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Bleach #27
Bleach 27
Atas perintah Aizen, Ulquiorra mengancam akan membunuh seluruh teman Orihime apabila Orihime menolak ikut dengannya. Esok harinya, Ichigo dan kawan-kawan mengetahui bahwa Orihime hilang dan Soul Society tidak berniat untuk menyelamatkannya. Ichigo pun memutuskan untuk pergi ke Hueco Mundo, dunia Hollow.
192 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
June 28, 2024
"Come with me, girl. Don't say a word, except yes. If you say anything else, I'll kill. But not you. I'll kill your friends. No questions. No discussion. You have no rights. Only your immediate compliance can save your friends. That is all. Understand, girl. This is not a negotiation. It's an order." [Ulquiorra]
After hearing the news about an Arrancar attack, Ukitake sends Orihime (who was in the Soul Society training with Rukia) with two Soul Reapers back to the world of the living through a Senkaimon. For some reason he thought she might be helpful. Anyways, the three got stopped in the middle of the way by Ulquiorra who immediately attacks the two nameless Soul Reapers and gives Orihime an ultimatum. She will either listen to his orders or her friends will die. A frightened girl obviously listens. She can say goodbye to only one person before she gets taken to Hueco Mundo (the place where the Hollows live). She chooses Ichigo, and without another word, she disappears.
After the battle against the Arrancars, everyone survived, but not without any wounds. Ichigo, who fought (once again) against Grimmjow, got the worst of it. When he wakes up and Hitsugaya informs him that he's needed in a meeting, he travels to Orihime's house where he is informed, along with his Soul Reaper friends, that Orihime is missing. Naturally, they want to go into a rescue mission, being convinced that Orihime got abducted. But Genryuusai refuses, claiming that there is a possibility that Orihime joined the enemy. The Soul Reapers are forced to come back to Seireitei, while Ichigo is left alone. Despite Genryuusai's orders, he prepares to travel to Hueco Mundo. He lost the assistance of the Soul Society, but he's not alone. This is how the Hueco Mundo arc starts.
Some of my thoughts I need to share:
~ I am not Orihime's fan, but the brutal deaths she had seen in the last 24 hours would be traumatizing for everyone and she's only a teenager.
~ The fact that Urahara could make a complicated analysis of his opponent's technique while being in the middle of the fight is more than impressive, and shows how smart he is.
~ I was so sad to see Ichigo's desperation while trying to bring back his Hollow's mask (and failing). He just wasn't strong enough yet :( He was lucky to get alive from this fight, really.
~
*Grimmjow trying to blow Ichigo's head off* -> gets interrupted by Rukia
*Grimmjow trying to blow Rukia's head off* -> gets interrupted by Shinji
*Grimmjow trying to use his Zanpakuto* -> gets interrupted by Ulquiorra
It was clearly not his day 😂
~ "There is nothing you can do now. The sun has set. " - I see what you did here, dear author, but the dramatics were not needed. Orihime's not the sun you're trying to make her to be 😒
~ Orihime could say goodbye to only one person, and of all people she knew, she chooses Ichigo. Ichigo over Tatsuki, who's her closest friend. Are you kidding me? I understand that she's in love with Ichigo, but c'mon.
~ SHE WENT TO HIS ROOM TO SAY GOODBYE AND NEARLY KISSED HIM WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. This scene makes me deeply uncomfortable every time I'm watching the anime and it makes me deeply uncomfortable while reading the manga too. I don't understand why some people say that it's a romantic scene. IT'S NOT! 🫤
~ The fact that Renji tried to request permission to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime just because of Ichigo is just so precious.
~ Tatsuki's attack on Ichigo was uncalled for. And her accusing him of keeping things from her was uncalled for as well. Girl, there are things that are not his to speak about! Get lost! 😒
~ Ichigo had (ONCE AGAIN) to apologized for something he had no control over. My boy, you deserve better 😔
~ THE GANG IS TOGETHER AGAIN, YAY!!
~ I deeply missed the Ichigo and Ishida bickering, I'm so happy (and relieved, really) to witness it again ☺️
~ I could hear Grimmjow's maniacal laugh in my head when he was killing Luppi.
~ The way Ichigo got smacked and flied away after Chad's punch was so funny 😂
~ "You stand back, Ichigo. We'll handle this." ☺️☺️☺️
~ "Father of the year you ain't."
"But I'm a better one than you are."
"Yeah. You're right." - I'm tired of hearing that Isshin is a bad father and I'm tired of him saying the same thing, especially in comparison to Ryouken, of all people - Ryouken who was actively trying to kill his own son (to get his powers back, but still) and forbidden him from having anything to do with the Soul Reapers while knowing how close he is with at least one of them 😤
After hearing the news about an Arrancar attack, Ukitake sends Orihime (who was in the Soul Society training with Rukia) with two Soul Reapers back to the world of the living through a Senkaimon. For some reason he thought she might be helpful. Anyways, the three got stopped in the middle of the way by Ulquiorra who immediately attacks the two nameless Soul Reapers and gives Orihime an ultimatum. She will either listen to his orders or her friends will die. A frightened girl obviously listens. She can say goodbye to only one person before she gets taken to Hueco Mundo (the place where the Hollows live). She chooses Ichigo, and without another word, she disappears.
After the battle against the Arrancars, everyone survived, but not without any wounds. Ichigo, who fought (once again) against Grimmjow, got the worst of it. When he wakes up and Hitsugaya informs him that he's needed in a meeting, he travels to Orihime's house where he is informed, along with his Soul Reaper friends, that Orihime is missing. Naturally, they want to go into a rescue mission, being convinced that Orihime got abducted. But Genryuusai refuses, claiming that there is a possibility that Orihime joined the enemy. The Soul Reapers are forced to come back to Seireitei, while Ichigo is left alone. Despite Genryuusai's orders, he prepares to travel to Hueco Mundo. He lost the assistance of the Soul Society, but he's not alone. This is how the Hueco Mundo arc starts.
Some of my thoughts I need to share:
~ I am not Orihime's fan, but the brutal deaths she had seen in the last 24 hours would be traumatizing for everyone and she's only a teenager.
~ The fact that Urahara could make a complicated analysis of his opponent's technique while being in the middle of the fight is more than impressive, and shows how smart he is.
~ I was so sad to see Ichigo's desperation while trying to bring back his Hollow's mask (and failing). He just wasn't strong enough yet :( He was lucky to get alive from this fight, really.
~
*Grimmjow trying to blow Ichigo's head off* -> gets interrupted by Rukia
*Grimmjow trying to blow Rukia's head off* -> gets interrupted by Shinji
*Grimmjow trying to use his Zanpakuto* -> gets interrupted by Ulquiorra
It was clearly not his day 😂
~ "There is nothing you can do now. The sun has set. " - I see what you did here, dear author, but the dramatics were not needed. Orihime's not the sun you're trying to make her to be 😒
~ Orihime could say goodbye to only one person, and of all people she knew, she chooses Ichigo. Ichigo over Tatsuki, who's her closest friend. Are you kidding me? I understand that she's in love with Ichigo, but c'mon.
~ SHE WENT TO HIS ROOM TO SAY GOODBYE AND NEARLY KISSED HIM WHILE HE WAS UNCONSCIOUS. This scene makes me deeply uncomfortable every time I'm watching the anime and it makes me deeply uncomfortable while reading the manga too. I don't understand why some people say that it's a romantic scene. IT'S NOT! 🫤
~ The fact that Renji tried to request permission to go to Hueco Mundo to rescue Orihime just because of Ichigo is just so precious.
~ Tatsuki's attack on Ichigo was uncalled for. And her accusing him of keeping things from her was uncalled for as well. Girl, there are things that are not his to speak about! Get lost! 😒
~ Ichigo had (ONCE AGAIN) to apologized for something he had no control over. My boy, you deserve better 😔
~ THE GANG IS TOGETHER AGAIN, YAY!!
~ I deeply missed the Ichigo and Ishida bickering, I'm so happy (and relieved, really) to witness it again ☺️
~ I could hear Grimmjow's maniacal laugh in my head when he was killing Luppi.
~ The way Ichigo got smacked and flied away after Chad's punch was so funny 😂
~ "You stand back, Ichigo. We'll handle this." ☺️☺️☺️
~ "Father of the year you ain't."
"But I'm a better one than you are."
"Yeah. You're right." - I'm tired of hearing that Isshin is a bad father and I'm tired of him saying the same thing, especially in comparison to Ryouken, of all people - Ryouken who was actively trying to kill his own son (to get his powers back, but still) and forbidden him from having anything to do with the Soul Reapers while knowing how close he is with at least one of them 😤
September 10, 2024
It's a shame about both Orihime and Tatsuki. One reduced to a damsel, the other gaining no plot significance at all despite several hints to the contrary. There's too many characters to juggle around as it is - even the seemingly most important characters fall to the wayside.
June 28, 2023
The gangs back together, but this time it’s to save Orihime. If they can’t depend on anyone else then they definitely can with each other. They’ve arrived in Hueco Munro and the action has begun. I don’t know how they’re gonna defeat all those Arrancars, but they’ll find a way. Also I shouldn’t be surprised that Ichigo and Uryu’s dads know each other. I feel a backstory coming at some point, but I’ll wait until then. Now it’s time for the next volume!
March 11, 2017
I just have fallen in love with this series. For me each page just keeps getting better. It makes me glad I am an avid reader junkie. I can stay awake for hours just reading this series. This volume was great the art was nice and the action really drew my attention.
December 5, 2020
Great volume, more focus on whatever is going on with Chad and others and their training, their fight with the Arancars come to an abrupt end and they get Orihime and its a shokcing and emotional moment when she is saying her goodbyes to Ichigo. Then its time to go to Hueco Mundo but soul society has abandoned them and thus begins Ishida, Ichigo and Chad's attempt to go there and rescue her also while fighting weird monsters like Arancars! Good volume, big action starts here, more revelations about this place and Orihime's power and its a quick read!
October 26, 2022
OMG ORIHIME! And CHAD AND URYU!! Wow. My feels are all over the place with this one.
February 24, 2020
The stakes are high again with Orihime at the heart of an incident that will crank up the tension for everyone. This story arc offers her the chance to express her feelings far more than ever as the evil reigning in Hueco Mundo finds her powers interesting.
The OG squad also assemble in hopes of saving her and it is a moment of blissful joy. I can't wait to see them each get the chance to showcase the improvements in their new powers and their newly-found determination and purpose in life.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
The OG squad also assemble in hopes of saving her and it is a moment of blissful joy. I can't wait to see them each get the chance to showcase the improvements in their new powers and their newly-found determination and purpose in life.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
December 4, 2012
03 December 2012
YES!! *happy dance*
'Nuff said.
Bleach, Volume 27: Goodbye, Halcyon Days just made me really, really happy.
I can't wait for the next volume. I hope it brings a lot more action than these set-up volumes have had. They remind me a lot of the volumes right before Ichigo travels to the Soul Society to save Rukia, but once he got there it was non-stop awesomeness! Can't wait for the Soul Reapers to take on the Arrancars!
YES!! *happy dance*
'Nuff said.
Bleach, Volume 27: Goodbye, Halcyon Days just made me really, really happy.
I can't wait for the next volume. I hope it brings a lot more action than these set-up volumes have had. They remind me a lot of the volumes right before Ichigo travels to the Soul Society to save Rukia, but once he got there it was non-stop awesomeness! Can't wait for the Soul Reapers to take on the Arrancars!
July 21, 2018
I LOVED it as much at the others, but Orihime, why this? 😕
August 7, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 27 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (234–242) of the on-going manga series.
Under orders from Sōsuke Aizen, Ulquiorra Cifer demands Orihime Inoue to leave with him or he would kill all her friends. She is forced to comply and is given twelve hours to say goodbye to one person while wearing a bracelet that makes her invisible.
Meanwhile, Toshiro Hitsugaya defeats Luppi Antenor while Ichigo Kurosaki is overwhelmed by Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez after being unable to use his hollow powers completely. Grimmjow nearly kills Ichigo, but is saved by Rukia Kuchiki as Shinji Hirako comes to her aid and takes over fighting Grimmjow. The fight soon when ends when Ulquiorra orders all the arrancars to fall back as they achieved their mission.
Finding Ichigo recovering from his injuries, Orihime confesses her feelings for him and heals him before leaving with Ulquiorra. The next day, Ichigo and his friends learn of Orihime's disappearance and that the Soul Society has no intention of saving her. However, Ichigo, unwilling to abandon Orihime, turns to Kisuke Urahara for a means to enter the Hollows' world of Hueco Mundo, joined by Uryū Ishida and Yasutora "Chad" Sado.
After arriving in Hueco Mundo, the group find themselves facing the Arrancars Demōra and Iceringer. Meanwhile, Orihime is brought before Aizen and is asked demonstrate her power by restoring Grimmjow's arm. Grimmjow then asks Orihime to restore his tattoo before killing Luppi to regain his rank among the Espadas.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. Apparently, the incursion into Karakura Town is to capture Orihime Inoue – the healer of the group. Once again, Ichigo Kurosaki plans another invasion to help a friend – this time it is Orihime and instead of going to Soul Society, but Hueco Mundo – the home of the Hallows and Espadas.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 27 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
Under orders from Sōsuke Aizen, Ulquiorra Cifer demands Orihime Inoue to leave with him or he would kill all her friends. She is forced to comply and is given twelve hours to say goodbye to one person while wearing a bracelet that makes her invisible.
Meanwhile, Toshiro Hitsugaya defeats Luppi Antenor while Ichigo Kurosaki is overwhelmed by Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez after being unable to use his hollow powers completely. Grimmjow nearly kills Ichigo, but is saved by Rukia Kuchiki as Shinji Hirako comes to her aid and takes over fighting Grimmjow. The fight soon when ends when Ulquiorra orders all the arrancars to fall back as they achieved their mission.
Finding Ichigo recovering from his injuries, Orihime confesses her feelings for him and heals him before leaving with Ulquiorra. The next day, Ichigo and his friends learn of Orihime's disappearance and that the Soul Society has no intention of saving her. However, Ichigo, unwilling to abandon Orihime, turns to Kisuke Urahara for a means to enter the Hollows' world of Hueco Mundo, joined by Uryū Ishida and Yasutora "Chad" Sado.
After arriving in Hueco Mundo, the group find themselves facing the Arrancars Demōra and Iceringer. Meanwhile, Orihime is brought before Aizen and is asked demonstrate her power by restoring Grimmjow's arm. Grimmjow then asks Orihime to restore his tattoo before killing Luppi to regain his rank among the Espadas.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. Apparently, the incursion into Karakura Town is to capture Orihime Inoue – the healer of the group. Once again, Ichigo Kurosaki plans another invasion to help a friend – this time it is Orihime and instead of going to Soul Society, but Hueco Mundo – the home of the Hallows and Espadas.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 27 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
March 21, 2025
Urahara has been carrying as of late. Really like where the story is going and Orihimes goodbye to Ichigo was super sad and emotional I really like their romance.
June 25, 2013
We have
Not one
In common
No two
Are shaped alike
The third
Because of that eye we lack
In the fourth
Direction there is no hope
The fifth
Is at the heart
- Battle withdrawn
- Goodbye, halcyon days
- "I'm sorry... Stay far away from me."
- Six replaces six
- "Now it's our turn."
Not one
In common
No two
Are shaped alike
The third
Because of that eye we lack
In the fourth
Direction there is no hope
The fifth
Is at the heart
- Battle withdrawn
- Goodbye, halcyon days
- "I'm sorry... Stay far away from me."
- Six replaces six
- "Now it's our turn."
April 13, 2019
Gahh this is killing me! So amazing
December 21, 2022
I liked how the third Arrancar invasion ended with a ceasefire as Ulquiorra was able to reach Orihime. I loved seeing Orihime faced with the choice to say goodbye to only one person, and how she chose that person to be Ichigo. We get official confirmation that she has feelings for him, and her goodbye to him was touching. I thought that the writing for how the Soul Reapers were called back to defend the Soul Society and the implication that Orihime betrayed them was done well and I loved how it raised the stakes and tension. I loved seeing how Tatsuki confronted Ichigo about Orihime’s disappearance and we get the reveal that Tatsuki has been able to feel Orihime’s spiritual pressure and see Ichigo’s Soul Reaper form this entire time. I thought that their little confrontation was tragic and heartbreaking as Ichigo tells his human friends to stay clear of him, knowing he’s going to have to face his greatest threat yet and he doesn’t want them getting dragged into it. I love how the human characters are portrayed in this series and I love how we get serious moments with them rather than just comedic relief. I love that they know deep down that something strange is going on in their world and with Ichigo. I loved seeing Ichigo’s friends join him in going to Hueco Mundo (to certain death) in order to try and save Orihime, and I loved seeing Ichigo and Uryū’s dads interact as we get another hint at their history. Seeing Grimmjow get his full power and status as sixth Espada back was satisfying despite him being an antagonist, he’s easily my favourite Arrancar and Espada. Even in the Soul Society arc, Ichigo and his friends had the odds stacked against them and there was an insane chance that they would all die, and this time that feeling is amplified by a hundred. While this is another example of plot armour throughout the series, I can’t complain as the storyline is one of my favourites. While a lot of people criticize the upcoming Hueco Mundo arc for following the same formula as the Soul Society arc, I don’t share those complaints as the next arc is easily my favourite in the entire series, and I think the buildup and execution of the Hueco Mundo arc does a better job at illustrating the dangers and heightened stakes. I love how they are immediately sensed by everyone and attacked instantly upon entering Hueco Mundo, and I liked how this exciting volume leads into the beginning of the next arc.
August 1, 2025
No le tenía muchas expectativas a este tomo y me ha gustado mucho. 🫣♥️ Llegada a Hueco Mundo woohoo.🕺🏻
Muy fuerte la interacción de papi Ishida y papi Kurosaki. ¿Acaso es foreshadowing cuando le dice que nunca se había dirigido a él así (como Kurosaki)???? AHHHHHH. A veces pienso que Tite Kubo se inventa la mitad de las cosas, pero luego veo estos detallitos y digo: mmmm, puede que si lo tuviera todo pensado. Muy loco.
Muy fuerte la interacción de papi Ishida y papi Kurosaki. ¿Acaso es foreshadowing cuando le dice que nunca se había dirigido a él así (como Kurosaki)???? AHHHHHH. A veces pienso que Tite Kubo se inventa la mitad de las cosas, pero luego veo estos detallitos y digo: mmmm, puede que si lo tuviera todo pensado. Muy loco.
September 2, 2023
Il capitolo in cui Orihime cura le ferite Grimmjow è attualmente uno dei miei preferiti. Meraviglioso.
January 29, 2024
I wish ichigo would stop doubting his friends. I wish people overall would stop doubting Orihime. I am overall excited to see Chad kick ass tho
July 11, 2024
Every volume in this series gets better and better. The race is on to save Orihime. I'm excited to see how this ARC unfolds!
February 9, 2025
★★★★½
That goodbye scene pulled at my heartstrings
That goodbye scene pulled at my heartstrings
January 29, 2025
It’s Bleach. More swords and shouting and creepy hollow dudes, which is the whole point.
December 24, 2023
orihime you are everything to me
February 24, 2025
Oh no, they fridged Orihime!!! Such a annoying sexist trope.
Arancars, training and Grimmjow returns and gets healed and is back (for real this time!).
The Soul Society in another dumb move to help advance the story abandons the World of the Living again.
Arancars, training and Grimmjow returns and gets healed and is back (for real this time!).
The Soul Society in another dumb move to help advance the story abandons the World of the Living again.
December 29, 2020
Ulquiorra has taken Orihime hostage, capture while she is being escorted back to the World of the Living. Warning her that resistance is futile, he allows her to go to Kakura Town to say good-bye to one person, without being seen, and then she is to report to Hueco Mundo. Orihime agrees, rather than see anyone get hurt. And of course the one person she chooses to say good-bye to is Ichigo.
Meanwhile, the battle between the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars continues, following the arrival of Uruhara. Yammy thinks he’s killed Kiskue but the shop owner is a lot tougher than he’s given him credit for. And he’s a quick study. Fool me once, shame on you… but Kiskue won’t be fooled again.
Ichigo, along with Rukia, is battling Grimmjow, and things aren’t going particularly well when Dutch Boy (Shinji) shows up, and he isn’t anything Grimmjow has ever seen before. And neither will he explain himself to the Arrancar, which infuriates him. But just as Dutch Boy lashes out with a Cero of his own, and it seems as if the tide has turned in their favor, the call comes to the Arrancars that the battle is and they are to return. Obviously a sign that their objective has been attained, ie the capture of Orihime, although the others don’t know that yet.
An exhausted Ichigo is taken home to recuperate and is totally unaware of Orihime’s arrival and her heartfelt good-bye in the middle of the night. But when Hitsugaya arrives the next morning and detects her spiritual pressure, that knowledge seems to change everything. Now the Soul Reapers will do nothing to assist in her rescue, claiming that she has joined Aizen et al of her own accord and is therefore a traitor. Rukia and the other Soul Reapers are ordered back to Soul Society immediately and the Captain General forbids Ichigo to help Orihime either, claiming he needs him for more important thinghs.
Like Ichigo’s going to listen to the old man when Orihime’s life is in danger.
Before he heads off to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo briefly returns to school and cuts ties with his friends for their own protection, then heads to the shop, suspecting Kiskue can help him get to Hueco Mundo. But rather than play Lone Ranger, it seems that Ichigo will have a couple of companions, who have been waiting for him to turn up. And they are not the only ones keeping Ichigo on their radar.
An interesting turn of events with the capture of Orihime. Now we finally understand just why Uruhara wanted to keep her from the battle, and it has nothing to do with her abilities or lack of, but it was done for her protection, knowing she will become a target of Aizen. See how well that worked out. Now is the time to find out what this seemingly fragile, mind-mannered, sweet young girl is truly made of. In order to survive Aizen and his cohorts in Hueco Mundo, it had best be something really strong. Also interesting is her admission of her feelings when saying farewell to Ichigo.
Perhaps losing the support of the Soul Reapers – at least for now – was for the best, because that’s what is allowing Uryu to come along, providing the loophole in his agreement with his father which helped him regain his Quincy powers. But it seems that dear old Dad is not surprised, as even Isshin can tell.
In this volume, we get a little more of a glimpse into Kiskue as more than a comic relief character who happens to own a shop in the World of the Living. Did you really think that was his only purpose? No, that man has a lot more to him, and a lot more we have to learn about him. You just don’t become a supplier to the Soul Reapers without having some sort of inside knowledge… maybe friends in high places?
The first arc of Bleach involved the saving of Rukia, and now on to the saving of Orihime. Not coincidentally, both rescues involve Aizen, the renegade Soul Reaper, who no longer has any redeeming values. That man is just bad to the bone. And more than a little egomaniacal and crazy. No telling what that kind of crazy will do, as it tends to want everything.
Another good volume of Bleach, setting the stage for what is coming, namely battle with Aizen and pals on their own turf. That can’t be good, surely, especially when he was so many bad things at his disposal. So what is his long-term agenda? Well, he still has the Hogyoku, waiting for it to come to fruition. What’s he plan to do with it? Hard to say.
Can’t wait for the next volume.
Meanwhile, the battle between the Soul Reapers and the Arrancars continues, following the arrival of Uruhara. Yammy thinks he’s killed Kiskue but the shop owner is a lot tougher than he’s given him credit for. And he’s a quick study. Fool me once, shame on you… but Kiskue won’t be fooled again.
Ichigo, along with Rukia, is battling Grimmjow, and things aren’t going particularly well when Dutch Boy (Shinji) shows up, and he isn’t anything Grimmjow has ever seen before. And neither will he explain himself to the Arrancar, which infuriates him. But just as Dutch Boy lashes out with a Cero of his own, and it seems as if the tide has turned in their favor, the call comes to the Arrancars that the battle is and they are to return. Obviously a sign that their objective has been attained, ie the capture of Orihime, although the others don’t know that yet.
An exhausted Ichigo is taken home to recuperate and is totally unaware of Orihime’s arrival and her heartfelt good-bye in the middle of the night. But when Hitsugaya arrives the next morning and detects her spiritual pressure, that knowledge seems to change everything. Now the Soul Reapers will do nothing to assist in her rescue, claiming that she has joined Aizen et al of her own accord and is therefore a traitor. Rukia and the other Soul Reapers are ordered back to Soul Society immediately and the Captain General forbids Ichigo to help Orihime either, claiming he needs him for more important thinghs.
Like Ichigo’s going to listen to the old man when Orihime’s life is in danger.
Before he heads off to Hueco Mundo, Ichigo briefly returns to school and cuts ties with his friends for their own protection, then heads to the shop, suspecting Kiskue can help him get to Hueco Mundo. But rather than play Lone Ranger, it seems that Ichigo will have a couple of companions, who have been waiting for him to turn up. And they are not the only ones keeping Ichigo on their radar.
An interesting turn of events with the capture of Orihime. Now we finally understand just why Uruhara wanted to keep her from the battle, and it has nothing to do with her abilities or lack of, but it was done for her protection, knowing she will become a target of Aizen. See how well that worked out. Now is the time to find out what this seemingly fragile, mind-mannered, sweet young girl is truly made of. In order to survive Aizen and his cohorts in Hueco Mundo, it had best be something really strong. Also interesting is her admission of her feelings when saying farewell to Ichigo.
Perhaps losing the support of the Soul Reapers – at least for now – was for the best, because that’s what is allowing Uryu to come along, providing the loophole in his agreement with his father which helped him regain his Quincy powers. But it seems that dear old Dad is not surprised, as even Isshin can tell.
In this volume, we get a little more of a glimpse into Kiskue as more than a comic relief character who happens to own a shop in the World of the Living. Did you really think that was his only purpose? No, that man has a lot more to him, and a lot more we have to learn about him. You just don’t become a supplier to the Soul Reapers without having some sort of inside knowledge… maybe friends in high places?
The first arc of Bleach involved the saving of Rukia, and now on to the saving of Orihime. Not coincidentally, both rescues involve Aizen, the renegade Soul Reaper, who no longer has any redeeming values. That man is just bad to the bone. And more than a little egomaniacal and crazy. No telling what that kind of crazy will do, as it tends to want everything.
Another good volume of Bleach, setting the stage for what is coming, namely battle with Aizen and pals on their own turf. That can’t be good, surely, especially when he was so many bad things at his disposal. So what is his long-term agenda? Well, he still has the Hogyoku, waiting for it to come to fruition. What’s he plan to do with it? Hard to say.
Can’t wait for the next volume.
January 25, 2021
Another woman gets kidnapped and back to a rescue mission? Didn't want to try something different than last arc?
Saying that it is cool to see the three original homies teaming up to get back their girl. The power ups are set, some secrets starting to leak out like Ichigo's father and someone else's father teaming up. We see the Soul Reapers are called back so it's up to ichigo and the boys to take on the big bads now. I'm wondering how the hell they'll win seeing as the power levels still seem at a way disadvantage. Even so, this was a decent set up volume into the next major arc even if it's a bit of a Daja Vu feeling.
Saying that it is cool to see the three original homies teaming up to get back their girl. The power ups are set, some secrets starting to leak out like Ichigo's father and someone else's father teaming up. We see the Soul Reapers are called back so it's up to ichigo and the boys to take on the big bads now. I'm wondering how the hell they'll win seeing as the power levels still seem at a way disadvantage. Even so, this was a decent set up volume into the next major arc even if it's a bit of a Daja Vu feeling.
June 25, 2009
Nobody has anything to say about this one, I guess. Neither do I, really. It moves the plot along, but there isn't that much action. I will say that Orihime's goodbye to Ichigo makes me cry every time I read it or see it. That, for me, is the big scene in this volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2021
I love the hueco mundo arc .. I'm a few volumes closer to seeing Nel again
August 23, 2023
Bardzo dobry tomik. Same gwiazdy w środku. I angst.
May 30, 2020
Given that Manga, and especially Shonen is split up into bigger arcs as composed to volumes I will be analyzing and reviewing this by Arc. I also reread this manga over the span of 2 months, some days reading as much as 100 chapters a day. It would be quite tedious for me to review each 7-8 chapter volume. So this will be copy and pasted throughout all of the 72 manga volumes. That being said, if you're looking at this without having viewed the series...spoiler warning. I don't recap anything, but I also mention things that happen. If you want me to answer the question "Should I pick this up?" Yes. Even if you stop at the end of the Soul Society Arc. It's worth it.
Karakura Town Arc - Chapters 1-56 - Rating: 7/10
(The official page lumps this in with the Soul Society Arc however I feel as if they are two very separate arcs with two very separate themes)
- A fun introduction.
-An interesting premise on the idea of ghosts and demons (Hollows)
-Does a good job of introducing the characters and I especially enjoyed the love for characters like Chad, Orihime and Uryu as these characters would later lose more and more spotlight as the series went on.
-It is a bit of a monster of the week. When it works, like with Chad's introduction story. It works. But Characters like Don Kanonji felt superficial and very gimmicky. Which, fair. I didn't enjoy them as much.
Soul Society Arc - Chapters 57-182 - Rating: 10/10
-The height of Bleach
-Establishes an afterlife seemingly perfectly. Later on revealed to be full of plot holes and never fleshed out but hey! That's not an issue in THIS arc. The fights are top tier, the themes of Ichigo owing a life debt to Rukia and his passion and determination to rise above literally God's army is inspiring and to this day is why I love Ichigo so much. He doesn't have some grandiose plan. He doesn't have a major goal to accomplish. He is a protector by heart, losing his mother has made him sour to failing to protect those he cares about and he'll do anything in his power never to feel that helpless again. Very powerful stuff.
-The twist near the end of this arc is revolutionary and would make waves for the next 200 chapters onward. A perfect ending and set up for the forthcoming arc.
-The only issues I have for this arc would be Ichigo's lightning speed progression. The guy goes from being able to barely defeat a third seat to besting multiple captains in roughly 100 or less chapters. I get that that is the point and him defeating captains was more of a struck of luck, but progression and pacing wise it feels very unearned and a factor of "for the plot he needed to be this strong" It only seems as fast as it is because Ichigo's progression slows drastically down for the rest of the story moving foreword so it's only now that I make that criticism.
-Also, and this will be an issue in most Shonen. There are 13 Captains with 13 Vice Captains and seats that branch all the way to 10 I believe? Regardless, there's a fudge ton of characters that are introduced here and it can get a little jarring at times. Luckily, Kubo does a great job at making their designs and characters unique despite such a large cast.
Hueco Mundo Arc - Chapters 183-423 - Rating 7/10
-This is another arc where personally I would split it up into two separate arcs. But for the sake of this review I will simply refer to the first half of the arc and the later half of the arc. First Half 9/10. Second Half. 5/10.
-The first half of this arc is a great continuation of the last. Ichigo now struggles with his inner demons and it affects his ability to protect the ones he loves. We are also introduced to a deadly unknown new villains. The Arrancars/Espada to this day remain one of my favorite villain factions in all of manga enemies.
-Just so you're aware I would say the first half of this arc ends right around the point of Ichigo vs Grimmjow. Grimmjow is one of the first Arrancar that Ichigo faces. And he's also one of two Espada that he faces three times. The conclusion of that fight shows Ichigo conquering his inner demons. Where Grimmjow is very much fighting to establish himself. Grimmjow has to fight Ichigo to prove to his fallen comrades that he is as good as he says he is. He doesn't care about Aizen, he doesn't care about the rest of the Espada. It is very personal for him. For Ichigo, Orohime is within his grasp of saving and he views this as his "final" battle. It's my favorite fight in all of Bleach.
-However, this is where things start to take a bit of dip in quality in my opinion. We had a goal and we were striving towards that goal. Each character of the original cast coming to repay the debt they made to their friend who had risked her life to save them in the Soul society arc. But somewhere along the way it seems we just had a fighter fest. Captains would face enemies with no themes or character revelations. The Espadas got a little light but nothing that made their fights compelling. You almost just feel bad for the Espada as they were monsters turned into a military force by an unstoppable tyrant. But even that wasn't enough to make half of the fights interesting. Now, that's with knowing the outcome. These fights played little importance in the larger scheme of things. Where at least in the Hueco Mundo fights each match up had the protagonists striving for a goal. Rukia to defeat Aaroneiro to free her former superiors soul. Byakuya to defend Rukia. Renji and Uryu teamwork. Nel to protect Ichigo and get revenge on Nnoitra. Whereas Stark fought Kyoraku.....cause.....and Hitsugaya fought Halibel because Water vs Ice would be cool.
-This leaves me to the end. I won't say it wasn't satisfying that Ichigo was able to defeat Aizen. And yes, I do feel like his new power was earned. 3 months of training. But this was clearly a last minute decision to save Aizen for a later date and the show must go on. I do feel like it wasn't as satisfying as 200+ chapter buildup needed to be.
The Fullbring Arc - Chapters 424-479 - Rating: 8/10
-A very underrated arc. And yes, I acknowledge that rating wise I think the Fullbring arc is superior to the Hueco Mundo arc. That is mostly true. Though I like the first half of the Hueco Mundo Arc more than the Fullbring arc. The end of the HM arc really brought it down for me. The Fullbring Arc is much more concise and is actually the shortest arc in the series and works as a glorified Ichigo getting his powers back arc. But that doesn't mean its bad.
-When I read it originally back when it was coming out in 2010. (Cause I'm Old) It wasn't phenomenal. In fact, I hated it. But wouldn't you? It took just short of a year to get to the point that we were at. But upon rereading it, it gave much deserved love to the characters who hadn't been shown love in quite some time. The original cast. It was a very character focused arc. Ichigo never seemed more human. And despite me hating it before for taking so long, reading weekly can sometimes hurt these mystery based arcs. The twist is heavily foreshadowed and I really appreciated it.
-That being said, the end was super rushed. This was a big bummer for me. The villains this time around were humans. And the ones who had the most exposure and relations with these characters were the original cast who again....were humans. So to have the soul reapers, who have no connection to the fullbringers show up and basically no diff most of the fullbringers felt very forced and fanservicey to me. This very well could have not been Kubo's call. As the community was very vocal about their dislike for this arc as it was going on. But I appreciate it now much more as I appreciate character and story over big sword fights. Lol.
The Thousand Year Blood War Arc - Chapters 424-689 - Rating: 5/10
-And we're finally here. The final and largest arc within the Bleach story. And man...does it not stick the landing.
-That being said, this arc has phenomenal moments. Kenpachi's Shikai and Bankai. Ichigo's double swords. Renji's true Bankai. Rukia's Bankai. And many more. However, they are put together against the most break neck speed arc that I have ever read. Kubo was very ambitious when he introduced 26 new villains. However, most of them got barely any screen time and a lot of them even got off screened by higher level captains. This was unlike the Espada who each got a full double page spread for their Resurrections.
-Yhwach himself was a phenomenal villain but was dealt with swiftly and imo dirty. They did him dirty.
-There was just something off. The mood changed and it was very apparent. The villains had random powers instead of the powers reflecting their personalities or needs. The finale felt so underwhelming.
-Ichigo gets to be the strongest he's ever been....but he doesn't defeat a single person besides the main villain despite being in several fights.
-It isn't a good arc. In fact, I would say it's the worst. Hopefully the anime does a better job with this already mammoth of a story. 260 chapters is no joke.
This gives the story of Bleach an Overall rating of 7.4/10. Which to me is above average. It has it's ups and downs. It's not perfect. But when it's high, it's peak shonen. But when it's low, it's very forgettable.
Karakura Town Arc - Chapters 1-56 - Rating: 7/10
(The official page lumps this in with the Soul Society Arc however I feel as if they are two very separate arcs with two very separate themes)
- A fun introduction.
-An interesting premise on the idea of ghosts and demons (Hollows)
-Does a good job of introducing the characters and I especially enjoyed the love for characters like Chad, Orihime and Uryu as these characters would later lose more and more spotlight as the series went on.
-It is a bit of a monster of the week. When it works, like with Chad's introduction story. It works. But Characters like Don Kanonji felt superficial and very gimmicky. Which, fair. I didn't enjoy them as much.
Soul Society Arc - Chapters 57-182 - Rating: 10/10
-The height of Bleach
-Establishes an afterlife seemingly perfectly. Later on revealed to be full of plot holes and never fleshed out but hey! That's not an issue in THIS arc. The fights are top tier, the themes of Ichigo owing a life debt to Rukia and his passion and determination to rise above literally God's army is inspiring and to this day is why I love Ichigo so much. He doesn't have some grandiose plan. He doesn't have a major goal to accomplish. He is a protector by heart, losing his mother has made him sour to failing to protect those he cares about and he'll do anything in his power never to feel that helpless again. Very powerful stuff.
-The twist near the end of this arc is revolutionary and would make waves for the next 200 chapters onward. A perfect ending and set up for the forthcoming arc.
-The only issues I have for this arc would be Ichigo's lightning speed progression. The guy goes from being able to barely defeat a third seat to besting multiple captains in roughly 100 or less chapters. I get that that is the point and him defeating captains was more of a struck of luck, but progression and pacing wise it feels very unearned and a factor of "for the plot he needed to be this strong" It only seems as fast as it is because Ichigo's progression slows drastically down for the rest of the story moving foreword so it's only now that I make that criticism.
-Also, and this will be an issue in most Shonen. There are 13 Captains with 13 Vice Captains and seats that branch all the way to 10 I believe? Regardless, there's a fudge ton of characters that are introduced here and it can get a little jarring at times. Luckily, Kubo does a great job at making their designs and characters unique despite such a large cast.
Hueco Mundo Arc - Chapters 183-423 - Rating 7/10
-This is another arc where personally I would split it up into two separate arcs. But for the sake of this review I will simply refer to the first half of the arc and the later half of the arc. First Half 9/10. Second Half. 5/10.
-The first half of this arc is a great continuation of the last. Ichigo now struggles with his inner demons and it affects his ability to protect the ones he loves. We are also introduced to a deadly unknown new villains. The Arrancars/Espada to this day remain one of my favorite villain factions in all of manga enemies.
-Just so you're aware I would say the first half of this arc ends right around the point of Ichigo vs Grimmjow. Grimmjow is one of the first Arrancar that Ichigo faces. And he's also one of two Espada that he faces three times. The conclusion of that fight shows Ichigo conquering his inner demons. Where Grimmjow is very much fighting to establish himself. Grimmjow has to fight Ichigo to prove to his fallen comrades that he is as good as he says he is. He doesn't care about Aizen, he doesn't care about the rest of the Espada. It is very personal for him. For Ichigo, Orohime is within his grasp of saving and he views this as his "final" battle. It's my favorite fight in all of Bleach.
-However, this is where things start to take a bit of dip in quality in my opinion. We had a goal and we were striving towards that goal. Each character of the original cast coming to repay the debt they made to their friend who had risked her life to save them in the Soul society arc. But somewhere along the way it seems we just had a fighter fest. Captains would face enemies with no themes or character revelations. The Espadas got a little light but nothing that made their fights compelling. You almost just feel bad for the Espada as they were monsters turned into a military force by an unstoppable tyrant. But even that wasn't enough to make half of the fights interesting. Now, that's with knowing the outcome. These fights played little importance in the larger scheme of things. Where at least in the Hueco Mundo fights each match up had the protagonists striving for a goal. Rukia to defeat Aaroneiro to free her former superiors soul. Byakuya to defend Rukia. Renji and Uryu teamwork. Nel to protect Ichigo and get revenge on Nnoitra. Whereas Stark fought Kyoraku.....cause.....and Hitsugaya fought Halibel because Water vs Ice would be cool.
-This leaves me to the end. I won't say it wasn't satisfying that Ichigo was able to defeat Aizen. And yes, I do feel like his new power was earned. 3 months of training. But this was clearly a last minute decision to save Aizen for a later date and the show must go on. I do feel like it wasn't as satisfying as 200+ chapter buildup needed to be.
The Fullbring Arc - Chapters 424-479 - Rating: 8/10
-A very underrated arc. And yes, I acknowledge that rating wise I think the Fullbring arc is superior to the Hueco Mundo arc. That is mostly true. Though I like the first half of the Hueco Mundo Arc more than the Fullbring arc. The end of the HM arc really brought it down for me. The Fullbring Arc is much more concise and is actually the shortest arc in the series and works as a glorified Ichigo getting his powers back arc. But that doesn't mean its bad.
-When I read it originally back when it was coming out in 2010. (Cause I'm Old) It wasn't phenomenal. In fact, I hated it. But wouldn't you? It took just short of a year to get to the point that we were at. But upon rereading it, it gave much deserved love to the characters who hadn't been shown love in quite some time. The original cast. It was a very character focused arc. Ichigo never seemed more human. And despite me hating it before for taking so long, reading weekly can sometimes hurt these mystery based arcs. The twist is heavily foreshadowed and I really appreciated it.
-That being said, the end was super rushed. This was a big bummer for me. The villains this time around were humans. And the ones who had the most exposure and relations with these characters were the original cast who again....were humans. So to have the soul reapers, who have no connection to the fullbringers show up and basically no diff most of the fullbringers felt very forced and fanservicey to me. This very well could have not been Kubo's call. As the community was very vocal about their dislike for this arc as it was going on. But I appreciate it now much more as I appreciate character and story over big sword fights. Lol.
The Thousand Year Blood War Arc - Chapters 424-689 - Rating: 5/10
-And we're finally here. The final and largest arc within the Bleach story. And man...does it not stick the landing.
-That being said, this arc has phenomenal moments. Kenpachi's Shikai and Bankai. Ichigo's double swords. Renji's true Bankai. Rukia's Bankai. And many more. However, they are put together against the most break neck speed arc that I have ever read. Kubo was very ambitious when he introduced 26 new villains. However, most of them got barely any screen time and a lot of them even got off screened by higher level captains. This was unlike the Espada who each got a full double page spread for their Resurrections.
-Yhwach himself was a phenomenal villain but was dealt with swiftly and imo dirty. They did him dirty.
-There was just something off. The mood changed and it was very apparent. The villains had random powers instead of the powers reflecting their personalities or needs. The finale felt so underwhelming.
-Ichigo gets to be the strongest he's ever been....but he doesn't defeat a single person besides the main villain despite being in several fights.
-It isn't a good arc. In fact, I would say it's the worst. Hopefully the anime does a better job with this already mammoth of a story. 260 chapters is no joke.
This gives the story of Bleach an Overall rating of 7.4/10. Which to me is above average. It has it's ups and downs. It's not perfect. But when it's high, it's peak shonen. But when it's low, it's very forgettable.
May 27, 2024
I liked how the third Arrancar invasion ended with a ceasefire as Ulquiorra was able to reach Orihime. I loved seeing Orihime faced with the choice to say goodbye to only one person, and how she chose that person to be Ichigo. We get official confirmation that she has feelings for him, and her goodbye to him was touching. I thought that the writing for how the Soul Reapers were called back to defend the Soul Society and the implication that Orihime betrayed them was done well and I loved how it raised the stakes and tension. I loved seeing how Tatsuki confronted Ichigo about Orihime’s disappearance and we get the reveal that Tatsuki has been able to feel Orihime’s spiritual pressure and see Ichigo’s Soul Reaper form this entire time. I thought that their little confrontation was tragic and heartbreaking as Ichigo tells his human friends to stay clear of him, knowing he’s going to have to face his greatest threat yet and he doesn’t want them getting dragged into it. I love how the human characters are portrayed in this series and I love how we get serious moments with them rather than just comedic relief. I love that they know deep down that something strange is going on in their world and with Ichigo. I loved seeing Ichigo’s friends join him in going to Hueco Mundo (to certain death) in order to try and save Orihime, and I loved seeing Ichigo and Uryū’s dads interact as we get another hint at their history. Seeing Grimmjow get his full power and status as sixth Espada back was satisfying despite him being an antagonist, he’s easily my favourite Arrancar and Espada. Even in the Soul Society arc, Ichigo and his friends had the odds stacked against them and there was an insane chance that they would all die, and this time that feeling is amplified by a hundred. While this is another example of plot armour throughout the series, I can’t complain as the storyline is one of my favourites. While a lot of people criticize the upcoming Hueco Mundo arc for following the same formula as the Soul Society arc, I don’t share those complaints as the next arc is easily my favourite in the entire series, and I think the buildup and execution of the Hueco Mundo arc does a better job at illustrating the dangers and heightened stakes. I love how they are immediately sensed by everyone and attacked instantly upon entering Hueco Mundo, and I liked how this exciting volume leads into the beginning of the next arc.
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