What do you think?
Rate this book
Bleach #19
Bleach, Volume 19
The Black Moon Rising
The long-awaited showdown between Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki has finally begun. Has Ichigo succeeded in mastering bankai, the highest level of power that a Soul Reaper can attain, to face Byakuya as an equal?
In the aftermath of Rukia's last-minute rescue, Yoruichi faces her former subordinate Soi Fun in mortal combat, while the 13 Court Guard Companies teeter on the brink of civil war. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki square off in the final bloody duel that will decide Rukia's fate - and their own!
The long-awaited showdown between Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki has finally begun. Has Ichigo succeeded in mastering bankai, the highest level of power that a Soul Reaper can attain, to face Byakuya as an equal?
In the aftermath of Rukia's last-minute rescue, Yoruichi faces her former subordinate Soi Fun in mortal combat, while the 13 Court Guard Companies teeter on the brink of civil war. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki square off in the final bloody duel that will decide Rukia's fate - and their own!
216 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2005
101 people are currently reading
1387 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
June 14, 2024
"Darn it... I thought I could go a little farther, but I guess I was wrong. What was I thinking? I was stupid to think I could beat Bankai with a Shikai."
"Watch what you say, boy. You make it sound as though you've achieved Bankai."
"Yeah. That's exactly what I'm saying, Byakuya Kuchiki."
After reading 18 volumes of the manga, I started to believe that it will always surpass the anime. But then I got to Volume 19, one of those that I was sure it's gonna be way more impressive than what was shown in the anime, and I have to announce the anime's first win.
It's not that the volume was a disappointment. I got most of what I expected to see. There was the full Ichigo vs Byakuya fight with the appearance of White, the first use of the GETSUGATENSHO attack, the final of the Yoruichi vs Soi Fon fight (with their flashback scenes), the reunion of the Karakura Team (plus Ganju) and the reveal of the fate of Central 46. But I have to admit that the one thing I was most excited about - the Ichigo vs Byakuya fight and the first use of Ichigo's Bankai - wasn't as impressive in the manga as it was in the anime. Maybe it's because I haven't heard Ichigo's iconic "BAN-KAI!!" scream, so I didn't get goosebumps like I did while watching it happening on the screen.
It's not like the manga didn't got any pluses. White is much more crazy looking in here than in the anime. I genuinely felt fear when I saw him and I'm impressed that Byakuya didn't jump out of his boots when he had appeared so suddenly and attacked him :D
Also, also, I want to point out that I'm surprised that there was no Byakuya flashback scene of Hisana and he didn't mention how he had gone against the law once already. I didn't quite bought his explanations in the anime, but in the manga, where he didn't mention the situation with Hisana, his explanations seem even weaker than in the anime. But hey, he did learn his lesson and now it will only be better from here :)
Anyways, it seems like the fights are over, or at least, the one with Byakuya is. He will no longer pursue Rukia, which means she should be save now. But it's not the end of Soul Reapers' problems. With the fate of Central 46 revealed, there is another culprit that the Soul Reapers need to find. Or maybe it's the same person who's responsible for what had happened to Aizen? Is it Gin? Or maybe Kira? Or someone totally different? We will see soon enough! ;)
"Watch what you say, boy. You make it sound as though you've achieved Bankai."
"Yeah. That's exactly what I'm saying, Byakuya Kuchiki."
After reading 18 volumes of the manga, I started to believe that it will always surpass the anime. But then I got to Volume 19, one of those that I was sure it's gonna be way more impressive than what was shown in the anime, and I have to announce the anime's first win.
It's not that the volume was a disappointment. I got most of what I expected to see. There was the full Ichigo vs Byakuya fight with the appearance of White, the first use of the GETSUGATENSHO attack, the final of the Yoruichi vs Soi Fon fight (with their flashback scenes), the reunion of the Karakura Team (plus Ganju) and the reveal of the fate of Central 46. But I have to admit that the one thing I was most excited about - the Ichigo vs Byakuya fight and the first use of Ichigo's Bankai - wasn't as impressive in the manga as it was in the anime. Maybe it's because I haven't heard Ichigo's iconic "BAN-KAI!!" scream, so I didn't get goosebumps like I did while watching it happening on the screen.
It's not like the manga didn't got any pluses. White is much more crazy looking in here than in the anime. I genuinely felt fear when I saw him and I'm impressed that Byakuya didn't jump out of his boots when he had appeared so suddenly and attacked him :D
Also, also, I want to point out that I'm surprised that there was no Byakuya flashback scene of Hisana and he didn't mention how he had gone against the law once already. I didn't quite bought his explanations in the anime, but in the manga, where he didn't mention the situation with Hisana, his explanations seem even weaker than in the anime. But hey, he did learn his lesson and now it will only be better from here :)
Anyways, it seems like the fights are over, or at least, the one with Byakuya is. He will no longer pursue Rukia, which means she should be save now. But it's not the end of Soul Reapers' problems. With the fate of Central 46 revealed, there is another culprit that the Soul Reapers need to find. Or maybe it's the same person who's responsible for what had happened to Aizen? Is it Gin? Or maybe Kira? Or someone totally different? We will see soon enough! ;)
June 13, 2023
Ichigo is awesome! That fight between him and Byakuya was amazing! Both of them using everything they had to try and win that fight. Also Ichigo finally achieved Bankai! Not only has he achieved it, but he also has some kind of inner conflict going on with him and that hollow. I knew there was something up with that mask always showing up. That last chapter also has me wondering where do we go from here with all this fighting going on within the Gotei 13.
December 5, 2016
I loved the colored pages in this manga! :) The story is getting exciting!
October 17, 2020
This is probably the best volume so far.
Yoruichi and Soi Fon starts the volume and we get a little background on both. It's actually handled fairly well and the fight is intense and well done. Quick, which sums up both characters really well. Then we have Ichigo vs Byakuya, and this is the battle we've been waiting for. When Byakuya unleashes one of his best attacks and Ichigo just slaps it away we get the battle reaching a all time high when both characters must unlock their ultimate forms...BANKAI!
The fights are fast paced, brutal, epic, and fantastical. This is purely a action volume but it also has a lot of heart because there is stakes and Rukia life is still in danger. The sheer determination of ichigo pushing himself to his very limits to protect someone he loves is great. It helps the art is on point and the fight is actually pretty easy to follow yet looks great.
Overall, this is what the entire arc was building towards and payed off. Then the next arc begins to form at the very end with a big cliffhanger here. A 4.5 out of 5.
Yoruichi and Soi Fon starts the volume and we get a little background on both. It's actually handled fairly well and the fight is intense and well done. Quick, which sums up both characters really well. Then we have Ichigo vs Byakuya, and this is the battle we've been waiting for. When Byakuya unleashes one of his best attacks and Ichigo just slaps it away we get the battle reaching a all time high when both characters must unlock their ultimate forms...BANKAI!
The fights are fast paced, brutal, epic, and fantastical. This is purely a action volume but it also has a lot of heart because there is stakes and Rukia life is still in danger. The sheer determination of ichigo pushing himself to his very limits to protect someone he loves is great. It helps the art is on point and the fight is actually pretty easy to follow yet looks great.
Overall, this is what the entire arc was building towards and payed off. Then the next arc begins to form at the very end with a big cliffhanger here. A 4.5 out of 5.
February 7, 2021
I'm happy I was able to read two volumes today! The fight between Ichigo and Byuaka is my favorite! Review to come whenever xD
March 10, 2019
Loved it
December 4, 2020
Great volume! Yoruichi vs Soi Fon happens and its epic and the way she defeats her wow and then we have the greatest battle of all in Ichigo vs Byakuya and its epic, both unleashing their Bankai's and trying to one uppen the other and when he unleashes "Getsu Gatenshou" and then transforms into "Tenga Zangetsu" its something, well done by the mangaka and Ichigo's hollow side is shown too and that will become important down the line and then their battle ends, and Ichigo wins which is big and there is some mystery with the slain judge councils and the bg reveal with Gin Ichimaru is coming! The series stakes are higher all of a sudden!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
oooh this was GOOD! Possibly my fave volume so far. This installment was definitely battle heavy with Yoruichi and Ichigo each fighting their own opponents. Watching Ichigo release his Bankai was thrilling to say the least and his "transformation" had me on the edge of my seat.
The ending left on a pretty big cliffhanger and I need the next volume the way I need oxygen.
I have so many questions and theories; I can't wait to continue my journey with this series!
The ending left on a pretty big cliffhanger and I need the next volume the way I need oxygen.
I have so many questions and theories; I can't wait to continue my journey with this series!
March 13, 2025
I knew it wouldn't let me down. Imo this features the best fight in the entirety of bleach. Ichigos first ban...kai and one of the best moments in the entire story. I think any volume past this will struggle to beat it hut I'll be happy to be proven wrong. MY GOAT IS BACK. With that the ss arc is done and it was thoroughly thoroughly enjoyable. Now for Aizen........
January 26, 2025
That is right Ichigo kick his ass show off your bad self (literally).
I still find it funny how Byakuya Kuchiki goes on about only a rare few from the four great families can summon a useful Bankai. Yet in just a short time every main character is dropping Bankai like no big deal.
The fight Yoruichi vs Soi Fon was interesting, but in the end Soi Fon was just upset because she did not get to go off and play with Yoruichi.
2nd read, good stuff.
I still find it funny how Byakuya Kuchiki goes on about only a rare few from the four great families can summon a useful Bankai. Yet in just a short time every main character is dropping Bankai like no big deal.
The fight Yoruichi vs Soi Fon was interesting, but in the end Soi Fon was just upset because she did not get to go off and play with Yoruichi.
2nd read, good stuff.
October 4, 2021
Tomo 19 con varias espectaculares páginas a color. Segunda vez que sale Ichigo Kurosaki en la tapa.
November 28, 2021
WHO DID IT?
September 1, 2022
soul society is peak shonen
July 4, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 19 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (159–168) of the on-going manga series.
It has been revealed that Yoruichi Shihōin has once been leader of Squad Two with Soi Fon being her lieutenant, but now she bears a grudge for her former captain for abandoning her and the Soul Society. Soi Fon finally breaks down upon being outmatched by Yoruichi.
Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki take their fight to the next level by releasing their bankai. With his bankai Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo's speed considerably increases to overpower Byakuya. However, Ichigo cannot fully control his bankai and as he is about to be defeated, his inner-hollow temporarily assumes control of his body. However, Ichigo manages to suppress his inner-hollow before he and Byakuya focus the remainder of their powers in a final clash. Byakuya explains that he allowed Rukia Kuchiki's execution, because he values the law above all else, Byakuya admits defeat as Ichigo has convinced him not to execute Rukia.
Meanwhile, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto head to the Central 46 Chambers, learning the members of the highest authority in the Soul Society are all dead.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The execution of Rukia Kuchiki is seemingly stayed and the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki was wonderfully depicted. The appearance of his inner-hallow is a tad disconcerting, but an interesting new power set nevertheless. The mystery of what is happening in the Soul Society deepens and it looks like this event has been meticulously planned and all one needed was for everyone to be distracted to execute – like the invasion force of Ichigo Kurosaki.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 19 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
It has been revealed that Yoruichi Shihōin has once been leader of Squad Two with Soi Fon being her lieutenant, but now she bears a grudge for her former captain for abandoning her and the Soul Society. Soi Fon finally breaks down upon being outmatched by Yoruichi.
Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki take their fight to the next level by releasing their bankai. With his bankai Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo's speed considerably increases to overpower Byakuya. However, Ichigo cannot fully control his bankai and as he is about to be defeated, his inner-hollow temporarily assumes control of his body. However, Ichigo manages to suppress his inner-hollow before he and Byakuya focus the remainder of their powers in a final clash. Byakuya explains that he allowed Rukia Kuchiki's execution, because he values the law above all else, Byakuya admits defeat as Ichigo has convinced him not to execute Rukia.
Meanwhile, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto head to the Central 46 Chambers, learning the members of the highest authority in the Soul Society are all dead.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The execution of Rukia Kuchiki is seemingly stayed and the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki was wonderfully depicted. The appearance of his inner-hallow is a tad disconcerting, but an interesting new power set nevertheless. The mystery of what is happening in the Soul Society deepens and it looks like this event has been meticulously planned and all one needed was for everyone to be distracted to execute – like the invasion force of Ichigo Kurosaki.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 19 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
April 22, 2021
Great battle scenes some great Ichego plot development!
Summary:
Soi Fon tells of how she always looked up to Yoruichi. She describes how she felt betrayed by how Yoruichi vanished from the soul society and didn't tell her. Ikkua battles Iba. Ichego is fighting Byakuya. Byakuya uses his thousand cherry blossems move, Ichego beats it. Byakuya uses his bankia and hurts Ichego. Ichego releases his bankia, which makes his sword thinner and makes him faster. Byakuya uses his special move in his bankai and him and Ichego battle. Byakuy get the upper hand. Ichego seems defeated until he grows a hollow mask and grabs Byakuya's sword. Then he cuts Byakuya multiple times. Ichego fights off the hollow mask. Byakuya challenges him to a final blow to decide the victor. Ichego won and discovered Byakuya didn't try to save Rukia because he wanted to set an example of how its important to follow laws. The team reunites.
The council of the 46 was murdered. Captain Hitsugaya discovers it with matsumoto. They discover Izuru at the scene of the crime. Izuru tells Hitsugaya he should be more worried about momo. Gin is behind momo volume ends
Summary:
Soi Fon tells of how she always looked up to Yoruichi. She describes how she felt betrayed by how Yoruichi vanished from the soul society and didn't tell her. Ikkua battles Iba. Ichego is fighting Byakuya. Byakuya uses his thousand cherry blossems move, Ichego beats it. Byakuya uses his bankia and hurts Ichego. Ichego releases his bankia, which makes his sword thinner and makes him faster. Byakuya uses his special move in his bankai and him and Ichego battle. Byakuy get the upper hand. Ichego seems defeated until he grows a hollow mask and grabs Byakuya's sword. Then he cuts Byakuya multiple times. Ichego fights off the hollow mask. Byakuya challenges him to a final blow to decide the victor. Ichego won and discovered Byakuya didn't try to save Rukia because he wanted to set an example of how its important to follow laws. The team reunites.
The council of the 46 was murdered. Captain Hitsugaya discovers it with matsumoto. They discover Izuru at the scene of the crime. Izuru tells Hitsugaya he should be more worried about momo. Gin is behind momo volume ends
February 3, 2020
Mangaka Tite Kubo beautifully unveils Ichigo's sheer determination through incredible development and this volume is the ultimate payoff as he goes up against Byakuya. This sequence displays both of their powers in different phases and shows how much Ichigo has grown as a Soul Reaper while also teasing the darkness within him. Not only is the artwork beautiful and detailed, but it also captures powerful emotions with so much rawness and turns the action-packed moments incredibly lively.
As their battle comes to an end, the story also returns to the mysterious murders within the Soul Society and leaves fans on a cliffhanger that promises for more exciting revelations that will undoubtedly pave the way for the next story arc.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
As their battle comes to an end, the story also returns to the mysterious murders within the Soul Society and leaves fans on a cliffhanger that promises for more exciting revelations that will undoubtedly pave the way for the next story arc.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
December 20, 2025
She means a lot to Ichigo. That’s because Rukia changed Ichigo’s whole world.
Besides the amazing, show-stopping battle between Byakuya and Ichigo, I really think Orihime came through with those lines. You can see she truly loves Ichigo and just wants him to be safe. They’re adorable! Also, the final chapter gave me goosebumps. Gin Ichimaru, I have official beef with you.
Besides the amazing, show-stopping battle between Byakuya and Ichigo, I really think Orihime came through with those lines. You can see she truly loves Ichigo and just wants him to be safe. They’re adorable! Also, the final chapter gave me goosebumps. Gin Ichimaru, I have official beef with you.
April 15, 2019
Damn nobility is a form of useless pride- you’re better than that Byakuya! 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2020
The fight between Ichigo and Byakuya is one of the most crazily epic things I have ever read or watched. That's my fangirl squeal for the day.
July 13, 2021
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER ENDING I'M GONNA HAVE A HEART ATTACK 😱
January 9, 2022
Demonic Ichigo can get it
October 6, 2022
Ichigo ruuuules!
October 17, 2022
THE most epic fight between Ichigo and Byakuya. Absolutely amazing!!
August 29, 2023
Ichigo VS Byakuya una tra le cose più belle fino ad ora.
January 25, 2024
Ichigo is just such a freaking awesome protagonist. And gin possibly being a villain is cool too
April 5, 2024
Un volume intero per tratteggiare e far esplodere su pagina lo scontro tra Ichigo e Byakuya.
Abbiamo l’intrusione dell’Hollow (“Io non ho nessun nome” in contrapposizione con le Zampakuto, che ce l’hanno e che per sprigionare tutto il loro potere deve essere chiamate) e uno scambio di battute molto forte.
Byakuya: “Se non rispettiamo noi la legge, chi dovrebbe farlo?”
Ichigo: “Io penso che combatterei la legge”.
Abbiamo l’intrusione dell’Hollow (“Io non ho nessun nome” in contrapposizione con le Zampakuto, che ce l’hanno e che per sprigionare tutto il loro potere deve essere chiamate) e uno scambio di battute molto forte.
Byakuya: “Se non rispettiamo noi la legge, chi dovrebbe farlo?”
Ichigo: “Io penso che combatterei la legge”.
June 27, 2025
srakuya kuchiki pozdro
October 13, 2023
Winning and mystery. “The only thing I can teach you is a proper state of mind”
December 23, 2023
4.5⭐️
Once again. SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP
Once again. SCREAMING. CRYING. THROWING UP
July 29, 2014
Soi Fon and Yoruichi continue to battle it out, and we also learn of their past, (and basically why Soi Fon hates her mentor's guts).
It seems that Ikkaku and Iba also started a battle because they're both too lazy to get up to get more Sake, (but yet they still have enough energy to fight...). It was pretty funny how they did rock, paper, scissors first, but of course in Bleach you need every battle to occur in every situation. 'Sigh'.
Ichigo and Byakuya's battle also heats up quite a bit. They both are at their brink, which also reveals their highest potentials. Byakuya said something like: "I don't have you use my Bankai on you for a thousand years," and then like 5 minutes later he used his Bankai. :/
After all the waiting, we finally get to see Ichigo's Bankai that he was striving to achieve, and to be honest I wasn't expecting anything like the other Captains where their swords become giant things that are almost alive. But I was a little shocked that his Bankai got SMALLER. It's totally opposite. You'd think his Shikai was the smaller one, and his Bankai would be the huge Zanpaku-tô. But although his Bankai is basically just a normal Zanpaku-tô, he does have a great advantage with such great speed. Most people gain extreme strength, but since Ichigo already has that he gains extreme speeds. :) yay!
(Did anyone else notice his clothing changed with his Bankai? He looks like he's from the Matrix!!)
I dislike that the Japanese version of this volume had a section of it in color, but the english one wasn't. So sad... So sad...
I actually like Hollow Ichigo, (that's what I'm calling him cuz I guess he doesn't have a name). It's like Ichigo has Schizophrenia, and his other personality makes sure he lives (but is kind of crazy)!
Ichigo IS a lot scarier though when he... Isn't... Ichigo anymore... I don't know how to describe it anymore. Byakuya seems seriously shocked and a little confused at who the heck he was fighting (and what happened to Ichigo).
It seems that the mask forms on Ichigo's face as he is suppressed by this other person. Maybe he turns into a hollow, or is consumed by this other person once the mask is fully formed.
XD Byakuya was just totally stunned. I'm surprised he didn't ask for an explanation. He knew it wasn't Ichigo.
His reasoning for wanting to kill Rukia I guess was reasonable, but yet just a little cruel. How could someone be SO cold to their sibling? But yet again they're not really siblings by blood...
Does it ever explain why Rukia was taken in by the Kuchiki clan?
This volume ends with Tôshirô and Matsumoto discovering the entire council of 46 dead, led away by Izuru. He says that Momo has been following the two this whole time, and Tôshirô goes back to make sure she's safe. Leaving Izuru and Matsumoto on the verge of (another) battle, we see Momo completely shocked, and totally confused about who could have killed Aizen and the council of 46, who is then greeted by Gin from behind.
Can't wait to find more about this [crazy] Hollow Ichigo, and who really is the Soul Reaper murderer!!
It seems that Ikkaku and Iba also started a battle because they're both too lazy to get up to get more Sake, (but yet they still have enough energy to fight...). It was pretty funny how they did rock, paper, scissors first, but of course in Bleach you need every battle to occur in every situation. 'Sigh'.
Ichigo and Byakuya's battle also heats up quite a bit. They both are at their brink, which also reveals their highest potentials. Byakuya said something like: "I don't have you use my Bankai on you for a thousand years," and then like 5 minutes later he used his Bankai. :/
After all the waiting, we finally get to see Ichigo's Bankai that he was striving to achieve, and to be honest I wasn't expecting anything like the other Captains where their swords become giant things that are almost alive. But I was a little shocked that his Bankai got SMALLER. It's totally opposite. You'd think his Shikai was the smaller one, and his Bankai would be the huge Zanpaku-tô. But although his Bankai is basically just a normal Zanpaku-tô, he does have a great advantage with such great speed. Most people gain extreme strength, but since Ichigo already has that he gains extreme speeds. :) yay!
(Did anyone else notice his clothing changed with his Bankai? He looks like he's from the Matrix!!)
I dislike that the Japanese version of this volume had a section of it in color, but the english one wasn't. So sad... So sad...
I actually like Hollow Ichigo, (that's what I'm calling him cuz I guess he doesn't have a name). It's like Ichigo has Schizophrenia, and his other personality makes sure he lives (but is kind of crazy)!
Ichigo IS a lot scarier though when he... Isn't... Ichigo anymore... I don't know how to describe it anymore. Byakuya seems seriously shocked and a little confused at who the heck he was fighting (and what happened to Ichigo).
It seems that the mask forms on Ichigo's face as he is suppressed by this other person. Maybe he turns into a hollow, or is consumed by this other person once the mask is fully formed.
XD Byakuya was just totally stunned. I'm surprised he didn't ask for an explanation. He knew it wasn't Ichigo.
His reasoning for wanting to kill Rukia I guess was reasonable, but yet just a little cruel. How could someone be SO cold to their sibling? But yet again they're not really siblings by blood...
Does it ever explain why Rukia was taken in by the Kuchiki clan?
This volume ends with Tôshirô and Matsumoto discovering the entire council of 46 dead, led away by Izuru. He says that Momo has been following the two this whole time, and Tôshirô goes back to make sure she's safe. Leaving Izuru and Matsumoto on the verge of (another) battle, we see Momo completely shocked, and totally confused about who could have killed Aizen and the council of 46, who is then greeted by Gin from behind.
Can't wait to find more about this [crazy] Hollow Ichigo, and who really is the Soul Reaper murderer!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews