Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15 – Omnibus Edition by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

May 12, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

This fifth volume of “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15″, this is one of my favorite battle arcs in the entire manga series. Not only does these volumes establish Ichigo as a fighter, sets up a major storyline that will continue for many volumes in later issues but also featuring one of the crazies, most intense battles featured in “Bleach”! Exciting, action-packed from beginning to end, “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15″ is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15 – Omnibus Edition

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

PAGES: 566

RELEASE DATE: May 7, 2013

Ichigo may have thought getting into the Soul Society was hard, but it did nothing to prepare him and his friends for the reality of the Seireitei! Now the rescuers are all split up, forced to take on battle-hardened Soul Reapers without backup. Can Ichigo train hard enough and fast enough to take down Rukia’s jailer before it’s too late?!

The race to rescue Rukia Kuchiki has led to one-on-one confrontations between Ichigo Kurosaki, Sado, Orihime, Uryu and Ganju. Meanwhile, in the Seireitei in the Soul Society, Fifth Division’s Captain Sosuke Aizen has been found murdered, making some of the Soul Reapers thinking that Ichigo and friends are responsible.

And now it has come down to Ichigo and friends taking on various captains of Soul Society. Sado vs. 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, Ichigo vs. 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, Ganju vs. 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, Uryu vs. 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi,

As for Ganju, what happens when he finds out that the woman he is supposed to save, is the person responsible for killing his brother, Kaien Shiba.

And Ichigo is given three days to develop a new ability, thanks to Yoruichi in order to be one with Zangetsu. Will Ichigo be ready for his most dangerous training yet?

What is “Bleach”?

“Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

BUT… what if you are a person who came into “Bleach” just recently. You feel that there are too many manga, anime and video games to read and watch that there is surely no way for you to start from the very beginning.

Not to worry as “Bleach” has received the 3-in-1 omnibus treatment from Viz Media and available now is the first “Bleach 3-in-1″ which includes volumes 1-3 of the popular manga series.

A brief spoiler-less summary what “Bleach” is about

So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

Meanwhile, we get to see how friends of Ichigo also have some ties with the supernatural. From his classmate Orihime Inoue , to his tall friend with immense strength, Chad Sado and the mod known as Kon, we also get to meet friends that help Ichigo and Rukia take on the various hollows that are attacking humans and souls.

We are then introduced to classmate of Ichigo’s named Uryu Ishida who reveals himself to be a Quincy, a long lost group that hunted down hollows but unlike soul reapers that send the hollows to the Soul Society, Quincy’s believe in the destruction of hollows. And because the Quincy were eliminated by the Soul Reapers hundreds of years ago and he is the last one left, he has a hatred towards Soul Reapers. We also learn that Chad and Orihime have latent powers and other friends and family of Ichigo are able to see spiritual pressure.

Which leads us to “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 7-9″ which begins with Uryu and then Ichigo taking on Soul Reapers Renji Abarai and Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia’s brother. But they quickly learn that they are in no position to even fight them as they are quickly defeated.

Both Ichigo and Uryu are fortunate that they are alive but Rukia has been taken back to the Soul Society to face severe punishment (execution) for giving her power to a human (Ichigo).

But before Ichigo goes out to find Rukia in the Soul Society, he must undergo training from Kisuke and friends. Meanwhile, Orihime and Chad must undergo training from a black cat known as Yoruichi. While Uryu continues to strengthen himself through the glove from his master.

In volume 8 of “Bleach”, Ichigo, Chad and Orihime continue their training but for Ichigo, he must confront his zanpakuto and learn that despite Rukia giving him her Soul Reaper powers, he already had latent powers that were awaken by Rukia.

But something happens to Ichigo and when he returns, he is wearing a Hollow’s mask?

In volume 9 of “Bleach”, Ichigo, Chad, Orihime and Uryu along with Yoruichi are sent to the Soul Society. With the Soul Society in full alert and the four being wanted, the four end up hiding in Rukongai and encounter a man known as Ganju. How can this guy help them break into the Seireitei in order to rescue Rukia?

In volume 10-12, Ichigo and friends must save Ruki before her execution. But with the Soul Society under alert that Ichigo and friends have infiltrated the Soul Society, the Soul Reapers of the Eleventh Division are sent to stop them.

In their first major battle against the Soul Reapers, does Ichigo and friends have any chance of winning?

In volumes 13-15, with Captain Aizen murdered, Ichigo and friends have become suspects. And now the Captains of the Soul Society are sent to take them on! But will Ichigo and friends be powerful enough to take on the Soul Society Captains? Meanwhile, 10th Division Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya has his own opinions of who has murdered Captain Aizen and his suspicion is that it is a fellow Shinigami.

It’s an action-packed one-one-one battle as Sado vs. 8th Division Captain Shunsui Kyoraku, Ichigo vs. 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki, Ganju vs. 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and Uryu vs. 12th Division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Who will become victorious?

When it comes to the “Bleach” arcs, one of my favorite battles were Ichigo and friends taking on the Captains of the Soul Society.

For those who began reading the “Bleach” manga through the “Bleach 3-in-1″ omnibus, the one-on-one battles are featured in this fifth omnibus edition as Ichigo takes on his most challenging opponents yet. Soul Society Captains Kenpachi Zaraki and Byakuya Kuchiki

The importance of this volume is how Ichigo is able to learn from Zangetsu and not treating his sword just as a regular weapon but a weapon that is part of him in battle, and allowing him to sync with Zangetsu would bring out a power that he has never ever tapped into before.

The latest omnibus also introduces Ganju to Rukia Kuchiki and realizing that the hatred towards Soul Reapers, because of the death of his brother, was caused by Rukia. How would Ganju respond that the woman he is to save, was the person he has despised all this time?

As for Uryu, he has had a deep hatred towards the Soul Reapers for killing his people, but what happens when he comes face-to-face against the Soul Reapers mad scientist, Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the thing that is responsible for killing and experimenting on his grandfather Soryu Ishida and the Quincies.

The latest volume also offer past history of 10th Division Lt. Rangiku Matsumoto and 5th Division Lt. Momo Hinamori, so it’s great that Tite Kubo is establishing character development among the Soul Reapers who will play a larger part in many volumes to come.

As for the release of the omnibus, what you are getting are three volumes for the price of one manga. Yes, you don’t get the individual cover art but for the savings of one of the omnibus versus purchasing three books individually, it really depends on the reader, as you do get all pages, including Tite Kubo’s page comments.

But with this fifth volume of “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15″, this is one of my favorite battle arcs in the entire manga series. Not only does these volumes establish Ichigo as a fighter, sets up a major storyline that will continue for many volumes in later issues but also featuring one of the crazies, most intense battles featured in “Bleach” and you can expect the same with the next omnibus volume as it sets up Ichigo for another epic battle with one of the major Captain’s in the Soul Society.

Exciting, action-packed from beginning to end, “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 13-15″ is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

April 1, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

While Studio Pierrot gives the war between Soul Reapers and Arrancars a break in order to give manga artist Tite Kubo to finish up the series, a new story arc will be featured. In “Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut”, the Zanpakuto has rebelled against their Soul Reaper masters by taking a human form and declaring war. Can Ichigo and the Soul Reapers find a way to defeat their zanpakuto or find a weakness? Find out in the original and uncut episodes of “Bleach DVD Set Sixteen”!

DVD TITLE: Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 230-242 (320 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, Bilingual Japanese & English, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: VIZ Media

RATED: 13+

Release Date: March 12, 2013

Originally created by Tite Kubo

Directed by Noriyuki Abe

Music by Shiro Sagisu

Character Design by Masashi Kudo

Art Director: Natsuko Suzuki, Sawako Takagi

Anime Production by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot

Featuring the following voice talent:

Fumiko Orikasa/Michelle Ruff as Rukia Kuchiki

Masakazu Morita/Johnny Yong Bosch as Ichigo Kurosaki

Hiroki Yasumoto/Jamieson Price as Sado “Chad” Yasutora

Kentarou Itou/Wally Wingert as Abarai Renji

Masakazu Morita/Johnny Yong Bosch as Hollow Ichigo

Noriaki Sugiyama/Derek Stephen Prince as Ishida Uryuu

Satsuki Yukino/Wendee Lee as Shihouin Yoruichi (human form)

Shinichiro Miki/Michael Lindsay as Urahara Kisuke

Yuki Matsuoka/Stephanie Sheh as Inoue Orihime

Kaya Matsutani/Megan Hollingshead as Rangiku Matsumoto

Nobuyuki Hiyama/Vic Mignogna as Ikkaku Madarame

Jun Fukuyama/Brian Beacock as Yumichika Ayasegawa

Romi Paku/Steve Staley as Toshiro Hitsugaya

A mysterious man has given physical form to the Zanpakuto of all captains and lieutenants of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. Newly liberated, the Zanpakuto wreak havoc upon the Soul Society and their former masters. Can Ichigo and the Thirteen Court Guard Squads rein them in before it’s too late? More importantly, are they ready to uncover the truth, lies, and deceit that await them?

Contains episodes 230-242.

What would happen if the zanpakuto of Soul Reapers rebelled against their masters?

In the Seireitei, a mysterious man appears before the Soul Reapers. Captains and lieutenants of the Gotei 13 are shocked that they are unable to use their zanpakuto and the mysterious man named Muramasa delivers a message. The Soul Reaper zanpakuto has renounced them and are now declaring war!

“Bleach DVD Set Sixteen” is the beginning of Season 13 (Note: Japanese continuity) and features episodes 230-242.

So, what is “Bleach”?

“Bleach” is one of those titles, alongside “Naruto” and “Dragon Ball Z” that has managed to capture the attention of anime fans and continues to reinvent itself with new sagas and characters. Created in 2001 by mangaka Tite Kubo, the manga has been published on Weekly Shonen Jump and the animated series has been airing on Japanese television since 2004.

The series has manged to grow its fandom worldwide, especially in the US as the series has aired on television on the Cartoon Network and the various video games for the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP have also been popular among the fans as well.

The manga series revolves around teenager Ichigo Kurosaki, who has the ability to see Soul Reapers (a military group that escorts the souls of the dead) and in this case, Ichigo has seen a female Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki. One day, a hollow (a monster that was once a human soul) has come to attack and when Rukia was injured, she transferred her spirit pressure to Ichigo in order for him to fight the hollow.

The series focused on Ichigo and Rukia’s friendship as somehow nearly all her spirit pressure had been transferred to Ichigo and stripping away her soul reaper power and thus Ichigo now has the power to take on the hollows while Rukia helps guide him through the battles with her knowledge. As Rukia temporarily lives with Ichigo, the two together battle hollows.

It’s important to note that because of how quickly the animated series has caught up with the manga series, the ongoing arc between the war between Soul Reapers and the Arrancars have temporarily put on hiatus to allow Tite Kubo to finish the chapters of the manga series. So, Studio Pierrot created an alternative story arc titled “Zanpakuto: The Alternate Tale arc” (Zanpakuto Ibun Hen). Episode 230 was aired on TV Tokyo on July 28, 2009 and ended on April 6, 2010. As the US airdate was shown in 2011-2012.

This new storyline not featured in the manga series featured an announcement by a mysterious individual named Muramasa that the Soul Reapers no longer have access to their zanpakuto. In fact, their zanpakuto have now assumed human-like forms and have renounced them and is declaring war.

Ichigo and Yoriuchi go to the Soul Society to help them.

The main characters of “Bleach” are:

Ichigo Kurosaki – The main protagonist. A teenager who becomes a substitute soul reaper after absorbing Rukia’s powers. Accepting his new powers and wanting to protect everyone around him. Ichiro manages to grow in power with every battle he gets involved in.
Rukia Kuchiki – A Soul Reaper who transferred her spiritual power to Ichigo.
Orihime Inoue – A longtime classmate of Ichigo who is very caring and manages to develop her spiritual awareness and after her brother is killed by a hollow, she has managed to grow in power which is tied to a hairpin that her brother had given her.
Yasutora “Chad” Sado – A friend of Ichigo and very quiet. Developed a sense of seeing hollows and eventually gaining a power of strength and a right arm that is literally a weapon to fight against hollows.
Uryu Ishida - A classmate of Ichigo and a descendant of a priest group that hunted hollows known as Quincy. Earlier on, Uryu was a rival of Ichigo due to his hatred towards the Soul Reapers and eventually becomes friends with him.
Kon – A modsoul who’s life soul is put into a stuffed lion. When Ichigo is a Soul Reaper, Kon takes over Ichigo’s body, so no one including Ichigo’s family knows that Ichiro is actually not there. Mostly a comedy-driven character known for his perverseness and always complaining about something.
Kisuke Urahara – Owner of the Urahara shop and a former captain of the 12th Division in the Soul Society. He caught Aizen converting Soul Reapers to Visoreds but before he can save them, Aizen framed him for the crimes and Urahara fled to the real world.
Yoruichi Shihoin – An old friend of Kisuke Urahara who can turn into a black cat. She is the former captain of the 2nd Division and former Commander in Chief of the Secret Mobile Corps.
Renji Abarai – Lt. of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13 under Captain Byakuya Kuchiki. Known to be cocky about his skills, Renji cares deeply for Rukia and thus the reason why he is seen with Ichigo and friends.
Byakuya Kuchiki – 28th head of the Kuchiki Clan and Captain of 6th Division in the Gotei 13. Stepbrother of Rukia.
Toshiro Hitsugaya – Captain of the 10th Division in the Gotei 13.
Rangiku Matsumoto – Lieutenant of the 10th Division of the Gotei 13.

VIDEO:

If there is one thing that I’ve always enjoyed about “Bleach” is that for a TV series that is cranked out in Japan, the TV series features a good amount of detail in the background art. The series tends to really showcase quite a bit of locations and thus, not always reusing scenes.

Also, the character designs, despite not always being detailed, is shown great care by character designer Masashi Kudo who definitely respects the original illustrations of Tite Kubo. Some closeups are really well done and there is a good amount of focus on the actual animation during the battle sequences.

For a TV series, especially knowing how in Japan, many of these studios tend to crank them out because they have other deadlines taking on other series, “Bleach” continues to look very good.

As for picture quality, of course on DVD, you are going to see some softness, banding and edge enhancement but for the most part, picture quality is very good on DVD.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut” is presented in stereo English and Japanese. Both dialogue tracks are clear and understandable. For those with a modern receiver may want to set their setting to stereo on all channels for a more immersive soundtrack.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut” comes with the following special features:

Production Art – Using your remote, you can view “Bleach” production art.
Clean Ending – The clean ending theme.
Omake – The ending omake for episodes 218-229.

For those who have followed “Bleach” or even “Naruto”, some have become accustomed to watching many filler episodes as the anime series quickly catches up with the current manga storyline.

Back in the ’90s, it was common for anime series to stop production and come back years later, in order to coordinate the anime series to the original manga series. But sometimes you run into anime series that are created at the same time a manga series is in production and the writers give an ending which may be different from what was featured in the manga (which people have seen with “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” or the “Hellsing” and “Hellsing Ultimate” anime series).

But with these popular anime series such as “Bleach”, writers have effectively created new storyline arcs that would last nearly a year, and in this case, taking a break from the Soul Reaper vs. Arrancar war and transitioning to the”Zanpakuto: The Alternate Tale Arc”. Typically, fans who have not read the manga series wouldn’t mind, while those who do, prefer to watch the canon-based storylines.

Having watched many “Bleach” filler episodes or alternate story arcs, so far the writers have been pretty good in creating original storylines and with the release of “Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut”, we get the first part of season 13 which aired in Japan.

And it’s one of the most intriguing arc’s because it deals with the zanpakuto becoming human and going to war against the Soul Reapers. From Rukia’s Sode no Shirayuki attacking her and even Muramasa trying to extract Zangetsu to fight against Ichigo. So, for this arc, we get to see Ichigo fighting against his Zanpakuto, Zangetsu and also against Muramasa. We also see Renji going against Zabimaru.

If anything, it’s quite fascinating to see the forms of each Zanpakuto but seeing how Muramasa can manipulate them. Meanwhile, has Byakuya gone traitor?

Overall, “Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut” is another action-packed volume of “Bleach”. Yes, the sudden hiatus of episodes not having to deal with the Soul Reapers vs. Arrancars and taking viewers out of the flow and rhythm of the storyline is unfortunate. But in this case, if you enjoy Bleach, there has to be enough buffer between what Tito Kubo has in the manga series and what is presented in the anime series. So, that means, a filler arc but an arc that tries to utilize as many characters featured in the series as possible. But also an arc that has the potential to be exciting and action-packed.

If you are a “Bleach” fan and love the humor and action of the series, “Bleach DVD Set Sixteen – Original and Uncut” is worth checking out!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD

Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 10-12 – Omnibus Edition by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

March 1, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The fourth volume of “Bleach 3-in-1″ (volumes 10-12) begins a major arc in which Ichigo, Chad, Orihime, Uryu, Yoruichi and Ganju must try to save Rukia from execution in the Soul Society. But before they rescue her, they must each take on the Soul Reapers sent to kill them. The battles begin here in this fourth omnibus volume. Recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 10-12 – Omnibus Edition

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

PAGES: 592

RELEASE DATE: February 5, 2013

Ichigo and crew are determined to rescue Rukia from the Soul Society, and with the help of explosives expert Kûkaku, they actually have a chance of making it inside the walls. But the plan hinges on Ichigo getting control of his torrential spiritual energy, and with Rukia awaiting execution, there’s no time to waste! And even if they can breach the Soul Society’s defenses, there are twelve companies of angry Soul Reapers standing between them and their friend!

The race to rescue Rukia Kuchiki before she is executed.

Having landed on the outskirts (known as the Rukongai) of the Seireitei in the Soul Society, now Ichigo Kurosaki, Sado, Orihime, Uruyu, Yoruichi along with Ganju, must penetrate the outer shield. But as the two are successful in breaking through the shield, their own personal shield to protect them, gives way. And now each are separated and must defend themselves from the Soul Reapers out to kill them.

In the latest “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 10-12″, the one-on-one battles begin. Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Ikkaku Madarame, Ichigo vs. Renji Abarai, Ganju vs. Yumichika Ayasegawa, Uryu and Sado also take on members of the Eleventh Division. Meanwhile, something bad has happened to Fifth Division’s Captain Sosuke Aizen.

What is “Bleach”?

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

Not to worry as “Bleach” has received the 3-in-1 omnibus treatment from Viz Media and available now is the first “Bleach 3-in-1″ which includes volumes 1-3 of the popular manga series.

A brief spoiler-less summary what “Bleach” is about

Both Ichigo and Uryu are fortunate that they are alive but Rukia has been taken back to the Soul Society to face severe punishment (execution) for giving her power to a human (Ichigo).

But something happens to Ichigo and when he returns, he is wearing a Hollow’s mask?

In their first major battle against the Soul Reapers, does Ichigo and friends have any chance of winning?

“Bleach” is one of the most thrilling action series to come out in Japan that would captivate audiences all over the world.

These last four volumes of the “Bleach” omnibus have showcased the friendships made between Ichigo and friends but now, having to make a drastic move to get to the Soul Society and save Rukia before her execution.

Rukia is being executed for giving a human her power which is a crime punishable by death. But for Ichigo, Rukia is responsible for saving his life and he will never forget that.

As the crew have gone through major training prior to visiting the Soul Society, now the major battles begin…Ichigo and friends must take on the Soul Reapers.

For those new to “Bleach”, when the storyline shifts to all action-mode, the volumes are typically quick to read as there is not much to read but to look and see. Fortunately, in between fights, there is an underlying story going on revolving Captain Aizen and perhaps some behind-the-scenes treachery occurring within the Soul Society.

But these battles are among the coolest arcs in the “Bleach” storyline and it’s the first time Ichigo and friends made themselves known to the Soul Society via physical combat.

The cool thing about the Viz “3-in-1″ manga series is that everyone who have been weary of jumping in with “Bleach”, can now do so and instead of spending $30, for these 3-in-1, you only spend $15 ala retail (price may be cheaper on online stores).

Full of action and surprises, “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 10-12″ is the fourth omnibus that fans will not want to miss as the major action begins with volume 10.

Overall, “Bleach 3-in-1″ is a fantastic collection for those wanting to learn more about the series and if you want to start playing the video games or wanting to watch the anime series or just wanting a good action-based series with cool characters, you really can’t go wrong with “Bleach” because you are getting three volumes for a pretty good price!

Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 56 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 20, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

An exciting action-packed volume from Tite Kubo, “Bleach” vol. 56 is absolutely shocking and featured a storyline that I was not anticipating. Suffice to say, the Soul Society and for a few characters that we have come to read (or watched if you have been following the anime as well), will no longer be the same or probably will no longer be around. This is probably the most casualties that one will ever see happen in a “Bleach” arc and I can tell that Tite Kubo has a lot of surprises, twists and turns up his sleeve and he no doubt has upped the ante with this volume alone. “Bleach” Vol. 56 is highly recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 56

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: April 2, 2013

When a mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich attacks, Ichigo heads to Hueco Mundo to help his friend Nel. And when the Vandenreich takes the fight to the Soul Society, an all-out war between Soul Reapers and Quincies breaks out!

We have only heard of how the Quincies had perished after a long feud with the Soul Reapers. The Soul Reapers which believed in having the soul of a hollow crossover to the Soul Society, while the Quincies believed in the total destruction of the hollow’s soul. And while the two had tried to work out their dispute, in the end, it let do a war in which the Soul Reapers vanquished the Quincies.

With only Uryu Ishida thought to be the last Quincy alive, in volume 55 of “Bleach”, it was revealed that one of the deadly Quincy’s from the past, Juhabach, was not killed and has assembled a group known as the Vandenreich to eliminate all Soul Reapers and destroy the Soul Society.

Many have gone missing in Karakura Town and while the Vandenreich have made their presence known to General Yamamoto by killing 1st Division Lt. Sasakibe. Also, Hueco Mundo Arrancars have been attacked by the Hueco Mundo Army led by Quilge Opie who are trying to force the Arrancars to join them or else be killed.

As Nel goes to the human world to beg for Ichigo to save Hueco Mundo, Ichigo, Kisuke Urahara, Chad and Orihime hurry to Hueco Mundo to see what is happening. And with the distraction caused in that area, Juhabach orders the Vandenreich to attack the Soul Reapers in their home area inside the Seiretei.

The war between the Vandenreich and the Soul Reapers begin in volume 56 of “Bleach”!

What is “Bleach?”

For those who are not so familiar with “Bleach”, “Bleach” has a strong fan following and since its run began back in 2001, series creator, writer and illustrator Noriaki “Tite” Kubo has been hard at work, continuing to crank chapter after chapter for Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan and with the success of the series extending out to films, OVA’s, feature films and video games and other merchandise.

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach” is a story about a guy named Ichigo Kurasaki who has a gift in which he can see spirits. One day, he saw a Soul Reaper (one who can govern the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife) named Rukia Kukichiki who has come to find a Hollow (a lost soul). She ends up being wounded in battle when she tried to defend Ichigo and so she illegally transfers her reiatsu (spiritual pressure) to him, so that he can defeat the Hollow. But during the process, he nearly takes all of her energy and becomes a Soul Reaper himself and defeats the Hollow quite easily. So, the first storyline arc features Rukia now powerless stranded in the human world until she has the time to recover her true powers, while Ichigo fills in and battles Hollows in her place. And with each fight, Rukia starts to notice something special about Ichigo’s abilities.

The second storyline arc of “Bleach” features the Soul Society wanting to sentence Rukia to death for transferring her powers to Ichigo. His friends also begin to develop special abilities. His childhood friend, Orihime Inoue, is given special abilities courtesy of her loving brother who has turned into a Hollow. Yasutora “Chad” Sato is Ichigo’s tall friend (who is half Japanese/half Mexican) who suddenly becomes aware of spirits and develops an ability to have a special armored right arm that has special abilities. And Ichigo’s rival/friend, Uryu Ishida, who is a descendant of a hollow hunting group known as the Quincy and are enemies of the Soul Reapers.

As their adventures have continued, we have seen Ichigo and his friends getting stronger, developing new abilities and taking on their most difficult foes yet but also earning the respect of his friends and the Soul Society, having saved their lives time and time again. But this time around, there comes a new enemy that may be so powerful that Ichigo may not be able to take them on…

Enter the Vandenreich!

The Current Storyline

Volume 55 begins a new chapter of “Bleach”. The series begins with hollows missing or being mass executed.

Meanwhile, two practicing soul reapers of the 13th Division, Ryunosuke Yuki and Shino have been appointed to be the new guardians of Karakura Town to replace Zennosuke Kurumadani. But as the two take on hollows, they are nearly bludgeoned to death but are quickly rescued by Ichigo Kurosaki and friends.

And as Orihime continues to heal both soul reapers, out of nowhere, Asguiaro Ebern, a man with an Arrancar mask shows up in Ichigo’s room. This leads to a fight between Ichigo and Ebern but while fighting, the man reveals himself not to be an Arrancar and out of his sleeve is a pendant that only Quincies should have.

Meanwhile, in the Soul Society, men in black masks and military robes known as the Vandenreich have managed to penetrate the Soul Society and enter the room of leader, Genryusai Yamamoto with their declaration of war and giving him a warning that in five days, the Soul Society will be destroyed.

And immediately, Yamamoto’s most trusted lieutenant, First Division Lt. Chojiro Sasakibe comes to the defend the leader and for the first time, activating his bankai, only to have it disappear and is killed in battle.

As Ebern fights with Ichigo, Ebern is shocked that Ichigo’s bankai has not disappeared. Immediately, Ebern disappears from battle.

As the Soul Reapers receive an emergency message to go back to the Soul Society after being informed that Sasakibe has been killed, out of nowhere, Nel returns to visit Ichigo with distressing news that the Hollows and Arrancars have been attacked in Hueco Mundo and is in possession of a new deadly force known as the Vandenreich led by General Hunt Commander Quilge Opie of the Hueco Mundo Hunter Unit. Powerful adversaries that even the Soul Reapers had fought during the Arrancar battle, are not in the position of power to fight against the Vandenreich.

In volume 56, Ichigo takes on Quilge Opie, meanwhile the Arrancars who were once the enemy of Ichigo and the Soul Reapers continue to fight and defend themselves against Opie.

As for the Soul Society, an all out war breaks out and thousands of Soul Reapers are killed by the Vandenreich’s most powerful Quincies known as the Stern Ritter.

As the Captains and Asst. Captains converge to fight the Stern Ritter, they learn that the Stern Ritter has a power that will tilt the battle to their favor.

“Bleach” volume 56 of “Bleach” is a true shocker! For so many volumes, Bleach fans have watched as the Soul Reaper Captains and Lt. have beaten their opponents thanks to their powerful bankai.

But now, the Vandenreich has the upperhand as their new power allows them to steal all bankai to whoever uses the power against them, leaving the user powerless.

But somehow, after two battles with the Vandenreich, Ichigo Kurosaki have shown that their power does not affect him. But even when Ichigo gives his all against the Vandenreich, even his power seems to not be affective to stop them completely.

As thousands of Soul Reapers are being killed within several minutes, how will the Soul Reapers defeat the Vandenreich or can they?

For longtime fans of “Bleach”, this exciting battle between the Soul Reapers is absolutely shocking as certain Soul Reapers that have played a major part in “Bleach” are either killed or severely maimed. And with the Vandenreich declaring that the Soul Reapers and Soul Society will be destroyed, it appears that for now, they are unstoppable.

It is important to note that with the release of volume 56 of “Bleach”, we are now one issue behind Japan (with volume 57 having been released back in Dec. 2012 and is scheduled for release in the U.S. in July 2013). So, it’s going to be a considerable wait between issues from here on out.

As always, the artwork by Tite Kubo is fantastic. His action illustrations are wonderful and he has been doing it long enough to know what works and how to get the reader interested when there is so much action that takes place in a page. Granted, action-paced manga with a lot of fighting does make the reading go quickly but fortunately, there are some major surprises in store with this volume that makes things manga volume worthwhile.

“Bleach” Vol. 56 is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 7-9 – Omnibus Edition by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 16, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The third volume of “Bleach 3-in-1″ (volumes 7-9) begins a major arc in which Ichigo, Chad, Orihime and Uryu must try to save Rukia from execution in the Soul Society. But before they rescue her, all must undergo significant training if they are to take on the Soul Reapers. The beginning of a significant arc in the “Bleach” series, this third omnibus volume is awesome and is definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 7-9 – Omnibus Edition

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

PAGES: 592

RELEASE DATE: October 4, 2012

Containing volumes 4, 5 and 6 of Bleach! A new reality-show craze is sweeping the nation, garnering legions of screaming fans (the majority of them being teenaged girls). But this program comes with a supernatural twist–the host, a media-savvy spiritualist, travels to local hotspots and performs exorcisms, live on national TV! Surly Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki has his doubts about this primetime prima donna, and his assumptions are about to be put to the test–the show is heading straight for his neighborhood! What effect will this unprovoked media presence have on the fragile balance between Earth and the spirit world?

In the latest volume of “Bleach 3-in-1″ (covering volumes 7-9) from Viz Media, it is revealed that when Rukia Kuchiki gave Ichigo Kurosaki her powers, she broke a major rule in the Soul Society that is punishable by death.

Sent to Earth to capture her is her childhood friend, Soul Reapers Renji Abarai and her brother, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, both of the Sixth Division.

But before she can be taken away, Uryu tries to help her. But not powerful enough to take on the two Soul Reapers, Ichigo Kurosaki comes right in time to take them on. Quickly learning that he is not in the same league as them.

With Rukia taken back to the Soul Society to face her extreme punishment, Ichigo is wanting to save her. And willing to join him are both Chad and Orihime and also Uruyu Ishida who wants revenge for being beaten. Unsure of how to get into the Soul Society, they receive assistance from Kisuke Urahara.

But as they get to the Soul Society, they land in the Rukongai (where spirits live when they are transferred to the Soul Society) and where they need to get to is the Seireitei. And for that, they are going to need some major help from others within the Soul Society.

Find out in “Bleach 3-in 1: Volumes 7-9″!

What is “Bleach”?

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

Not to worry as “Bleach” has received the 3-in-1 omnibus treatment from Viz Media and available now is the first “Bleach 3-in-1″ which includes volumes 1-3 of the popular manga series.

A brief spoiler-less summary what “Bleach” is about

Both Ichigo and Uryu are fortunate that they are alive but Rukia has been taken back to the Soul Society to face severe punishment (execution) for giving her power to a human (Ichigo).

But something happens to Ichigo and when he returns, he is wearing a Hollow’s mask?

“Bleach” s one of the most thrilling action series to come out in Japan that would captivate audiences all over the world.

And with the first two ominibus which collects three graphic novels in one for a low price, Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends were introduced, but also how he, Chad, Orihime learned their powers but also introducing a Quincy named Uryu Ishida, who happens to attend the same high school as Ichigo.

As primary characters have been established in the first six volumes, now the first major arc begins.

With Rukia Kuchiki now in big trouble for giving her power to a human, her offense is punishable by death and she is to be executed. Captured by her brother, Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and her childhood friend Renji Arabai, the two take Rukia back to the Soul Society but first with a battle against Uryu and also Ichigo which was easy and quick.

Knowing the true power of the Soul Reapers, Ichigo is not ready to take them on….yet! With only a short time left to train, Kisuke Urahara and friends try to help Ichigo learn about his hidden latent power and become a Soul Reaper without Rukia’s help. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Yoruichi, who helps train Chad and Orihime to use their power, while Uryu continues his training with the guidance of his master who gave him a glove that enhances his Quincy abilities.

And the manga concludes with chapters involving Ichigo and friends being transferred to the Soul Society in order to rescue Rukia. But it’s not going to be easy as the four are now wanted by the Soul Reapers. But can they find a way to break into the heavily secure Seireitei where Rukia is being kept?

“Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 7-9″ begins the major arc that revolves around the Soul Society and the race to rescue Rukia who is scheduled to be executed. Can they get to her in time?

The cool thing about the Viz “3-in-1″ manga series is that everyone who have been weary of jumping in with “Bleach” can now do so and instead of spending $30, for these 3-in-1, you only spend $15 ala retail (price may be cheaper on online stores).

With the previous six volumes establishing the characters that surround Ichigo, we are now introduced to characters that surround Rukia, those who are in the Soul Society. And are introduced to her world of Soul Reapers.

Full of action and surprises, “Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 7-9″ is the third omnibus that fans will not want to miss, if they are starting from the beginning of learning about Ichigo and friends and seeing them in their first major action adventure as a group.

Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 4-6 – Omnibus Edition by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

February 16, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

The second volume of “Bleach 3-in-1″ (volumes 4-6) introduces us to characters that attend Ichigo’s school who also have powers. But also one who hates Soul Reapers and challenges Ichigo in who can kill the most hollows! An important storyline that sets up the characters for “Bleach”, a solid second omnibus volume sold for a pretty low price! Definitely recommended!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 4-6 – Omnibus Edition

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

PAGES: 576

RELEASE DATE: August 2, 2012

In the latest volume of “Bleach 3-in-1″ (covering volumes 4-6), Ichigo Kurosaki may be a substitute soul reaper, thanks to his encounter with Rukia Kuchiki. But as he is the only human that is supposed to see hollows, how is it that his sister and a few of his friends can as well?

Meanwhile, a classmate named Uryu Ishida approaches Ichigo and challenges him in a battle of who can kill the most hollows, but even more shocking is the fact that he is a Quincy, a group like Soul Reapers that went after hollows but instead of sending them to the soul society, the Quincy’s believed in the destruction of hollows.

Which caused friction between the Soul Reapers and the Quincy, leading to the latter’s elimination. But how is it that a Quincy still exists and what does he want with Ichigo?

Find out in “Bleach 3-in 1: Volumes 4-6″!

What is “Bleach”?

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

Not to worry as “Bleach” has received the 3-in-1 omnibus treatment from Viz Media and available now is the first “Bleach 3-in-1″ which includes volumes 1-3 of the popular manga series.

A brief spoiler-less summary what “Bleach” is about

“Bleach 3-in-1: Volumes 4-6″ begins with Ichigo adjusting to life as a substitute soul reaper.

With the fourth volume, we learn more about Kon and how he is tired of being kept inside a stuff animal, meanwhile a TV spiritualist named Kanonji Misaomaru has been receiving plenty of attention and Ichigo along with Rukia are curious if this guy can see hollows?

In volume 5, wanting to prove that he is better than Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryu unleashes hollows all over the city to see how many hollows that he or Ichigo can defeat and who will win?

Uryu reveals that other people close to Ichigo have the ability to feel spiritual pressure and because he is unaware of that, his despair will lead him to lose the competition.

As hollows attack people of Karakura Town including Ichigo’s friends, we learn that Karin Kurosaki can see hollows but also Chad, who can’t see them clearly but he also has a supernatural gift that he was unaware of.

Hollows begin attacking people and taking control of their bodies but also revealed to see hollows is Tatsuki who is trying to protect Orihime and Chizuru. But also not knowing she has a special ability, Orihime finds out of a power that she is unaware of.

In volume 6, Chad and Orihime learn from Kisuke Urahara of how their latent powers were awaken by Ichigo Kurosaki who is a soul reaper. The competition between Uryu and Ichigo continues and we learn more about the Quincies.

Meanwhile two people have been keeping their eye on Rukia. Who can they be?

“Bleach” has been a title that captivated people all over the world. From one human who is able to grow his powers and take on the most destructive enemies while protecting his friends and family, every story has a beginning and with the “Bleach 3-in-1″ omnibus manga series, fans or curious manga readers now have that chance.

As the first omnibus introduced us to Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki and how Ichigo became a substitute soul reaper, this second volume introduces us to Ichigo’s family and friends who appear to be able to sense spiritual energy, see hollows and also have some sort of latent power.

And with this second volume, we are introduced to the storyline of the Quincy with Uryu Ishida but we also get to see Orihime and Chad demonstrating their new powers.

Every character, no matter if they are supporting characters or family member or friend of Ichigo or Orihime’s, will play a part in future storylines of “Bleach” and so, this second 3-in-1 volume (featuring graphic novel volumes 4-6) is quite important in the fact that it does help establish who the characters are and also focusing on those relationships but also the development of Ichigo, Rukia, Orihime and Chad which will be a constant theme from the beginning to the present volumes of “Bleach”.

This latest volume is quite important to the character base of “Bleach” but also is action-packed and full of excitement!

Definitely recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach Vol. 55 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

January 28, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

An exciting, action-packed volume of “Bleach”! Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Ginjo but also the battle between the Soul Reapers vs. Xcution continues in the conclusion of the “Fullbringer” arc! Recommended for “Bleach” fans!

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 55

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: February 5, 2013

The peace is suddenly broken when warning sirens blare through the Soul Society. Residents there are disappearing without a trace, and nobody knows who’s behind it. Meanwhile, a dark shadow is also extending itself toward Ichigo and his friends in Karakura Town…

For many volumes, we have seen how powerful the Soul Society has been in keeping the peace and keeping order from the hollows.

Not long ago, we have seen the Soul Reapers take on their most difficult nemesis with Aizen’s Arrancars. But what if, there was something out there that not even the Soul Reapers may not be powerful enough to fight?

In volume 55 of “Bleach”, the Vandenreich (Invisible Empire) has penetrated the Soul Society and have declared that five days from now, the Soul Society will be annihilated.

And to show their dominance, people all over the Soul Society are missing, Hueco Mundo Arrancars are now being put into camps and forced to fight alongside the Vandenreich and to show their intent to destroy the Soul Society, they leave a message by murdering one of the most powerful Lt. of the Soul Society, First Division Lt. Chojiro Sasakibe under Soul Society leader, Genryusai Yamamoto.

And to make things even more interesting, the person leading the Vandenreich belongs to a race that was long thought to be gone.

Find out more in volume 55 of Tite Kubo’s hit manga series “Bleach”!

What is “Bleach?”

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

Enter the Vandenreich!

The Current Storyline

Volume 55 begins a new chapter of “Bleach”. The series begins with hollows missing or being mass executed.

As Ebern fights with Ichigo, Ebern is shocked that Ichigo’s bankai has not disappeared. Immediately, Ebern disappears from battle.

But who is leading the Vandenreich and why is he so intent of destroying the Soul Society?

“Bleach” volume 55 takes us to a new direction for Bleach.

We have seen classic battles that involved Ichigo Kurosaki and we have seen the power of the Soul Reapers as they defeated the most difficult of enemies.

But with the death of Lt. Sasakibe, one of the most powerful soul reapers and also the elite division one squad, for him to be murdered by a single attack from the Vandenreich goes to show that their power literally exceeds the Soul Reapers.

With five days left before the Soul Society is to be annihilated, chaos has once come for Ichigo Kurosaki and friends. With Nel escaping from Hueco Mundo to warn them about how the Vandenreich has taken possession of the area and are forcing or killing Arrancar, things are quickly getting ugly.

But possibly the biggest revelation are the clues that have been shown in volume 55, primarily between a battle between Ichigo and Asguiaro Ebern, a man with an Arrancar mask, but a man who appears to be… a Quincy.

A race of mediums who were able to detect Hollows and were destroyed over 200 years ago in order to prevent the destruction of the world. A race that were eliminated by the Shinagami after the Quincy numbers have grown and the Quincy were not in agreement that the hollows must be turned over to the Shingami (Soul Society). It is thought that only one Quincy exists and that is Uryu Ishida. Or so that is what was thought…

Suffice to say, things are shaping up to be an action-packed story arc as the Soul Society must face their most deadliest opponent that may be much more powerful than them.

An exciting action-packed volume from Tite Kubo and the beginning for what appears to be an epic, action-packed arc, for “Bleach” fans who have stayed with the series for this long or those wanting to jump in, “Bleach” volume 55 is highly recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse (a J!-ENT Anime Blu-ray Disc Review)

January 20, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

If you are a “Bleach” fan or an anime fan looking for an action-based film on Blu-ray, you don’t have to be a longtime viewer of “Bleach” to understand this film, you just have to be a fan of action anime. And if that is the case, you’ll definitely enjoy “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse”.

TITLE: Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse

MOVIE RELEASE DATE: 2010

DURATION: 90 Minutes

BLU-RAY INFORMATION: 1080p High Definition, DTS-HD MA English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: Warner Bros./Viz Media

RATED: 13+

Release Date: December 4, 2012

Originally created by Kubotite

Directed by Noriyuki Abe

Screenplay by Masahiro Okubo, Natsuko Takahashi

Music by Shiro Sagisu

Character Design by Masashi Kudo

Art Director: Sawako Takagi

Director of Photography: Toshiyuki Fukushima

Producer: Ken Hagino, Noriko Kobayashi

Anime Production: Studio Pierrot

Featuring the following voice talent:

Fumiko Orikasa/Michelle Ruff as Rukia Kuchiki

Masakazu Morita/Johnny Yong Bosch as Ichigo Kurosaki

Hiroki Yasumoto/Jamieson Price as Sado “Chad” Yasutora

Kentarou Itou/Wally Wingert as Abarai Renji

Kazuya Nakai/Travis Willingham as Kokuto

Tohru Furuya/Ben Diskin as Shuren

Masaaki Tsukasa/Neil Kaplan as Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryusai

Ryotaro Okiayu/Dan Woren as Byakuya Kuchiki

Noriaki Sugiyama/Derek Stephen Prince as Ishida Uryuu

Yuki Matsuoka/Stephanie Sheh as Inoue Orihime

Kaya Matsutani/Megan Hollingshead as Rangiku Matsumoto

Nobuyuki Hiyama/Vic Mignogna as Ikkaku Madarame

Romi Paku/Steve Staley as Toshiro Hitsugaya

Hell – a place where beings that have committed mortal sins during their lifetime are sent. It is a realm where even Soul Reapers are forbidden to interfere. When a group of vicious Sinners plots to escape from this eternal prison, they discover that Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki is the key to their freedom.

The Sinners launch an attack and in the process kidnap Ichigo’s younger sister Yuzu and take her to Hell. With the help of a mysterious man named Kokuto, Ichigo and his friends must now travel into the depths of Hell to stop the Sinners and save Yuzu, unaware that their actions could bring Hell to the World of the Living.

Ichigo Kurosaki has faced the greatest enemies and has gotten stronger each time. But this time, it’s personal as his sisters have been kidnapped by minions from Hell and now Ichigo and friends decide to venture through Hell in order to save his two sisters, but will he be strong enough to fight in the Netherworld?

With an anime production by Studio Pierrot, the film is directed by Noriyuki Abe (“Bleach”, “Ninku”, “Ghost Stories”, “Flame of Recca”) and a screenplay by Masahiro Okubo (“Sugar Sugar Rune”, “Tantei Gakuen Q”) and Natsuko Takahashi (“Bleach”, “Prince of Tennis”, “School Rumble”).

The storyline of “Bleach: Hell Verse” takes place after the fight between Ichigo and the Arrancars and we are given a glimpse of the unusual change that Ichigo had gone through during his fight against the powerful Arrancar Ulquiorra. Exhibiting power that Ichigo never had exhibited and a transformation to his body that he never knew was possible, Ichigo’s power even made his own friends fear because it was an unusual spiritual pressure. And with this power, it was how Ichigo slayed the mighty Ulquiorra.

The day starts off normally for Ichigo Kurosaki until he sees Rukia and Renji who happened to be in the world of the living for some unknown reason. As Ichigo is headed to school, the school is attacked by three demon-like creatures with masks and they are known as Togabito (“The Unforgiven”). As Ichigo and his friends begin fighting the Unforgiven, Uryu manages to crack open one of the masks of one of the antagonists and it is revealed that the demons have escaped hell and because one of the masks were broken, a Kushanada, a guardian of Hell impales the unmasked demon and drags him back to Hell.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Unforgiven, Shuren has kidnapped Ichigo’s two sisters and as Ichigo and friends try to save them, a man named Kokuto arrives and defeats one of the Unforgiven and saves Karin Kurosaki, but unfortunately, Ichigo’s youngest sister Yuzu is brought to Hell.

Needing to get into Hell to rescue her, Kokuto who is from Hell (but without a mask) tells them that he can show them the route to save his sister and so, Ichigo with the help of Rukia, Renji and Uryu head off to the upper levels of Hell to try to save Yuzu. But once in Hell, Ichigo’s hollow mask begins manifesting spontaneously and Kokuto warns him to not use the mask or else he will lose control and turn into a hollow. And also reveals that spirits killed in Hell will become members of the Unforgiven and that the Kushanada torture the Unforgiven for their sins and consumes them, until they are reborn in the lower level of Hell and are continuously are caught by the Kushanada in a cycle, until the spirit of the Unforgiven is eliminated.

And as everyone follows Kokuto’s lead, they encounter Shuren, who reveals that he wants Ichigo to use his hollow powers, the kind that was used in the fight against Ulquiorra in order to destroy the Gates of Hell and so the Unforgiven can be free. If he does, then Yuzu will be free? But will Ichigo risk the world of the living by unleashing the Unforgiven demons of hell just to save his sister? Or is there another way to save her?

VIDEO:

“Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse” is presented in 1080p High Definition and “Bleach” looks fantastic on Blu-ray! Granted, it helps that this is a film and not the TV series, as there is much more detail in the actual character designs, more emphasis on fluidity on the action sequences, especially during the “bankai” segments. But this is what I enjoy about seeing the transition of popular TV series for film, a higher production and also the fact that animators have more time in production and quality of the animation and art backgrounds than the typical quick turn around that they are expected to do on a TV series.

Wonderful PQ and because many shots are in Hell, and a lot of reds and oranges, I personally didn’t see any banding issues. For the most part, “Hell Verse” looks vibrant, colorful, sharp and fantastic on Blu-ray!

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

For “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse is presented in DTS-HD MA 5.1 English and Japanese. Great use of surround during the more action intense sequences and because there is so much action, good amount of immersion from the surround channels and also moments of LFE.

Subtitles are provided in English as optional during the English soundtrack and also featured in the Japanese soundtrack of the film.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse” comes with the following special features:

Japanese Trailers - (2:03) Featuring the Japanese trailers for “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse”.
Production Art Gallery - Using your remote (or mouse and keyboard), you can cycle through various production art.
Illustration Gallery - Using your remote (or mouse and keyboard), you can cycle through various illustration art.

December is the month for a “Bleach” animated film and as the U.S. DVD release is trying to catchup with what is being released in Japan, the fourth “Bleach” movie “Hell Verse” features a non-canon storyline and takes Ichigo Kurosaki and friends to a new area to fight in…Hell.

For “Bleach” fans, the storyline may seem inconsistent timeline wise with the manga and TV series as after the Arrancar arc, Ichigo Kurosaki has lost his powers. But animated films inspired from the TV or manga series are typically side stories that are not mean to be part of the series’ cannon.

For “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse”, it’s rather interesting because we are given a scene between Ichigo’s fight vs. Ulquiorra and the truth is that during that time of the Arrancar arc, not much is known about Ichigo’s mysterious power that he gained during that fight. We know he tapped into something mysterious, perhaps something that may not be good at all but we do know it’s the most powerful transformation that he has been in and something he has no control over.

And while the TV and manga series tend to focus more on the battle between the Soul Reapers vs. the Arrancars during that arc, suffice to say, there was not as much Ichigo Kurosaki featured as the goal was to show an all out war featuring as many people as possible. And it became one of Tite Kubo’s most exciting, action-packed arc thus far in the “Bleach” series at the time.

But for “Hell Verse”, it’s nice to see the animated film bring back that uncontrollable power and transformation of Ichigo Kurosaki and while a battle in Hell will provide new antagonists and a whole new world that Ichigo Kurosaki and friends that have never ventured, hardcore Bleach fans know that the Soul Society would probably not have let Ichigo Kurosaki be that reckless and endanger the World of the Living for the sake of his sister (for those who are familiar with the Deputy Soul Reaper storyline in “Bleach”, those fans will know what I’m talking about).

Otherwise, for an animated film and for fans with no familiarity with the series, it is a standalone storyline that is accessible to fans and non-fans as it focuses on Ichigo and friends trying to save his sister. Showcasing as much action as possible and even integrating an emotional, tragic scene, longtime “Bleach” writers Masahiro Okubo and Natsuko Takahashi are really taking the characters, especially Ichigo Kurosaki into unknown territory and experimenting with situations that are not seen in the manga and also the anime series.

But that is the beauty of anime films, they tend to be standalone stories independent of the series and for the most part, “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse” was entertaining, action-packed and enjoyable.

As for the Blu-ray release, picture quality and lossless audio quality was fantastic and that is another plus for animated films versus its TV counterpart and that’s better production value, better picture quality and in this case, a wonderful, immersive lossless soundtrack. Special features are sparse, but they have always been like that for “Bleach”.

Overall, if you are a “Bleach” fan or an anime fan looking for an action-based film on Blu-ray, you don’t have to be a longtime viewer of “Bleach” to understand this film, you just have to be a fan of action anime. And if that is the case, you’ll definitely enjoy “Bleach the Movie 4: Hell Verse”.

Filed Under: Anime on Blu-ray

Bleach Vol. 54 – Story & Art by Tite Kubo (a J!-ENT Manga Review)

January 13, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

MANGA TITLE: Bleach Vol. 54

STORY AND ART BY: Tite Kubo (久保宣章)

FIRST PUBLISHED IN JAPAN: SHUEISHA, Inc.

PUBLISHED IN USA BY: VIZ Media, LLC/Shonen Jump Manga

RATED: T for Older Teen

RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2013

After a long struggle, Ichigo finally regains his Soul Reaper powers thanks to Rukia. But as the battle against Kugo Ginjo heats up, Ichigo learns a shocking secret behind his role as a Deputy Soul Reaper. With the truth finally revealed to him, what action will Ichigo take?

It’s a battle to the death between the two Deputy Soul Reapers, Ichigo Kurosaki vs. Kugo Ginjo. But Ginjo reveals the truth to Ichigo about the role of the “Deputy Soul Reaper” and the meaning behind the badge. When Ichigo finds out the truth, how will he react?

Meanwhile the battle between the Soul Reapers and Xcution Fullbringers continues as Byakuya Kuchiki takes on Shukuro Tsukishima and Rukia Kuchiki takes on Riruka Dokugamine.

Find out in volume 54 of “Bleach”!

What is “Bleach?”

Because of its airing on the Cartoon Network and it being featured on Shonen Jump magazine, “Bleach” has gone on to become a fan favorite in America but also fans all over the world.

A Brief History of what “Bleach” is about

As their adventures have continued, we have seen Ichigo and his friends getting stronger, developing new abilities and taking on their most difficult foes yet, the Arrancars including the traitor Soul Reaper, Aizen.

The Current Storyline

But for this current storyline, Ichigo has lost his power. While his friends continue to fight against the Hollows, including his sister Karin who has developed the power to see and fight Hollows, 17-months later and Ichigo is still down in the dumps. Feeling that the loss of power, he can’t do greater things to help the world like he used too. He also misses seeing his friends from the Soul Society and all he can do is participate in school activities and go to work.

But there is someone keeping his eye out for Ichigo and even Orihime senses that he is being followed. As does Uryu, and when he goes towards Ichigo’s home, Uryu sees someone running with unbelievable speed. And the person is not a Soul Reaper.

And by the time Uryu goes to catch him, the assailant injures him. What is going on and who are these people with special abilities and who is following Ichigo?

Volume 50 features Kugo Ginjo, the leader of a club of people who were born with hollow powers like Ichigo. Members include Riruka Dokugamine, Giriko Kutsuzawa and also Chad Yasutora. Four people who are willing to have all their power removed and have it transferred to Ichigo Kurosaki.

But there is one person out there who is trying to make sure it doesn’t happen, and this individual, Shukuro Tsukishima, is striking out on Ichigo’s friends.

Volume 51 focuses on Ichigo’s fullbring training and using his newfound power to get stronger. But while most people will take a long time to get stronger, perhaps Ichigo may be able to learn how to control this new power quickly since he has been in battle many times before.

In volume 52, Ginjo is determined to complete Ichigo’s training by bringing out his dormant soul reaper powers back. But how far will Ginjo push Ichigo? Let’s just say a lot because Ginjo has now slashed Ichigo’s eyes and making him blind.

Meanwhile, Tsukishima has gone further in his attempts to hurt Ichigo. But this time, things have gotten personal as he has gone after Ichigo’s sisters and his high school friends. To make things worse, Ginjo’s partners have also been taken over by Tsukishima’s fullbring.

But while the two plan to go against Tsukishima, it is revealed by Uryu that the true enemy is Ginjo. And Ginjo and Tsukishima have been playing him all along in order to steal his power and share it with the members of Xcution.

And just when all of Ichigo’s new power has been sucked out by Ginjo, leaving him depleted, Rukia arrives.

Volume 53 continues the storyline as the new powerful Ginjo with Ichigo’s powers, has now shared it with Xcution, but the Soul Reaper captains also have put their powers in a special sword to bring the power back to Ichigo Kurosaki. This leading to a major battle between Ichigo and Ginjo but also, the Soul Reapers vs. Xcution.

And now with volume 54, as Ichigo takes on Ginjo, the two Deputy Soul Reapers fight to the death but not before one last revelation from Ginjo on the truth about their Deputy Soul Reaper badge. Meanwhile, Rukia continues her fight against Riruka and Byakuya fights to the death against Shukuro Tsukishima.

Ichigo Kurosaki has always wanted to protect everyone. To protect the innocent from harm and also helping a tortured spirit finding peace.

And throughout the series, we have seen Ichigo fight for right, against evil and time after time, sacrificing his life but also attaining great power to defeat the most challenging opponent.

But how much trust can the Soul Reaper have in one man? In volumes 53, we saw how the Soul Reapers came to help Ichigo and get his power back. But what happens when Ichigo finds out that his relationship with the Soul Society, especially the Soul Reapers is much more complex than he expected and that as a Deputy Soul Reaper, you are being controlled?

Suffice to say, it’s what one does with their power and how they use it. And for former Deputy Soul Reaper Ginjo and Ichigo, what are their goals? And by knowing the truth of being Deputy Soul Reaper, will this change Ichigo’s outlook of the Soul Society?

Meanwhile, as these two men fight to the death, Byakuya Kuchiki takes on his most deadliest opponent Shukuro Tsukishima and as for Rukia, does she have any chance against Riruka Dokugamine?

“Bleach” volume 54 sets up the conclusion of the “Fullbringer” arc and prepares for the next arc to be revealed in February in volume 55. It’s important to note that with the release of this volume 54, the US will now only be three issues behind Japan (which volume 57 was released in December 2012).

An exciting action-packed volume from Tite Kubo and major revelations which may impact the relationship between Ichigo and the Soul Society in the future, “Bleach” vol. 54 is recommended!

Filed Under: Manga News and Reviews

Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut (a J!-ENT Anime DVD Review)

January 12, 2013 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment

It’s an all out war as the Soul Reaper Captains and Lieutenants take on the high level Arrancars! Who lives and who dies? Find out in “Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut”. Highly recommended for “Bleach” fans!

DVD TITLE: Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut

DURATION: Episodes 218-229 (300 Minutes)

DVD INFORMATION: 4:3, Bilingual Japanese & English, Subtitles: English

COMPANY: VIZ Media

RATED: 13+

Release Date: December 11, 2012

Originally created by Tite Kubo

Directed by Noriyuki Abe

Music by Shiro Sagisu

Character Design by Masashi Kudo

Art Director: Natsuko Suzuki, Sawako Takagi

Anime Production by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Studio Pierrot

Featuring the following voice talent:

Fumiko Orikasa/Michelle Ruff as Rukia Kuchiki

Masakazu Morita/Johnny Yong Bosch as Ichigo Kurosaki

Hiroki Yasumoto/Jamieson Price as Sado “Chad” Yasutora

Kentarou Itou/Wally Wingert as Abarai Renji

Masakazu Morita/Johnny Yong Bosch as Hollow Ichigo

Noriaki Sugiyama/Derek Stephen Prince as Ishida Uryuu

Satsuki Yukino/Wendee Lee as Shihouin Yoruichi (human form)

Shinichiro Miki/Michael Lindsay as Urahara Kisuke

Yuki Matsuoka/Stephanie Sheh as Inoue Orihime

Kaya Matsutani/Megan Hollingshead as Rangiku Matsumoto

Nobuyuki Hiyama/Vic Mignogna as Ikkaku Madarame

Jun Fukuyama/Brian Beacock as Yumichika Ayasegawa

Romi Paku/Steve Staley as Toshiro Hitsugaya

One hundred and ten years ago in the Soul Society, Kisuke Urahara was appointed captain of Squad Twelve to dissent and controversy. But nine years later, when strange disappearances began taking place in the Rukon District, only Kisuke figured out the identity of the perpetrator. Back in the present, Sosuke Aizen enters the World of the Living on a mission of destruction…

Ichigo and friends are now on a mission to stop the traitorous soul reaper, Sosuke Aizen who along with his army of Arrancars are preparing their plan to destroy the Soul Society and wiping out Karakura Town. Meanwhile, in order to protect Ichigo and her friends, Orihime willingly stays with Aizen’s group but Ichigo and friends will do all they can to save her. Meanwhile, the Thirteen Court Guard Companies head to Karakura.

The battles between the Soul Reapers and King Barragan’s four pillars has begun! The battles consist of Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr, Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Charlotte Chul-Hourne, Madarame Ikkaku vs. Poww and Kira Izuru vs. Abirama.

Also, soul reaper Kira Izuru vs. the bird-like Fracciones named Abirama fight to the death. Meanwhile, Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr takes on King Barragan’s Fracciones Findorr Calius. As Madarame Ikkaku continues to fight Poww, he gets some help from Captain Komamura and Tetsu-Zaemon.

And now King Barragan Luisenbarn has sent his great Fracciones to fight to the death against the soul reapers!

So, what is “Bleach”?

Meanwhile, in the Soul Society, they learn that a traitor was in their midst and it was revealed the traitor was Fifth Division Captain Sosuke Aizen along with Ninth Division Captain Kaname Tosen and Third Division captain Gin Ichimaru.

It was learned that Aizen was experimenting illegally with hundreds of Shinigami and Rukongai in order to create a new powerful Hogokyu (a blue orb that can dissolve the boundaries between shinigami and hollows and allowing one to attain the powers of the other). And for Aizen, his goal is to create the perfect Arrancar.

In season six, Aizen unleashed his army of Arrancars against the Soul Reapers. The Arrancars have the power of the Soul Reaper, have a weapon similar to a Zanpakuto and intelligence beyond a normal hollow. Where a Zanpakuto is a manifestation of owner’s soul, for the Arrancars, it is a manifestation of its former self. And the strongest members of the Arrancar are known as the Espada.

This leads us to the 11th season of “Bleach” in Japan, which was a short season that is a flashback arc that show us the past of Kisuke Urahara and the creation of the Visoreds.

110 years ago, the Soul Society was comprised with different captains. Shinji Hirao was the Fifth Division Captain and working under him was lieutenant Sosuke Aizen. There is news that a new Twelfth Division Captain is being hired and it was recommended by Yoruichi Shihoin that Kisuke Urahara to be the new Captain.

But while Urahara is gifted with mysterious talents, his blunt and loudmouthed liutenant Hiyori Sarugaki is not to happy with his appointment as Captain. Seeing Urahara as lazy and weak, she can’t believe that he is the new Captain and when she goes to attack him, she is shocked that her kicks misses him in the head and so quick, that he makes everyone think that she had hit him perfectly, when in fact, she had missed and then put himself in a position to get kicked afterward.

As Hiori learns from her new Captain, she is taken to the Maggots Nest, a holding area for people who may be too dangerous for the Soul Society. And he explains about the development of the Technological Research Bureau that he had created. Urahara hires a young Mayuri Kurotsuchi to be his second in command at the bureau. Meanwhile, a young boy in the Fifth Division has moved up and his name is Gin Ichimaru, who impresses Aizen with his abilities.

Fast forward nine years later, and there are three shadowed figures watching the Rukongai and many of its citizens begin disappearing. Ninth Division Kensei Muguruma and his group go to investigate and see a gigantic hollow attacking a group of kids, one is a younger Shuhei Hisagi (which answers the question of why grown up Shuhei has numbers on him). Hiyori of the Twelfth Division is also sent to check on the disappearances of the Rukongai citizens.

As the investigation continues through the night, the Ninth Division is slaughtered except Captain Kensei and when he sees his attackers, he is shocked. Their troubling deaths lead the Soul Society to send the the Kido Corps (featuring Captain and Lieutenants of different divisions) to investigate the matter.

But it is quickly revealed when the Kido Corps is dismantled of who the perpetrator is….Aizen, Ichimaru and Tosen. It is learned that Aizen is practicing hollowfication and discovering his motives are Kisuke Urahara and Captain Tessai Tsukabishi. And using his Zanpakuto, is able to make people think that the ones responsible are Kisuke and Tessai.

As the two are shocked by their order of lifetime imprisonment for practicing hollowfication and killing their fellow members of the Soul Society, Yoruichi manages to break both men out of the area but also taking the bodies of the hollowfied Kido Corps to a special area. And Urahara’s new goal is to find a way to undo the hollowfication.

And now, taking us to present time, where the members of the Kido Corps have now become Visored (Vizard), Soul Reapers who have obtained hollow powers.

This storyline then transitions to Season 12 known as part four of the “Arrancar Battle”. A storyline which continues to showcase the Soul Reapers vs. the Arrancars and Aizen’s goal to use Karakura to invade and destroy the Soul Society.

In “Bleach DVD Set Fifteen”, the story focuses on the battle between the Soul Reapers and King Barragan’s four pillars. The battles consist of Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr, Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Charlotte Chul-Hourne, Madarame Ikkaku vs. Poww and Kira Izuru vs. Abirama.

Meanwhile, Tenth Division’s Rangiku and Fifth Division’s Momo Hinamori must take on Fraccion’s Cyan Sung-Sun, Franceska Mila Rose and Emilou Apacci. And Eighth Division’s Shunsui Kyoraku takes on the Espada Coyote Starrk.

But as these battles continue, the Espada’s are known for their resurrection technique and can continue to respawn. With the tides turning against the Soul Reapers, it’s time for Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto of First Division to engage in battle!

The main characters of “Bleach” are:

Ichigo Kurosaki – The main protagonist. A teenager who becomes a substitute soul reaper after absorbing Rukia’s powers. Accepting his new powers and wanting to protect everyone around him. Ichiro manages to grow in power with every battle he gets involved in.
Rukia Kuchiki – A Soul Reaper who transferred her spiritual power to Ichigo.
Orihime Inoue – A longtime classmate of Ichigo who is very caring and manages to develop her spiritual awareness and after her brother is killed by a hollow, she has managed to grow in power which is tied to a hairpin that her brother had given her.
Yasutora “Chad” Sado – A friend of Ichigo and very quiet. Developed a sense of seeing hollows and eventually gaining a power of strength and a right arm that is literally a weapon to fight against hollows.
Uryu Ishida - A classmate of Ichigo and a descendant of a priest group that hunted hollows known as Quincy. Earlier on, Uryu was a rival of Ichigo due to his hatred towards the Soul Reapers and eventually becomes friends with him.
Kon – A modsoul who’s life soul is put into a stuffed lion. When Ichigo is a Soul Reaper, Kon takes over Ichigo’s body, so no one including Ichigo’s family knows that Ichiro is actually not there. Mostly a comedy-driven character known for his perverseness and always complaining about something.
Kisuke Urahara – Owner of the Urahara shop and a former captain of the 12th Division in the Soul Society. He caught Aizen converting Soul Reapers to Visoreds but before he can save them, Aizen framed him for the crimes and Urahara fled to the real world.
Yoruichi Shihoin – An old friend of Kisuke Urahara who can turn into a black cat. She is the former captain of the 2nd Division and former Commander in Chief of the Secret Mobile Corps.
Renji Abarai – Lt. of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13 under Captain Byakuya Kuchiki. Known to be cocky about his skills, Renji cares deeply for Rukia and thus the reason why he is seen with Ichigo and friends.

VIDEO:

For a TV series, especially knowing how in Japan, many of these studios tend to crank them out because they have other deadlines taking on other series, “Bleach” continues to look very good.

As for picture quality, of course on DVD, you are going to see some softness, banding and edge enhancement but for the most part, picture quality is very good on DVD.

AUDIO & SUBTITLES:

“Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut” is presented in stereo English and Japanese. Both dialogue tracks are clear and understandable. For those with a modern receiver may want to set their setting to stereo on all channels for a more immersive soundtrack.

Subtitles are in English.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

“Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut” comes with the following special features:

Production Art – Using your remote, you can view “Bleach” production art.
Clean Ending – The clean ending theme.
Omake – The ending omake for episodes 218-229.

For longtime “Bleach” fans, “Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut” is a significant volume as it finally features the battles between the best vs. the best. King Barragan Luisenbarn has sent his great Fracciones to fight to the death against the soul reapers! And there are significant injuries that take place in these episodes that I can’t say anything else without spoiling the story.

But this volume pretty much focuses on the battles which consist of Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr, Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Charlotte Chul-Hourne, Madarame Ikkaku vs. Poww and Kira Izuru vs. Abirama. Soul reaper Kira Izuru vs. the bird-like Fracciones named Abirama fight to the death. Meanwhile, Assistant Captain, Ninth Company Shuhei Hisagi vs. Findorr takes on King Barragan’s Fracciones Findorr Calius.

But with these crazy battles, expect to see some surprises as certain characters may not be the same after their battle. Pretty much an all-out battle to the death, who survives and who dies? Definitely an exciting volume!

With that being said, these episodes close out the season (which is season 12 in Japan) and as episodes 218-226 focus on the battle between the soul reapers and Fracciones, the final three episodes of the season are filler. But actually, a bit hilarious as the series takes a break from the action and features a story about Rukia going to the world of the living for the first time, what happens when the Soul Reapers head to the ocean in the world of the living for some R&R and closing out with Ikkaku and Yumichika traveling to Karakura Town, where they stay with Keigo and his sister Mizuho Asano, who falls for Ikkaku.

Unfortunately, the battles between the Soul Reapers and Arrancar was delayed as the anime series had to allow mangaka Tite Kubo to complete more manga issues and to feature how these battles would end. So, expect DVD Set Sixteen and Seventeen (Season 13) to feature episodes that were not in the manga series. While possibly by DVD Set Eighteen to return back to the battle between Soul Reapers and the Arrancar army.

But for “Bleach DVD Set Fifteen”, this is one volume that is pretty much all action. And this is probably one of the better fight scenes in the anime series so far as we get to see the Soul Reapers take on their most difficult opponents yet. While fans of Ichigo and friends may not see him as much, his role and battle will be coming soon, but for now, it’s about the Soul Reaper captains and lieutenants engaging in battle. While there are a few filler episodes in this volume, fortunately the filler episodes are fun to watch.

Overall, “Bleach DVD Set Fifteen – Original and Uncut” is an action-packed and will be a highly enjoyable volume for “Bleach” fans. Soul Reapers vs. Arrancars in the battle to the death! Who will survive this epic battle?

Recommended for “Bleach” fans!

Filed Under: Anime on DVD