Over two years after its explosive streaming debut, Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War is officially slashing its way onto U.S. cable. Toonami announced it will begin airing the long-awaited final arc of the beloved shonen juggernaut at midnight on May 18, 2025 , offering both longtime fans and fresh eyes a new way to experience the climactic soul-reaper saga.
Originally released via Hulu and Disney+ internationally, Thousand-Year Blood War is one of the rare anime to reverse the modern distribution pipeline— streaming first, TV later . Now, the series is set to make waves on Adult Swim’s iconic Toonami block, which is going all out by pairing it with other heavy-hitters like the new season of Blue Exorcist .
A Rare Anime Migration From Stream to TV
Ichibe | Bleach: Thousand Years of Blood War Part 2 (Credits: Pierrot)
This delayed TV release is unusual but highly anticipated. While many fans binged Bleach: TYBW online during its 2022–2024 streaming run, others without access to Hulu or Disney+ finally have their chance to join the battle. With Toonami turning it into a weekly event, the energy surrounding the series feels refreshed. It’s a second life for an arc that already stunned anime watchers with its high-stakes plot and stellar animation.
Bringing Bleach back to late-night television also taps into deep nostalgia. Toonami was once a key platform in building the franchise’s popularity in the West, so its return to the block is more than fitting—it’s poetic.
The Soul Society’s Final Stand Begins
Uryu | Bleach: Thousand Years of Blood War Part 2 (Credits: Pierrot)
Thousand-Year Blood War adapts the final arc of Tite Kubo’s manga, following Ichigo Kurosaki and the Soul Society as they clash with the mysterious Quincy army led by Yhwach. The arc is praised for elevating the stakes and delivering some of the series’ most emotional and visually striking moments. With a total of four cours planned, the final part is expected to air later this year in Japan.
Toonami’s decision to bring the anime to cable could open the door for other streaming-first series to follow suit, especially those tied to legacy titles with massive Western fanbases. Whether you’re a returning Bleach veteran or stepping into the Soul Society for the first time, there’s no better time to catch the action live.
Catch Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War starting May 18 at midnight on Toonami, and keep an eye on the schedule for Blue Exorcist Season 2 and more.
Reaper Scans, one of the most prominent unofficial translation sites for webtoons and web novels, has officially closed its doors. The announcement came on May 9, 2025, after the site received a cease-and-desist order from Kakao Entertainment , one of South Korea’s leading digital content companies. Known for offering English-speaking fans access to series that lacked official translations, Reaper Scans’ closure marks a significant turning point in the tug-of-war between fan-driven scanlation groups and corporate IP enforcement.
In a message posted on its website, Reaper Scans explained its decision:
“After receiving a Cease and Desist from Kakao Entertainment, we have decided to permanently shut down Reaper Scans and stop any and all distribution of unauthorized fan translations.”
Legal Crackdowns Reflect Growing Global Reach
Jeawan | The World After The Fall (Credits: Naver)
The shutdown of Reaper Scans isn’t an isolated incident but part of a broader trend of aggressive copyright enforcement by major publishers. Companies like Kakao Entertainment have invested heavily in official translation platforms such as Tapas , Webtoon , Manta , and Lezhin , and see unauthorized translations as a direct threat to their global expansion strategies.
With titles like The World After The Fall , Gosu , Terror Man , and The Remarried Empress gaining traction internationally, there’s increased pressure to protect revenue streams and ensure creators receive fair compensation. The closure of Reaper Scans highlights the shifting landscape: what was once tolerated as a gray-area community service is now being addressed head-on with legal force.
A Beloved Community Resource Comes to an End
Jaewan | The World After The Fall Chapter 94 (Credits: Naver)
For many fans, Reaper Scans filled a void that official publishers hadn’t yet addressed. It provided early, free access to niche series that lacked English versions, becoming a beloved hub for manhwa and web novel readers around the world. The site earned loyalty through consistency and a broad catalog, even if its content wasn’t licensed.
In their farewell message, Reaper Scans urged fans to support creators legally and explore stories via licensed sources like Wuxiaworld, Toomics, and Wattpad.
“We genuinely want to thank each and every one of you… Our final, heartfelt request is for you to continue supporting the creators you love by reading official translations.”
While the community mourns the loss of Reaper Scans, the shutdown underscores a growing industry push to professionalize and regulate digital storytelling across borders. With major players ramping up enforcement, this may be the start of a wider crackdown reshaping how fans engage with webtoons and web novels in the future.
