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Bleach #18
Bleach, Volume 18
The Deathberry Returns
The execution of Ichigo's friend Rukia has begun, yet Ichigo himself is nowhere in sight. In a matter of seconds, the power of one million zanpaku-to will slice through Rukia as punishment for sharing her Soul Reaper powers with Ichigo. Is this really how things are going to end?!
The execution of Ichigo's friend Rukia has begun, yet Ichigo himself is nowhere in sight. In a matter of seconds, the power of one million zanpaku-to will slice through Rukia as punishment for sharing her Soul Reaper powers with Ichigo. Is this really how things are going to end?!
216 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2005
110 people are currently reading
1638 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 12, 2023
We’re finally getting to see Captain Yamamoto, Ukitake, and Kyoraku in action! Also Yamamoto’s Zanpakutō is insane. We got Ichigo fighting Byakuya and we also got to see Yoruichi in action. Now things are really about to get exciting.
June 12, 2024
"Quit telling me to leave you alone and go home. I told you, I'm rejecting your protests! This is my second try. And this time I'm going to save you, Rukia." [Ichigo]
I'M IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 🥰❤️ (I already was before picking up the manga, but it feels like I'm falling in love once again)
If I could get more than five stars to Volume 18, I could do so in a heartbeat. All of Bleach is a masterpiece, no question about it, but Volume 18 has some of the best parts of the story, so it's an immediate five star rating for me!
The Sôkyoku is released which means that Rukia will die in any moment. None of her friends show up at the place of her execution - there are only a couple of captains standing there and watching her. It seems like there is no hope, that she will die, but Rukia feels at peace.
I am not afraid. I've had a good life. Renji befriended me. My brother took me in. Lieutenant Kaien guided me. And... And Ichigo tried to save me. I feel no pain. No sorrow. I have no regrets. My heart... will go on. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Goodbye.
It's time. The enormous firebird, Kikô-Oh, shows up. Rukia closes her eyes. That's it. That's the end.
Or is it?
"Yo."
*SIRI, PLAY "NUMBER ONE" BY SAGISU SHIRO*
THE ICHIGO ARRIVAL SCENE AT THE PLACE OF THE EXECUTION WILL NEVER STOP BEING ICONIC. Since I watched the anime, I knew what will happen, so I should've been prepared, but I still screamed like crazy when I saw the Ichigo image stopping Firebird King's flames. I don't think I have to point out how hot he looks in Yoruichi's Tentôken outfit, but HE DOES LOOK HOT. It's such a shame that he didn't wore it ever again, but hey, we got what we got! Also I have to say that I LOVE to see Ichigo being confident and powerful (the scene of him waving the sword in the air is EVERYTHING TO ME). After all the beating he had received until now, he truly deserves to be the one at the top. Besides, he didn't gain power for himself. All he always wanted was to protect the people he cared for.
"You're not the only one I have to save. There's Inoue and Ishida. And Chad. And Ganju, and Hanataro. Everybody who helped me. I'm gonna save them all and get out of here."
I bet that he takes some kind of pleasure to see fear in his opponents' faces, but all he's doing is doing for his family and his friends. Now it's the time to save Rukia, then gather everybody and come back home. Looks easy, right?
"Ichigo... What do you plan to do now? You're hopelessly outnumbered, you can't just disappear."
"Run away."
"That's absurd! There are captains down there! There is no way you can..."
"Then I'll beat them up and run away."
Ichigo is hot when serious, but incredibly funny most of the time and this is one of these times 😂 The Ichigo/Rukia second reunion scene in the Soul Society was as emotional for me as it was when I watched the anime. Her voice full of worry and a tearful face and his fond eyes and smile tell you everything you need to know about how important these two are for each other. They bicker a lot, but they would also jump into flames for each other. It was obvious that Ichigo WILL come to save her, no matter what. I can't explain how precious these two are for me. The need to hug them and never let go is incredibly strong 🥹
"You think too much. You always did. No one thinks badly of you, Rukia. Stop taking all onto yourself. You're not strong enough to bear that burden yet. Divide it up. Let Ichigo and me lighten your load until you get your strength back. That's the whole reason that he and I made ourselves stronger. Rukia... believe in him."
"Sorry, Renji."
"This is no time for apologies."
"Thank you."
"Shut up. It's no time for that, either."
First of all, GET A MAN LIKE RENJI, GIRLS (and a man like Ichigo)! Second of all, I LOVE the silent agreement between Ichigo and Renji when it comes to Rukia's safety. They were enemies, they still should be enemies, but they both have someone they need to protect, so they became allies (and friends later on) to make it happen. Third of all, I love how often Renji mentioned Ichigo in his speech to Rukia. Fourth of all, the close up of Renji's hand tightening on Rukia's robe is EVERYTHING. Fifth (and last) of all, HOW CAN THEY BE SO FUNNY IN SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS TRULY BEYOND ME 😂
Rukia is now under Renji's protection, but she's still far from being safe. The captains have chosen their sides and the fights started. Ichigo needs to defeat Byakuya - after all his training, will he win or will he lose again?
Some other things I need to talk about:
~ Rukia feeling GRATEFUL for her brother showing his back to her was so sad. She thought that she was shamefully clinging to life. Girl, what? You didn't do anything wrong. And your brother should do anything in his power to save you, but all he's doing is actively trying to kill you!
~ THE VISUALS IN THIS VOLUME ARE INSANE. The Firebird King and Unohana's Minazuki, Ichigo's arrival, the fights, everything is crazy!
~ Rukia's image of saying goodbye to her friends (in her head) with a tearful face was as heartbreaking as it was beautiful.
~ Everyone when Ichigo arrived to the execution place: "WHO IS HE?!"
Me with a grin on my face: YOUR FUTURE SAVIOR!
~ "Hey, Renji! Catch! 🤣
~ Ichigo easily beating down the lieutenants - CHEF'S KISS ✨
~ Byakuya needs to be put in his place. It's coming. I cannot wait for this to happen!
~ I DO NOT LIKE SOI FON 🙄
~ About Renji: "It was an Assistant Captain who took the prisoner. He's easily expendable." - Genryuusai, when I catch you... 👊
~ YORUICHI IS SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL, IT'S NOT FUNNY YOU ALL 😳
~ Jidanbou and Kukaku comeback! Yay!
~ I had no idea that Ukitake has 5 brothers and 2 sisters! How cute! Also, also, I found out that he is fond of Toshiro, because their names sounds similar and he always offers him food when he sees him 🥹
~ Kyoraku is drinking buddies with Matsumoto. Of course they are 😂
I'M IN LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE 🥰❤️ (I already was before picking up the manga, but it feels like I'm falling in love once again)
If I could get more than five stars to Volume 18, I could do so in a heartbeat. All of Bleach is a masterpiece, no question about it, but Volume 18 has some of the best parts of the story, so it's an immediate five star rating for me!
The Sôkyoku is released which means that Rukia will die in any moment. None of her friends show up at the place of her execution - there are only a couple of captains standing there and watching her. It seems like there is no hope, that she will die, but Rukia feels at peace.
I am not afraid. I've had a good life. Renji befriended me. My brother took me in. Lieutenant Kaien guided me. And... And Ichigo tried to save me. I feel no pain. No sorrow. I have no regrets. My heart... will go on. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Goodbye.
It's time. The enormous firebird, Kikô-Oh, shows up. Rukia closes her eyes. That's it. That's the end.
Or is it?
"Yo."
*SIRI, PLAY "NUMBER ONE" BY SAGISU SHIRO*
THE ICHIGO ARRIVAL SCENE AT THE PLACE OF THE EXECUTION WILL NEVER STOP BEING ICONIC. Since I watched the anime, I knew what will happen, so I should've been prepared, but I still screamed like crazy when I saw the Ichigo image stopping Firebird King's flames. I don't think I have to point out how hot he looks in Yoruichi's Tentôken outfit, but HE DOES LOOK HOT. It's such a shame that he didn't wore it ever again, but hey, we got what we got! Also I have to say that I LOVE to see Ichigo being confident and powerful (the scene of him waving the sword in the air is EVERYTHING TO ME). After all the beating he had received until now, he truly deserves to be the one at the top. Besides, he didn't gain power for himself. All he always wanted was to protect the people he cared for.
"You're not the only one I have to save. There's Inoue and Ishida. And Chad. And Ganju, and Hanataro. Everybody who helped me. I'm gonna save them all and get out of here."
I bet that he takes some kind of pleasure to see fear in his opponents' faces, but all he's doing is doing for his family and his friends. Now it's the time to save Rukia, then gather everybody and come back home. Looks easy, right?
"Ichigo... What do you plan to do now? You're hopelessly outnumbered, you can't just disappear."
"Run away."
"That's absurd! There are captains down there! There is no way you can..."
"Then I'll beat them up and run away."
Ichigo is hot when serious, but incredibly funny most of the time and this is one of these times 😂 The Ichigo/Rukia second reunion scene in the Soul Society was as emotional for me as it was when I watched the anime. Her voice full of worry and a tearful face and his fond eyes and smile tell you everything you need to know about how important these two are for each other. They bicker a lot, but they would also jump into flames for each other. It was obvious that Ichigo WILL come to save her, no matter what. I can't explain how precious these two are for me. The need to hug them and never let go is incredibly strong 🥹
"You think too much. You always did. No one thinks badly of you, Rukia. Stop taking all onto yourself. You're not strong enough to bear that burden yet. Divide it up. Let Ichigo and me lighten your load until you get your strength back. That's the whole reason that he and I made ourselves stronger. Rukia... believe in him."
"Sorry, Renji."
"This is no time for apologies."
"Thank you."
"Shut up. It's no time for that, either."
First of all, GET A MAN LIKE RENJI, GIRLS (and a man like Ichigo)! Second of all, I LOVE the silent agreement between Ichigo and Renji when it comes to Rukia's safety. They were enemies, they still should be enemies, but they both have someone they need to protect, so they became allies (and friends later on) to make it happen. Third of all, I love how often Renji mentioned Ichigo in his speech to Rukia. Fourth of all, the close up of Renji's hand tightening on Rukia's robe is EVERYTHING. Fifth (and last) of all, HOW CAN THEY BE SO FUNNY IN SUCH A DANGEROUS SITUATION IS TRULY BEYOND ME 😂
Rukia is now under Renji's protection, but she's still far from being safe. The captains have chosen their sides and the fights started. Ichigo needs to defeat Byakuya - after all his training, will he win or will he lose again?
Some other things I need to talk about:
~ Rukia feeling GRATEFUL for her brother showing his back to her was so sad. She thought that she was shamefully clinging to life. Girl, what? You didn't do anything wrong. And your brother should do anything in his power to save you, but all he's doing is actively trying to kill you!
~ THE VISUALS IN THIS VOLUME ARE INSANE. The Firebird King and Unohana's Minazuki, Ichigo's arrival, the fights, everything is crazy!
~ Rukia's image of saying goodbye to her friends (in her head) with a tearful face was as heartbreaking as it was beautiful.
~ Everyone when Ichigo arrived to the execution place: "WHO IS HE?!"
Me with a grin on my face: YOUR FUTURE SAVIOR!
~ "Hey, Renji! Catch! 🤣
~ Ichigo easily beating down the lieutenants - CHEF'S KISS ✨
~ Byakuya needs to be put in his place. It's coming. I cannot wait for this to happen!
~ I DO NOT LIKE SOI FON 🙄
~ About Renji: "It was an Assistant Captain who took the prisoner. He's easily expendable." - Genryuusai, when I catch you... 👊
~ YORUICHI IS SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL, IT'S NOT FUNNY YOU ALL 😳
~ Jidanbou and Kukaku comeback! Yay!
~ I had no idea that Ukitake has 5 brothers and 2 sisters! How cute! Also, also, I found out that he is fond of Toshiro, because their names sounds similar and he always offers him food when he sees him 🥹
~ Kyoraku is drinking buddies with Matsumoto. Of course they are 😂
February 2, 2020
Rukia's execution is on as she accepts her fate but things aren't over just yet as a dramatic and heroic surprise beautifully changes the game.
While more captains pursue their goals to stop a weapon from being used for the wrong reasons, the civil war explodes as more battles occur around the execution site, including the long-awaited encounter between leaders (actual and ex-) of the assassination squad.
The story arc is very action-oriented and allows mangaka Tite Kubo to demonstrate his incredible talents.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
While more captains pursue their goals to stop a weapon from being used for the wrong reasons, the civil war explodes as more battles occur around the execution site, including the long-awaited encounter between leaders (actual and ex-) of the assassination squad.
The story arc is very action-oriented and allows mangaka Tite Kubo to demonstrate his incredible talents.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
October 17, 2022
Rukia’s execution is here! The race to save her is thrilling and the payoff is wonderful. Bleach continues to have extremely satisfying fights!
December 4, 2020
I one of the coolest panels ever when it seems like Rukia will be executed, Ichigo comes to the rescue and he destroys the execution stand while others there are stand shooked by what happened. He even defeated that fire bird and that was just wow. And when he throws Rukia at Renji its so funny. And then he fights Byakuya in what is one of the coolest scenes but then enter: Soi Fon! She and Yoruichi go way past as she used to be mentor to Soi Fon and their battle is epic, poison darts and new spiritual techniques! Meanwhile two captains battle Genryuu aka commander and it seems like it will be big! The book has started showing some faults as there are many chapters where Ichigo is not there and it slows down the pace massively!
July 7, 2022
The chills I got when Ichigo appeared in front of Rukia though!! She and Renji's conversation was really sweet. Shiba makes an appearance! I've missed her and Kon. Yoruichi is challenged by Soifon and things begin to heat up! I hope Rukia is saved in the next volume because I just miss the crew going to school and defeating Hollows.
October 8, 2020
Rukia is about to be executed but her boy said "F That" and saved her ass again. Now he must face off against her brother to keep her alive once more.
On top of that you get the Samurai woman lover and the good hearted guy facing off against the old man. yes I don't know names. But their stance and fight was very samurai like so it was a lot of fun to watch.
The only thing I didn't care for was the Cat lady and her fight but it was kind of cool to see her sexy ass in action.
Overall, fun Shonen fighting. A 4 out of 5.
On top of that you get the Samurai woman lover and the good hearted guy facing off against the old man. yes I don't know names. But their stance and fight was very samurai like so it was a lot of fun to watch.
The only thing I didn't care for was the Cat lady and her fight but it was kind of cool to see her sexy ass in action.
Overall, fun Shonen fighting. A 4 out of 5.
December 26, 2025
Your shadow stealthily
leaves nothing of where you go, like a poisoned needle
that sews together my footsteps.
Your light pliantly
strikes the water tower, like a lightning bolt
that severs the source of my life.
I loved this volume so much, especially the fight between Yoruichi and Soi-Fon and the moment between Rukia and Renji!
leaves nothing of where you go, like a poisoned needle
that sews together my footsteps.
Your light pliantly
strikes the water tower, like a lightning bolt
that severs the source of my life.
I loved this volume so much, especially the fight between Yoruichi and Soi-Fon and the moment between Rukia and Renji!
March 23, 2013
There you have a tankobon filled with nerve-wracking ass kicking shinigami style o/
Ukitake O/
Ukitake O/
March 10, 2019
So bloody intense and wonderful
June 18, 2021
every part of the Soul Society arc is 10/10 but our queen Yoruichi do be hard carrying it
January 25, 2025
It is good. Ichigo blocks the execution thing that has more power than one million soul reaper swords and destroys the execution place. Rukia is pissed!! But despite all this power Ichigo is about to get his but kicked by Byakuya.
The captains of the Soul Society are just the dumbest idiots. Not one seems to realise all the bad choices the are making. But that gets lamely explained later. It is all part of the Soul Society has become stagnant and corrupt.
We do get the General (leader) of the Soul Society draw his sword, cool I guess. Just goes to show a lot of this group is just being murder hobos. I do enjoy Ukitake & Kyoraku take on this madness with a shrug and I guess we might die to stand for what is right.
Yoruichi & Soi Fon fight, as with the Captains fight I mention above it looked better in my memory of the TV show. This fight especially is very talking while they fight.
The captains of the Soul Society are just the dumbest idiots. Not one seems to realise all the bad choices the are making. But that gets lamely explained later. It is all part of the Soul Society has become stagnant and corrupt.
We do get the General (leader) of the Soul Society draw his sword, cool I guess. Just goes to show a lot of this group is just being murder hobos. I do enjoy Ukitake & Kyoraku take on this madness with a shrug and I guess we might die to stand for what is right.
Yoruichi & Soi Fon fight, as with the Captains fight I mention above it looked better in my memory of the TV show. This fight especially is very talking while they fight.
February 7, 2021
Ahhh, I love this manga so much!! Review to come eventually...🤣
January 6, 2025
GAAAAHHHHHHH
December 5, 2016
It so action packed! I love it! :)
December 16, 2022
This volume opens with Rukia’s execution being interrupted by Ichigo, which I loved, but it also brings up a constant gripe that I have with this series. Despite being a substitute Soul Reaper (with latent Soul Reaper powers of his own) and only training a couple of times, Ichigo manages to stop a sword that has the power of a million Zanpakutō. As epic as that should have been, it didn’t feel earned to me, and while the idea of Ichigo’s heart being able to give him strength enough to defeat Captain class Soul Reapers multiple times is sweet, moments like this make me question some of the writing and narrative choices surrounding this character. I love the character, I just wish his powers and strength was explained and expanded upon more in a way that felt earned narratively. Despite this gripe, I loved this volume as it features the start of one of my favourite fights in this series, Yoruichi vs. Soi Fon. I love their backstory and rivalry, and I love how these characters interact with one another. They are easily one of my favourite dynamics in Bleach. Overall, I loved how this volume portrayed the intervention of Rukia’s execution and I loved how it transitioned into several different fight scenes as Renji helps Rukia escape.
April 20, 2021
Heck yeah big fights. Love to see it. Action packed
Summary:
Rukia's execution begins and the Sword that is to kill her transforms into a Firebird. As it goes to strike Rukia, Ichego stops it. Captains Shunsui and Jushiro stop the bird from its second strike and destroys it. Ichego frees Rukia from her bonds. Ichego throws Rukia to Renji then stops 3 assistant captains from chasing them without even using his sword. Then he takes on Byakuya. Yoruichi fights Soifon. The Captain General fights the two captains that destroyed the firebird.
Kenpachi won his fight because the two captains fled. The captain general and Shunsui and Jushiro all release the second forms of their swords and begin to fight. Soifon says she was just holding back and starts to beat Yoruichi using her special power the hornet sting, get hit in the same spot twice and you die. Yoruichi reavels she has a secret move of her own and the volume ends.
Summary:
Rukia's execution begins and the Sword that is to kill her transforms into a Firebird. As it goes to strike Rukia, Ichego stops it. Captains Shunsui and Jushiro stop the bird from its second strike and destroys it. Ichego frees Rukia from her bonds. Ichego throws Rukia to Renji then stops 3 assistant captains from chasing them without even using his sword. Then he takes on Byakuya. Yoruichi fights Soifon. The Captain General fights the two captains that destroyed the firebird.
Kenpachi won his fight because the two captains fled. The captain general and Shunsui and Jushiro all release the second forms of their swords and begin to fight. Soifon says she was just holding back and starts to beat Yoruichi using her special power the hornet sting, get hit in the same spot twice and you die. Yoruichi reavels she has a secret move of her own and the volume ends.
March 19, 2025
Things are amping up in the volume! We see Old man Yamamoto's Zanpakutō which is literally insane, Ichigo and Rukia's brother are going head to head, and Yoruichi is also out here fighting one of the captains. It's an all out war to rescue Rukia!
April 2, 2019
Okay, Renji is favourite right now ❤️ So brave and strong- a bit impulsive, but he’s just so awesome! ✊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2023
Sono iniziati così tanti scontri che non riesco nemmeno a dire quale sia il mio preferito AAA
March 11, 2025
Guys stop fighting 🥺
March 13, 2025
Ichigo returns in unbelievable style holy moly. Yammato, dog. Shunsui, dog. Kenny, dog. Renji, dog. Yoruichi, dog. Love this arc so much man.
May 2, 2025
now we getting somewhere
October 13, 2023
It’s always wise to stay prepared so if anything arises you can triumph 💫🗻
April 5, 2024
“Sono venuto a salvarti, Rukia”
E questa volta per davvero: Ichigo interrompe la sua esecuzione e affida a Renji il compito di allontanarla perché il combattimento con Byakuya non può più attendere.
Inizia lo scontro tra Yoruichi e Soi Fon mentre Tite Kubo ci mostra quanto sia forte Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto, che finisce nella lunga lista di personaggi anziani che aprirebbero in due un palazzo intero.
E questa volta per davvero: Ichigo interrompe la sua esecuzione e affida a Renji il compito di allontanarla perché il combattimento con Byakuya non può più attendere.
Inizia lo scontro tra Yoruichi e Soi Fon mentre Tite Kubo ci mostra quanto sia forte Shigekuni Genryusai Yamamoto, che finisce nella lunga lista di personaggi anziani che aprirebbero in due un palazzo intero.
April 1, 2015
Kde je Yoruichi, tam bude vždycky zábava ♥ Konečně pořádná bad-ass. A Ukitake s Kyorakem ♥
December 22, 2024
Ichigo was such a badass in this volume. Also, lots of new information! The amount of characters in this manga is insane, though
May 30, 2020
Given that Manga, and especially Shonen is split up into bigger arcs as composed to volumes I will be analyzing and reviewing this by Arc. I also reread this manga over the span of 2 months, some days reading as much as 100 chapters a day. It would be quite tedious for me to review each 7-8 chapter volume. So this will be copy and pasted throughout all of the 72 manga volumes. That being said, if you're looking at this without having viewed the series...spoiler warning. I don't recap anything, but I also mention things that happen. If you want me to answer the question "Should I pick this up?" Yes. Even if you stop at the end of the Soul Society Arc. It's worth it.
Karakura Town Arc - Chapters 1-56 - Rating: 7/10
(The official page lumps this in with the Soul Society Arc however I feel as if they are two very separate arcs with two very separate themes)
- A fun introduction.
-An interesting premise on the idea of ghosts and demons (Hollows)
-Does a good job of introducing the characters and I especially enjoyed the love for characters like Chad, Orihime and Uryu as these characters would later lose more and more spotlight as the series went on.
-It is a bit of a monster of the week. When it works, like with Chad's introduction story. It works. But Characters like Don Kanonji felt superficial and very gimmicky. Which, fair. I didn't enjoy them as much.
Soul Society Arc - Chapters 57-182 - Rating: 10/10
-The height of Bleach
-Establishes an afterlife seemingly perfectly. Later on revealed to be full of plot holes and never fleshed out but hey! That's not an issue in THIS arc. The fights are top tier, the themes of Ichigo owing a life debt to Rukia and his passion and determination to rise above literally God's army is inspiring and to this day is why I love Ichigo so much. He doesn't have some grandiose plan. He doesn't have a major goal to accomplish. He is a protector by heart, losing his mother has made him sour to failing to protect those he cares about and he'll do anything in his power never to feel that helpless again. Very powerful stuff.
-The twist near the end of this arc is revolutionary and would make waves for the next 200 chapters onward. A perfect ending and set up for the forthcoming arc.
-The only issues I have for this arc would be Ichigo's lightning speed progression. The guy goes from being able to barely defeat a third seat to besting multiple captains in roughly 100 or less chapters. I get that that is the point and him defeating captains was more of a struck of luck, but progression and pacing wise it feels very unearned and a factor of "for the plot he needed to be this strong" It only seems as fast as it is because Ichigo's progression slows drastically down for the rest of the story moving foreword so it's only now that I make that criticism.
-Also, and this will be an issue in most Shonen. There are 13 Captains with 13 Vice Captains and seats that branch all the way to 10 I believe? Regardless, there's a fudge ton of characters that are introduced here and it can get a little jarring at times. Luckily, Kubo does a great job at making their designs and characters unique despite such a large cast.
Hueco Mundo Arc - Chapters 183-423 - Rating 7/10
-This is another arc where personally I would split it up into two separate arcs. But for the sake of this review I will simply refer to the first half of the arc and the later half of the arc. First Half 9/10. Second Half. 5/10.
-The first half of this arc is a great continuation of the last. Ichigo now struggles with his inner demons and it affects his ability to protect the ones he loves. We are also introduced to a deadly unknown new villains. The Arrancars/Espada to this day remain one of my favorite villain factions in all of manga enemies.
-Just so you're aware I would say the first half of this arc ends right around the point of Ichigo vs Grimmjow. Grimmjow is one of the first Arrancar that Ichigo faces. And he's also one of two Espada that he faces three times. The conclusion of that fight shows Ichigo conquering his inner demons. Where Grimmjow is very much fighting to establish himself. Grimmjow has to fight Ichigo to prove to his fallen comrades that he is as good as he says he is. He doesn't care about Aizen, he doesn't care about the rest of the Espada. It is very personal for him. For Ichigo, Orohime is within his grasp of saving and he views this as his "final" battle. It's my favorite fight in all of Bleach.
-However, this is where things start to take a bit of dip in quality in my opinion. We had a goal and we were striving towards that goal. Each character of the original cast coming to repay the debt they made to their friend who had risked her life to save them in the Soul society arc. But somewhere along the way it seems we just had a fighter fest. Captains would face enemies with no themes or character revelations. The Espadas got a little light but nothing that made their fights compelling. You almost just feel bad for the Espada as they were monsters turned into a military force by an unstoppable tyrant. But even that wasn't enough to make half of the fights interesting. Now, that's with knowing the outcome. These fights played little importance in the larger scheme of things. Where at least in the Hueco Mundo fights each match up had the protagonists striving for a goal. Rukia to defeat Aaroneiro to free her former superiors soul. Byakuya to defend Rukia. Renji and Uryu teamwork. Nel to protect Ichigo and get revenge on Nnoitra. Whereas Stark fought Kyoraku.....cause.....and Hitsugaya fought Halibel because Water vs Ice would be cool.
-This leaves me to the end. I won't say it wasn't satisfying that Ichigo was able to defeat Aizen. And yes, I do feel like his new power was earned. 3 months of training. But this was clearly a last minute decision to save Aizen for a later date and the show must go on. I do feel like it wasn't as satisfying as 200+ chapter buildup needed to be.
The Fullbring Arc - Chapters 424-479 - Rating: 8/10
-A very underrated arc. And yes, I acknowledge that rating wise I think the Fullbring arc is superior to the Hueco Mundo arc. That is mostly true. Though I like the first half of the Hueco Mundo Arc more than the Fullbring arc. The end of the HM arc really brought it down for me. The Fullbring Arc is much more concise and is actually the shortest arc in the series and works as a glorified Ichigo getting his powers back arc. But that doesn't mean its bad.
-When I read it originally back when it was coming out in 2010. (Cause I'm Old) It wasn't phenomenal. In fact, I hated it. But wouldn't you? It took just short of a year to get to the point that we were at. But upon rereading it, it gave much deserved love to the characters who hadn't been shown love in quite some time. The original cast. It was a very character focused arc. Ichigo never seemed more human. And despite me hating it before for taking so long, reading weekly can sometimes hurt these mystery based arcs. The twist is heavily foreshadowed and I really appreciated it.
-That being said, the end was super rushed. This was a big bummer for me. The villains this time around were humans. And the ones who had the most exposure and relations with these characters were the original cast who again....were humans. So to have the soul reapers, who have no connection to the fullbringers show up and basically no diff most of the fullbringers felt very forced and fanservicey to me. This very well could have not been Kubo's call. As the community was very vocal about their dislike for this arc as it was going on. But I appreciate it now much more as I appreciate character and story over big sword fights. Lol.
The Thousand Year Blood War Arc - Chapters 424-689 - Rating: 5/10
-And we're finally here. The final and largest arc within the Bleach story. And man...does it not stick the landing.
-That being said, this arc has phenomenal moments. Kenpachi's Shikai and Bankai. Ichigo's double swords. Renji's true Bankai. Rukia's Bankai. And many more. However, they are put together against the most break neck speed arc that I have ever read. Kubo was very ambitious when he introduced 26 new villains. However, most of them got barely any screen time and a lot of them even got off screened by higher level captains. This was unlike the Espada who each got a full double page spread for their Resurrections.
-Yhwach himself was a phenomenal villain but was dealt with swiftly and imo dirty. They did him dirty.
-There was just something off. The mood changed and it was very apparent. The villains had random powers instead of the powers reflecting their personalities or needs. The finale felt so underwhelming.
-Ichigo gets to be the strongest he's ever been....but he doesn't defeat a single person besides the main villain despite being in several fights.
-It isn't a good arc. In fact, I would say it's the worst. Hopefully the anime does a better job with this already mammoth of a story. 260 chapters is no joke.
This gives the story of Bleach an Overall rating of 7.4/10. Which to me is above average. It has it's ups and downs. It's not perfect. But when it's high, it's peak shonen. But when it's low, it's very forgettable.
Karakura Town Arc - Chapters 1-56 - Rating: 7/10
(The official page lumps this in with the Soul Society Arc however I feel as if they are two very separate arcs with two very separate themes)
- A fun introduction.
-An interesting premise on the idea of ghosts and demons (Hollows)
-Does a good job of introducing the characters and I especially enjoyed the love for characters like Chad, Orihime and Uryu as these characters would later lose more and more spotlight as the series went on.
-It is a bit of a monster of the week. When it works, like with Chad's introduction story. It works. But Characters like Don Kanonji felt superficial and very gimmicky. Which, fair. I didn't enjoy them as much.
Soul Society Arc - Chapters 57-182 - Rating: 10/10
-The height of Bleach
-Establishes an afterlife seemingly perfectly. Later on revealed to be full of plot holes and never fleshed out but hey! That's not an issue in THIS arc. The fights are top tier, the themes of Ichigo owing a life debt to Rukia and his passion and determination to rise above literally God's army is inspiring and to this day is why I love Ichigo so much. He doesn't have some grandiose plan. He doesn't have a major goal to accomplish. He is a protector by heart, losing his mother has made him sour to failing to protect those he cares about and he'll do anything in his power never to feel that helpless again. Very powerful stuff.
-The twist near the end of this arc is revolutionary and would make waves for the next 200 chapters onward. A perfect ending and set up for the forthcoming arc.
-The only issues I have for this arc would be Ichigo's lightning speed progression. The guy goes from being able to barely defeat a third seat to besting multiple captains in roughly 100 or less chapters. I get that that is the point and him defeating captains was more of a struck of luck, but progression and pacing wise it feels very unearned and a factor of "for the plot he needed to be this strong" It only seems as fast as it is because Ichigo's progression slows drastically down for the rest of the story moving foreword so it's only now that I make that criticism.
-Also, and this will be an issue in most Shonen. There are 13 Captains with 13 Vice Captains and seats that branch all the way to 10 I believe? Regardless, there's a fudge ton of characters that are introduced here and it can get a little jarring at times. Luckily, Kubo does a great job at making their designs and characters unique despite such a large cast.
Hueco Mundo Arc - Chapters 183-423 - Rating 7/10
-This is another arc where personally I would split it up into two separate arcs. But for the sake of this review I will simply refer to the first half of the arc and the later half of the arc. First Half 9/10. Second Half. 5/10.
-The first half of this arc is a great continuation of the last. Ichigo now struggles with his inner demons and it affects his ability to protect the ones he loves. We are also introduced to a deadly unknown new villains. The Arrancars/Espada to this day remain one of my favorite villain factions in all of manga enemies.
-Just so you're aware I would say the first half of this arc ends right around the point of Ichigo vs Grimmjow. Grimmjow is one of the first Arrancar that Ichigo faces. And he's also one of two Espada that he faces three times. The conclusion of that fight shows Ichigo conquering his inner demons. Where Grimmjow is very much fighting to establish himself. Grimmjow has to fight Ichigo to prove to his fallen comrades that he is as good as he says he is. He doesn't care about Aizen, he doesn't care about the rest of the Espada. It is very personal for him. For Ichigo, Orohime is within his grasp of saving and he views this as his "final" battle. It's my favorite fight in all of Bleach.
-However, this is where things start to take a bit of dip in quality in my opinion. We had a goal and we were striving towards that goal. Each character of the original cast coming to repay the debt they made to their friend who had risked her life to save them in the Soul society arc. But somewhere along the way it seems we just had a fighter fest. Captains would face enemies with no themes or character revelations. The Espadas got a little light but nothing that made their fights compelling. You almost just feel bad for the Espada as they were monsters turned into a military force by an unstoppable tyrant. But even that wasn't enough to make half of the fights interesting. Now, that's with knowing the outcome. These fights played little importance in the larger scheme of things. Where at least in the Hueco Mundo fights each match up had the protagonists striving for a goal. Rukia to defeat Aaroneiro to free her former superiors soul. Byakuya to defend Rukia. Renji and Uryu teamwork. Nel to protect Ichigo and get revenge on Nnoitra. Whereas Stark fought Kyoraku.....cause.....and Hitsugaya fought Halibel because Water vs Ice would be cool.
-This leaves me to the end. I won't say it wasn't satisfying that Ichigo was able to defeat Aizen. And yes, I do feel like his new power was earned. 3 months of training. But this was clearly a last minute decision to save Aizen for a later date and the show must go on. I do feel like it wasn't as satisfying as 200+ chapter buildup needed to be.
The Fullbring Arc - Chapters 424-479 - Rating: 8/10
-A very underrated arc. And yes, I acknowledge that rating wise I think the Fullbring arc is superior to the Hueco Mundo arc. That is mostly true. Though I like the first half of the Hueco Mundo Arc more than the Fullbring arc. The end of the HM arc really brought it down for me. The Fullbring Arc is much more concise and is actually the shortest arc in the series and works as a glorified Ichigo getting his powers back arc. But that doesn't mean its bad.
-When I read it originally back when it was coming out in 2010. (Cause I'm Old) It wasn't phenomenal. In fact, I hated it. But wouldn't you? It took just short of a year to get to the point that we were at. But upon rereading it, it gave much deserved love to the characters who hadn't been shown love in quite some time. The original cast. It was a very character focused arc. Ichigo never seemed more human. And despite me hating it before for taking so long, reading weekly can sometimes hurt these mystery based arcs. The twist is heavily foreshadowed and I really appreciated it.
-That being said, the end was super rushed. This was a big bummer for me. The villains this time around were humans. And the ones who had the most exposure and relations with these characters were the original cast who again....were humans. So to have the soul reapers, who have no connection to the fullbringers show up and basically no diff most of the fullbringers felt very forced and fanservicey to me. This very well could have not been Kubo's call. As the community was very vocal about their dislike for this arc as it was going on. But I appreciate it now much more as I appreciate character and story over big sword fights. Lol.
The Thousand Year Blood War Arc - Chapters 424-689 - Rating: 5/10
-And we're finally here. The final and largest arc within the Bleach story. And man...does it not stick the landing.
-That being said, this arc has phenomenal moments. Kenpachi's Shikai and Bankai. Ichigo's double swords. Renji's true Bankai. Rukia's Bankai. And many more. However, they are put together against the most break neck speed arc that I have ever read. Kubo was very ambitious when he introduced 26 new villains. However, most of them got barely any screen time and a lot of them even got off screened by higher level captains. This was unlike the Espada who each got a full double page spread for their Resurrections.
-Yhwach himself was a phenomenal villain but was dealt with swiftly and imo dirty. They did him dirty.
-There was just something off. The mood changed and it was very apparent. The villains had random powers instead of the powers reflecting their personalities or needs. The finale felt so underwhelming.
-Ichigo gets to be the strongest he's ever been....but he doesn't defeat a single person besides the main villain despite being in several fights.
-It isn't a good arc. In fact, I would say it's the worst. Hopefully the anime does a better job with this already mammoth of a story. 260 chapters is no joke.
This gives the story of Bleach an Overall rating of 7.4/10. Which to me is above average. It has it's ups and downs. It's not perfect. But when it's high, it's peak shonen. But when it's low, it's very forgettable.
March 27, 2020
The time has arrived for Rukia’s execution, the Sokyoku has been released and Rukia has been strapped to the scaffold. She awaits her fate with resignation, grateful to those who attempted to rescue her. The halberd assumes its true form as the firebird king, ready to impale Rukia and complete the sentence. Only a deus ex machina can save her now.
And here one is, in the person of Ichigo Kurosaki! And Ichigo is single-handedly holding back the firebird king itself! How can that be? Instead of being grateful, Rukia calls him a fool and asks him why he came back, warning him Byakuya will surely kill him this time. Meanwhile, the spectators below are marveling at what has happened and wondering who in the world was able to do that.
Before the bird can strike a second time, which would surely be fatal to them both, Ukitake arrives, to Kyoraku’s relief, and proceeds to destroy the Sokyoku. At that, Ichigo destroys the scaffold and takes Rukia in hand. Can her rescue possibly be this easy?
Of course not.
Ichigo tosses Rukia down to Renji and tells him to take her to safety, as he turns to confront Byakuya. Sai Fon sends her people after those who are working to rescue Rukia, then finds herself facing a foe of her own—her former captain, Yoruichi! Ukitake and Kyoraku are about to attempt to talk to Sai Fon, but they are called to task by the Head-Captain himself, and have no choice but to face him down together!
This volume of Bleach is certainly not lacking in action. Everybody seems to be fighting against someone! And the lines between the good guys and the bad guys is most definitely blurred, as two captains—the first two captains to graduate from the Soul Reaper Academy—choose to do what they believe to be right, even if it means defying old man Yama.
Ichigo is his usual cocky self. Remember he’s only fifteen, and still believes himself invincible. But besides that, he has strong sense of honor, as well as a strong desire to protect his family and friends from harm. He won’t allow Rukia to give up, no matter what, a very admirable sentiment indeed. I don’t find manga-Rukia nearly as wishy-washy as I did anime-Rukia. Maybe that’s because we are more privy to her inner thoughts in the manga than in the anime.
I was especially thrilled to see so much of Shunsui in this volume, especially as he is so obviously on the side of right. He and Ukitake are such good friends and so very much in sync with one another. It’s very heart-warming. (On the other hand, although I write fanfiction, I have no desire to slash them, although I’m fairly sure that’s been done already. I don’t see either one of them as being gay, and they certainly aren’t written that way. I mean, have you ever watched Shunsui with the women? Seriously?) One thing about the manga that I love is that I sometimes end up having questions answered that bothered me from watching the anime. Such as what’s wrong with Ukitake. He’s always treated as if he’s fragile and might keel over at any moment. But common sense says that if he’s strong enough to become a Soul Reaper, he’s not a wilting flower either. Well, the answer is at the back of this volume, which has bios of both Ukitake and Shunsui. Apparently Ukitake has a lung ailment! That explains much and answers that question.
I like the little vignettes in between chapters involving those left behind in the World of the Living. Kon (in Ichigo’s body) has become involved in a soccer game with Jinta and Ururu and Karin, and notices that Jinta has his Kon body! The result is hilarious and is still ongoing.
I liked the scenes between Yoruichi and Sai Fon. I think you’d have to be pretty blind not to realize that Yoriuchi and Kiskue are a couple. But also, Sai Fon has a huge crush on Yoruichi, which probably contributes to her behavior at times.
With most of the strength of the Sereitei arrayed against them, can Ichigo and his friends pull off this daring rescue? Only time will tell. Looking forward to the next volume!
And here one is, in the person of Ichigo Kurosaki! And Ichigo is single-handedly holding back the firebird king itself! How can that be? Instead of being grateful, Rukia calls him a fool and asks him why he came back, warning him Byakuya will surely kill him this time. Meanwhile, the spectators below are marveling at what has happened and wondering who in the world was able to do that.
Before the bird can strike a second time, which would surely be fatal to them both, Ukitake arrives, to Kyoraku’s relief, and proceeds to destroy the Sokyoku. At that, Ichigo destroys the scaffold and takes Rukia in hand. Can her rescue possibly be this easy?
Of course not.
Ichigo tosses Rukia down to Renji and tells him to take her to safety, as he turns to confront Byakuya. Sai Fon sends her people after those who are working to rescue Rukia, then finds herself facing a foe of her own—her former captain, Yoruichi! Ukitake and Kyoraku are about to attempt to talk to Sai Fon, but they are called to task by the Head-Captain himself, and have no choice but to face him down together!
This volume of Bleach is certainly not lacking in action. Everybody seems to be fighting against someone! And the lines between the good guys and the bad guys is most definitely blurred, as two captains—the first two captains to graduate from the Soul Reaper Academy—choose to do what they believe to be right, even if it means defying old man Yama.
Ichigo is his usual cocky self. Remember he’s only fifteen, and still believes himself invincible. But besides that, he has strong sense of honor, as well as a strong desire to protect his family and friends from harm. He won’t allow Rukia to give up, no matter what, a very admirable sentiment indeed. I don’t find manga-Rukia nearly as wishy-washy as I did anime-Rukia. Maybe that’s because we are more privy to her inner thoughts in the manga than in the anime.
I was especially thrilled to see so much of Shunsui in this volume, especially as he is so obviously on the side of right. He and Ukitake are such good friends and so very much in sync with one another. It’s very heart-warming. (On the other hand, although I write fanfiction, I have no desire to slash them, although I’m fairly sure that’s been done already. I don’t see either one of them as being gay, and they certainly aren’t written that way. I mean, have you ever watched Shunsui with the women? Seriously?) One thing about the manga that I love is that I sometimes end up having questions answered that bothered me from watching the anime. Such as what’s wrong with Ukitake. He’s always treated as if he’s fragile and might keel over at any moment. But common sense says that if he’s strong enough to become a Soul Reaper, he’s not a wilting flower either. Well, the answer is at the back of this volume, which has bios of both Ukitake and Shunsui. Apparently Ukitake has a lung ailment! That explains much and answers that question.
I like the little vignettes in between chapters involving those left behind in the World of the Living. Kon (in Ichigo’s body) has become involved in a soccer game with Jinta and Ururu and Karin, and notices that Jinta has his Kon body! The result is hilarious and is still ongoing.
I liked the scenes between Yoruichi and Sai Fon. I think you’d have to be pretty blind not to realize that Yoriuchi and Kiskue are a couple. But also, Sai Fon has a huge crush on Yoruichi, which probably contributes to her behavior at times.
With most of the strength of the Sereitei arrayed against them, can Ichigo and his friends pull off this daring rescue? Only time will tell. Looking forward to the next volume!
July 2, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 18 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (150–158) of the on-going manga series.
Kaname Tōsen is saved by Sajin Komamura, who starts to fight Kenpachi Zaraki with his Bankai Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. Meanwhile, Rukia Kuchiki arrives at the execution grounds and accepts her sentence while making a request to Head Captain Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, the leader of the Thirteen Court Squads, to spare Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends and send them home.
However, as Ichigo arrives to save her, the phoenix-like executioner zanpakutō Sōkyoku is destroyed by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku. While Jūshirō and Shunsui are faced by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto for their transgressions, with Yoruichi Shihōin battling her Squad Two lieutenant turned Captain Soi Fon, Ichigo throws Rukia to Renji Abarai to get her to safety while he encounters Byakuya Kuchiki.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The execution of Rukia Kuchiki draws near and her last request is for the safety of her rescuers. However, just as she is to face her fate, she is saved by two unexpected people – Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku, captains of the thirteenth and eighth divisions respectively, just in time for Ichigo Kurosaki to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 18 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
Kaname Tōsen is saved by Sajin Komamura, who starts to fight Kenpachi Zaraki with his Bankai Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō. Meanwhile, Rukia Kuchiki arrives at the execution grounds and accepts her sentence while making a request to Head Captain Shigekuni Yamamoto-Genryūsai, the leader of the Thirteen Court Squads, to spare Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends and send them home.
However, as Ichigo arrives to save her, the phoenix-like executioner zanpakutō Sōkyoku is destroyed by Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku. While Jūshirō and Shunsui are faced by Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto for their transgressions, with Yoruichi Shihōin battling her Squad Two lieutenant turned Captain Soi Fon, Ichigo throws Rukia to Renji Abarai to get her to safety while he encounters Byakuya Kuchiki.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The execution of Rukia Kuchiki draws near and her last request is for the safety of her rescuers. However, just as she is to face her fate, she is saved by two unexpected people – Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku, captains of the thirteenth and eighth divisions respectively, just in time for Ichigo Kurosaki to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 18 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
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