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Bleach #3
Bleach, Volume 03
Memories in the Rain
Ichigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, whose ability top see the undead is a blessing and curse, tried to stop young girl from drowning in a nearby river. His mother, Masaki, ran after them, frantically trying to rescue her only son. Then everything went black, and Ichigo awoke only to discover his mother dead and the little girl gone.
It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetary to pay their respects. Sleeping demons rarely ever stay still and pretty soon Ichigo confronts the Grand Fisher, the Hollow that may be responsible for his mother's demise.
Ichigo Kurosaki was a little boy when his mother passed away. One rainy day, Ichigo, whose ability top see the undead is a blessing and curse, tried to stop young girl from drowning in a nearby river. His mother, Masaki, ran after them, frantically trying to rescue her only son. Then everything went black, and Ichigo awoke only to discover his mother dead and the little girl gone.
It's the anniversary of Masaki's death, and the entire Kurosaki clan, along with former Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, head to the cemetary to pay their respects. Sleeping demons rarely ever stay still and pretty soon Ichigo confronts the Grand Fisher, the Hollow that may be responsible for his mother's demise.
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2002
191 people are currently reading
3523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 460 reviews
February 23, 2022
I've barely begun this series and we're already getting into the tragic backstories... Ichigo's mom is a queen. ALSO KON?? Putting his animated soul into a teddy bear was so cute!!
May 4, 2024
It's June 16th in Karakura Town.
"I wonder if it's okay to take a break from my Shinigami work tomorrow... just for one day."
"Wha... What are you talking about!? Of course it's not possible!! What in the world is your problem!? Since this morning you've been..."
"It's the anniversary. Tomorrow is the day my mom died."
This volume was very hard to get through. I already knew what will happen. I already cried my eyes out while watching this story in the anime, so it should be easy for me. But it wasn't.
Ichigo's backstory involving his mother gets me every time I watch the anime and it seems like the situation is the same when it comes to the manga. Oh wait, sorry. It worse. I did not remember crying this much while watching the anime, but while reading the volume, I couldn't stop the tears from coming. At some point I couldn't even see the pages, it was all blurry and I had to take a break.
The Kurosaki plot.
At a real small age, I heard dad say that the name "Ichigo" has the meaning "to protect one thing" attached to it. At that time I remember thinking that if that's so, I want to protect my mom. Mom, who always protected me.
A nine year old Ichigo was such an adorable kid. He had the sunny smile that could cheer you up even in the darkest of days. He cared so much for his little sisters, that he decided to go to dojo class so he could learn how to protect them and his mother. He was weak and cried every time he lost a match, but wherever he saw his mother, he beautifully lighted up like a Christmas Tree. He was just a child, a kid that needed his family. Needed love and security. Needed a great childhood. But on June 17th everything was taken away from him. On the day that Kurosaki Masaki died, everything changed for the Kurosaki family. Their center, their sun was suddenly gone.
My heart broke for all the Kurosaki family members, but (of course) mostly for Ichigo. He was just a child and had to deal with such a horrible situation. It seemed like through the years between Masaki's death and the moment we are now, he never talked about it. With anyone. He dealt with all his pain silently and blamed himself for what had happened. I can't imagine how heavy that burden had to be. I can't imagine a kid blaming himself for his parent's death.
"Well... If you let her see your lively form like that, mom will rest easy on the other side."
You can say that Isshin, Ichigo's father, is to blame, because he didn't talk about the incident with his son while having so much time to do so. And I agree. But let's not forget the amount of effort Isshin is giving to cheer up his family, especially on June 17th. He's doing everything in a fun way, even in the day that supposed to be sad. He seems like a comedic character - he usually behaves in very dumb ways - but everything has it's reasons. He isn't just a comedic character. He just doesn't want his kids to be sad and I admire him for it. He never blamed Ichigo for what had happened and he said it loud and clear. All he needs is for Ichigo to have a bright future - it was also what Masaki always wanted for him.
"It's just that... The woman I fell in love with was a woman who could die protecting her son. And don't forget. You are the guy the woman that I loved gave her life to protect."
I love Ichigo and Isshin's dynamic. I really do. Usually they constantly bicker with each other, but when the time comes for a serious moments, their scenes are incredibly heartwarming. Isshin always knows what to say to get to Ichigo and it shows.
The Ichigo and Rukia dynamic.
"You're not going to ask anything?"
"If I ask, will you answer?"
"........."
"It's your problem. A deep, deep problem. I have no right to know. I don't have a method of stepping into the depths of your heart without it getting dirty. So I'll wait. When you want to talk, when you think it's okay to talk... Talk to me."
The amount of love I have for the Rukia and Ichigo dynamic is not possible to describe. They know each other so well in such a little time they spend with each other. I love how they are always there for each other, no matter what. The level of respect and understanding these two have for each other is truly unmatched. I also have to point out the little scene between Rukia and Kon where Kon begs her to go and save Ichigo. I don't remember this scene ever be in the anime (maybe I need a rewatch? :D) and it made me smile so hard. Kon is such an annoying character most of the time, but there are moments like this one that he shows how much he cares for his friends and I really, really like it.
Some other things I need to talk about.
• It bothers me that in such a meaningful volume for Ichigo (and Rukia as well) of all the people the author chose Orihime to be in the cover. It's not a secret that I don't like this character and I rather not see her at all, but it's just wasn't her story and she shouldn't be there.
• I love the relationship between Ichigo and Tatsuki. Her talking about her childhood memories in such an emotional way was one of the highlights of this volume for me.
• After reading the previous volumes, I should expect that the fight between Ichigo and Grand Fisher will be bloody, but heck, I definitely wasn't prepared.
• I didn't remember Grand Fisher having an ability to look into someone's memories, it took me totally by surprise!
"I wonder if it's okay to take a break from my Shinigami work tomorrow... just for one day."
"Wha... What are you talking about!? Of course it's not possible!! What in the world is your problem!? Since this morning you've been..."
"It's the anniversary. Tomorrow is the day my mom died."
This volume was very hard to get through. I already knew what will happen. I already cried my eyes out while watching this story in the anime, so it should be easy for me. But it wasn't.
Ichigo's backstory involving his mother gets me every time I watch the anime and it seems like the situation is the same when it comes to the manga. Oh wait, sorry. It worse. I did not remember crying this much while watching the anime, but while reading the volume, I couldn't stop the tears from coming. At some point I couldn't even see the pages, it was all blurry and I had to take a break.
The Kurosaki plot.
At a real small age, I heard dad say that the name "Ichigo" has the meaning "to protect one thing" attached to it. At that time I remember thinking that if that's so, I want to protect my mom. Mom, who always protected me.
A nine year old Ichigo was such an adorable kid. He had the sunny smile that could cheer you up even in the darkest of days. He cared so much for his little sisters, that he decided to go to dojo class so he could learn how to protect them and his mother. He was weak and cried every time he lost a match, but wherever he saw his mother, he beautifully lighted up like a Christmas Tree. He was just a child, a kid that needed his family. Needed love and security. Needed a great childhood. But on June 17th everything was taken away from him. On the day that Kurosaki Masaki died, everything changed for the Kurosaki family. Their center, their sun was suddenly gone.
My heart broke for all the Kurosaki family members, but (of course) mostly for Ichigo. He was just a child and had to deal with such a horrible situation. It seemed like through the years between Masaki's death and the moment we are now, he never talked about it. With anyone. He dealt with all his pain silently and blamed himself for what had happened. I can't imagine how heavy that burden had to be. I can't imagine a kid blaming himself for his parent's death.
"Well... If you let her see your lively form like that, mom will rest easy on the other side."
You can say that Isshin, Ichigo's father, is to blame, because he didn't talk about the incident with his son while having so much time to do so. And I agree. But let's not forget the amount of effort Isshin is giving to cheer up his family, especially on June 17th. He's doing everything in a fun way, even in the day that supposed to be sad. He seems like a comedic character - he usually behaves in very dumb ways - but everything has it's reasons. He isn't just a comedic character. He just doesn't want his kids to be sad and I admire him for it. He never blamed Ichigo for what had happened and he said it loud and clear. All he needs is for Ichigo to have a bright future - it was also what Masaki always wanted for him.
"It's just that... The woman I fell in love with was a woman who could die protecting her son. And don't forget. You are the guy the woman that I loved gave her life to protect."
I love Ichigo and Isshin's dynamic. I really do. Usually they constantly bicker with each other, but when the time comes for a serious moments, their scenes are incredibly heartwarming. Isshin always knows what to say to get to Ichigo and it shows.
The Ichigo and Rukia dynamic.
"You're not going to ask anything?"
"If I ask, will you answer?"
"........."
"It's your problem. A deep, deep problem. I have no right to know. I don't have a method of stepping into the depths of your heart without it getting dirty. So I'll wait. When you want to talk, when you think it's okay to talk... Talk to me."
The amount of love I have for the Rukia and Ichigo dynamic is not possible to describe. They know each other so well in such a little time they spend with each other. I love how they are always there for each other, no matter what. The level of respect and understanding these two have for each other is truly unmatched. I also have to point out the little scene between Rukia and Kon where Kon begs her to go and save Ichigo. I don't remember this scene ever be in the anime (maybe I need a rewatch? :D) and it made me smile so hard. Kon is such an annoying character most of the time, but there are moments like this one that he shows how much he cares for his friends and I really, really like it.
Some other things I need to talk about.
• It bothers me that in such a meaningful volume for Ichigo (and Rukia as well) of all the people the author chose Orihime to be in the cover. It's not a secret that I don't like this character and I rather not see her at all, but it's just wasn't her story and she shouldn't be there.
• I love the relationship between Ichigo and Tatsuki. Her talking about her childhood memories in such an emotional way was one of the highlights of this volume for me.
• After reading the previous volumes, I should expect that the fight between Ichigo and Grand Fisher will be bloody, but heck, I definitely wasn't prepared.
• I didn't remember Grand Fisher having an ability to look into someone's memories, it took me totally by surprise!
October 15, 2017
I just love Bleach!! This manga is amazing!! I have finally find a manga that can compete against Naruto!!
Ichigo, Rukia, Chad (Sado), Orihime, Kod, Karin, Yuzu, Jinta, Ururu, Tessai and Kisuke is just amazing characters and I love Ichigo and his fathers fighting xD
Ichigo, Rukia, Chad (Sado), Orihime, Kod, Karin, Yuzu, Jinta, Ururu, Tessai and Kisuke is just amazing characters and I love Ichigo and his fathers fighting xD
January 4, 2020
A tragic and special day arrives on the doorsteps of Ichigo and this time around, he learns a dark secret that fuels his sense of justice and his desire to be a Soul Reaper.
I believe the humour in this one was distracting, especially when the story was meant to be so emotional. While it still remained a powerful story arc, it still had a couple of issues in managing the intensity.
At least the artwork remains some of the best in the game!
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
I believe the humour in this one was distracting, especially when the story was meant to be so emotional. While it still remained a powerful story arc, it still had a couple of issues in managing the intensity.
At least the artwork remains some of the best in the game!
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
January 4, 2019
I have tears in my eyes. It was emotional and sad story.
May 8, 2022
6/17 Memories in the Rain is about the tragic day in the Kurosaki household's living history. For six years, Ichigo blamed himself for not protecting his mother, thinking he was the reason why she was hit by a bus. The incident changed his life forever, wiping the innocent smile in his mouth, and the brightness in his eyes. But on the sixth year anniversary of his mother's death, as he met again the wandering soul he saw that night of 6/17 a couple of years ago, he learned that there was more to it than what really happened.
6/17 is intimate and evocatively written and drawn. I was in awe of Kubo's ingeniousness, as I was not expecting it to be this hauntingly beautiful. I was actually hooked on the story for real. It's just purely wholesome, and don't get me talking about the konpaku guy in the previous volume! He's stuffed in a teddy bear now and they call him Kon!! That felt like a Sakura/Kero moment.
Although, in all honesty, I'm still having second thoughts in diving deep because this volume sealed the deal. I shipped Ichigo and Rukia from the beginning and it hurts that they did not end up together. And it hurts that they look good together!! I love that cutie bunch so much!
I don't like Orihime seriously, and I kept calling her Onodera! (I don't like them both, and you can add the big boobed waitress in The Devil is a Part-timer! too.)
I'm going to put this excerpt from this volume because I love them so much even though it hurts.
Ichigo: Aren't you going to ask me anything?
Rukia: Would you answer me if I did? It's your business. It's a deep... jagged wound. I don't know how to ask about it... without dredging up your pain... and rubbing salt in that wound. I don't know what to say. So, I'll wait. When you feel like talking... when you want to tell me... I'll listen. I'll just wait... until then.
Ichigo: Thanks.
Don't you just adore them? Don't you just want to give them the world?
6/17 is intimate and evocatively written and drawn. I was in awe of Kubo's ingeniousness, as I was not expecting it to be this hauntingly beautiful. I was actually hooked on the story for real. It's just purely wholesome, and don't get me talking about the konpaku guy in the previous volume! He's stuffed in a teddy bear now and they call him Kon!! That felt like a Sakura/Kero moment.
Although, in all honesty, I'm still having second thoughts in diving deep because this volume sealed the deal. I shipped Ichigo and Rukia from the beginning and it hurts that they did not end up together. And it hurts that they look good together!! I love that cutie bunch so much!
I don't like Orihime seriously, and I kept calling her Onodera! (I don't like them both, and you can add the big boobed waitress in The Devil is a Part-timer! too.)
I'm going to put this excerpt from this volume because I love them so much even though it hurts.
Ichigo: Aren't you going to ask me anything?
Rukia: Would you answer me if I did? It's your business. It's a deep... jagged wound. I don't know how to ask about it... without dredging up your pain... and rubbing salt in that wound. I don't know what to say. So, I'll wait. When you feel like talking... when you want to tell me... I'll listen. I'll just wait... until then.
Ichigo: Thanks.
Don't you just adore them? Don't you just want to give them the world?
May 14, 2024
Bleach is pretty infamous with how its author likes to make things up as he goes along, introducing new elements and twists out of nowhere and continuously going back to rewrite already established stuff to make it look like the villain was in control all along... but to his credit, he makes it work. There's a lot of foreshadowing, a lot of worldbuilding, and a good deal of character growth and revelations that make sense just fine. Even in the end - when the full truth of Ichigo's mother is revealed to us - things more or less make sense.
Almost a shame with how it all turned out, in the end.
Almost a shame with how it all turned out, in the end.
May 15, 2016
Finished the first big bind up yay!
May 31, 2023
Sad volume but we do get to learn more about Ichigo and his families sad past.
December 21, 2018
Well, think I’m done with what seemed like a promising series.
What’s it about?
It’s the anniversary since the main character’s mother died which leads to what could be a very well written, emotional volume being mindless nonsense.
Why not 1 star?
The art is still really good and well done. Some could possibly argue that the style is very similar to a lot of other manga stuff but one of the main things that appeals to me about manga is the fantastic art style (yes, I know that not all manga looks alike, I mean most manga in general).
Cons:
The story is so... typical. It’s not necessarily bad but it’s just that it’s yet another “I’m a gloomy protagonist who craves vengeance and fights monsters”, with nothing that makes this one pop out more than the shit-ton of other similar stories. I don’t even really mind stories that are similar to others but have something that makes this one at least more interesting.
The characters are bland. Our protagonist is a depressed guy fighting monsters with a generic strong female character. His family is a generic family that you’d expect from a sitcom. The monster is typical. The only not-so generic character is the teddy bear but he’s obnoxious. Nothing made me care about these characters.
The dialogue is cheesy. It’s the most expected, cringey shit that gives manga a bad name.
The action scenes are hard to follow in this volume and that’s saying something coming from me, a guy who typically reads manga with over the top action scenes. The problem is that when I can’t understand what I’m looking at in an action scene, something that should be easy to do, it’s no longer fun.
This book is very predictable.
This book tries to be very funny but isn’t. There were only a few good jokes I can think of out of the several attempts at humor in this book. Maybe it’s funnier to a younger audience? Most of it just seemed obnoxious to me.
This book is pretty nonsensical at times. The story and all mostly makes sense but let’s look at the writing. One page is emotional and really trying to give you more to think about as you read the story, the next page is an annoying character going full retard. No, that’s anti-climactic, dumb and only works a few times in a well written story... this does it constantly in a story that is not well written. Also the art can be this way now and then between the action scenes being messy and stuff like this one page letting you know which chapter starts and the page is entirely Christmas themed despite this book having nothing to do with Christmas and taking place in the middle of June.
The monster is not at all intimidating.
Overall:
This book is stupid and I’m done with this series.
Book one was pretty damn good and looked promising. Book two was very meh. Book three is this stupidity that barely avoided a 1-star review. I have a copy of book four which I flipped through and it looks like similar goofy shit so yeah, looks like there’s some more room on my comics shelf now, hopefully for something better.
2/5
What’s it about?
It’s the anniversary since the main character’s mother died which leads to what could be a very well written, emotional volume being mindless nonsense.
Why not 1 star?
The art is still really good and well done. Some could possibly argue that the style is very similar to a lot of other manga stuff but one of the main things that appeals to me about manga is the fantastic art style (yes, I know that not all manga looks alike, I mean most manga in general).
Cons:
The story is so... typical. It’s not necessarily bad but it’s just that it’s yet another “I’m a gloomy protagonist who craves vengeance and fights monsters”, with nothing that makes this one pop out more than the shit-ton of other similar stories. I don’t even really mind stories that are similar to others but have something that makes this one at least more interesting.
The characters are bland. Our protagonist is a depressed guy fighting monsters with a generic strong female character. His family is a generic family that you’d expect from a sitcom. The monster is typical. The only not-so generic character is the teddy bear but he’s obnoxious. Nothing made me care about these characters.
The dialogue is cheesy. It’s the most expected, cringey shit that gives manga a bad name.
The action scenes are hard to follow in this volume and that’s saying something coming from me, a guy who typically reads manga with over the top action scenes. The problem is that when I can’t understand what I’m looking at in an action scene, something that should be easy to do, it’s no longer fun.
This book is very predictable.
This book tries to be very funny but isn’t. There were only a few good jokes I can think of out of the several attempts at humor in this book. Maybe it’s funnier to a younger audience? Most of it just seemed obnoxious to me.
This book is pretty nonsensical at times. The story and all mostly makes sense but let’s look at the writing. One page is emotional and really trying to give you more to think about as you read the story, the next page is an annoying character going full retard. No, that’s anti-climactic, dumb and only works a few times in a well written story... this does it constantly in a story that is not well written. Also the art can be this way now and then between the action scenes being messy and stuff like this one page letting you know which chapter starts and the page is entirely Christmas themed despite this book having nothing to do with Christmas and taking place in the middle of June.
The monster is not at all intimidating.
Overall:
This book is stupid and I’m done with this series.
Book one was pretty damn good and looked promising. Book two was very meh. Book three is this stupidity that barely avoided a 1-star review. I have a copy of book four which I flipped through and it looks like similar goofy shit so yeah, looks like there’s some more room on my comics shelf now, hopefully for something better.
2/5
August 13, 2022
Ichigo, my son. Know that I love you and support you always.
January 18, 2025
"Why should I blame you?"
... oh.
I forgot how much this volume hurt.
The death of is so deeply tragic. It hurts to see him blame himself for it because he was only a child when it happened, so the conversation he has with Isshin at the end is just... It's hard to put into words. Let's just say that I love how Isshin can be serious when he needs to be, and I love how he is there for his kids.
The volume, despite being the third in the series, does such an exceptional job of showing the bond between Ichigo and Rukia. Their dynamic is one of the reasons why I love this series so much, and it is also why I ship them.
It is also moments like these that make me appreciate Kon's character a little more.
... oh.
I forgot how much this volume hurt.
The death of is so deeply tragic. It hurts to see him blame himself for it because he was only a child when it happened, so the conversation he has with Isshin at the end is just... It's hard to put into words. Let's just say that I love how Isshin can be serious when he needs to be, and I love how he is there for his kids.
The volume, despite being the third in the series, does such an exceptional job of showing the bond between Ichigo and Rukia. Their dynamic is one of the reasons why I love this series so much, and it is also why I ship them.
It is also moments like these that make me appreciate Kon's character a little more.
December 28, 2022
Ichigo's family is so interesting. I defs will be paying more attention to them bc I know what happens later in the series. I feel like I just didn't pay enough attention the first time around and was very shocked. I'm looking for the signs this time
March 14, 2018
This manga is so good and I’m in love with it. I love Ichigo, he’s funny, a lot of thing has been happened about the hollows and the rumors has spread out. Interesting and it’s really good.
June 27, 2024
I am officially hooked.
(the artwork is stunning)
(the artwork is stunning)
April 20, 2020
A really sad but uplifting look into some of the characters' past, especially Ichigo's. Thoroughly enjoyed this volume.
November 12, 2025
Ichigo is such a good protagonist holy shit
December 25, 2017
This volume is all about Ichigo and the death of his mum. Every year, his family takes the day off from school and go visit the grave of their mother. It's a sad time and Ichigo feels so guilty and thinks that he is the cause of his mother's death. In a way... he's not wrong. But it wasn't him who killed his mother but a Hollow!
We get to see why Ichigo wants to protect those he cares about at any cost. We also see he and Rukia bond a little more and I enjoy that as their friendship is interesting. Overall, my favorite volume yet.
We get to see why Ichigo wants to protect those he cares about at any cost. We also see he and Rukia bond a little more and I enjoy that as their friendship is interesting. Overall, my favorite volume yet.
July 12, 2024
3 volumes in and we’re already hitting emotional levels. Also, I have a very real feeling that Kon’s going to quickly become my favourite character
June 13, 2023
This is the first time I've read a manga volume that made laugh and cry at the same time.
Ichigo blaming himself for his mother's death was heartbreaking. Poor boy was holding all that guilt since nine years old.
It made his battle with this hollow all that more emotional as he kept pushing himself to his limits in order to avenge his mom.
Ichigo's dad is unhinged and definitely had me cracking up, especially with his chicken whistle.
And Kon's new form is adorable and hilarious.
The ending of this volume definitely gave a glimpse into what else we can expect to see in Ichigo's journey and I am excited.
Ichigo blaming himself for his mother's death was heartbreaking. Poor boy was holding all that guilt since nine years old.
It made his battle with this hollow all that more emotional as he kept pushing himself to his limits in order to avenge his mom.
Ichigo's dad is unhinged and definitely had me cracking up, especially with his chicken whistle.
And Kon's new form is adorable and hilarious.
The ending of this volume definitely gave a glimpse into what else we can expect to see in Ichigo's journey and I am excited.
March 5, 2025
Really good, only gets a 4 because it was about Ichigo and his mam I imagine the rest of these volumes that take place before ichigo goes into the soul society will be 3s unless they throw a surprise. Only thing I can really say is I love Ichigoat more everyday and the story with his mam was powerful. I love that he loses and fails to defeat the hollow, I feel like in other animes he might have won and gotten his revenge. Also Kon is so hilarious man, so glad he exists. Ichigos relationship with his dad is quite emotional too, definitely an old school kind where they fight instead of talking haha.
January 30, 2021
Baru tahu cerita ibunya Ichigo. Pedih 🤧
July 6, 2022
J'hésitais à continuer la lecture des mangas comme je me suis décidée à bingewatch l'anime mais au final y a pas mal de détails qui divergent entre le manga et l'anime donc je pense continuer ma lecture en parallèle
February 20, 2023
4.5 stars
October 7, 2025
Ichigo te quiero muchisimo
November 8, 2023
The third volume of Bleach focuses more on the characters than its action. We get to see plenty of character growth, their motivations and backstories.
Tite Kubo does his best to offer a bittersweet story and it hits the spots most of the time, despite lacking finesse now and then.
Tite Kubo does his best to offer a bittersweet story and it hits the spots most of the time, despite lacking finesse now and then.
January 8, 2018
We finally get some more of Ichigo's backstory and find out the circumstances behind his mother's death. Ichigo is also not the only one in his family who is hiding secrets. There is an epic battle in a graveyard.
October 31, 2024
Trouble in a parent's heart gets carried straight down to the child.
This volume was my favorite so far. I love Ichigo and Rukia so so so much.
This volume was my favorite so far. I love Ichigo and Rukia so so so much.
January 4, 2015
In this volume of Bleach, things took a turn for the more dramatic, and more serious, as the story changed tone dramatically. This is because three things occurred. First off, we learned some more of Ichigo's back-story, and that of his family. This gave him more of a human face so that he is somewhat relatable. The second and third changes are that it seemed this volume abandoned the "monster of the week" formula for a sustained story arc and Ichigo loses a fight.
What I mean to say isn't that Bleach didn't have story-arcs before now, because it did. But they were short and, other than some small threads here and there to keep the story going, they weren't much related to each other. That all changed with this story which, as of this volume, still isn't really over.
The other difference is that things are more serious for Ichigo. He loses a fight with a Hollow. While Rukia tries to argue in text that it was a victory because he survived a Hollow that has been around for many decades and is hugely powerful and experienced and the Hollow didn't eat anyone, it still is a loss in general for our Soul Reaper. You see, Ichigo barely survived while the Hollow was in much better shape than he was.
So yeah, it was the Hollow's win. For explanation, it was sort of a bit like the scenario common to media where the good guy has to lose to teach him not to be so careless. Like on Arrow season one when the Dark Archer kicked Ollie's ass, or other scenarios where the hero loses, but manages to eke out at least survival or some other partial victory.
What I liked about this is that the author emerged here from more simple, safer story-telling to something more ambitious. Time will tell if he stayed good to read or fell victim to overly-long arcs with lots of filler. Long-running series can be really good, really bad for dedicated fans, or a bit of each at times. We shall see.
One thing I appreciated was how the idea of fighting for your "honor" and so not being interfered with, was handled. This is somewhat of a Japanese trope, but the author actually mocked it to some extent. Fighting for your honor is one thing and a personal thing, a person choice, at that, but you don't eschew help from friends and allies and expect to succeed in life.
The art isn't bad, but after seeing the artwork in some other series like Sailor Moon or Fruits Basket, or not as good but still nice beauty of Rurouni Kenshin, it didn't do a whole lot for me either. It was good enough for the story, but not exemplary. Then again, maybe I am using unusually good art to present a standard not possible to reach.
All in all, I great volume and I look forward to the continuation of this story arc.
What I mean to say isn't that Bleach didn't have story-arcs before now, because it did. But they were short and, other than some small threads here and there to keep the story going, they weren't much related to each other. That all changed with this story which, as of this volume, still isn't really over.
The other difference is that things are more serious for Ichigo. He loses a fight with a Hollow. While Rukia tries to argue in text that it was a victory because he survived a Hollow that has been around for many decades and is hugely powerful and experienced and the Hollow didn't eat anyone, it still is a loss in general for our Soul Reaper. You see, Ichigo barely survived while the Hollow was in much better shape than he was.
So yeah, it was the Hollow's win. For explanation, it was sort of a bit like the scenario common to media where the good guy has to lose to teach him not to be so careless. Like on Arrow season one when the Dark Archer kicked Ollie's ass, or other scenarios where the hero loses, but manages to eke out at least survival or some other partial victory.
What I liked about this is that the author emerged here from more simple, safer story-telling to something more ambitious. Time will tell if he stayed good to read or fell victim to overly-long arcs with lots of filler. Long-running series can be really good, really bad for dedicated fans, or a bit of each at times. We shall see.
One thing I appreciated was how the idea of fighting for your "honor" and so not being interfered with, was handled. This is somewhat of a Japanese trope, but the author actually mocked it to some extent. Fighting for your honor is one thing and a personal thing, a person choice, at that, but you don't eschew help from friends and allies and expect to succeed in life.
The art isn't bad, but after seeing the artwork in some other series like Sailor Moon or Fruits Basket, or not as good but still nice beauty of Rurouni Kenshin, it didn't do a whole lot for me either. It was good enough for the story, but not exemplary. Then again, maybe I am using unusually good art to present a standard not possible to reach.
All in all, I great volume and I look forward to the continuation of this story arc.
July 31, 2022
This volume does a lot for Ichigo's character. Seeing his past through the eyes of Orihime and Tatsuki is one of the coolest decisions of the volume. I forgot that Ichigo knew Tatsuki since they were kids. It's something that isn't super relevant later on, but it's a neat detail to remember.
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