Bleach

[Windúril]

It's odd that there's no thread over this, at least to me, because this is becoming one of the most popular manga right now, and I think I even saw someone's sig claiming he was AA's numero uno fan via Bleach. Anyway...

I've heard so many mixed opinions about this manga. Some people rank it as one of the best they've ever read, others don't like the characters, story, etc. Some compare it to manga like Yu Yu Hakusho and Hunter X Hunter, others don't think it's comparable to anything. If you've read it, love it, hate it, or plain don't know what it is, please post comments and questions here.

[Tremolo]

There have been some earlier Bleach threads, but they sort of sucked. Yours is one of the few where the thread starter actually uses capital letters and grammar! Tamashii's one was really good though: http://animeacademy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15972

Anyway, Bleach is fantastic. I love the characters, the quirky humour, the fact that it's all so modern and stylish and all the nice shounen plot twists. I'd recommend it to anyone. Only the manga though - the anime is proving to be slightly disappointing.

[shadowflamedx]

djudge is the person your talking about. I am a bleach fan. I have all the english manga volumes. English one seems weird though with americanizing it and all. O yeah ichigo rocks!!!

[Tatumaru]

I havn't finished it. I'm currently following the SJ volumes. So far, I like it. I do have to admit, the whole Shinigami thing is similar to YYH, but not completely.

[Windúril]

There have been some earlier Bleach threads, but they sort of sucked. Yours is one of the few where the thread starter actually uses capital letters and grammar! Tamashii's one was really good though: http://animeacademy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15972

Anyway, Bleach is fantastic. I love the characters, the quirky humour, the fact that it's all so modern and stylish and all the nice shounen plot twists. I'd recommend it to anyone. Only the manga though - the anime is proving to be slightly disappointing.

Ah my bad...I went through the two pages of the forum and didn't see any threads with it.

Actually, I was really neutral about this manga until Volume 8, "The Blade And Me". I didn't really feel any of the characters were well fleshed out, mostly because large chunks of their backgrounds were missing except for maybe one or two important incidents. Incidently, Urahara who was the only character I liked at the time was the major catalyst (er...at least to ME) concerning the transformation of this manga from an ok one to a decent one. Then around Volume 11, with Renji (yet another good character) it transformed the manga from a decent one to an addictive one. Volume 13 really was la creme de la creme, though. I think the fight between Ichigo and Kenpachi was one of the best I've seen in any anime or manga. Recently though, I was starting to get disappointed again, until I read Chapter 143, "Parthian Shaft". That is...well...perhaps the single best emotionally uprising chapter I've ever read. The last 8 pages are so beautiful I couldn't sit down because I was beginning to shake with excitement. So yea, where it stands now, Bleach is really one of the best manga I've ever read, and I hope it continues to get better, to the point where it can have those emotional moments (like Naruto) quite a few times.

[Tremolo]

Ah my bad...I went through the two pages of the forum and didn't see any threads with it.

Don't worry, they were all pretty old anyway - people get far more pissy here about reviving old threads then starting new ones, sometimes anyway! :D

Bleach really hooked me from the get go - I just sort of dug it from the start. I think it really kicked off in volume 6 with the Soul Society arc. I haven't got up to volume 13 yet (too damn lazy), but from what you've said I'm really looking forward to it.

[Windúril]

Oh yea that is far and away one of the coolest fights ever. Kenpachi is a total badass for one thing, and then the fight goes through quite a few twists. The end is very climatic and well done.

[Djudge86]

Heh, sorry for the bravado, but I'm just another addicted fan like you Windúril. But honest to god, I've pretty much established myself as a person that's probably read the series a little TOO much (as evidenced by my activities on www.bleachforums.com where I provide some in-depth plot analysis for primarily the manga) XD.

Anyway, I definitely share your sentiments on how the plot really comes together in the later volumes (for me, it definitely started towards the end of v6). The first and second halves of the current amount of content in Bleach are very much night and day in many different regards. The story begins to become less and less a generic "beat-em-up" shounen title and starts to hint at elements of storylines involving subterfuge and conspiracy easily building up at times to something similar to what Naoki Urusawa can write up (the mangaka responsible for "Monster" and "20th Century Boys"). The artwork, needless to say for a long-running manga, also picks up the pace as Kubo's artwork evolves from the slanted, angled, and waif-look apparent in "Zombie Powder" to the current edgy and well-defined character models of contemporary "Bleach." However, "Bleach's" true strength lies in Kubo Tite's ability to juggle such a large cast with relative ease. He allows so many characters with dynamic personalities to each play a significant role in the current arc (which is still running at 7+ volumes of tankouban). Rarely before have I ever been actively interested in reading about so many personalities and actually connecting to them on any given level.

Eventually, as you said Windúril, the heated frenzy reaches a breaking point in v13 with a series of chapters that was just pure gold. I don't know how far you are in the manga, but ever since then, I'd been hooked just enough to renew a subscription for Weekly Jump just to get my fix in print.

As of this week, c163 is yet to published, but I feel that the end of this arc may be coming soon (if not, we're probably 2/3 of the way through it) and there is STILL no stutter in the breakneck pace that this manga is zooming through showing the perspectives of around 3 different events simultaneously (well, maybe except for an event concerning Renji; if you're following the scanlation community you know what I'm talking about in c150 --- what a cop-out -_-;).

BTW, comparisons with "YYH" I can definitely see. But "HxH"? I really don't buy that seeing as how I've read both and consider "Bleach" to be several echelons above Togashi's latest work (if that's what you could call its current disjointed plot and poorly drawn art).

PS: Anyone know when the next Weekly Jump comes out? Last week's was a double issue and the layover week's gone by, so I'm guessing this Monday? Anyway, for those of you who nab the Japanese vols, there's an alternate cover for v15 in Jump #3-4. Hella looks better than having a depressed Izuru in the front.

[Kagome654]

Sadly I've fallen behind in Bleach at chapter....140? I just kind find it anymore, which is really sad as I adore the series. Though it CAN easily be compared to any other shonen anime of its style, it has the same cliches and Dues Ex Machina that abound in other SJ work. However in some cases it does it better, so much Bleach love over here. Now if only I could find more scanlations...

[Junko]

This sucks, I cant read Japanese and if I could I wouldnt be able to buy the Japanese books anyway. You lucky fools... I've only read through volume 3...

[ShonenPunkMariz]

I'm just reading the SJ mangas right now. Just picked up vol. 4 last week.

[Djudge86]

Well if you're apt to read on about what's going on in Bleach and can't read Japanese/find scans, go to soulsociety.colorwalk.net and look up their translations archive. I'm sure that the administrator of that sites LiveJournal (www.livejournal.com/community/soul_society) had quite a few volumes done and you can go ahead and start up there. Otherwise... wait for Viz to get caught up...

[Windúril]

Heh, sorry for the bravado, but I'm just another addicted fan like you Windúril. But honest to god, I've pretty much established myself as a person that's probably read the series a little TOO much (as evidenced by my activities on www.bleachforums.com where I provide some in-depth plot analysis for primarily the manga) XD.

Anyway, I definitely share your sentiments on how the plot really comes together in the later volumes (for me, it definitely started towards the end of v6). The first and second halves of the current amount of content in Bleach are very much night and day in many different regards. The story begins to become less and less a generic "beat-em-up" shounen title and starts to hint at elements of storylines involving subterfuge and conspiracy easily building up at times to something similar to what Naoki Urusawa can write up (the mangaka responsible for "Monster" and "20th Century Boys"). The artwork, needless to say for a long-running manga, also picks up the pace as Kubo's artwork evolves from the slanted, angled, and waif-look apparent in "Zombie Powder" to the current edgy and well-defined character models of contemporary "Bleach." However, "Bleach's" true strength lies in Kubo Tite's ability to juggle such a large cast with relative ease. He allows so many characters with dynamic personalities to each play a significant role in the current arc (which is still running at 7+ volumes of tankouban). Rarely before have I ever been actively interested in reading about so many personalities and actually connecting to them on any given level.

Definitely agreed. I rarely see art as well drawn as this in a manga, and I also can see the change your talking about from the angled drawing to the more defined way Kubo Tite is using now. A lot of the chapters are so gorgeous I have a hard time figuring out how he can draw so many beautiful pictures every week.

Eventually, as you said Windúril, the heated frenzy reaches a breaking point in v13 with a series of chapters that was just pure gold. I don't know how far you are in the manga, but ever since then, I'd been hooked just enough to renew a subscription for Weekly Jump just to get my fix in print.

As of this week, c163 is yet to published, but I feel that the end of this arc may be coming soon (if not, we're probably 2/3 of the way through it) and there is STILL no stutter in the breakneck pace that this manga is zooming through showing the perspectives of around 3 different events simultaneously (well, maybe except for an event concerning Renji; if you're following the scanlation community you know what I'm talking about in c150 --- what a cop-out -_-;).

I'm up to 149, though I have access to raws up to 155. The problem is I don't like reading raws because it ruins some of the effect for me if I see the scene happen but without words to accompany it. A good example would be having your favorite scene in a movie of all time getting played without sound. As a result it loses its luster. If you have translated copies though past 149 I'd be extremely happy to know where you're getting it from. Ehhh unfortunately I don't know what got copped-out in 150 yet....argh it sucks that it's one chapter in front of me and I can't offer an opinion.

BTW, comparisons with "YYH" I can definitely see. But "HxH"? I really don't buy that seeing as how I've read both and consider "Bleach" to be several echelons above Togashi's latest work (if that's what you could call its current disjointed plot and poorly drawn art).

Well that was merely opinions I had heard. I don't particularily think YYH or HxH is better than Bleach, and the similarities between YYH and Bleach are few in number and mostly only in the beginning.

PS: Anyone know when the next Weekly Jump comes out? Last week's was a double issue and the layover week's gone by, so I'm guessing this Monday? Anyway, for those of you who nab the Japanese vols, there's an alternate cover for v15 in Jump #3-4. Hella looks better than having a depressed Izuru in the front.

All I know is December and January are a mess for Jump because many of the manga have a lot of double issues for holidays and break time.

[DarkKanti]

I got and read upto volume two. It's pretty good. It seems a bit overrated though.

[Kagome654]

You know what word I've grown to hate? 'Overrated.' It seems that to some people something, be it manga, anime, book or tv series, cannot be popular AND good. Seems to me lately that to be respected in an entertainment medium you have to be a cult classic. I mean, every time I hear something like Bleach mentioned the word 'overrated' comes up a few moments later. Sometimes people seem to use it just because they don't like it. I mean overrated has little to do with your personal preference for something, rather how its viewed in the community as a whole. I mean Bleach really isn't that popular, especially when compared to something like FMA, Naruto or One Piece. Let me put it this way, I didn't fall in love with FMA like most people did. I thought it was alright, but I wasn't waiting for a new episode of it every week all pins and needles like I do some series. So when I saw score after score of people going on and on (and on!) about how great it was my visceral response was to hiss 'overrated.' The truth of the matter though is that FMA, while not my personal cup of tea, DOES deserve much of the praise ir gets. I think the same goes for Bleach.

Er, this outburst wasn't directed at you, DarkKanti, you certainly are entitled to your opinions. I really need to seek therapy to learn to control these pointless and misdirected rants :soapbox:

All that being said, my sister is getting some more chapters for me so I will at last get to see how Renji does in his fight against Rukia's brother.

[I_am_I]

Eh, I'd say the word "overrated" applies for anything that people who have seen it (regardless of numbers) say is fantastic and turns out not to be that great. And the first time I read Bleach, the word "overrated" definitely came to mind. It seemed like Yu Yu Hakusho with more interesting art. However, I've started to really get into it after reading book 4. It's still not a favorite, but the story seems to be picking up. I plan to read more.

[Tamashii]

Bleach nearly lost my complete interest after I saw the anime. I basically gave up on that but I just downloaded the most recent manga chapters, but I'm probably not going to read it for a while. I don't know, shinigamis, orange-haired teenagers, crazy weapons, and pretty character designs aren't so appealing lately... and neither is manga in general... I guess I got to lay off this Japanese music stuff ^^.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

I really like Bleach its a really good anime/manga. i dont know if its comparable to YYH and HxH but its up there with some of my best. the sarcastic wit or Ichigo, Rukia's constant quirky dialogues in her newly learned language, the great story, the constant pop culture and rock references of their t-shirts. i havent read much cuz i havent been able to get much from my friends or from the store (due to lack of moneys) so the anime has almost caught up to where i finished reading uptil.

[Lex]

You know what word I've grown to hate? 'Overrated.' It seems that to some people something, be it manga, anime, book or tv series, cannot be popular AND good. Seems to me lately that to be respected in an entertainment medium you have to be a cult classic. I mean, every time I hear something like Bleach mentioned the word 'overrated' comes up a few moments later. Sometimes people seem to use it just because they don't like it. I mean overrated has little to do with your personal preference for something, rather how its viewed in the community as a whole. I mean Bleach really isn't that popular, especially when compared to something like FMA, Naruto or One Piece. Let me put it this way, I didn't fall in love with FMA like most people did. I thought it was alright, but I wasn't waiting for a new episode of it every week all pins and needles like I do some series. So when I saw score after score of people going on and on (and on!) about how great it was my visceral response was to hiss 'overrated.' The truth of the matter though is that FMA, while not my personal cup of tea, DOES deserve much of the praise ir gets. I think the same goes for Bleach.

:tup: I heartily endorse this product and/or service. :tup:


While I'm not sure if Bleach can compare to something like FMA, I'm pretty sure my dislike of the (Bleach) series stems from personal preferences clashing with what is shown than an objective, quantifiable lack of quality inherent to the show.

Nevertheless, I'm going to try and track down the manga, as it seems the general consensus on the board is that the anime is doing a severe injustice to the manga. If, however, the manga ends up being more of the same disappointment, y'all are going to hear from me.

[Tremolo]

While I'm not sure if Bleach can compare to something like FMA, I'm pretty sure my dislike of the (Bleach) series stems from personal preferences clashing with what is shown than an objective, quantifiable lack of quality inherent to the show.

Nevertheless, I'm going to try and track down the manga, as it seems the general consensus on the board is that the anime is doing a severe injustice to the manga. If, however, the manga ends up being more of the same disappointment, y'all are going to hear from me.

The anime is without a doubt highly inferior to the manga. At every possible oppurtunity it manages to screw up - the whole Grand Fisher arc was ruined by the anime, not to mention the fact that the humour just doesn't work nearly as well as it does in the manga. It lacks Tite Kubo's quirky humour which makes me enjoy the manga so much, replacing it with more boring super deformed humour which doesn't work nearly as well. Sure, the manga has its super deformed moments, but it just works better. I can't really describe it.

Sometimes the anime is cool, sometimes. They've handled the arrival of Ishida (my favourite character) very well, and his power looks far cooler in the anime. Kon is done well. As is Urahara, Karin and Ichigo's father. But that's about it really. The anime character designs are not a patch on those of the manga either.

Basically, the Bleach manga is the anime done right and I'd recommend it to anyone.

[Windúril]

I just read manga~rain's chapter 150 release. I'm not sure if I should've. The ending was unbelievably awesome, but after taking so long to translate from 149 to 150, I don't know if I can stand to wait a 151, especially when I go around boards like these and have fellow Bleach fans stating how awesome 151 is.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

i have no clue on how to get the manga chapters, so im stuck at like chapter 50 smth T_T yeah im far far behind on the manga. ive read uptil where both chad and orihime get their powers and are going off to train .. or smth

[aburame shino]

i found a website where i could read any manga requested.
bleach was there and im currently reading chapter 41 as we speak(january 5 2005 8:12)!! this thread is like the perfect, "come here if you wanna talk bleach" because i do!! i bought all 4 SJ GN's that are out so far. they dont release them fast enough, so i found the website!

i wish i could tell you guys the site, but...then theres rules!
especially you, wolfwoods ghost...you have to be in agony(considering the crying 'smily' you inserted)

[Windúril]

So wait...you just type in a chapter you want, and somebody will upload/send it for you?

[Elric]

I only read a few chapters so.......................


No comment yet.

[Lex]

I only read a few chapters so.......................


No comment yet.

:migrane:

Why, oh why do people do this...

[Aikawa Aoi]

At first I not really like manga Bleach coz in the earlier chapter the drawing is not that good. But the drawing is getting better and better as the stories goes.
And yes!! The manga I think is BETTER than the Anime.

Just for information, in Japan Bleach already reached 15th volume.

[Windúril]

At first I not really like manga Bleach coz in the earlier chapter the drawing is not that good. But the drawing is getting better and better as the stories goes.
And yes!! The manga I think is BETTER than the Anime.

Just for information, in Japan Bleach already reached 15th volume.

Do you have a URL that shows the cover for Volume 15?

[Tremolo]

I only read a few chapters so.......................


No comment yet.

But what did you think of the those few chapters Elric-chan?

Do you have a URL that shows the cover for Volume 15?

Yup. http://www.j-bleach.com/

[Windúril]

Thanks. When I download the manga I save them in folders that are setup like the volumes and I like to have the icon as the volume cover.

[Yokuhiro]

Bleach is ok...but i believe it gets boring at times. A good manga but from the manga i have read its at the bottom of my list,(besides Oh My Goddess, and Inuyasha).

[Judeau]

Bleach is a manga that I've kind of lost touch with just because of the lack of English to go around. Manga Rain sets a "blazing" pace with their releases and I'm still waiting for them to catch up. On the manga, I loved this manga for it's roller coaster like feeling, while not dropping plot elements along the way. Though it started out rather cliche it breaks free of it's "monster of the week" feel and runs from there. The characters (even the ones that aren't important, pointing to Shiba) all are layed out, even introducing new ones into the mix, but not leaving them unfinished. Hopefully we'll get more english soon.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

ive finally gotten around to reading the manga thanks to windúril and im glad i did. i like the manga and the series, the Grand Fisher arc could have been better but it was alrite. im upto ch 150 and i cant wait till i find 151. its pretty good, i dont have anything bad against it, except that with all the battles that keep happening it could seriously lengthen the series if each battle were to get atleast 2 eps.

[Djudge86]

Man, if you guys think that there's enough plot to last quite some time, just watch and count the number of perspectives this story branches off to once everything settles down after Ichigo's reappearance. MORE people take sides and MORE vendettas begin to take shape as MORE of the 13 Divisions begin taking up arms. I simply couldn't wait for scans to come out so I just jumpstarted my rusty Japanese and decided to take up reading Weekly Jump again.

As the number of translated Bleach chapters increases, the bigger the chance of a dedicated thread here on the AA manga boards. Which I think is a bit overdue, considering the lack of attention that this series seems to be getting like Windúril said.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

i know what u mean when ur talking about vendettas and stuff, i cant even remember the names of all the people hes met, other than Renji, Byakuya and Ganjyu o-0??? soooo many people @_@ but its amazing tho, especially Ishida's fight against the freaky captain who i seriously dislike

[Windúril]

Kurotsuchi Mayuri. I remember it perfectly cuz of that kickass picture of when he let his spiritual pressure smother down on Ishida and Inoue while introducing himself. He was pretty entertaining, though he was one sick MFer.

Manga7 released chapters 151-153. It's great to have and hold over till manga-rain releases them.

[loner]

I don't think Bleach is overrated, it's a great manga. The sarcastic and witty dialogue and humor was the main draw at first, but now the plot is really getting interesting. I dunno about the comparisons with HXH and YYH, but I think Bleach has more style than those two.

As for the anime, I shall rest my case until they reach the Soul Society arc. However, I'm very disappointed that the humor which made the manga great for me is missing. I'm not expecting the same jokes to be translated onscreen, but it just lack the manga's flair. Still, recent episodes have picked up a bit of slack, so maybe it will turn good after all.

And finally, Kon is your master. We are all not worthy of Kon.

[Judeau]

So Bleach has regained my attention, or truely I decided that I begin reading it again. I think it is pretty awesome how this series continues to highten and hope that they can bring it back down. I don't know how far everyone else is so I can't really discuss but instead of making all the fights going on that exclude the main characters just filler fights, Kubo Tite has put meaning into them, they are enjoyable for more than just visual and it's pretty captivating. Anyway I really have no idea when it will end now especially with the end of 165, finally old friends are brought back kinda, so it should be great.

[Shadowmage]

Hmmm I'm waiting for the bleach anime to catch up to the manga. I've read Bleach up to around the hundreth chapter.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

ive reached about the 152nd chapter and cant wait to see what the anime looks like. the sarcasm and amazing social and pop culture references that are thrown in. the anime has sorta picked up the wit of the manga, so its getting better. i think its very well done still ... but still not as good as HxH (anime-wise) for me yet. only time will tell ...

[Benny_]

166 raw out. Looks like Byakuya vs Ichigo is finally about to finish. Quite frankly I have no idea what to expect after this.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

got 162 last night, waiting for 163+ but it looks kickass ... tho i want to see more of Chad, Ishida and Orihime!!! which i dont think i will see till 170. at the Genryusai-sensei fight O_O that man is friggin crazy O_O

[Kei]

Chad and Kon > You.

That is all.

~Kei

[Judeau]

166 was pretty awesome. The end of 165 was a good spark, and 166 was a good time. There are still so many people that are integral to the story here that are still just biding time so this is looking like it might take a while to finish up.

[Junko]

ya know...I have mixed feelings about this one..

Out where I live manga is VERY popular (not anime mind you) and Bleach certainly isnt any where near short of being in the spotlight.

I loved reading it but it seems like everytime I get the next volume and read it 50,000,000,000 ppl have to come up and go

"OMG you got Bleach, can I read it when your done! Ichigo is so fsking cool! He like, has a sword!"

ARRGH I wanna kill them! :_insane:

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

yeah those kind of poseurs are always around. some guy was saying that DBZ was better than bleach, dont worry he got a talking to from the owner (sucker!!!) and a near beat-down from me =_=

[Kagome654]

Well, it's kind of a subjective matter of opinion if DBZ is better than Bleach, isn't it? Though I have a friend on another message board that insists that DBZ is better than everything (Bleach, Naruto, DeathNote, Monster) without even SEEING them...yay.

Yay, managed to get to chapter 75, I'm very...slowly...catching....up....*weeps*

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

that was the first time that guy had heard of bleach, he read it in the store. still subjective or not looking at the two of them story-wise and thru different criteria its easy to see bleach is the better anime. and personally i mean come on its DBZ -_- =P oh well he has his freedom of speech, i have my freedom of expression *cracks knuckles*

[Kagome654]

Yay, I'm up to chapter 162, go me ( I was actually up to chapter 157 last time, I made a typo I'm too lazy to fix)

Hm, well, I suppose it depends on what toy're looking for in a manga, I mean Bleach is similar to DBZ in structure and character types, but then most shonen manga are, but I agree that Bleach is the better anime simply because I think it's better at getting an emotional response.

[Judeau]

Bleach has a plot, enough said about Bleach and DBZ. But chapter 162 eh, what an awesome chapter. Don't wanna spoil it for anyone but all I can say is the last page of that chapter (especially because it's in full color) was just awesome. Though the story is still hightening and continues to through 166, though some questions should be answered in 167/8 man I can't wait.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

ive only read upto 162 and i agree, that full colour page was awesome!!!! waiting for 163 T_T

[TasukiGODofFIRE]

I read bleach but I wouldn't say its great. Mainly its just the same thing we've all seen countless times in shounen just in heaven. Don't get me wrong I like the formula otherwise I wouldn't read it but I wouldn't hold it to higher standards than anything else.

[aburame shino]

I read bleach but I wouldn't say its great. Mainly its just the same thing we've all seen countless times in shounen just in heaven. Don't get me wrong I like the formula otherwise I wouldn't read it but I wouldn't hold it to higher standards than anything else.


sou desu nee...
so what would you hold to higher standards than, bub?
it is certainly a remarkable and comendable manga and it IS better than DBZ!!!

that guy must be :newbie: for not knowing much manga and anime!!!
i can say something because i've been into the whole japanese thing almost my entire life!!! boku wa 15 sai desu!!

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

well for those who are reading the manga, what is up with the new twists and turns?? i think there are one too many plot twists for its own good, tho it still does surprise the hell outta you

[Kei]

Spoilers for those who haven't read the latest chapters.


This arc really peaked with the Kuchiki vs Ichigo fight. The last few chapters with Aizen have been interesting in some ways, but the sudden appearence of everyone is getting a bit lame. Aizen about to cut down Rukia and Renji? Ichigo appears at the last moment. Gin about to "shoot 'em dead" with shinsou? Byakuya shows up at the last moment.

I honestly hope they finish Aizen's story soon.

~Kei

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

semi-spoilers below

yeah i agree, the new *poof im here* thing is getting lame. i wonder how byakuya is gonna do tho, i mean he is badly wounded and aizen looks insanely strong. thats one helluva ban-kai its been hypnotizing them for all these years, i wonder if i could use it on my professors =P

[Junko]

I had been following alond with the english books but I'm taking a hiatus until the hype dies alittle and it isnt such a big deal

"OMFG JUNKO HAS BLEACH VOLUME 6!" *Junko hides under desk avoiding annoying school otaku who think bleach is god*

[Kei]

semi-spoilers below

yeah i agree, the new *poof im here* thing is getting lame. i wonder how byakuya is gonna do tho, i mean he is badly wounded and aizen looks insanely strong. thats one helluva ban-kai its been hypnotizing them for all these years, i wonder if i could use it on my professors =P



The best part is, is that we don't even know if Aizen is using his Bankai yet. Also, I assume Byakuya is going to get wrecked, seeing as Ichigo broke his sword a few issues back during their fight. I think the only hope for the group is that Hollow-Ichigo comes back out again.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

isnt the hypnotism thing his ban-kai? or is that just his ability? becuz from what i gathered, the hypnotism ability is his ban-kai .... or i could be wrong ... im gonna go back and read it again =P

[flclluva_123]

it odd how noobs do not know how to search i made a bleach forum look search u think it is there to be shiny

[Tremolo]

it odd how noobs do not know how to search i made a bleach forum look search u think it is there to be shiny

Oh shut up.


I'm behind on Bleach :( I'm reading too many series right now to keep track on, but it really does get better and better with each chapter and shows just how mediocre the anime is in comparison.

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

[QUOTE=Kagome654]Well, it's kind of a subjective matter of opinion if DBZ is better than Bleach, isn't it? Though I have a friend on another message board that insists that DBZ is better than everything (Bleach, Naruto, DeathNote, Monster) without even SEEING them...yay.

I know how you feel, I have a friend just like that. He insists that DBZ is the greatest, which it obviously is NOT. About the fact that it is opinion whether or not DBZ is better than Bleach, I'm saying that Bleach is obviously better.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

having a subjective opinion is good and all, but if it doesnt fit with reality whats the point? plus theres almost a universal majority that says DBZ sucks and that Bleach would be better, so ppl and friends like that i tend to lay a good smack down on =P verbally that is

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

Well, anyways, DBZ sucks majorly, Bleach rules! Rukia is awsome! Orihime is a tard, hahaha!

[Kei]

Bringing back the Bleach Manga thread from a while ago, since what I have to talk about is from the manga! Spoilers hooooo

Madarame Ikkaku is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I absolutly love his fighting style, not to mention his big secret at the end of chapter 204. "You better watch closely...and don't tell a ****ing soul!" Fantastic.

~Kei

[lompton x]

Yes I adore bleach it's my second favorite manga right now (after Reservoir Cronicle Tsubasa)
Sadly I've only read up till the end of volume 4 (delays to gain a little ground on Tsubasa)
I'm going to get volume 5 of bleach today (along with volume 5 of you guesed it, Tsubasa)

[Dirty Harry]

Ugh... I've read up to chapter 180. It so good. And so much easier than waiting for those damned anime episodes. Manga is a blessing. ^____^

Although... the manga and anime are sarting to run together in my mind. O_O

Ok, got it now. So yeah, although I dig the manga being beyond the anime and all, giving me all these things it would take forever to get from the anime, I still can't wait to see most of this stuff animated. And the music!? Oh yes. I always listen to some Bleach music while I read.

Now to hunt down those other 24 chapters!

[DarkKanti]

Bringing back the Bleach Manga thread from a while ago, since what I have to talk about is from the manga! Spoilers hooooo

Madarame Ikkaku is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I absolutly love his fighting style, not to mention his big secret at the end of chapter 204. "You better watch closely...and don't tell a ****ing soul!" Fantastic.

~Kei

Ikkaku was really cool in those last two chapters. I really like his ban kai, but I'm a bit not exactly sure why he wants to keep it a secret. Is it because his Captain, Zaraki, doesn't even know the name of his sword? Anyways, I can't wait for the conclusion of the battle in the next chapter.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Ikkaku was really cool in those last two chapters. I really like his ban kai, but I'm a bit not exactly sure why he wants to keep it a secret. Is it because his Captain, Zaraki, doesn't even know the name of his sword? Anyways, I can't wait for the conclusion of the battle in the next chapter.
You find out why he keeps it a secret next chapter and it was just as I had suspected. Its the mentality of guys like Zaraki and Ikkaku that make this division one of my faves. The bleach manga is far better than the anime if only because it doesn't need to fill-out and delay. I'm predicting a small season of filler eps in the anime after this current arc.

[DarkKanti]

Chapter 206
Awesome chapter. I loved looking at Ikkaku and Kenpachi's past. Of course, I'm not so sure it was luck that made it so the other guy was unable to finish Ikkaku off or the fact that Ikkaku wounded him so badly. Anyways, Renji and Hitsugaya both seem to be having trouble in their indivual fights.

[Kei]

Yeah, I liked Ikkaku's responce to Renji's request in the flashback. Really says alot about his loyalty to his division. A good man, that Ikkaku is.


~Kei

[Tremolo]

One thing I'd like to clear up for DirtyHarry's sake.

HINAMORI DIES AND DOES NOT COME BACK. AMIRITE?!

[Kei]

Mode: Genocide.


Thats all I'm going to say.


Ok, I lied, I'm also going to say "HOLY SHIT".

~Kei

[DarkKanti]

Chapter 208
Damn, the Shinigami are getting there asses kicked. Hitsugaya, who is probably one of the weaker captains because of his age, looks to be at the end of his rope. I'm guessing he'll lose this battle and then power up dramatically before his next fight. He needs it. Hell, just about everybody needs to be a little bit stronger if they're going to fight on the same level as the Arrancar.

[Kei]

20 bucks says just the opposite happens to what the Arrancar stated. I bet his Ban Kai gets a massive powerup after the last petal dissolves, not the otherway around.


~Kei

[DarkKanti]

20 bucks says just the opposite happens to what the Arrancar stated. I bet his Ban Kai gets a massive powerup after the last petal dissolves, not the otherway around.


~Kei

I was actually thinking the same thing, but Hitsugaya's face tells otherwise. He looked too worried (or at least I thought he did). But, hell, just for shits and giggles, I'll take your bet (although not for twenty bucks, I'm poor enough as it is).

[General Suburbia]

One thing I'd like to clear up for DirtyHarry's sake.

HINAMORI DIES AND DOES NOT COME BACK. AMIRITE?!
Last time I saw her she was in some kind of life-sustaining bed being force fed oxygen. And if what I saw didn't decieve me, that to me is the weakest part of the Bleach manga: nothing really happens. After all of the fighting in Soul Society, after all the betrayal and deadly attacks and surprising twists and super-powered bankais and severed limbs, everything pretty much goes back to normal. By normal, I mean no one dies. No one. The writer for this thing obviously loves every single one of his characters, he REFUSES to kill anyone.

Or maybe he just doesn't want to explain what happens when an already dead person dies. That may be it.

[Kei]

Thats shounen anime/manga for you. Most of the time, main characters don't die, and if they do, they get wished back with dragonballs.


~Kei

[Neith]

Yep...and besides, I wouldn't really want anyone to die in this anyway because more or less all of the characters in Bleach have been written down to be cool. :>

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

20 bucks says just the opposite happens to what the Arrancar stated. I bet his Ban Kai gets a massive powerup after the last petal dissolves, not the otherway around.


~Kei
I thought the same thing, but it seems we wont find out until another time.
Did anyone else laugh when "Lift the Limit" came up?

[Kagome654]

Sorry to get a little offtopic, but am I the only one being really turned off by the non stop fighting? I mean the last twenty chapters almost have been nothing but fighting and since I'm not overly fond of how the manga-ka draws action I'm not really that interested in what's going on right now. There are a lot of open ended issues in Bleach that need to be resolved and I think that could be best solved by taking a few chapters to explain a few things and advance the plot. What I love about Bleach is the character designs (and fun character designs are still there, I want to see more Grimjaw...) and the humour, not fight after fight...

Er, not to be too negative. I still enjoy Bleach, but all the fighting is making me want to curl up into a little ball.

[Kei]

I'm sure we'll get a whole pile of story once the fights with the Arrancar finish. All thats left now is Ichigo vs. Grimjaw.


~Kei

[Ninja Realist]

Ehhh, these current arrancar they're fighting just seem weak and lame. Grimjaw is undeniably strong, but he is totally uninteresting. Like when they showed Ulqiorra, he was pretty hardcore. He easily blocked Urahara's attack, and he's also really smart(the only person so far to notice what happened with Inoue's "healing" trick.).

Also, does anyone else think that Aizen might be a half-shinigami, half -hollow himself? I think it is very possible, based on his general attitude.

[The Geomancer]

still, I wonder...
why do you suppose the vaizards haven't gotten involved yet? I mean, considering what these arrancar are targeting, I'd have thought they'd at least go after Shinji.
also, I wonder what kind of tricks ururu has up her sleeve? because I doubt she's down for the count just yet

Also: I do not think that Aizen is a half-breed. I'm just going by my instincts on this one.

(note: I'm a little bit behind, sorry)

[ultbaka]

Last time I saw her she was in some kind of life-sustaining bed being force fed oxygen. And if what I saw didn't decieve me, that to me is the weakest part of the Bleach manga: nothing really happens. After all of the fighting in Soul Society, after all the betrayal and deadly attacks and surprising twists and super-powered bankais and severed limbs, everything pretty much goes back to normal. By normal, I mean no one dies. No one. The writer for this thing obviously loves every single one of his characters, he REFUSES to kill anyone.

Or maybe he just doesn't want to explain what happens when an already dead person dies. That may be it.

Yeah... see... that's my problem right now... It's like... ok. We're done here. TWO WEEK BREAK then we'll get back to broadcasting.

back to the couch fort!

[Ninja Realist]

Bleach 211:

OMGTHNEARRANCARAREREALLYSTRONGOMG!!! Yeah, nothing new here. It was cool seeing that weird sword trick that ichigo did at the end, what the **** was that? The mian thing that intrigues me at this point is what Grimmjaw's true form will look like.

[Kei]

Bleach 211

Looks like Ichigo can do a Kuroi Getsuga without being in Hollow form. But forget that... TOUSEN IS HERE. And with Tatsuki in close proximity, I wouldn't be surprised if her powers awakened, if any.


~Kei

[DarkKanti]

Yeah, I was thinking pretty much the same thing for Tatsuki. She hasn't really played too big a role yet, so it wouldn't surprise me if she got some sort of powers, and was actually useful against the arrancar. Grimjaw's true form should be pretty cool though. He seems to be the strongest so he'll probably be given one of the coolest looking forms.

[Kurosaki-dono]

For the manga what chapter should i start off at to be with the anime ???

[General Suburbia]

I haven't watched the anime in a while, but I believe that it's running through a series of filler episodes right now, similar to what Naruto's doing. So no manga/anime parallels existing at the moment.

[DarkKanti]

:jawdrop:

flclluva_123!?!?!?

You're back again? What's this? The third time you'll be banned? Oh well, I guess I'll just sit back and watch the show. Your spelling and grammar has improved quite a bit since you created your last account.

[ultbaka]

If you've been keeping up with Bleach, you'll know that the Quincy's still got it!!

[Spilled Milk]

*random bleach newb comes in*
I read the first volume at barnes & Noble last night and <3 <3 <3 <3
I really liked it!! it was really fun and interesting! though..my main reason for loving it (i know its shallow) is, I LOOOOVE the art style...and lately I've been more so into manga for art (again kinda shallow i know XD)
I really like the character Design for Ichigo and the hollows are really cool looking also I do find the story pretth interesting..although like i mentioned I've only read the first book XD also lately I've noticed my manga tastes are turning into that of a thirteen year old boy XDD.. (Hikaru no go, Naruto, any shounen jump manga really XDD)

[Kei]

Holy. Crap. This chapter was fantastic. Things were perfectly paced in this chapter. It was nice to see Hollow-Ichigo again, even if it was throttling Hiyori (who managed to be adorable even in Hollow form. I can't wait to see the following chapters.


~Kei

[RuKiAsShAdOw]

Bleach pwns in the exciting manga area. a well developed story, exciting battles, cool monsters/baddies, and some great artwork. i've really enjoyed it myself.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The last couple of chapters have been much better than the recent ones before. More 'interesting' and less 'powerups' thanks :D

[Itachi Uchiha]

LOL
Spiritual exercise machine to train for inner hollow fighting...

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I have a feeling that Ichigo may actually lose this battle for once.

[Kei]

Just incase some of you haven't seen this yet....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnuNxXLpop4&search=bleach


BLEACH THE ROCK OPERA

~Kei

[Demonshadow9]

Well im sure you people are discussing the latest scans but I just started this series a few weeks ago(up to volume 6).I like it so far , the arts nice and the cast seems enjoyable. Shonen jump is currently at voulme 11 so I should pick up 7-11 when I get the chance.Thank god shonen jump gn are cheap, I drop 15 bucks for each volume of hellsing in contrast to $ 8 ($7.95) for One piece and bleach.

[The Geomancer]

What do you guys think the odds are that Ichigo will lose against "Zangetsu". He probably won't, but based on what's been happening.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Wow, up to 236 now. We've seen alot of nice fighting sofar and even some plot developments with the Aizen-group.
I'm just glad that there isn't a strict "power-level" thing going on. Characters like the captains throw out new and interesting moves without pages of explanation . And finally, no "I've finished training, now I'm more powerful than everything!"

[Kei]

At first I was kinda wary, but I really am enjoying the whole Arrencar/Vaizard conflict. We get to see some neat abilities, and cool fights.

Also, portable gigai ftw!


~Kei

[KiraraKim]

I know I am probably in the minority but honestly I think Bleach has not been good since the Save Rukia arc. I finally caught up to the latest chapter and with all the praise I've been hearing I expected something great. But instead a million characters have been introduced with barely and reason for me to care for them and yet characters I do care about are not seen at all.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I just think it needs time. I mean, this is the beginning of a whole new saga.
Also, because it comes of the back of a big arc, alot of time is being taken to show where all the previous characters are while at the same time introducing new elements to the bleach universe.
I imagine that the story will become epic.

[KiraraKim]

I don't know I kind of feel they have been on this arc for awhile and it just doesn't appeal to me. It might get better but it hasn't interested me for awhile. But everyone has different tastes so some people are going to like it and some people aren't.

[kyubichan]

Talking about the anime, but I wish I could read the manga:

Soul Society arc (where they save Rukia) was awesome... and the Bount arc completely paled in comparison. I heard that the Bount arc was not in the manga, any comments on that? From anyone who has seen the anime and read the manga?

[Kei]

Correct, The Bound is pure filler.

~Kei

[(V)]

No it was not in the manga, It was a filler.
Any sign of the fillers ending any time soon?

[Dreamescape]

The next episode has Ichigo regaining his Bankai powers and fights the leader of the Bounto. So it seems we're getting pretty close to the manga being animated.

[Midnight]

Lol, and here I thought I'd be able to vent some anger as to what's happening to Orihime in the latest chapters. But the Bound have taken over here too, lol. Oh well, I'll wait.

[Kei]

No, this is the correct spot. Feel free to talk about the latest manga chapters!

ORIHIME HAS BEEN KIDNAPPED BY ARRENCAR. IS ICHIGO A BAD ENOUGH DUDE TO RESCUE ORIHIME?

~Kei

[Midnight]

Been away for quite a while. But I've just been reminded of why I always liked it here. Anyways, back to the topic at hand. The following assumed you've read ch237.

Kei mentioned kidnapping, and after reading ch235, you'd think that. But the next 2 chapters add another twist. She's being made to come to their side somewhat willingly. That twist I mentioned? That's the knife they're twisting, right in our hearts. There's nothing worse than being made to feel helpless. Believe me, I know that quite well right now. Hense why ch237 kinda struck a raw nerv within me.

On a side note, the Orihime thing's been forshadowed for a while now. If i recall correctly, ever since the end of the soul society arc, when the shinigami actually see her healing power. Lol, when they show you a close up of a widended eye, you know it's something of note to file in teh back of your mind. Since the beginning of the series, Orihime wasn't the "focus" of any arc in the truest sense of the word. Within the band of followers behind Ichigo, she was there for support, at some time emotional as well, but never did she gather any excess attention. So it's somewhat of a surprise to see her being the focus now. Talk about a long time to build up.

[Ninja Realist]

God, Bleach is just so terrible right now. I don't know, this whole Vastorode/Arrancar thing is just dumb, and these new villains have become so obscenely powerful that it's just turned into some sort of bizarre pissing contest between a bunch of vaguely similar villains and anti-heros. I know the usual comparison made when these manga get way out of hand is "this is just like DBZ", but I actually found DBZ to be a lot more enjoyable than Bleach is right now. I mean at least there you could distinguish the characters from each other, but in Bleach right now, aside from a few main characters, it's like all their personalities are bleeding into each other and everyone is becoming more like each other.

Did I mention that it makes no sense? The manga just seems to jump from place to place, event to event, seemingly at random. This makes the actual progression of events have less continuity than the plot, which has become a baffling mixture of incomprehensible pseudo-scientific babble, and boring people standing around acting hardcore.

I doubt I'll give up on this one just yet, mainly because I think some of the villains are kind of cool, but it's going down hill fast.

And Kei, I have no idea how you could drop Naruto, and yet find this crap tolerable.

[KiraraKim]

God, Bleach is just so terrible right now. I don't know, this whole Vastorode/Arrancar thing is just dumb, and these new villains have become so obscenely powerful that it's just turned into some sort of bizarre pissing contest between a bunch of vaguely similar villains and anti-heros. I know the usual comparison made when these manga get way out of hand is "this is just like DBZ", but I actually found DBZ to be a lot more enjoyable than Bleach is right now. I mean at least there you could distinguish the characters from each other, but in Bleach right now, aside from a few main characters, it's like all their personalities are bleeding into each other and everyone is becoming more like each other.

Did I mention that it makes no sense? The manga just seems to jump from place to place, event to event, seemingly at random. This makes the actual progression of events have less continuity than the plot, which has become a baffling mixture of incomprehensible pseudo-scientific babble, and boring people standing around acting hardcore.

I doubt I'll give up on this one just yet, mainly because I think some of the villains are kind of cool, but it's going down hill fast.

And Kei, I have no idea how you could drop Naruto, and yet find this crap tolerable.

Wow it’s like you took the words right out of my mouth right down to people complaining about Naruto but somehow enjoying Bleach. Naruto certainly has its flaws but at least I actually still care for most of its characters and can still keep track of most of them. With Bleach however, there are so many new ones that all seem the same that I’ve given up caring. And what happened to characters like Ishida, Chad and Tatsuki have they been forgotten? They were all awesome characters I would really like to see them back again instead of all these new characters that keep popping up.

I also really hope the manga is not going to move towards Ichigo/Orihime because honestly that would come out of nowhere for me. I know Orihime had a crush on Ichigo but it would be a lot more meaningful for me if she had gotten over and it. I love Orihime and am happy that the story is going to focus on her it’s a welcome change and perhaps the story will become more interesting again but I also hope they stop with the melodrama.

I am sticking with the story for the characters I still care about and in hope that we might get to see some of the ones that Kubo Tite has seemed to have forgotten about again.

[jetfire]

I have to agree with Ninja Realist and KiraraKim here. Bleach has been getting very uninteresting to me. It probably started after the Arrancar (or whatever the hell they are called) left Ichigo's town for the first time. After reading the last few chapters, all that has been summed up in the show for me is:

- Hollows invade Ichigo's town. He gains new powers and fights against them
- Rukia gets kidnapped by Soul Society, and Ichigo sets out to save her
- A ton of fighting happens in Soul Society and Rukia gets saved
- Ichigo and the others get back from Soul Society and Aizen plots
- Arrancular come down from the other side and fight Ichigo. They fight, they retreat, Ichigo gets hurt, and struggles to train to become stronger
- Ichigo trains to use his Hollow powers
- Ichigo got his ass handed to him when his Hollow powers hardly worked, when the Arrancar came down to attack AGAIN. Lots more fighting ensues, they retreat AGAIN, and kidnap Orihime.
- Now Ichigo has to go on another quest to another place to save someone else (Orihime) who has (surprise! surprise!) been kidnapped.

Basically, a lot of plot lines get repeated. Someone gets kidnapped, people fight, people barely win, people train, fight some more, train more, fight more, save the person, take a little break, then someone gets kidnapped again. Add in a crazy villian who wants to ruin life on Earth as we know it, and we have a party. Yes, I know it's shonen manga, but it doesnt feel like the creator of this manga is trying anymore. If they added more plot twists, like a certain twist revealing a certain villain in Soul Society, then it may be interesting. And as said before, the characters are all so alike now and uninteresting. At least a lot of the characters in Naruto for me were distinctably different, which keeps a somewhat similar shonen manga to me, a step up from Bleach. Naruto has been going downhill for me, but Bleach is just hanging on my a thread.

[Kei]

And Kei, I have no idea how you could drop Naruto, and yet find this crap tolerable.

I like the art.

Alot.


~Kei

[kyubichan]

Personal reason for liking Bleach over Naruto:

1.The humor is not disgusting (Naruto's farting technique is absolutely uncute...).
2.I like the character designs. And the blood.
3.A lot of things happen, and the world does not revolve around the heroes. The world isn't just made up of Ichigo and his friends, you know. All the characters popping up makes sense. (But the Bount/Bound arc reaaalllllyyy sucks....the Bount characters are sucky, and Ishida developed stooopiditeee. Haha.)

...but that's just me.

[KiraraKim]

The humor is not disgusting (Naruto's farting technique is absolutely uncute...).

I agree I find this stupid as well but then I think I can count on my hand how many times this joke is actually used in the series.


I like the character designs. And the blood.

Character designs are one thing but what Shounen action series doesn't have blood?

A lot of things happen, and the world does not revolve around the heroes. The world isn't just made up of Ichigo and his friends, you know. All the characters popping up makes sense. (But the Bount/Bound arc reaaalllllyyy sucks....the Bount characters are sucky, and Ishida developed stooopiditeee. Haha.)

Really you could have fooled me because so far everything that has happened in the story has involved Ichigo somehow. Not that I am saying this is a bad thing because he is the main character but what you are saying isn't exactly true.

[kyubichan]

Really you could have fooled me because so far everything that has happened in the story has involved Ichigo somehow. Not that I am saying this is a bad thing because he is the main character but what you are saying isn't exactly true.


of course Ichigo is involved, since he is the main character. But what I meant was that there can't always be just one or two enemies... hah, anyway I don't want to turn this into a Naruto vs. Bleach thread. Like I said, those were MY personal reasons in response to calling this anime "crap". Though I do not like Naruto very much, and the message was not addressed to me, I think it was overboard to call Bleach "crap"... Besides, it's no use comparing Naruto and BLEACH since other than both being shonen and extra long series', the storylines and setting are very different (i.e. Naruto is in a made up world; BLEACH's setting is based on the real world). If someone's going to kick in and say "then why'd you compare BLEACH and Naruto back there?", I DIDN'T. I just stated WHY I liked one over the other, and it's all a matter of preference.

[KiraraKim]

I don’t remember anyone calling Bleach crap some people were just stating their dislike of the current direction of the series.

However, I believe it is perfectly rational to compare Naruto and Bleach. The two series are extremely similar. They are both action series and they are both targeted at the same audience.

That being said, I don’t think anyone was trying to say which series was better we were just wondering why there were so many complaints about Naruto but everyone praises Bleach and seems to ignore its faults. It was just an observation but in the end it’s all going to come down to personal tastes and that is the bottom line.

However I do want to say one thing about Bleach’s setting. It doesn’t actually take place in the real world. Hollows and Shinigami and Soul Society do not exist in the real world. Its setting is still fantasy, the difference with Naruto is Kishimoto decided to create an entirely different fantasy world where Kubo made his fantasy world part of modern day Japan.

[Ninja Realist]

Naruto, Bleach, and to a lesser extent One Piece are all long running, incredibly popular shinen action manga. Whether they bear a comparison or not, there is going to be one made, just because of the inherent rivalry within the so called trinity of Shonen Manga.

[kyubichan]

From the start to the Soul Society arc: One thing I noticed (and liked) about Bleach is the dialogue. Humor kicks in when you least expect it, like after Byakuya and Ichigo's battle, when Ichigo falls back and hits Orihime's noggin ^^ Also, although there still are tedious explanations and flashbacks, the characters themselves exclaim that it is boring (i.e. Ishida and Ichigo vs the Hollows)

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The thing is that in this new arc they haven't been doing that as much. It's been pretty serious.
Then again, this'll work well when the fillers end in the anime.

[kyubichan]

Like I said before: Bount (they pronounce it Baun-to) arc suxxorz. Haha ^^

A question: How do you say "10th squad captain"? is it 'juu ban-dai taicho' or 'juu ban-tai taicho'?

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

238
Bleach Beach Special... Water Buckets :3

[Ieyasu]

Chapter 239

Ishida makes an appearance in order to help rescue Orihime along with Ichigo, Chad and Urahara.
Despite being told he would have to promise to never associate with shinigami again...

I have to admit, during the Soul Society arc, Bleach had sort of degenerated into archetypal shonen, but it seems to be moving more towards it's old stylings now.

[KiraraKim]

After seeing the raw of chapter 239 I am happy to say that we get to see some old character's faces...finally. Hopefully this trend will continue.

[Zelyhon]

I will admit I am interested to see where Bleach will go from here. The first thing I thought was that this whole Orihime going to Aizen thing was a bit much like the Rukia getting dragged to Soul Society thing, but I'm finding myself enjoying it more than I thought I would at first. I don't mind kinda generic shounen stuff, but I just hope they manage to keep it interesting and entertaining within the twists of the arc.

Haven't seen 239 yet, but if, as has been said, we are greeted by old faces, let's hope they don't prove quite as ineffective this time around.

[jetfire]

I just checked out chapters 240 and 241. Ichigo set a good tone before heading to rescue Inoue ("Let's Rock"). Simple, but cool. I also wonder how Ichigo is going to fare, since I can't remember him having any training whatsoever after fighting GrimJaw. I hope that doesn't mean that he'll pull out some special power out of his a** when the time comes. Hopefully, he'll learn some new moves along the way. I also really hope to see Chad make a comeback. His power is cool, but he hasn't really defeated any strong people with it.

[kyubichan]

His power is cool, but he hasn't really defeated any strong people with it.


He should learn how to control it first, other than just fire away and waste his own life force >_<

[NausicaaBoy]

ichigo has no control I wish you would become more...you know technical...

its almost like hmmm can i dare say pokemon - where ash never really won anything by some sweet new move he just got through...hahha srry terrible analogy...best I could do

[Illjwamh]

Where did this thread go? Is no one reading Bleach anymore?

[Elric]

Like with Naruto, One Piece and a couple of other shonen manga, I've been keeping up with Bleach for kicks. I have some mixed feelings about the arc honestly, but it's a bit hard to explain. I do not find the current fight that excitng since as usual, Ichigo gets the crap beaten out of him and suddenly gets super-powered. Since when did the duration from the mask suddenly increase duration? It is a manga though and trying to figure these things out will fry my brain, but I dunno, it seems to make me ponder than sudden power-ups in One Piece and Naruto.

[Illjwamh]

Yeah, I was wondering about the duration increase too. That's a long eleven seconds.


I think the glory days of Bleach was the Soul Society arc, and it's been on cruise control ever since.

[jetfire]

I found that this Bleach Arc has been nothing but a repeat of the Soul Society Arc. First it was to save Rukia, and now it's to save Inoue. It all involves the person to save being whisked away to a far off land, Ichigo and his friends entering some unknown dimension to fight off a seemly endless wave of villians that only get powerful with each sucessive fight, and the fights get harder and more chaotic as they get closer to their goal. Everyone ends up on the verge of death, Ichigo pulls through to defeat the final "boss", while gaining some greater power just before or during a tough battle, and in the end, all of the villians of Houeco Mindo will probably be backstabbed by Aizen. The Espada may join forces with the humans, shinigami, and Vizards, and yet, they all still may not be powerful enough to stand up to Aizen himself, or a greater wave of villians that Aizen has found to stand in between him and the heroes. It's also possible that a bigger and badder villian may deafeat/betray Aizen, and that villian (or Aizen) will end up kidnapping some other poor fool as he waits and waits for his final plan to take effect. He'll wait too long though, as Ichigo and his old and new friends will tear through army after army to save kidnapped person after kidnapped person until Ichigo confronts the stupid villian who was too idiotic to just kill off the heroes ages ago, which could have made his plan go through so much more smoothly.

But enough ranting. Please, continue the conversation.

[genki sakura]

I found that this Bleach Arc has been nothing but a repeat of the Soul Society Arc. First it was to save Rukia, and now it's to save Inoue. It all involves the person to save being whisked away to a far off land, Ichigo and his friends entering some unknown dimension to fight off a seemly endless wave of villians that only get powerful with each sucessive fight, and the fights get harder and more chaotic as they get closer to their goal.
At least in the SS Arc characters were introduced in a way that wasn't simply just "HEY! I'm #Espada I'ma kick your ass." With Grimmjow's past being the closest thing in this arc to character development. Where's the plot development? Is it that Ichigo's mask seems to stay longer? Orihime's being annoying. Rukia and Chad are off dying somewhere. Renji and Ishida are somewhere waiting for a narcissist change his clothes. Aizen's kicking back a few cold ones and Gin is still smiling and Tousen is still Tousen. [/end facetious sub rant #1]


And while there was that in SS (Hey! I'm the # Squad XYZ") there was an underlying subplot in Aizen's conspiracy. In this arc it's just "Yeah...uh, I'm 'supposed to save Inoue', but I'm really here for a grudge match."

It's also possible that a bigger and badder villian may deafeat/betray Aizen, and that villian (or Aizen) will end up kidnapping some other poor fool as he waits and waits for his final plan to take effect. He'll wait too long though, as Ichigo and his old and new friends will tear through army after army to save kidnapped person after kidnapped person until Ichigo confronts the stupid villian who was too idiotic to just kill off the heroes ages ago, which could have made his plan go through so much more smoothly.

I don't think another master villain will be introduced (because Bleach can go on long enough on the premise of "ZOMG Aizen wants to overthrow SS?!"


It'd be interesting if Ichigo got kidnapped XD


I personally can't wait for this arc to be over. It's been a pretty pointless arc, imo, with the exception of Rukia v. 9th Espada (again, IMO). And even then, Rukia could've fought 9th Espada/some other Kaien impersonator at a later time in the series. [/end facetious sub rant #2]


Now for the spam/incoherent part of this post:
Orihime is annoying right now. Heck, it'd be amazing if she turned evil (haha). Ulquihime is canon. Where the hell is Rukia?!


And when are Ichigo and Rukia going to be reunited...? (sorry, that was the ichiruki fangirl part of the post)


[/end incoherence]

[Sasuke311]

Orihime is annoying right now. Heck, it'd be amazing if she turned evil (haha).

That would be a great twist!!! Since she is really pointless right now!

And when are Ichigo and Rukia going to be reunited...? (sorry, that was the ichiruki fangirl part of the post)

I too ponder, but they shouldn't be reunited till the end, whenever that will be. That will add to a gran finale!

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I think that the only interesting plot twist that could come out of this is if in actual fact Aizen is the good guy in all of this. Soul Society has become corrupt and the Soul Emperor (whom he wants to key to reach) is the real Villain. It turns out that Aizen is the only one to have learnt to true nature of the world and is planning a revolt.

Anything less and I'm dropping this.

[Illjwamh]

That would actually be really cool. Even now that you've brought it up, I'd still never see it coming.


As far as the latest chapter goes, are we supposed to believe Ichigo can stand up to the guy who flicked Chad away like a booger after giving everything he's got to take out Grimmjow? I'd say that the odds of having the way he gets out of this not be stupid are astonomically low.

[genki sakura]

As far as the latest chapter goes, are we supposed to believe Ichigo can stand up to the guy who flicked Chad away like a booger after giving everything he's got to take out Grimmjow? I'd say that the odds of having the way he gets out of this not be stupid are astonomically low.
I'm hoping there won't be a fight.

A) Ichigo just fought a long and exhausting battle against GJ (I doubt he'll be able to use the mask so quickly after using for so uncharacteristically long).

B) If he does hold his own against Noitora it would make absolutely no sense. Where would he pull the energy from? His arse's arse?

C) And this is more personal than anything, I'd like to know what is going on with the rest of Bleach/Ichigo's companions in HM. And Ichigo said that he wanted to help Chad and Rukia. I highly doubt he wants to fight Noitora--who will be all "rawrz" and "I wanna fight you and you're gonna wanna fight me when I tell you what I did to your friend." Bring up "friend" and Ichigo will go headlong into a fight recklessly. He'll forget about rescuing Orihime (heck, he was willing to do that for Rukia [and as an Ichiruki fan, I was obviously "yey!" about that...but I digress] and he even told GJ he came to fight).

If he does fight Noitora, chances are he'll get owned. Realistically speaking.

On another note: Lol @ Nell for elbowing Ichigo in the balls for a sentence, that even I (I use that phrase because I'm not an Ichiori fan nor an Orihime fan in general), thought was tactless. Bad, Ichigo, bad.

[kokorocha]

Bleach is cool at first i thought its wasn't,but as i kept watching it i got a liking to it hehe^^:)

[Zelyhon]

Well...that was...um...XD

Interesting way to take Nell. I hadn't really given her much thought beyond that she's an odd Hollow tagging along who might have an ability that is useful once. I wasn't really expecting Nell to be Espada level.

On that note, I thought initially even if she was a former Espada, she wouldn't be able to make any change in the fight, as "former" implies that she is now too weak to be included in their number. What with Noitara having to have broken her mask by surprise and the fact that she seems to have transformed, though, she might actually be able to make a difference. In which case, I wonder what number she was before getting kicked out.

[Illjwamh]

That seemed like a really short chapter. Maybe it just read really fast.

Regardless, it was indeed interesting. I was thinking the same things as Zel about her being a "former" Espada, but this indeed puts things in a new light. I wonder what number she was as well. (My guess? Two). This should be a fun fight to see.

Oh, and Espada Nell is hot. Just thought I'd get that out of the way.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Chapter 298
Sudden captain entries: Zaraki, Byakuya, Yuri-bloke, Unohana
Let the slaughter begin!

*bump*

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Bleach 300: \OoO/

[Kei]

Suddenly: Hanataro.

[Two-twenty]

Suddenly: Hanataro.
I could go on about how interesting this is considering his zanpakuto's powers but I'm too busy laughing my ass of at Zomari's release form.

[Kei]

Honestly, it would be awesome to see Hanataro get the killing blow. All he would need to do is heal Rukia, and then: blammo!

And yeah...what is with that release.

[genki sakura]

Honestly, it would be awesome to see Hanataro get the killing blow. All he would need to do is heal Rukia, and then: blammo!

And yeah...what is with that release.

It would be freaking sweet if Hanataro went badass on the espada.

And then the HanaRuki pairing ship would be born. XD (And I could go off on a tangent about what would happen when Ichigo comes around and finds out that Hanataro healed Rukia and possible ramifications, but I'll restrain myself).





That release is the secksiest thing evar. (I kid obviously.)

[Two-twenty]

It would be freaking sweet if Hanataro went badass on the espada.
I always thought he had the potential to be quite a good fighter. Since his zanpakuto heals instead of injures, why doesn't he just stab himself with it, thus making himself invulnerable to attack, and then pimp up on the Kido?

There's no way he's ever going to be "badass" but it would be cool if he turned out to be really useful.

And then the HanaRuki pairing ship would be born. XD
Born?

[genki sakura]

There's no way he's ever going to be "badass" but it would be cool if he turned out to be really useful.
Yeah, true...there's probably more of a chance that he'll be useful rather than "badass," but who knows..

Born?
Yeah, wrong word.

...It will be envigorated. It was born when Hanataro became close with Rukia when he was cleaning her cell. It was thriving when Hanataro was trying his hardest to help Ichigo get to Rukia. And it will be envigorated if Hanataro heals Rukia.

^_^

It will be like IchiNel...it was born when Nel called Ichigo a virgin, and it sprung to life when Nel turned into a full-grown person and tackled Ichigo.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I'm not sure if I should go into the shipping element of a Jump manga but I think the HanaRuki would only ever be one-sided. Ichigo-Rukia is the original pairing and will probably remain the main, even to the pain of others [see Orihime].

Release state says "I see what you did there" 0_^
I wonder how it wil fair against Senbon Zakura

[genki sakura]

I'm not sure if I should go into the shipping element of a Jump manga but I think the HanaRuki would only ever be one-sided. Ichigo-Rukia is the original pairing and will probably remain the main, even to the pain of others [see Orihime].
Of course HanaRuki would remain one-sided (as well as fun and crack-ish for the most part).

And of course Ichiruki will remain the original pairing rawrz

[Illjwamh]

I wonder how it wil fair against Senbon Zakura
Not well, apparently. :D

[Javer]

Yay, Byakuya injured Rukia (who may or may not already be on the brink of death) to win his fight. HE'S SURE STAYING IN CHARACTER HUH GUYS.

I want more Mayuri. :<

[genki sakura]

Yay, Byakuya injured Rukia (who may or may not already be on the brink of death) to win his fight. HE'S SURE STAYING IN CHARACTER HUH GUYS.
"Rukia! I've come to save you!" [not in character]
"Rukia! You're gonna get hurt by my hand!" [in character]

Watch Ichigo throw a fit if he finds out Byakuya injured Rukia...

Ichigo: You did what?!?! {Bankai}
Byakuya: You fool, I did it to save Rukia.
Ichigo: You call hurting your own sister, saving her?!
Byakuya: Well what would you have done, petulant child? Let her body cut off its own head?
Ichigo:...

I want more Mayuri. :<
Lol

I am not the creative genius behind this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/genkisakura/Arrancar_Antics___7_Nerds_by_oneoft.jpg)

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Yay, Byakuya injured Rukia (who may or may not already be on the brink of death) to win his fight. HE'S SURE STAYING IN CHARACTER HUH GUYS.

I want more Mayuri. :<I saw no injuries befall Rukia. Everything is A-OK.
The fact that the millions of blades of Senbon Zakura vs the limit of Amor was what I was hinting at earlier and I am very pleased to see it here.
"My blades shall blot out the sun!"
There is little possibility of this Espada living after that, especially as we have 2 or 3 more captain fights to go through, but with Hanataro on hand I'd doubt it would last much longer anyways. After taking a hostage, this guy isn't worth wasting more forms of SZ on anyways :)

Lol Genki Sakura "So I herd u like Quincys"

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

302. Could Byakuya be any more badass than this? haha
I loved the last speech here. It gives more credit to my hopes to my theory about the Espada believing themselves to be the heros and the Shinigami possibly not being so black and white - at least from their perspective.

"Praise him! Praise him! Aizen-samaaaaaaa"






[edit]
Byakuya's one heck of a BAMF.
"Who are you to judge us hollows? Who gave you the right? Is it because we eat humans? Or is it your own sense of justic-"
*Stab*
"Oh I'm sorry, did I just break your concentration? Please, continue"
"AIZEN-SAMAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

[genki sakura]

"LONG LIVE AND PROSPER! LONG LIVE AND PROSPER!


AIZEN-SAMA!!!!!!!!!!!"

Byakuya's one heck of a BAMF.

[Kei]

Banzai Banzai Aizen-sama!!

[Illjwamh]

Well, that was awesome indeed, but I'd sure like to know how the hell Mayuri has been brought to his knees.



"I feel like I've missed something."

[Kei]

I think Mayuri is bluffing. Aporro or whatever his name is power is based around wounding internal organs. Mayuri has done so much alteration to his body, I assume that the Arrancar's release is going to screw up badly and be pretty much ineffective against Mayuri.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I don't even think it's that. I'm thinking Mayuri is having so much fun he forgot to breathe.

[Javer]

If only these chapters with Zomari's release had come sooner. Byakuya'd be slicing a pumpkin apart just in time for Halloween. :o Anyway, yes, finally, Mayuri. I hope his Bankai winds up being less . . . uh.

Stupid.

(Yeah, I was wrong about Rukia. It's so hard to tell what's going on sometimes. :S)

[Natsuke Takeda]

not to be one of those romantics >.> but I kinda wish nemu was there for some Quincy x Shinigami lovin >.> I really like that pair for some reason.

And I think Mayuri is a punching bag really, but that's a good thing. He'll just let the enemy tire himself out before he pokes them for the KO

[Illjwamh]

not to be one of those romantics >.> but I kinda wish nemu was there for some Quincy x Shinigami lovin >.> I really like that pair for some reason.

Your wish appears to have been granted.



Damn, Mayuri is freaking cool. Batshit crazy, but freaking cool.

[Javer]

Aw. I was hoping for more, somehow. But I guess it's Mayuri's style.

I actually didn't realize that Konjiki Ashisogi Jizou wears a cape. XD

[Illjwamh]

Actually, I was quite satisfied with the way the battle turned out. That guy was so infuriatingly cocky that seeing him defeated with almost no effort made me smile.

[genki sakura]

Finally! This guy is defeated! AH!


Santa, for Christmas, I want an Ichiruki reunion. :D

[Elric]

I began to like the 8th espada more when his sword was released, but man, how long did that fight go on for? It didn't occur every chapter but still, it was much longer than expected. I am not fully convinced he is dead at the moment, given how crafty that guy can be. Gravely injured? Quite possible. Dead? not as sure.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The fight had been going on for a while but it was on and off and involved many characters so was accepatable. I'm very happy to see the overwhelming force of the Captains as that means we won't be needing lots of "training" arcs for all the characters :)

[Sanako-san]

I'm new to bleach only reading up to vol. 6 so far. But I like the plot and characters and don't understand why some people dont like it.

[Illjwamh]

Universal popularity is unattainable. No matter what you're talking about, there's going to be people out there who don't like it.


And if you're only on volume 6, you may want to steer clear of this thread unless you don't mind spoilers.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

It's a matter of a very-vocal minority within then fandom. The contradiction being that they are still fans and consumers of the material.

This can be said for many fandoms within anime and manga. That being said, even this show has had it's low points which made me border on dropping it. I'm just happy they've recently managed to come up with the goods! ^_^

In Bleach, the weakest aspects have been side characters such as Chad who haven't got much personality and few character relations. I'm still holding out on the hope he turns into a hollow or something. Strangely, I also don't like Ichigo very much because he always magically have a bottomless pit of power that swells up at dramatic times - he's highly inconsistant and a bit boring.

[Sanako-san]

True. But about Chad turning into a hollow..I dunno about that.

[Javer]

In Bleach, the weakest aspects have been side characters such as Chad who haven't got much personality and few character relations. I'm still holding out on the hope he turns into a hollow or something. Strangely, I also don't like Ichigo very much because he always magically have a bottomless pit of power that swells up at dramatic times - he's highly inconsistant and a bit boring.

By contrast, who do you like?

[Elric]

304

That espada is a cockaroach. Interesting way of coming back to fight though.

PS: What a creepy chapter cover.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I suddenly have a horrific premonition of the doujin yet to come... :S

[Natsuke Takeda]

>.>;;; ain't no way that scene is gonna come out in the US.. I just know it. lol

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

I question if it'll even reach Japanese television O_Ó'

[Illjwamh]

Gruesome. Sucks that she died, too.

I don't know if I'd even want to see that sequence animated. Ewww.

[Javer]

Well, she is artificial, and Mayuri has such a way with biological trickery. Chances are he brings her back better than ever.

[Illjwamh]

DUDE! Coolest poison EVER.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

A fitting end to such an unpleasant character... not to mention the irony of how long he drew out this fight.

[General Suburbia]

Gruesome. Sucks that she died, too.
But at the same time, I'm kind of glad that someone good finally did die. Even better, in a very unapologetic manner; no drawn out sob stories. Now she better stay dead.

I like how the fights are going so far. It seems as if each of the captains somehow chose the opponents they'd rather fight in order to capitalize on their strengths and opponents' weaknesses. Or it could have all been a lucky coincidence. Now what would be awesome for the final fight would be Kenpachi somehow showing off some new tricks, namely the ability to harness the full power of his nameless sword. But that seems unlikely.

[Javer]

Reminded me of something in that Cyborg 009. :P How, at one point, his acceleration ability became so strong that he was trapped for days or weeks in a space of moments, afraid he would never return to normal speed. It was scary.

I doubt that Kenpachi will show off the full power of his sword, yeah, but I'm thinking he's at least managed to harness some of it. Even if he hasn't learned its name, he may have unlocked some special ability anyway. Not that he needs it. In fact, he's such an all-around beast I can't think for the life of me what kind of ability he would have.

[genki sakura]

DUDE! Coolest poison EVER.

QFT.

This fight better stay ended. Or I'll scream if I have to see another chapter of this fight.


Speaking of people being trapped in some weird state...where's Ulquiorra?

And on a separate note: Yay for Rukia being alive! w00t XD Yay for Ichigo telling Orihime to heal Nel. Yay for 2008!

[triggerman]

That may be one of the sickest finishes to a fight i have seen or read in anime/manga in a while. I really enjoyed it, but yeah i hope that dude is dead tho for good. i mean 1 second = 100 years of pain = Check mate...damn!

[ProfessorWashu]

I don't know what to make of Bleach. I like the show, but it bores me. It's WEIRD. I like the concept of supernatural combat and all that (stuff you might find in YuYu Hakusho, for instance) but for some reason I have to force myself to watch an anime that clearly has quality, and even things I like. The characters are interesting, and the animation is pretty well done. Something is just rubbing me the wrong way, and I've no idea what. So, despite the fact that I may want to watch Bleach, I am not going to force my way through an anime. Has anyone else ever had this sort of situation?

[Sanako-san]

I know what you mean. The idea is cool but the show is boring. I like the manga version better. I've had the same thing happen to me with books they made into movies. The book is great and I can't put it down, then they made a movie out of it and it just seems all wrong.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Finally, time for the Big Hitters!
[edit]
Ohh. It looks like Mayuri found something interesting too!

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

308
Eye-patches ahoy!

[Azazis]

309
Scythes ahoy!

[Kei]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v140/HitParade/14.jpg

Gotta love Kenpachi.

[Illjwamh]

Haha. Good stuff. I hate those see-saw battles, though.

"Haha! I'm stronger than you!"
"No, I'm stronger than you."
"No, I am!"
"No, I am."

Repeat ad nauseam.

[General Suburbia]

Haha. Good stuff. I hate those see-saw battles, though.

"Haha! I'm stronger than you!"
"No, I'm stronger than you."
"No, I am!"
"No, I am."

Repeat ad nauseam.
Better that than a world filled with fighting logs, mud figurines, and clouds.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Better that than a world filled with fighting logs, mud figurines, and clouds.Never underestimate the power of the log. When that baby returns it is getting a double-page spread.

Seeing how the fight with Ikkaku went, I think we can look forward to something very interesting.

[triggerman]

wow this is gonna get crazy. do u think kenpachi and beat this guy in his released state or is he gonna run into trouble. and maybe just maybe kenpachi has learned how to release his zanpaktou. but i highly doutbed it. wishful thinking. lol

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

nah. Kenpachi just needs to give it a name.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

310
Oh ho. It looks like Orihime might have something interesting afterall. I'm expecting, hoping for, a nice big plot twist this Mondo Heugo arc.

[Illjwamh]

Oy. This is just getting ridiculous. Now Kenpachi's got another ace up his sleeve that for whatever reason he didn't use against Ichigo. Bleh.


A neat idea though. I'm willing to give it that much.

[General Suburbia]

Oy. This is just getting ridiculous. Now Kenpachi's got another ace up his sleeve that for whatever reason he didn't use against Ichigo. Bleh.
He was never really in danger of dying w/ Ichigo.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

The ace up his sleeve is holding his sword with both hands. Hilarious :)

[Javer]

What's his shikai? Blocking?

[Natsuke Takeda]

it would be verrrry interesting if Kenpachi's shikai... is a defensive sword.

Even more, is not a phyiscal sword.

[Zelyhon]

it would be verrrry interesting if Kenpachi's shikai... is a defensive sword.

Even more, is not a phyiscal sword.

His Shikai is what he's always using. Even if he doesn't know the name, he did go through that whole "I can't seal my sword even if I wanted to" thing with Ichigo. What he can't use is whatever his sword's ability is, which I do agree would be hilarious to have something defensive or Kido related. XD

[Javer]

I don't think that's true. His immense spiritual pressure keeps his sword out of its unreleased state, but bear in mind that it still doesn't have a special ability, communication with its owner, regenerative powers (otherwise, it probably would have restored its own edge every time Kenpachi put a scratch on it), or any of the other features of normal shikai.

I think of his zan'pakuto as sort of a false release. Its reiatsu requirements to achieve shikai have been long since met, but the others have not, putting it in a kind of state-between-states.

[Kei]

Its stated in the Captain Data Book that his sword is always released.

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Is it just me or does it look like all of the "Good Guys" only have it in them for two victories here at most?

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

312
Two hands good. Six hands bad.

[Illjwamh]

What is Aizen saying here? He's speaking in metaphors again and I hate that.

[triggerman]

What is Aizen saying here? He's speaking in metaphors again and I hate that.

what are you talking about. I didn't see that? I though he was being literal. He said they are about to go destroy where ever it is to try and go into the kings house (aka God) and take him out and make his little paradise come true or whatever. I just couldn't tell if he kissed home girl or not.

[genki sakura]

He didn't kiss her...he was just being really f***ing sketch...


I think the only metaphor was:

Orihime's smile=sun
Aizen and co. going to wreak havoc=destruction, sadness, gloom, etc.
So Orihime should smile until Aizen wipes the smile off her face with the destruction...like destruction will wipe out the sun's effect on people...


...or so methinks...



Who was the guy that took Orihime back? He didn't look like Aizen...








(Okay...so can I get an Ichiruki reunion...?!?!?!?!??!)

[Zelyhon]

Who was the guy that took Orihime back? He didn't look like Aizen...Starck, one of the Espada whose number we don't know yet (Which means he's 1-3).

[PsychoSaiya-jin]

Espada 1-3 will probably match up with the Top 2 Captains and maybe the old man. Probably means we won't see too much of the fight too.

[Illjwamh]

I'm excited to see some of the other captains fight again. Looks like they brought their vice-captains along with them, too.

Also keep in mind that Urahara himself is essentially a captain also, as far as his strength and ability is concerned.

[Natsuke Takeda]

I don't seem to see Shuuhei Hisagi, the 9th division's captain (for now) in that pic... I really wanna know how that guys has progressed and just what are his skills that people seem to speak highly of.

[Illjwamh]

They had to leave somebody in Soul Society.

I say he, Renji and Matsumoto are top picks for the three open captain spots.

[Javer]

That splash page was impressive, but I'm not convinced that they're not operating on basically the last dregs of what Soul Society has to offer. Oh, man, Chojiro and Marechiyo? I bet they've learned a ton since, y'know, Ichigo knocked them both the **** out bare-handed.

[Natsuke Takeda]

Ugh >.> who would /want/ Aizen's former squad >< I personally wouldn't feel comfy knowing my predecessor was

1) A dude who wants to destroy everything and claim it his own
2) A dude who I probably (even with talented shinigami skills) wouldn't even /half/ amount to

And also have to

3) Carry a squad who's probably at a real low point, knowing their captain didn't give a shit about em
4) Have a psychopathic / easily manipulated lieutenant >.>

[Zelyhon]

Also keep in mind that Urahara himself is essentially a captain also, as far as his strength and ability is concerned.Yoruichi, too. Can't forget that she's hanging around too. And Ryuuken and Isshin as well, so there are quite a few reinforcements already in place for Soul Society (although Ryuuken's doubtful as to whether he'll help)

I'd say, going along with what Javer said, they really did bring quite a few unnecessary people alon