Bleach: How Aizen's Powerful, Hypnotic Zanpakuto Works

The fantasy anime series Bleach focuses on spirits and the afterlife for its themes and combat system. In this universe, it's the job of black-robed Soul Reapers to escort dead souls to the Soul Society and slay monstrous Hollows. All this is done with soul-cutting swords, or zanpakuto, which have a stunning array of powers and abilities.

Ichigo's own sword, Zangetsu, is rather straightforward as an aggressive melee type. However, there are also kido-based zanpakuto with magical powers -- this includes ex-Captain Sosuke Aizen, the arch-villain for the bulk of Bleach's story. His zanpakuto's incredible power allowed him to carry out wicked schemes, and it's a power all fear and none can escape.