Short, black haired guy who lightens the mood....
Forgive me, I'm up to date on the chapters, and have no idea who you mean, unless you're talking about Yamamoto, the tallest of the (main) cast.
But you have a point, some characters are cliched. However, if Bleach and Naruto are so popular, this certainly should be too. I feel it's underrated.
It has (quickly) became my favourite manga, because of the plot and characters. They're entertaining, and as of late, everybody has been getting major character development. Amano knows how to mix action and comedy, and make people happy with it.
I'd personally recommend it, and I give it five stars.