powerful in muken leading up to the tybw?

[@in-craig-ible6160]

Stark did deserve better. But war rarely leads to people getting what they deserve.

[@Masked.Victim]

My one and only favorite character from bleach to this day I wish for his return....😔✊

[@xavierstewart5756]

I’ve always liked Starrk’s character. And I never understood why didn’t Kubo give him a comeback for the TYBW arc like what he did with Harribel and her fraccion. I don’t think there was no word of him and Lilynette in CFYOW at all. Personally I would’ve loved to see Starrk and Lilynette get a comeback, of course there’s always fanfiction for it and I’m proud to be a fanfic writer. Anyways glad you decided to do a Starrk since it has been a while. Great video as always.

[@itachi-kun7736]

kubo rushed the story in TYBW bc he was ill

[@xavierstewart5756]

@@itachi-kun7736 that part I understand. I was well aware of it

[@jadenwilliams4807]

Haribel did mention Stark in CFYOW, cuz she was uneasy about Kyoraku's word and used Stark's death to make her point. It was pretty early on, I think.

[@Byuiso]

Starrk was taken away too early and with the least amount of information. I believe Kubo dropped the ball on giving more story to Starrk considering he was the strongest in Aizens army. He was the strongest soldier of the main villain.

[@d0ct0rh0lliday]

The anime season ended and Tom went into Maximum Overdrive on videos lol

[@yukijadenfilms3425]

I remember the days when you were trying to get to 30K subs, was only a couple years back 👏🏽

[@breezybear1224]

Starrk was the one I identified with and I really liked him

[@gstvntt]

Stark was the friends we made along the way

[@M247]

I could see Stark and Shunsui having a drink as the ashes fell after the TYBW

[@isaacfaith9369]

One of my favorite Espada, probably top 2 in my case. I think he was handled poorly. There are a lot of things I wished Kubo did differently with this guy but all in all I am happy with what we got. He is a great character with a simplistic yet satisfying backstory. He was kinda left in the dust and after the rubbish Yammy twist he can’t even enjoy the position of top Espada anymore which is a shame. His number reveal is the best of them all btw.

[@shimotsukivinsmoke2069]

Starkk and Grimmjow are the best hollows. We've got one chill loner coyote and one very chaotic cat.

[@AndrewHahaLee]

Every hollow, at the end of the day, is still a human soul - albeit one that has lost itself to its most base instinct. All of them have a former life as a human before they passed. We don't really think about how they lived as a human as much because most just stop at the surface.

[@Fluminox-]

Before watching Bleach, Grimmjow was my favorite Arrancar. But after catching up, Starrk became my Primera favourite Arrancar

[@callumdavis9841]

I think it's worth noting with Stark being described as un-hollow-like is that he isn't a hollow. He (and Lillinette) are the only naturally occuring arrancar within the whole army.

[@ravKenclaw]

He was so chill, they did Starrk dirty.

[@Meekmillan]

Bro bodying these pronunciations lol I love the Arrancar arcs Spanish motif

[@Vyhox2000]

I always thought the mountains of hollow were from the original hollow. I like the idea that the original was so unbelievably powerful, perhaps even stronger that Aizen, that it actually weakened itself by literally ripping itself in to.

[@ravek7500]

Starkk's personality was a stark contrast to the rest of the Espada

[@brandontugwete2326]

People forget he fought Kyoraku who partner up with Ukitake as well as Rose and Love

[@emmawilliams8878]

4 captions 2 were vizards and he still held his own

[@sonofamaniac4209]

Stark was just lonely he pretty much just wanted anyone i feel bad for this man and the fact that he lost his only best friend and he was just so strong no one could make friends with him that would be a sad life to have.

[@ephirious]

Bro was there for the Vibes ✨

[@Dar_Paz]

Stark and Lillinette always reminded me of Zarazki and Yachiru. This whole thing about making another person from your own life / power.

[@NoHer0]

Dude really fell into a bad crowd and got him and his "sister" killed

[@jdthegimp]

omg i thought this was an old video and got mad bc stark is love, stark is life.

[@Aerthkil]

I got a small theory, would stark technically be in soul society somewhere? Because he was killed by a zanpakuto so his soul should have been purified right?

[@asellape9270]

I’ve always wondered this, and to a greater expect: how do Arrancar change when they are killed by a Zanpakuto? If they gained shinigami powers, how does that impact how they die?

[@daymianhogue1634]

​@@asellape9270 maybe with the revelation of stuff in the hell arc they may have been sent to hell simply by merit of being too powerful? But Ginjo and Tsukishima weren't so... wtf?

[@asellape9270]

@@daymianhogue1634 Yeah, I dunno. It’s a kinda strange detail to introduce arrancar as opponents for a large portion of the story and have this kind of thing not very fleshed out. Like, did Ulquiorra just… become sand? Did he go to Hell? Who knows

[@sacredgear]

Well Syazellporro is in Hell.. stark could be there too

[@daymianhogue1634]

@@asellape9270 ulquiorra is destroyed. Hollows are souls already, so if they die by anything other than a zanpakutou they are destroyed and simply no longer exist. Ulquiorra was killed by a cero. All the others were killed by zapakutou... so they should be reincarnated in another realm. Hell, Soul Society, or Earth.

[@rmeddy]

Yeah Stark always puzzled me ,I always read him as a catalyst to evil either through the conceit of banality and/or being a "Good man that does nothing", so at best he would be considered very Fallen What was always kinda weird was he made himself and Lilynette into Arrancar by splitting off or was that still considered Vasto Lorde form but just really human looking?

[@jacoblordbanemastersithdes3072]

Just a quick side bar when are we getting the part 2 full trailer

[@adamkowalski6061]

I would love to see, if hell arc would be a thing, that starrk survived this battle. I would go even step further and it would be interesting if it would be revealed that it was Aizen who somehow helped him to stay alive and then decided to abandon espsda and join the battle and finish things in karakura town. However much it would seem outside character for Aizen to do so I think that in this particular case it would be justified.

[@robertg305]

Starrk is my favorite Manga / Anime character EVER! EVER!

[@lordhades598]

Starrk to me was never an evil character, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and just wanted friends. I kind of see an Orochimaru/kimimaru relationship from Naruto between them. One being the loyal soilder and the other being the deceptive mastermind using that same spilder. I kinda of think they should've left Starrk alive somehow after the arc he was killed in. I always imagine if he did they would force him (since he's the strongest espada) to become the new King of Hueco Mundo. He could gers stronger and have a new purpose where people now depend on him. Think of Shunsui being forced by Central 46 to become the next Captain Commander of the gotei after Yama's death in the TYWB arc. Now imagine the sternritter invade Hueco Mundo with Starrk being one of the only hollows/espadas to fight off the sternritter. Imagine if we could've got the two adversaries (Starrk/Kyoraku) to join forces. The two new leaders of their groups/kingdoms to face the sternritter together. It would've been interesting to see them team up and fight Lille Barrow together. The dialouge between them would also be really intriguing to me. Starrk could've got a 2nd form (similar to Ulquirroa and Shunsui finally releases bankai (something that was teased in the Starrk/Kyoraku fight until Ukitake intervened to stop Shunsui)

[@EvaOwnsAll]

Stark's friends dying from being around kind of makes me think of the quincy's "Letzt Stil"... in that Stark was so adept at absorbing surrounding reishi he littlerally absorbed their soft innards slowly at first, but building in intensity & speed as he got more powerful. 6:51 As for the mountain of corpses. The hollows probably sensed a massive power dissipate suddenly. They came to investigate, then attacked thinking they could take advantage of the situation to gain more power. The consistent loss of power would probably draw more in and thus the building piles? They've depicted the hollows as power hungry, and Grimjow's team literally ate the corpses to gain more power... So as the piles increased so did the risk/reward potential. "If only I could eat that pile!"

[@ghostrouxinol6169]

Starrk would be a cool to keep around. He could been cool character to TYBW Arc and maybe it would make Harribel have a stronger presence in the story. I always had the headcanon that 17:10 that everybody hated Yami. I think Starrk would hate because he is so quick to start conflict and violent tactics