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Bleach #68
Bleach, Volume 68
The Ordinary Peace
The Quincy invaders, led by Yhwach, continue their march through the Soul Society's royal palace. Yhwach's goal is to take down the Soul King and destroy the Soul Society once and for all. But Ichigo and his allies have a secret weapon that could turn the battle in their favor.
The Quincy invaders, led by Yhwach, continue their march through the Soul Society's royal palace. Yhwach's goal is to take down the Soul King and destroy the Soul Society once and for all. But Ichigo and his allies have a secret weapon that could turn the battle in their favor.
208 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2015
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December 3, 2024
"Come, Ichigo. Together we shall see the end of the Soul Society." [Yhwach]
First of all, what is my guy Askin doing on the cover if he didn't have any role in this volume? (he's looking fabulous, though) Second of all, WHAT THE HELL EVEN WAS THIS VOLUME?? 🤯🤯🤯
I don't know if I reacted to this one so strongly because it's so crazy or just because it's the first volume that covers the part of TYBW that I haven't seen yet (Cour 3 of the anime that had its premiere this year). Whatever the reason was, I'm giving it five stars, hands down 🙌 I'm already shook and there are a couple of volumes left to finish the manga - what else is left here to blow my mind? I'm both excited and terrified when I think about it 🥴
"Reio... An imperfect god who is unable to escape even in a moment like this. I shall bring an end to your endless humiliation." [Yhwach]
Squad Zero members are down and Yhwach is on his way to the Spirit King. With every step forward he leaves behind a path full of Soul Reapers' blood. Finally there. There he is - the Spirit King. All Yhwach needs to do is cut him down for everything to crumble into dust and ashes. Ichigo and the gang show up with a hope to bring an end to the Soul Society's (and everyone's and everything's, really) suffering, but, unfortunately, it looks like they are too late.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, humans. You guys can't defeat Yhwach." [Ichibei]
BLEACH's Volume 68 is a full of twists and turns book that made me grip the edge of my seat. It started in quite happy-go-lucky way (if you don't count Yhwach's bloody assault on Reio's palace), because of a couple of funny interactions between the Soul Reaper characters. For example, the Shinji and Hiyori and Sentaro and Kiyone combo never failed to make me cry in laughter. Their bickering scene made me smile so hard and the nostalgia hit (it looked a little bit like the old times, where everything wasn't all perfect and safe, but definitely happier and lighter). The little Nanao and Lisa scene was so cute, it made me tear up. Nanao standing up in Kenny's way and everyone looking fearful and concerned, and then Kenny just agreeing with a little "hmph!". Soi Fon tearing up and blushing at the sight of Yoruichi's little brother. These were all just little things, easily becoming insignificant for the reader (who's looking to see the flashy fight scenes), but I treasure them deeply. I genuinely had so much fun, so much so that I wished to just stay that way, you know? It's not just that I love BLEACH's sense of humour (I do, so much). I'm saying this mostly because I deeply cherish the light and joyful atmosphere that the funny scenes bring to the story and to the characters. It's especially needed in an arc like TYBW that's about war.
But then the atmosphere changed. Of course, we're in the middle of the most serious situation the heroes had ever been in. The most dangerous opponent of the Soul Society is currently in Reio's palace, trying to destroy everything that the heroes had ever known. He needs to be stopped, no matter what the cost. Everyone's locked their hopes in Ichigo, but when the Soul Society starts to crumble, the heroes realize that the worst case scenario isn't just a scenario anymore. It became a reality.
"Is it His Majesty? Is this His Majesty's wish? Is it... Is it His Majesty's intention to crush us along with the Soul Society?!"
Seeing the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo falling down and being slowly destroyed piece by piece was something I never thought I will ever see. The image of hollows, creatures that I had learned to dislike, running away in panic and our opponents', the quincies', fearful faces due to their realization that their master stops at nothing to get his way, affected me deeply. It was a chaos, a pure chaos, a mindless destruction, all of it happening because of one man's will.
"I've never once thought of making you do what I want. Do you know why? Because I didn't have to. Your will is connecter to my will."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying... you have always been fighting for me."
Yhwach is seriously pissing me off. His attitude brought angry tears to my eyes. His "I foresaw this" and "I foresaw that" speeches and his self-pleased grins made me want to punch him in the face. He brought the destruction upon not just the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, but the world of the living as well, and this thing already made him the most hated BLEACH villain in my eyes, but the worst thing he had done was the Ichigo manipulation. If you know me, you know that I love Ichigo Kurosaki with all of my heart, to the end of the world and beyond, to the gates of heaven and hell, to the freaking infinity. Forever and ever. I would lay my life for him in a heartbeat (if he was real). My boy went through so much through the story, was manipulated again and again for the sake of the others, and there comes Yhwach, the final (?) villain, and manipulates him too. The rage I have felt when I saw the particular image (if you know, you know) was so great that I had to stop reading and get some fresh air, because I would inevitably start screaming. How many times will my boy get through all of this? How many times will he become a puppet in someone else's hands, a freaking lab rat?? Stop doing this to him, stop this once and for all! All he is always trying to do is to do the right thing, to help people in need and protect his friends and his family. He is a pure soul that doesn't deserve all of this! My heart is breaking for him, please, please, I hope that something nice will happen to him in this arc, I beg 😭😭😭
"Don't you know?! If we don't stop him, the Soil Society, the living world, even Hueco Mundo... It'll all disappear!"
"Do you think I'm here unaware of that?"
"You know...? You know why we're here... You know why we're fighting... So what... What are you still standing over there?!"
"Can't you tell? It's because I'm a quincy."
Oh, brother... 😢 Did I already say that I cried a lot while reading this volume? Because I really did. And the scene above is one of the moments that caused this. I thought that nothing will broke me more than seeing Ichigo hopelessly doing what his enemy wanted him to and seeing all the places that I learned to care for crumble before my eyes, but there came Uryu Ishida and ruined me even more. Look, I knew that he is now standing on the other side. But I foolishly thought that this is all what he will be doing - just standing there. But that moron intervened! There stood the gang, doing everything in their might to protect the Spirit King and with him, the whole freaking universe, just for Ishida to stand in their way. I couldn't believe my eyes. I seriously thought that I'm seeing wrong, because there is no way that Ishida could attack his own friends, protecting the man that was causing all of the destruction. Why the hell did he done that?! I'm already at loss why he even joined Yhwach's ranks (I'm not buying the "I'm a Quincy" talk), the fact that he's actively trying to stop his friends from doing the right thing is completely mind-blowing (and not in the positive way). He could just stand there and I really wouldn't mind, but he just had to, HE JUST HAD TO INTERVENE, THE BASTARD!! 😡 He could leave the job to the other guardians, they were all standing there too, but NAH. I'm so pissed off at him! We're trying to save the world, dude! Wake up and join, there is still time to change your mind! You're a hero, not a villain! 😭
"Shunsui Kyoraku. Even if I sat on that chair and left this place... Do you think I would help the Soul Society?"
"I'm not asking you to fight for the Soul Society. I just figured we shared... similar interests."
I wasn't completely clueless at what will happen in the rest of the TYBW arc. I knew who will come back. Even if I wasn't already spoiled (thanks, Tik Tok and Twitter), I wouldn't surprise me in any way. It was kind of obvious that he will be back. First of all, he wasn't killed off. Second of all, he's one of the strongest characters in the BLEACH universe, and we are against another one of the strongest (if not THE strongest) characters, so his strength would have been very much needed. But what surprised me is that Kyoraku just casually went to him and told him about "similar interests". He had to make some gambling, but the question is - what kind of price will the Soul Society pay for this kind of support? Anyways, I'm not gonna lie here, as much as I always hated this character, I'm relieved and kind of happy to see him again. Just like Kyoraku said: "I don't consider using evil to defeat evil as evil". It's dubious, but sometimes there are situations that you are pushed to the corner and have to use all the options that you had left. And we need to win this war.
Anyways, this is all for now. I'm so terrified of reading the next volumes, what else is waiting for me there? Is there something that will break me and even kill me? Hope not, but with the way the story is written, I have to expect every possibility. Pray for me! ;)
Some of my thoughts that I need to share: (as usual, beware of the spoilers)
~ Why was Reio just standing there when Yhwach attacked him? Is this how he exists - while just standing there?
~ I understand where one of Reio's arms went, but where is the other one? 🤨
~ Why wasn't Yhwach concerned in any way that the Spirit King just let him do the cut? He knows that Reio has the foresight, just like him (but stronger), so it was obvious that he already knew that this attack will happen. What else did Reio saw? Did he see the heroes' win, that's why he decided to not intervene?
~ Omaeda becoming Shinji's no. 1 fan wasn't in my bingo card 😂
~ I don't understand why I thought that Yoruichi's little sibling is a girl, not a boy 😅 I'm sending my sincerely apologies!
~ I like how Urahara just took the steering wheel of ruling when Kyoraku became absent.
~ The joyful smile that Ukitake made after leaving the operating room made me warm all over 🥰
~ Poor, poor Hanataro, he didn't look as joyful as Ukitake - in the contrary, poor baby 😂 P.S. congrats on being the 3rd seat, my guy! 🥳
~ The fact that Kenny tried to leave Mayuri's laboratory the moment he was out of the operating room to find Yachiru... Their bond is so heartwarming.
~ I admire Nanao so much for standing in Kenny's way. What a badass woman! 👏
~ "Captain Soi Fon really mellowed out..."
"Fool. She's always been kind." - WHAAAAT??? I BEG TO DIFFER! 😶
~ I LOVE how childish Shinji becomes around Hiyori, lmao 😂
~ Hiyori silenced her complaints so fast after Love brought up Shinji's, Kensei's and Rose's fights for the protection of the Soul Society. The Vizards love and respect each other so much, I love their bond ❤️
~ Ichigo's face after he realized that he was manipulated and became the weapon of destruction brought upon everything he loves, broke my heart to pieces 😭
~ Of course Orihime had to use her healing powers only on a command from someone else 😩
~ I knew that Ukitake was up to something, something obviously not good, but I hadn't anticipated... this. It looked like a demon possession and it scared the hell out of me. I hate that the purest soul of the BLEACH universe had to make such an enormous sacrifice and I hate even more that it was all for nothing 😥
~ I think that's interesting that Urahara had no idea about the existence of the kamikake ritual and even more interesting that Yhwach hadn't foreseen Mimihagi's intervention.
~ As much as I dislike the guy, Aizen's aura is unmatched!
~ "Ichigo. Why do you stop me?" - what are you, a dumbass??
~ "The Quincy blood makes no difference. I told you I'm here to stop you."
"Why say "stop"? What am I? Aren't I your foe? The fact you cannot say "kill" against the man who killed your mother is your weakness, Ichigo." - I'm so tired of feelings like mercy and kind heart being called a weakness. It's not. It's a strength.
~ Kyoraku's speech about the evil beating evil reminded me of the "you need to become a monster to beat a monster" thing.
First of all, what is my guy Askin doing on the cover if he didn't have any role in this volume? (he's looking fabulous, though) Second of all, WHAT THE HELL EVEN WAS THIS VOLUME?? 🤯🤯🤯
I don't know if I reacted to this one so strongly because it's so crazy or just because it's the first volume that covers the part of TYBW that I haven't seen yet (Cour 3 of the anime that had its premiere this year). Whatever the reason was, I'm giving it five stars, hands down 🙌 I'm already shook and there are a couple of volumes left to finish the manga - what else is left here to blow my mind? I'm both excited and terrified when I think about it 🥴
"Reio... An imperfect god who is unable to escape even in a moment like this. I shall bring an end to your endless humiliation." [Yhwach]
Squad Zero members are down and Yhwach is on his way to the Spirit King. With every step forward he leaves behind a path full of Soul Reapers' blood. Finally there. There he is - the Spirit King. All Yhwach needs to do is cut him down for everything to crumble into dust and ashes. Ichigo and the gang show up with a hope to bring an end to the Soul Society's (and everyone's and everything's, really) suffering, but, unfortunately, it looks like they are too late.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, humans. You guys can't defeat Yhwach." [Ichibei]
BLEACH's Volume 68 is a full of twists and turns book that made me grip the edge of my seat. It started in quite happy-go-lucky way (if you don't count Yhwach's bloody assault on Reio's palace), because of a couple of funny interactions between the Soul Reaper characters. For example, the Shinji and Hiyori and Sentaro and Kiyone combo never failed to make me cry in laughter. Their bickering scene made me smile so hard and the nostalgia hit (it looked a little bit like the old times, where everything wasn't all perfect and safe, but definitely happier and lighter). The little Nanao and Lisa scene was so cute, it made me tear up. Nanao standing up in Kenny's way and everyone looking fearful and concerned, and then Kenny just agreeing with a little "hmph!". Soi Fon tearing up and blushing at the sight of Yoruichi's little brother. These were all just little things, easily becoming insignificant for the reader (who's looking to see the flashy fight scenes), but I treasure them deeply. I genuinely had so much fun, so much so that I wished to just stay that way, you know? It's not just that I love BLEACH's sense of humour (I do, so much). I'm saying this mostly because I deeply cherish the light and joyful atmosphere that the funny scenes bring to the story and to the characters. It's especially needed in an arc like TYBW that's about war.
But then the atmosphere changed. Of course, we're in the middle of the most serious situation the heroes had ever been in. The most dangerous opponent of the Soul Society is currently in Reio's palace, trying to destroy everything that the heroes had ever known. He needs to be stopped, no matter what the cost. Everyone's locked their hopes in Ichigo, but when the Soul Society starts to crumble, the heroes realize that the worst case scenario isn't just a scenario anymore. It became a reality.
"Is it His Majesty? Is this His Majesty's wish? Is it... Is it His Majesty's intention to crush us along with the Soul Society?!"
Seeing the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo falling down and being slowly destroyed piece by piece was something I never thought I will ever see. The image of hollows, creatures that I had learned to dislike, running away in panic and our opponents', the quincies', fearful faces due to their realization that their master stops at nothing to get his way, affected me deeply. It was a chaos, a pure chaos, a mindless destruction, all of it happening because of one man's will.
"I've never once thought of making you do what I want. Do you know why? Because I didn't have to. Your will is connecter to my will."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying... you have always been fighting for me."
Yhwach is seriously pissing me off. His attitude brought angry tears to my eyes. His "I foresaw this" and "I foresaw that" speeches and his self-pleased grins made me want to punch him in the face. He brought the destruction upon not just the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo, but the world of the living as well, and this thing already made him the most hated BLEACH villain in my eyes, but the worst thing he had done was the Ichigo manipulation. If you know me, you know that I love Ichigo Kurosaki with all of my heart, to the end of the world and beyond, to the gates of heaven and hell, to the freaking infinity. Forever and ever. I would lay my life for him in a heartbeat (if he was real). My boy went through so much through the story, was manipulated again and again for the sake of the others, and there comes Yhwach, the final (?) villain, and manipulates him too. The rage I have felt when I saw the particular image (if you know, you know) was so great that I had to stop reading and get some fresh air, because I would inevitably start screaming. How many times will my boy get through all of this? How many times will he become a puppet in someone else's hands, a freaking lab rat?? Stop doing this to him, stop this once and for all! All he is always trying to do is to do the right thing, to help people in need and protect his friends and his family. He is a pure soul that doesn't deserve all of this! My heart is breaking for him, please, please, I hope that something nice will happen to him in this arc, I beg 😭😭😭
"Don't you know?! If we don't stop him, the Soil Society, the living world, even Hueco Mundo... It'll all disappear!"
"Do you think I'm here unaware of that?"
"You know...? You know why we're here... You know why we're fighting... So what... What are you still standing over there?!"
"Can't you tell? It's because I'm a quincy."
Oh, brother... 😢 Did I already say that I cried a lot while reading this volume? Because I really did. And the scene above is one of the moments that caused this. I thought that nothing will broke me more than seeing Ichigo hopelessly doing what his enemy wanted him to and seeing all the places that I learned to care for crumble before my eyes, but there came Uryu Ishida and ruined me even more. Look, I knew that he is now standing on the other side. But I foolishly thought that this is all what he will be doing - just standing there. But that moron intervened! There stood the gang, doing everything in their might to protect the Spirit King and with him, the whole freaking universe, just for Ishida to stand in their way. I couldn't believe my eyes. I seriously thought that I'm seeing wrong, because there is no way that Ishida could attack his own friends, protecting the man that was causing all of the destruction. Why the hell did he done that?! I'm already at loss why he even joined Yhwach's ranks (I'm not buying the "I'm a Quincy" talk), the fact that he's actively trying to stop his friends from doing the right thing is completely mind-blowing (and not in the positive way). He could just stand there and I really wouldn't mind, but he just had to, HE JUST HAD TO INTERVENE, THE BASTARD!! 😡 He could leave the job to the other guardians, they were all standing there too, but NAH. I'm so pissed off at him! We're trying to save the world, dude! Wake up and join, there is still time to change your mind! You're a hero, not a villain! 😭
"Shunsui Kyoraku. Even if I sat on that chair and left this place... Do you think I would help the Soul Society?"
"I'm not asking you to fight for the Soul Society. I just figured we shared... similar interests."
I wasn't completely clueless at what will happen in the rest of the TYBW arc. I knew who will come back. Even if I wasn't already spoiled (thanks, Tik Tok and Twitter), I wouldn't surprise me in any way. It was kind of obvious that he will be back. First of all, he wasn't killed off. Second of all, he's one of the strongest characters in the BLEACH universe, and we are against another one of the strongest (if not THE strongest) characters, so his strength would have been very much needed. But what surprised me is that Kyoraku just casually went to him and told him about "similar interests". He had to make some gambling, but the question is - what kind of price will the Soul Society pay for this kind of support? Anyways, I'm not gonna lie here, as much as I always hated this character, I'm relieved and kind of happy to see him again. Just like Kyoraku said: "I don't consider using evil to defeat evil as evil". It's dubious, but sometimes there are situations that you are pushed to the corner and have to use all the options that you had left. And we need to win this war.
Anyways, this is all for now. I'm so terrified of reading the next volumes, what else is waiting for me there? Is there something that will break me and even kill me? Hope not, but with the way the story is written, I have to expect every possibility. Pray for me! ;)
Some of my thoughts that I need to share: (as usual, beware of the spoilers)
~ Why was Reio just standing there when Yhwach attacked him? Is this how he exists - while just standing there?
~ I understand where one of Reio's arms went, but where is the other one? 🤨
~ Why wasn't Yhwach concerned in any way that the Spirit King just let him do the cut? He knows that Reio has the foresight, just like him (but stronger), so it was obvious that he already knew that this attack will happen. What else did Reio saw? Did he see the heroes' win, that's why he decided to not intervene?
~ Omaeda becoming Shinji's no. 1 fan wasn't in my bingo card 😂
~ I don't understand why I thought that Yoruichi's little sibling is a girl, not a boy 😅 I'm sending my sincerely apologies!
~ I like how Urahara just took the steering wheel of ruling when Kyoraku became absent.
~ The joyful smile that Ukitake made after leaving the operating room made me warm all over 🥰
~ Poor, poor Hanataro, he didn't look as joyful as Ukitake - in the contrary, poor baby 😂 P.S. congrats on being the 3rd seat, my guy! 🥳
~ The fact that Kenny tried to leave Mayuri's laboratory the moment he was out of the operating room to find Yachiru... Their bond is so heartwarming.
~ I admire Nanao so much for standing in Kenny's way. What a badass woman! 👏
~ "Captain Soi Fon really mellowed out..."
"Fool. She's always been kind." - WHAAAAT??? I BEG TO DIFFER! 😶
~ I LOVE how childish Shinji becomes around Hiyori, lmao 😂
~ Hiyori silenced her complaints so fast after Love brought up Shinji's, Kensei's and Rose's fights for the protection of the Soul Society. The Vizards love and respect each other so much, I love their bond ❤️
~ Ichigo's face after he realized that he was manipulated and became the weapon of destruction brought upon everything he loves, broke my heart to pieces 😭
~ Of course Orihime had to use her healing powers only on a command from someone else 😩
~ I knew that Ukitake was up to something, something obviously not good, but I hadn't anticipated... this. It looked like a demon possession and it scared the hell out of me. I hate that the purest soul of the BLEACH universe had to make such an enormous sacrifice and I hate even more that it was all for nothing 😥
~ I think that's interesting that Urahara had no idea about the existence of the kamikake ritual and even more interesting that Yhwach hadn't foreseen Mimihagi's intervention.
~ As much as I dislike the guy, Aizen's aura is unmatched!
~ "Ichigo. Why do you stop me?" - what are you, a dumbass??
~ "The Quincy blood makes no difference. I told you I'm here to stop you."
"Why say "stop"? What am I? Aren't I your foe? The fact you cannot say "kill" against the man who killed your mother is your weakness, Ichigo." - I'm so tired of feelings like mercy and kind heart being called a weakness. It's not. It's a strength.
~ Kyoraku's speech about the evil beating evil reminded me of the "you need to become a monster to beat a monster" thing.
July 2, 2020
What an unexciting story arc. Everything feels uninspired, rushed, poorly thought-through. Take the Soul King, for example. The concept alone felt cheap, the execution disgusting.
Most characters are also portrayed unidimensionally during what might be the most critical moment of this final story-arc. And the "plot twists" are not only predictable but ridiculous.
I imagine there are a couple more fight-only volumes before some kind of epilogue is offered... I can't wait for this to end now.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
Most characters are also portrayed unidimensionally during what might be the most critical moment of this final story-arc. And the "plot twists" are not only predictable but ridiculous.
I imagine there are a couple more fight-only volumes before some kind of epilogue is offered... I can't wait for this to end now.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
December 7, 2020
This was a great volume and as wee the soul society crumble because of Yhwach's actions, we see the battle between him and Ichigo and its momentary as we see the efforts to stabilize the worlds and all and something done by Ukitake and we learn more of Yhwach and his plans and all the more. They release Aizen and he does something to contain all the black gooey thing going on to consume them. Its a good volume and a lot of stuff happens and more revelations happen but the stuff between Ishida and Ichigo coming to the forefront. The ending is coming!
February 4, 2025
me crying because the boys are FIGHTING ...
next minute "fuck yes aizen" I bow down 🫡
next minute "fuck yes aizen" I bow down 🫡
July 20, 2025
I really want to hate Aizen, but he’s such a badass
Read
December 28, 2022lost my favorite man and my other favorite came back...a win and a lose.
March 8, 2021
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
So... Reio is Yhwach’s father apparently 😲 Reio is the Soul King and his life is tied to all the other worlds we’ve seen in this series (the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and even the real world). So Ichigo is racing to the palace to protect this guy, and when he gets there he finally faces Yhwach, and things go down. No, really. Everything goes to hell and the world is falling apart 😬 Uruyu also appears and it’s heartbreaking how he’s fighting his friends. I still believe there’s an ulterior motive to him being on the side of the Quincys, but I just don’t see it yet.
Meanwhile, the Soul Reapers in the Seireitei are coming together, getting healed, and getting ready to go to Reiokyu to help out. Kenpachi is still wondering where Yachiru is and is wanting to go out and look for her. Where is she?! 😩 And then Jushiro Ukitake is being an absolute sweetheart like always...
I love him! And then a tragedy happens...
This volume... it was so good and so sad and... I’m not okay 😭
So... Reio is Yhwach’s father apparently 😲 Reio is the Soul King and his life is tied to all the other worlds we’ve seen in this series (the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and even the real world). So Ichigo is racing to the palace to protect this guy, and when he gets there he finally faces Yhwach, and things go down. No, really. Everything goes to hell and the world is falling apart 😬 Uruyu also appears and it’s heartbreaking how he’s fighting his friends. I still believe there’s an ulterior motive to him being on the side of the Quincys, but I just don’t see it yet.
Meanwhile, the Soul Reapers in the Seireitei are coming together, getting healed, and getting ready to go to Reiokyu to help out. Kenpachi is still wondering where Yachiru is and is wanting to go out and look for her. Where is she?! 😩 And then Jushiro Ukitake is being an absolute sweetheart like always...
I love him! And then a tragedy happens...
This volume... it was so good and so sad and... I’m not okay 😭
December 2, 2019
A lot of fighting, not a lot of story
September 1, 2021
Finally, my favorite villain is back 😍😍😍
March 21, 2023
This was the best volume in awhile. I loved seeing all the captains come together and strategize a plan for the apocalypse. I love when previous villains show up and reluctantly help the protagonists, and that happened here with Aizen of all people. I love how we learn that’s he’s possibly grown even stronger in captivity, and he’s just as dangerous and scheming as ever. I loved how Ukitake’s backstory is revealed and how it ties into the current conflict. Seeing Kisuke shocked and unsure of Ukitake’s plan was also satisfying. It was interesting seeing Yoruichi again, as well as meeting her previously not mentioned little brother. Seeing Yhwach attempt to destroy the Spirit King and destroy the barriers between worlds was insane, and this entire storyline is elevated since the stakes have never been this high before. Uryū faces off against his friends and defends Yhwach, and I’m unsure of where his character will go from here. I was positive that he was getting close to the Quincies in order to betray them at the last moment, but he’s going pretty far to defend Yhwach and his plans to destroy everything. I’m curious where this is all heading, because I have no idea what’s coming next for any of these characters.
February 8, 2020
ok ...
November 11, 2022
AIZEN!!!! Omg. The intensity creeps up and up with every chapter.
February 4, 2024
Yeah I think bringing back aizen was a bad idea
February 15, 2025
13.02.25
July 31, 2025
One of my more subtle and humble goats Ukitake with the hero play. What a guy.
Urahara assuming control almost immediately after the ruling power fell was both funny and equally cold, nobody can tell me that his aura aint off the charts.
Ywach with some horrible moments here (which is a good thing because hes the big bad villain) and honestly while I hated Aizen at his peak villainy, I really think I hate Ywach more.
Not the greatest volume oat and nothing too special featured here but a solid showing nevertheless and if I haven't said it before Ukitake deserved more screen time throughout the entirety of the series. Why? Hes cold af. I rest my case 🕵🏻♂️.
Urahara assuming control almost immediately after the ruling power fell was both funny and equally cold, nobody can tell me that his aura aint off the charts.
Ywach with some horrible moments here (which is a good thing because hes the big bad villain) and honestly while I hated Aizen at his peak villainy, I really think I hate Ywach more.
Not the greatest volume oat and nothing too special featured here but a solid showing nevertheless and if I haven't said it before Ukitake deserved more screen time throughout the entirety of the series. Why? Hes cold af. I rest my case 🕵🏻♂️.
November 25, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 68 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next eleven chapters (612–622) of the on-going manga series.
The remaining Captains and Lieutenants join Kisuke Urahara and his group with the purpose of being transported to the Spirit King Palace. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends arrive at the palace and confront Yhwach, but Ichigo's Quincy blood forces him to unwillingly kill the Spirit King, starting the destruction of the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the real world.
In response, Jūshirō Ukitake releases Mimihagi, the Spirit King's animate right arm who Ukitake hosted since he was young, to stabilize the Spirit King and Shunsui Sōzōsuke Jirō Kyōraku releases Sōsuke Aizen from the Muken. At the palace, Uryū Ishida and the Schutzstaffel, the elite guard, join Yhwach's battle against Ichigo's team, allowing the Emperor to assimilate the King and Mimihagi.
The overflow of power creates a mass of black monstrosities which descend upon the Seireitei. The Shinigami fight the creatures until they are joined by Aizen, who destroys all of the creatures with his new tremendous power.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The tankōbon continues the second invasion of the Seireitei by the Sternritter. Ichigo Kurosaki and his team have finally managed to make it to the Soul King’s Palace, but due to the Quincy blood within him, he unwillingly kills the Spirit King. In the confusion of melee when Uryū Ishida and the Schutzstaffel arrive, Yhwach manages to merge with the Soul King to become something more powerful. Sōsuke Aizen is freed and he helps Soul Society with his awesome powers.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 68 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
The remaining Captains and Lieutenants join Kisuke Urahara and his group with the purpose of being transported to the Spirit King Palace. Meanwhile, Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends arrive at the palace and confront Yhwach, but Ichigo's Quincy blood forces him to unwillingly kill the Spirit King, starting the destruction of the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the real world.
In response, Jūshirō Ukitake releases Mimihagi, the Spirit King's animate right arm who Ukitake hosted since he was young, to stabilize the Spirit King and Shunsui Sōzōsuke Jirō Kyōraku releases Sōsuke Aizen from the Muken. At the palace, Uryū Ishida and the Schutzstaffel, the elite guard, join Yhwach's battle against Ichigo's team, allowing the Emperor to assimilate the King and Mimihagi.
The overflow of power creates a mass of black monstrosities which descend upon the Seireitei. The Shinigami fight the creatures until they are joined by Aizen, who destroys all of the creatures with his new tremendous power.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. The tankōbon continues the second invasion of the Seireitei by the Sternritter. Ichigo Kurosaki and his team have finally managed to make it to the Soul King’s Palace, but due to the Quincy blood within him, he unwillingly kills the Spirit King. In the confusion of melee when Uryū Ishida and the Schutzstaffel arrive, Yhwach manages to merge with the Soul King to become something more powerful. Sōsuke Aizen is freed and he helps Soul Society with his awesome powers.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 68 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
May 4, 2017
This volume was interesting and full of a huge number of details. And that plot twist at the end?? That was pretty great.
October 11, 2017
The series just continues to get better, I can't wait to see how this ends and at the same time, I'll be a little sad to see it end. Way better than the Anime.
October 24, 2025
TBA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 74 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.
August 3, 2022
Yhwach has slain the god Reio – his own father! Or has he? Kiskue has called an emergency meeting of the captains, although they don’t all show up, some being dispatched on other business. And some, such as Kenpachi, being laid up. Kiskue’s purpose is for them to storm Reiokyu. Yhwach kindly offers to lay Ichigo to rest by his own hands. Does anyone think even for a moment Ichigo will take him up on his “generous” offer? Not likely! The Visoreds assemble as well, and are given Soul Reaper uniforms.
Yhwach tells Ichigo that if he pulls the sword from Reio, he can destroy the Soul Society with his own hands. He appeals to the Quincy blood that flows through Ichigo. As the world begins to tremble, Orihime offers to heal Reio, but is told that cannot work. This is when Ukitake steps up and offers to take Reio’s place! Say what? How does that even work? And what effect will that have on Ukitake, who is fragile at the best of times?
Meanwhile, Shunsui has business of his own to attend to. He is attempting to make a deal with the devil, aka Aizen, still confined far beneath the barracks. He offers to bring him to the surface under certain conditions, in return for which he will use his spiritual pressure to aid the Soul Society. As Ichigo argues with Yhwach, Uryu appears, but his appearance seems to be no cause for joy because, as he puts it, “I am a Quincy.”
Will Ukitake’s sacrifice be in vain? Will Uryu prove to be a traitor to his friends? Will Shunsui really be able to control Aizen, and will Aizen be of aid to the Soul Society? Holy cow, so much going on. With each volume, we draw closer to the end. I have to believe Ichigo et al will triumph, but there are no guarantees, especially in a manga.
Onward to the next volume!
Yhwach tells Ichigo that if he pulls the sword from Reio, he can destroy the Soul Society with his own hands. He appeals to the Quincy blood that flows through Ichigo. As the world begins to tremble, Orihime offers to heal Reio, but is told that cannot work. This is when Ukitake steps up and offers to take Reio’s place! Say what? How does that even work? And what effect will that have on Ukitake, who is fragile at the best of times?
Meanwhile, Shunsui has business of his own to attend to. He is attempting to make a deal with the devil, aka Aizen, still confined far beneath the barracks. He offers to bring him to the surface under certain conditions, in return for which he will use his spiritual pressure to aid the Soul Society. As Ichigo argues with Yhwach, Uryu appears, but his appearance seems to be no cause for joy because, as he puts it, “I am a Quincy.”
Will Ukitake’s sacrifice be in vain? Will Uryu prove to be a traitor to his friends? Will Shunsui really be able to control Aizen, and will Aizen be of aid to the Soul Society? Holy cow, so much going on. With each volume, we draw closer to the end. I have to believe Ichigo et al will triumph, but there are no guarantees, especially in a manga.
Onward to the next volume!
August 26, 2024
VOLUME 68: CHAPTER 612-622
Arc 11: The Thousand Year Blood War
Urahara gathered all the available Captains and Vice Captains. He wants their reiatsu to break into the Royal Palace. They were joined by the Visored. Urahara planned to open a door directly to the Royal Palace.
In Royal Palace, Yhwach impales the Soul King. Ichigo and his friends arrived. Ichigo pull out the sword from the Soul King but his Quincy blood forced him to cut Soul King into half instead. Soul King is dead and the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo and the human world will destroy. Ukitake knows the time will come so he already activated the Kamikake as a preparation for Mimihagi to take place of the Soul King. Right now, he is the right hand of the Soul King. Long ago, when Ukitake was 3 years old, he was suffering from lung disease. No one can save him until his parent make an offer to a one-eyed god, Mimihagi. Mimihagi live in Ukitake's lung and take everything in Ukitake's body as its own so Ukitake can live.
The right hand of the Soul King reached the Soul King body and stabilize it. Eveything also become stabilize. Yoruichi put a barrier around the new Soul King. Ichigo and Yhwach fight. Suddenly, Uryuu shoot an arrow to Yoruichi resulting to the barrier to wear off. Pernida appears and attack Yoruichi. Uryuu fights Ichigo and he then destroy the platform that Ichigo stand. Yhwach then absorbed Mimihagi and take over Soul King. Mimihagi's enemy right now is not Quincy but Shinigami.
In Muken, Kyouraku went to see Aizen. He released Aizen in a condition where Aizen must help Soul Society. The Shinigamis that in the laboratory were attacked by the Mimihagi. Aizen appears along with Kyouraku. Mimihagi trying to attack Aizen but Aizen is surrounded by heavily concentrated reiatsu.
Arc 11: The Thousand Year Blood War
Urahara gathered all the available Captains and Vice Captains. He wants their reiatsu to break into the Royal Palace. They were joined by the Visored. Urahara planned to open a door directly to the Royal Palace.
In Royal Palace, Yhwach impales the Soul King. Ichigo and his friends arrived. Ichigo pull out the sword from the Soul King but his Quincy blood forced him to cut Soul King into half instead. Soul King is dead and the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo and the human world will destroy. Ukitake knows the time will come so he already activated the Kamikake as a preparation for Mimihagi to take place of the Soul King. Right now, he is the right hand of the Soul King. Long ago, when Ukitake was 3 years old, he was suffering from lung disease. No one can save him until his parent make an offer to a one-eyed god, Mimihagi. Mimihagi live in Ukitake's lung and take everything in Ukitake's body as its own so Ukitake can live.
The right hand of the Soul King reached the Soul King body and stabilize it. Eveything also become stabilize. Yoruichi put a barrier around the new Soul King. Ichigo and Yhwach fight. Suddenly, Uryuu shoot an arrow to Yoruichi resulting to the barrier to wear off. Pernida appears and attack Yoruichi. Uryuu fights Ichigo and he then destroy the platform that Ichigo stand. Yhwach then absorbed Mimihagi and take over Soul King. Mimihagi's enemy right now is not Quincy but Shinigami.
In Muken, Kyouraku went to see Aizen. He released Aizen in a condition where Aizen must help Soul Society. The Shinigamis that in the laboratory were attacked by the Mimihagi. Aizen appears along with Kyouraku. Mimihagi trying to attack Aizen but Aizen is surrounded by heavily concentrated reiatsu.
March 19, 2017
Lo confesso, a questo giro le quattro stelle sono più per l'ospite speciale di questo volume, che per la storia in sé, che è un po' un concentrato di casini, gente che strilla e "cose da shounen" che continuano a non piacermi neanche in "Bleach".
Però, insomma, un altro volume divorato in mezz'ora ascoltando gli AC/DC, ma che gli vogliamo dire, io a Kubo perdono TUTTO.
Però, insomma, un altro volume divorato in mezz'ora ascoltando gli AC/DC, ma che gli vogliamo dire, io a Kubo perdono TUTTO.
May 27, 2024
This was the best volume in awhile. I loved seeing all the captains come together and strategize a plan for the apocalypse. I love when previous villains show up and reluctantly help the protagonists, and that happened here with Aizen of all people. I love how we learn that’s he’s possibly grown even stronger in captivity, and he’s just as dangerous and scheming as ever. I loved how Ukitake’s backstory is revealed and how it ties into the current conflict. Seeing Kisuke shocked and unsure of Ukitake’s plan was also satisfying. It was interesting seeing Yoruichi again, as well as meeting her previously not mentioned little brother. Seeing Yhwach attempt to destroy the Spirit King and destroy the barriers between worlds was insane, and this entire storyline is elevated since the stakes have never been this high before. Uryū faces off against his friends and defends Yhwach, and I’m unsure of where his character will go from here. I was positive that he was getting close to the Quincies in order to betray them at the last moment, but he’s going pretty far to defend Yhwach and his plans to destroy everything. I’m curious where this is all heading, because I have no idea what’s coming next for any of these characters.
October 21, 2024
I'll admit I took a hiatus from rereading this arc given the circumstances of today's world. Between the allusions of the Quincy's as Nazi's, and the grand irony of the current genocide happening in G a z a, with the wider implications of World War 3, it's just been really fucking hard to not read into the subtext of the Thousand Year Blood War Arc. I'll probably write an essay about it one day.
There's a huge dramatic irony, insofar as whose doing ethnic cleansing right now, and what it means to be predisposed to certain racist ideologies. So while there's definitely, a reading to be had about the Nazi's in Germany and WWII, there's also a reading to be had of the present and concepts of manifest destiny and predestined fate (via the big Z ideology and/or religious prophecy) vs free will during an impending WWIII, so it's been a simultaneously fun but really disturbing and depressing read all the same.
With that being said, damn is this just a fun volume! There's so much to love, from the Vizards all reuniting together (under mixed circumstances), to the old gang in the Soul Society Arc trying to out-battle Yhwach. The mirroring yet opposing images of sacrifice between Kyoraku and Ukitake via the choices they make. Urahara and Mayuri always going at it. And of course, Aizen and Chair-sama. Just chef's kiss. 💋
There's a huge dramatic irony, insofar as whose doing ethnic cleansing right now, and what it means to be predisposed to certain racist ideologies. So while there's definitely, a reading to be had about the Nazi's in Germany and WWII, there's also a reading to be had of the present and concepts of manifest destiny and predestined fate (via the big Z ideology and/or religious prophecy) vs free will during an impending WWIII, so it's been a simultaneously fun but really disturbing and depressing read all the same.
With that being said, damn is this just a fun volume! There's so much to love, from the Vizards all reuniting together (under mixed circumstances), to the old gang in the Soul Society Arc trying to out-battle Yhwach. The mirroring yet opposing images of sacrifice between Kyoraku and Ukitake via the choices they make. Urahara and Mayuri always going at it. And of course, Aizen and Chair-sama. Just chef's kiss. 💋
May 19, 2020
Uneventful and slow-paced. Focusing mainly on camaraderie between captains.
July 24, 2023
Plot:
Don’t get me wrong, I still loved it. It’s just that, for a while, it seemed like we were stuck on a moment over the span of different chapters. I loved everything, though, once I left the rut. Shunsui approaching Aizen for aid is just a highlight, which is strange for me to say, and Ukitake’s death upsets me so much. Also, I might have wanted to bonk Ishida on the head when he attacked his friends.
Characters: Sosuke Aizen’s appearance in this volume is exciting. Jushiro’s illness is explained and his sacrifice is sensible but painful. Shunsui made some necessary decisions and Ishida deserves a bonk on the head. Also, why did Soi Fon delight me? Is it maybe because I’m a simp? Perhaps.
Verdict: For a few chapters, it seemed to be stuck but it did get better! I loved it, especially towards the end. Aizen’s appearance, his aid, everything else, and the huge-ass Kurohitsugi is chef’s kiss!
Characters: Sosuke Aizen’s appearance in this volume is exciting. Jushiro’s illness is explained and his sacrifice is sensible but painful. Shunsui made some necessary decisions and Ishida deserves a bonk on the head. Also, why did Soi Fon delight me? Is it maybe because I’m a simp? Perhaps.
Verdict: For a few chapters, it seemed to be stuck but it did get better! I loved it, especially towards the end. Aizen’s appearance, his aid, everything else, and the huge-ass Kurohitsugi is chef’s kiss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2017
Pero qué ganas tengo de que termine ya éste suplicio, Bleach en su tomo 68 da lo que venía pidiéndole desde hacía tiempo: que se dejara de combates absurdos y se centrara de una puñetera vez en la trama, haciendo que leerse un tomo ocupara más de cinco minutos.
Pues bien, éste tomo hace precisamente eso, pero lo hace tan mal que se hace largo, echándose de menos los combates absurdos y sin sentido, así al menos pasaba el mal trago más rápido.
Y mirad que sigo pensando que hay cosas rescatables, y que la trama general no está tan mal, pero es en los detalles y en la forma de resolver las situaciones cuando éste tomo hace aguas, poniendo cosas vitales para la trama de sopetón (y sin pistas previas) o añadiendo personajes que no vienen a cuento a éstas alturas de la película.
Lo único que me ha gustado es la solución que ha encontrado el nuevo comandante de la Sociedad de Almas para hacer frente a la amenaza, porque es que ya ni el villano tiene carisma (saber su poder, absurdo y que no debe funcionar siempre) y no digo ya el grupo protagonista, que pasaba por allí…
En fin, que lo leo por completismo y masoquismo (comprándolo y engordando mi estantería), pero estoy deseando que llegue el final.
Pues bien, éste tomo hace precisamente eso, pero lo hace tan mal que se hace largo, echándose de menos los combates absurdos y sin sentido, así al menos pasaba el mal trago más rápido.
Y mirad que sigo pensando que hay cosas rescatables, y que la trama general no está tan mal, pero es en los detalles y en la forma de resolver las situaciones cuando éste tomo hace aguas, poniendo cosas vitales para la trama de sopetón (y sin pistas previas) o añadiendo personajes que no vienen a cuento a éstas alturas de la película.
Lo único que me ha gustado es la solución que ha encontrado el nuevo comandante de la Sociedad de Almas para hacer frente a la amenaza, porque es que ya ni el villano tiene carisma (saber su poder, absurdo y que no debe funcionar siempre) y no digo ya el grupo protagonista, que pasaba por allí…
En fin, que lo leo por completismo y masoquismo (comprándolo y engordando mi estantería), pero estoy deseando que llegue el final.
September 15, 2020
Such a disappointment. We finally get to see Ichigo face off against Yhwach- only for the majority of the volume to be spent instead on the Soul Society. We get to see more of Reio- but he's a non-entity. We see a glimpse of Aizen again, which is fun, but he doesn't really do anything other than sit there. Sure, he's scary powerful, but compared to his initial big fight at the end of the Arrancar arc this subsequent appearance isn't that fun (and also kind of counteracts and ruins it). Most of the powers and abilities in this volume are all these giant black blobs, with no fun designs or details, so even the art is boring. It's like Kubo didn't think any of this through and is scrambling for ideas as each chapter starts to contradict and cancel out the previous. There are too many characters that don't do anything and just crowd out the ones that are actually interesting.
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