Bleach Animator Praises Disney’s Maleficent as the Best Villain at Anime NYC

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At Anime NYC, fans were treated to a surprising revelation from one of the top animators behind the Bleach series, Masashi Kudo. Known for his exceptional work in bringing the intense battles and deep emotions of Bleach to life, Kudo took the stage to promote his latest project, Netflix’s upcoming anime Terminator: Zero. 

However, it wasn’t the discussion about futuristic cyborgs that caught everyone’s attention—it was his unexpected praise for a classic Disney villain.

Animator’s Admiration for Maleficent


During the panel, Kudo expressed his admiration for Disney’s Maleficent, calling her the "best villain ever introduced in film." This statement intrigued the audience, especially considering his background in animating some of the most iconic villains in anime history, such as Aizen Sosuke and Yhwach from Bleach. 

Kudo explained that Maleficent’s character, originally introduced in Disney’s 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, stands out due to her complex motivations, striking design, and powerful presence. He noted that Maleficent, with her dark magic and imposing dragon transformation, embodies the perfect balance between elegance and menace.

Influence of Maleficent on Anime Villains

Kudo’s praise for Maleficent sparked discussions among attendees, many of whom were surprised to hear a Japanese animator admire a Western character so highly. His insights offered a fascinating glimpse into the cross-cultural influences that shape the animation industry.

As the panel wrapped up, fans were left with a deeper appreciation for the art of villainy in animation and the understanding that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places—even a Disney classic.

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