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Bleach #41
Bleach―ブリーチ― 41 [Burīchi 41]
ウルキオラとの戦いで再起不能の一護！ なす術もなく、失意に沈む織姫。だが次の瞬間、目を疑う光景が！？ 一護は、虚と酷似した姿で復活、再びウルキオラへと挑む！！ 変貌した一護に織姫達の声は届かず…！？
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2009
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August 15, 2024
Harmony is
Harmony is, harmony is not with us
Harmony is not with us
Living hell is coming
(Sagisu Shiro, "Incantation Part C Opus 1", "BLEACH The Movie: The Hell Verse")
After the ending of the previous volume, for an anime fan like me it was obvious what will come next. The transformation of Ichigo and the fight against Ulquiorra that followed are definitely not just one of my favorite moments, but one of the best Bleach moments of all time. This fight alone deserves five stars.
"This can't be. You can't be alive. What is this form? Who are you?" [Ulquiorra]
Ulquiorra had the biggest surprise of his life in this volume. He knew that his opponent is powerful, but even in the greatest of nightmares he would never imagine how strong he actually is. Ichigo, or should I say his Hollow side, proved that not only he's a force to be reckoned with. Ulquiorra seemed like a monster, but his strength and his merciless nature paled in comparison to the greatness of Ichigo's new form.
The way Ichigo looks and behaves as a Hollow in this volume is scary and fascinating at the same time. At the first look he seems nothing like the Ichigo we know and love. This version seems to be ruthless and merciless. This version seems to be so wild that he doesn't recognize who's an enemy and who's a friend. He does not follow his logic, only his instincts. And instincts are telling him to fight. Telling him to destroy. All in the name of, well, love.
"Pro... tect... I will... protect... her." [Ichigo]
But even if his craziest state Ichigo is still Ichigo. He always fought to protect others and it's no different this time. Orihime screamed for help and all he did was respond. He became a fulltime Hollow, he could very easily be a creature of destruction and death like the others are, but all he concentrated on, even unconscious, was the need to protect. He just freaking died and came back and all he concentrated on was someone else's wellbeing. I have no words for the amount of love I have for this boy. He's the most precious thing I have in my life and he's not even real! And that's not all, because read this:
"Your left arm and leg... Did I cut them off too? If I did... then cut my left arm and leg. The guy you were fighting before was me in a hollowfied and unconscious state. It wasn't the real me. If we're gonna settle this, it won't be fair unless I'm in the same condition as you are." [Ichigo]
And this:
"Hurry up. I don't even have the strength to walk anymore. If you don't cut me down now, you'll never get to settle this."
"No."
"What?"
"I said no. I... I don't want to win like this!"
Everyone else would've been elated by this kind of power and by having the upper hand over their opponent. Everyone else, after all that Ichigo and his friends were through because of Ulquiorra, would cheer that their enemy is weakened and will most likely die very soon. Everyone else would leave him to slowly die or would kill him in a cold blood and don't care if the fight was fair or not. Victory is a victory, right? But not for Ichigo Kurosaki. He was the one who suffered the most from Ulquiorra's hand and he was the one winning the fight. He could end it without putting much strength into the blow. But here he was, standing and shaking after his unexpected transformation, realizing what had happened and FEELING GUILTY instead of elating with power. He was ready to let his opponent cut his limbs off so their fight would be fair!
"Orihime... Are you all right?" [Ichigo]
And he asked HER if she's alright while HE was the one who suffered the most. He's such a wonderful person, such a precious being that my heart is always full of warmness and love wherever I think of him.
But when I think about Orihime my heart is no longer full of warmness and love. In the contrary.
This is my fault... Because I said that... Ichigo is just... trying to help me. Why? I trained so that I wouldn't get in his way. I came here to protect him. So why? Why at the very end... did I have to rely on Ichigo? [Orihime]
Why indeed, Orihime? What an amazing question! I would like to know the answer to it too! She was so devastated after she realized it was all her fault and rightfully so! Why didn't she stand up to Ulquiorra herself instead of screaming for help to Ichigo (who was FREAKING DEAD AT THAT TIME)? She could've done everything else instead of that! But she choose not to! It was her own choice and her own will! *sigh*
"There are ten causes of death. They are our abilities, our thoughts and the reasons for our existence. Solitude. Sacrifice. Nothingness. Despair. Destruction. Ecstasy. Madness. Greed. Rage. And the form of death I govern is senescence. Senescence, aging, is a product of time. It's the mightiest and most absolute power of death." [Barragan]
While Ichigo was fighting Ulquiorra and his friends were dealing with Rudobôn (and later, Yammy), the Soul Reapers were busy with their own battles in Karakura Town. Kyoraku is fighting Stark, Hitsugaya is having a hard time against Hallibel, but it were Soi Fon and Omaeda who seemed to pick the hardest battle to win. Soi Fon tried her best to find out what is Barragan's power and what are his weak spots, but came with nothing. All she knew that he was dangerous and not be underestimated. She was right, because Barragan's power is the power of death. And death is something that no one, even the Soul Reapers, can escape from.
"How amusing. Looks like even Soul Reapers fear death." [Barragan]
I already praised Tite Kubo's talent for design and visuals, but I need to do it again (and I'm sure that it's not the last time). The images of the fights and characters' shows of power and transformations are incredibly creative and breathtaking. Stark didn't make any special move yet (but it's coming), but both Hallibel and Barragan are clearly giving their all in the battles. Hallibel's powers are so beautifully shown and Barragan's transformation design is so impressive that, honestly, the author should get much more praises for his talents. I wish I could get at least 10% of his creativity. What a blessing that would be!
Anyways, I'm having a little bit of free time these days so I will try my best to read. I have so much to catch up on, it's truly not funny! Bleach TYBW Cour 3 is coming shortly and I'm not even half buried in the manga yet, how embarrassing is that? I need to do better and be ready for the premiere!
Some of my thoughts while reading:
~ Ichigo's Hollow version was truly a hell monster. Scary, but I love it. Part of me would like to see more of it, but other part of me is happy that Ichigo will not have to get through all of this once again.
~ Yammy's called the lamest of the Espada and I think it's accurate lol
~ Ichigo's horrified expression when he realized what he had done broke me :(
~ I don't like Omaeda, but his obliviousness can be funny at times :D
~ Renji jumping to become a leader of their small group is something I like to see. He's not appreciated enough for what he is doing and it needs to change.
~ HOW COOL IS THE THOUGHT BEHIND THE ESPADA?! TITE KUBO IS A GENIUS
~ I was never a fan of Soi Fon, but her willingness to do what's necessary at all times is truly impressive. Why are she and Byakuya not best of friends is beyond me, they are so similar.
Harmony is, harmony is not with us
Harmony is not with us
Living hell is coming
(Sagisu Shiro, "Incantation Part C Opus 1", "BLEACH The Movie: The Hell Verse")
After the ending of the previous volume, for an anime fan like me it was obvious what will come next. The transformation of Ichigo and the fight against Ulquiorra that followed are definitely not just one of my favorite moments, but one of the best Bleach moments of all time. This fight alone deserves five stars.
"This can't be. You can't be alive. What is this form? Who are you?" [Ulquiorra]
Ulquiorra had the biggest surprise of his life in this volume. He knew that his opponent is powerful, but even in the greatest of nightmares he would never imagine how strong he actually is. Ichigo, or should I say his Hollow side, proved that not only he's a force to be reckoned with. Ulquiorra seemed like a monster, but his strength and his merciless nature paled in comparison to the greatness of Ichigo's new form.
The way Ichigo looks and behaves as a Hollow in this volume is scary and fascinating at the same time. At the first look he seems nothing like the Ichigo we know and love. This version seems to be ruthless and merciless. This version seems to be so wild that he doesn't recognize who's an enemy and who's a friend. He does not follow his logic, only his instincts. And instincts are telling him to fight. Telling him to destroy. All in the name of, well, love.
"Pro... tect... I will... protect... her." [Ichigo]
But even if his craziest state Ichigo is still Ichigo. He always fought to protect others and it's no different this time. Orihime screamed for help and all he did was respond. He became a fulltime Hollow, he could very easily be a creature of destruction and death like the others are, but all he concentrated on, even unconscious, was the need to protect. He just freaking died and came back and all he concentrated on was someone else's wellbeing. I have no words for the amount of love I have for this boy. He's the most precious thing I have in my life and he's not even real! And that's not all, because read this:
"Your left arm and leg... Did I cut them off too? If I did... then cut my left arm and leg. The guy you were fighting before was me in a hollowfied and unconscious state. It wasn't the real me. If we're gonna settle this, it won't be fair unless I'm in the same condition as you are." [Ichigo]
And this:
"Hurry up. I don't even have the strength to walk anymore. If you don't cut me down now, you'll never get to settle this."
"No."
"What?"
"I said no. I... I don't want to win like this!"
Everyone else would've been elated by this kind of power and by having the upper hand over their opponent. Everyone else, after all that Ichigo and his friends were through because of Ulquiorra, would cheer that their enemy is weakened and will most likely die very soon. Everyone else would leave him to slowly die or would kill him in a cold blood and don't care if the fight was fair or not. Victory is a victory, right? But not for Ichigo Kurosaki. He was the one who suffered the most from Ulquiorra's hand and he was the one winning the fight. He could end it without putting much strength into the blow. But here he was, standing and shaking after his unexpected transformation, realizing what had happened and FEELING GUILTY instead of elating with power. He was ready to let his opponent cut his limbs off so their fight would be fair!
"Orihime... Are you all right?" [Ichigo]
And he asked HER if she's alright while HE was the one who suffered the most. He's such a wonderful person, such a precious being that my heart is always full of warmness and love wherever I think of him.
But when I think about Orihime my heart is no longer full of warmness and love. In the contrary.
This is my fault... Because I said that... Ichigo is just... trying to help me. Why? I trained so that I wouldn't get in his way. I came here to protect him. So why? Why at the very end... did I have to rely on Ichigo? [Orihime]
Why indeed, Orihime? What an amazing question! I would like to know the answer to it too! She was so devastated after she realized it was all her fault and rightfully so! Why didn't she stand up to Ulquiorra herself instead of screaming for help to Ichigo (who was FREAKING DEAD AT THAT TIME)? She could've done everything else instead of that! But she choose not to! It was her own choice and her own will! *sigh*
"There are ten causes of death. They are our abilities, our thoughts and the reasons for our existence. Solitude. Sacrifice. Nothingness. Despair. Destruction. Ecstasy. Madness. Greed. Rage. And the form of death I govern is senescence. Senescence, aging, is a product of time. It's the mightiest and most absolute power of death." [Barragan]
While Ichigo was fighting Ulquiorra and his friends were dealing with Rudobôn (and later, Yammy), the Soul Reapers were busy with their own battles in Karakura Town. Kyoraku is fighting Stark, Hitsugaya is having a hard time against Hallibel, but it were Soi Fon and Omaeda who seemed to pick the hardest battle to win. Soi Fon tried her best to find out what is Barragan's power and what are his weak spots, but came with nothing. All she knew that he was dangerous and not be underestimated. She was right, because Barragan's power is the power of death. And death is something that no one, even the Soul Reapers, can escape from.
"How amusing. Looks like even Soul Reapers fear death." [Barragan]
I already praised Tite Kubo's talent for design and visuals, but I need to do it again (and I'm sure that it's not the last time). The images of the fights and characters' shows of power and transformations are incredibly creative and breathtaking. Stark didn't make any special move yet (but it's coming), but both Hallibel and Barragan are clearly giving their all in the battles. Hallibel's powers are so beautifully shown and Barragan's transformation design is so impressive that, honestly, the author should get much more praises for his talents. I wish I could get at least 10% of his creativity. What a blessing that would be!
Anyways, I'm having a little bit of free time these days so I will try my best to read. I have so much to catch up on, it's truly not funny! Bleach TYBW Cour 3 is coming shortly and I'm not even half buried in the manga yet, how embarrassing is that? I need to do better and be ready for the premiere!
Some of my thoughts while reading:
~ Ichigo's Hollow version was truly a hell monster. Scary, but I love it. Part of me would like to see more of it, but other part of me is happy that Ichigo will not have to get through all of this once again.
~ Yammy's called the lamest of the Espada and I think it's accurate lol
~ Ichigo's horrified expression when he realized what he had done broke me :(
~ I don't like Omaeda, but his obliviousness can be funny at times :D
~ Renji jumping to become a leader of their small group is something I like to see. He's not appreciated enough for what he is doing and it needs to change.
~ HOW COOL IS THE THOUGHT BEHIND THE ESPADA?! TITE KUBO IS A GENIUS
~ I was never a fan of Soi Fon, but her willingness to do what's necessary at all times is truly impressive. Why are she and Byakuya not best of friends is beyond me, they are so similar.
December 5, 2021
Personally, I'd say
Ichigo: Hollow >>> Bankai form.
Ichigo: Hollow >>> Bankai form.
August 25, 2023
What a battle! We got to see a terrifying new form from Ichigo and it looks awesome! Ulquiorra was so different from the others. He started to see what it was like to have a heart. Definitely one of my favorites from this arc. Also the reveal on Yammy caught me by surprise. How are they gonna deal with that? I can’t wait to find out what they come up with. The Captains also got their hands full with the Espadas. I’m ready to see what happens next for all of them!
August 24, 2023
So this is it.
This thing in the palm of my hand…
…is heart.
I’m literally bawling my eyes out right now. I might actually never recover from this because Ulquiorra was one of my favorite characters :( his final scene/death was so tragic to me. He was empty and devoid of emotions, and the heart/soul was an alien concept to him. But as he recalled his conversation with Orihime in his final moments, he started to see the true meaning behind the heart and the emotional bond it creates between humans. When he reached out for Orihime as he was fading away, you could see a spark of humanity and even a hint of vulnerability in him. Just as he finally began to understand the one thing he tried to find meaning in and lacked in the end, his life got cut short. Rip my pookie bear I’ll always love you 💔
Also I love Orihime :( only she would feel sorrow and cry over a dude who literally kidnapped her and tried to kill all of her friends. But she’s an empath and could sense the turmoil inside Ulquiorra in those final moments. She’s one of the strongest characters in Bleach imo, and people don’t give her enough credit. People call her weak because she isn’t a fighter and always needs saving, but they neglect all of the times she saved everyone with her shield and healing abilities. Like remember the time Ichigo got a donut? Show would’ve been over then and there had Orhime not swooped in and revived him. She has an element of strength in her that people often overlook - compassion and empathy and heart, and it really shined in these last several chapters. I love her soooo much ❤️
Overall, a great volume! Ichigo vs Ulquiorra was definitely the biggest highlight of this volume and one of the most memorable moments in Bleach for me!! The Ichigo vs Ulquiorra fight will always be legendary ✨
Some honorable mentions before I close this off:
- Yammy’s sword release was super cool. I refuse to believe he’s Espada 0 though...
- For a second I thought Toshiro actually died and was ready to start a fight
- Baraggan’s Senescencia is genuinely one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen
This thing in the palm of my hand…
…is heart.
I’m literally bawling my eyes out right now. I might actually never recover from this because Ulquiorra was one of my favorite characters :( his final scene/death was so tragic to me. He was empty and devoid of emotions, and the heart/soul was an alien concept to him. But as he recalled his conversation with Orihime in his final moments, he started to see the true meaning behind the heart and the emotional bond it creates between humans. When he reached out for Orihime as he was fading away, you could see a spark of humanity and even a hint of vulnerability in him. Just as he finally began to understand the one thing he tried to find meaning in and lacked in the end, his life got cut short. Rip my pookie bear I’ll always love you 💔
Also I love Orihime :( only she would feel sorrow and cry over a dude who literally kidnapped her and tried to kill all of her friends. But she’s an empath and could sense the turmoil inside Ulquiorra in those final moments. She’s one of the strongest characters in Bleach imo, and people don’t give her enough credit. People call her weak because she isn’t a fighter and always needs saving, but they neglect all of the times she saved everyone with her shield and healing abilities. Like remember the time Ichigo got a donut? Show would’ve been over then and there had Orhime not swooped in and revived him. She has an element of strength in her that people often overlook - compassion and empathy and heart, and it really shined in these last several chapters. I love her soooo much ❤️
Overall, a great volume! Ichigo vs Ulquiorra was definitely the biggest highlight of this volume and one of the most memorable moments in Bleach for me!! The Ichigo vs Ulquiorra fight will always be legendary ✨
Some honorable mentions before I close this off:
- Yammy’s sword release was super cool. I refuse to believe he’s Espada 0 though...
- For a second I thought Toshiro actually died and was ready to start a fight
- Baraggan’s Senescencia is genuinely one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever seen
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2012
19 December 2012
Rating: * * * * 1/2
Oh, the emotions! Bleach, Volume 41: Heart took me on a roller-coaster of feelings from:
The battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra was phenomenal. This part of the book gets a solid five stars. It was intense, surprising, and mind-blowing. I absolutely loved it. I also really loved Uryū in these past two volumes.
After the amazing action sequence in the beginning of the volume, the rest of the book had a hard time keeping it at the same level of intensity. I enjoyed the Soul Reaper captains battling it out with the Espadas, but the long-winded explanations of how-my-power-is-better-than-your-power gets pretty old. Just fight already! Because of this, I felt a little disappointed in the eagerly anticipated fight with Hitsugaya and Halibel.
Even with the excessive talking, discovering the Espadas' powers was really interesting, and I'm looking forward to finding out more.
Rating: * * * * 1/2
Oh, the emotions! Bleach, Volume 41: Heart took me on a roller-coaster of feelings from:
The battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra was phenomenal. This part of the book gets a solid five stars. It was intense, surprising, and mind-blowing. I absolutely loved it. I also really loved Uryū in these past two volumes.
After the amazing action sequence in the beginning of the volume, the rest of the book had a hard time keeping it at the same level of intensity. I enjoyed the Soul Reaper captains battling it out with the Espadas, but the long-winded explanations of how-my-power-is-better-than-your-power gets pretty old. Just fight already! Because of this, I felt a little disappointed in the eagerly anticipated fight with Hitsugaya and Halibel.
Even with the excessive talking, discovering the Espadas' powers was really interesting, and I'm looking forward to finding out more.
July 18, 2012
I can see why Viz released 40/41 in the same span because they pretty much cover the same stuff and the same fights; they might as well be the same volume, in a way. It's more of a 3.5 star book but I'll acquiesce long enough to give it a 4, because the end of Ichigo's fight with Ulquiorra always gives me a bad case of FEELINGS, especially for Ulquiorra and Orihime.
(I wrote an Ulquiorra/Orihime fanfic once; it was an AU that spun off from the end of this battle. It was pretty okay. Some ask why did they bone in that fic, and I ask why not? Fanfiction was made so that characters can bone. Have I said bone enough? Bone bone Peter Bone.)
Also, it gets a 4 because the preview makes it look like this frakking series will finally get out of its rut and do something, which is always a plus. And Yammy's powered-up berserker upgrade was pretty cool too. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite Espadas. So, you know, one of three.
Harshly side-eying the local Krogers for not having volumes 42/43 in their stores the last time I visited. Y'all need to feed my shonen manga need much better than this!
(I wrote an Ulquiorra/Orihime fanfic once; it was an AU that spun off from the end of this battle. It was pretty okay. Some ask why did they bone in that fic, and I ask why not? Fanfiction was made so that characters can bone. Have I said bone enough? Bone bone Peter Bone.)
Also, it gets a 4 because the preview makes it look like this frakking series will finally get out of its rut and do something, which is always a plus. And Yammy's powered-up berserker upgrade was pretty cool too. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite Espadas. So, you know, one of three.
Harshly side-eying the local Krogers for not having volumes 42/43 in their stores the last time I visited. Y'all need to feed my shonen manga need much better than this!
November 13, 2022
A love so powerful her voice brings him back from the dead!!!!! A promise made so important that he becomes a monster just to save her!!! Ichigo and Orihime literally taught that bat boy that the heart exists! That love exists and it was so powerful it blew him apart!!!
How people can read this and not think ichihime is so romantic is beyond me but also they’ve been my otp for over a decade so maybe I’m biased. I really don’t care though.
Also I guess the soul society captains are still fighting good for them I guess
The ten causes of death/ten espada are neat
ulquiorra/nothingness, haribel/sacrifice, stark/solitude, nnoitora/despair, grimmjow/destruction, zommari/ecstasy, syzealaporro/madness, aaroniero aruruerie/greed, yammy/rage and old man/senescence and aging
How people can read this and not think ichihime is so romantic is beyond me but also they’ve been my otp for over a decade so maybe I’m biased. I really don’t care though.
Also I guess the soul society captains are still fighting good for them I guess
The ten causes of death/ten espada are neat
ulquiorra/nothingness, haribel/sacrifice, stark/solitude, nnoitora/despair, grimmjow/destruction, zommari/ecstasy, syzealaporro/madness, aaroniero aruruerie/greed, yammy/rage and old man/senescence and aging
November 3, 2022
The fight against the top Espadas begins! And holy shit was it worth the wait. No longer are we wading through subordinates. The big baddies have come to play and SHIT GOT REAL!
September 4, 2023
This volume is just perfection!!
September 4, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 41 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (350–358) of the on-going manga series.
Now turned into a Berserker Hollow, Ichigo Kurosaki attacks Ulquiorra Cifer until he is stopped by Uryū Ishida just before delivering the final blow. However, Ichigo sees his friends as enemies and stabs Uryū with his Zanpakutō. Ulquiorra awakes and interrupts Ichigo from using his cero on Uryū, causing it to backfire on Ichigo and turns him back to normal. Although Ulquiorra demands to have a rematch with Ichigo as he dying from overexerting himself, Ichigo felt such a victory to empty.
While his body turns to ash, Ulquiorra remembers his conversations with Orihime Inoue and realizes he has grown a heart within himself. Ulquiorra asks Orihime if she is afraid of him, and she replies that she is not. Satisfied with her answer, Ulquiorra dissolves and fades into the winds.
At the same time, Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Renji Abarai enable Rukia Kuchiki to defeat Rudbornn Chelute before they find themselves facing a furious Yammy Riyalgo as they learn, despite the 10 tattooed, that he is actually Espada Zero and thus the most powerful of the Espada.
Meanwhile, in the fake Karakura Town, Suì-Fēng and Marenoshin Ōmaeda confront Baraggan Louisenbairn with the former forced to sacrifice her arm when it was exposed to their opponent's decaying Respira mist after he entered his released state. Tōshirō Hitsugaya is also surpassed by Tier Halibel's released state, and is forced to use the full power from his Bankai to counterattack.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. It concludes the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer in Hueco Mundo. Despite winning the fight, Ichigo felt it a pyrrhic victory as he did it in a manner of uncontrollable madness. It then switches back to Karakura Town with two battles of Suì-Fēng and Marenoshin Ōmaeda confronting Baraggan Louisenbairn and Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Tier Halibel as their battles intensifies.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 41 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
Now turned into a Berserker Hollow, Ichigo Kurosaki attacks Ulquiorra Cifer until he is stopped by Uryū Ishida just before delivering the final blow. However, Ichigo sees his friends as enemies and stabs Uryū with his Zanpakutō. Ulquiorra awakes and interrupts Ichigo from using his cero on Uryū, causing it to backfire on Ichigo and turns him back to normal. Although Ulquiorra demands to have a rematch with Ichigo as he dying from overexerting himself, Ichigo felt such a victory to empty.
While his body turns to ash, Ulquiorra remembers his conversations with Orihime Inoue and realizes he has grown a heart within himself. Ulquiorra asks Orihime if she is afraid of him, and she replies that she is not. Satisfied with her answer, Ulquiorra dissolves and fades into the winds.
At the same time, Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Renji Abarai enable Rukia Kuchiki to defeat Rudbornn Chelute before they find themselves facing a furious Yammy Riyalgo as they learn, despite the 10 tattooed, that he is actually Espada Zero and thus the most powerful of the Espada.
Meanwhile, in the fake Karakura Town, Suì-Fēng and Marenoshin Ōmaeda confront Baraggan Louisenbairn with the former forced to sacrifice her arm when it was exposed to their opponent's decaying Respira mist after he entered his released state. Tōshirō Hitsugaya is also surpassed by Tier Halibel's released state, and is forced to use the full power from his Bankai to counterattack.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. It concludes the battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Ulquiorra Cifer in Hueco Mundo. Despite winning the fight, Ichigo felt it a pyrrhic victory as he did it in a manner of uncontrollable madness. It then switches back to Karakura Town with two battles of Suì-Fēng and Marenoshin Ōmaeda confronting Baraggan Louisenbairn and Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Tier Halibel as their battles intensifies.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 41 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
April 1, 2020
The first half of this volume concludes the epic battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra. It's breath-taking, to the say the least. There's so much going on that you can't stop but wonder who's good and who's bad in all this. There are some odd/inconsistent dialogues but most of the time it's a huge and deadly battle.
The second half of the volume goes back to the ongoing battle between Soul Reaper Captains and their respective Arrancars... While they all go into their final shape and begin their showdown, there's a lot of unnecessary talking that can be summed up as exposition through dialogue. Hopefully, the following volume gets to business and gets the plot moving forward again.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
The second half of the volume goes back to the ongoing battle between Soul Reaper Captains and their respective Arrancars... While they all go into their final shape and begin their showdown, there's a lot of unnecessary talking that can be summed up as exposition through dialogue. Hopefully, the following volume gets to business and gets the plot moving forward again.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
September 26, 2023
La fine dello scontro con Ulquiorra 💔💔💔
January 31, 2024
Okay 4’s demise hit hard
August 17, 2020
The first part of this volume concludes the Ichigo/Ulquiorra fight in a spectacular fashion with some gorgeous artwork and some of the most heart-breaking and emotionally powerful moments in the series. The rest of the volume goes back to the Soul Reapears fighting over the fake Karakura Town which has some fun gags and neat powers... as well as an incredible new character design and an absolutely awful new character design. Either way, the first half of this is pretty good and the back half is disappointing.
September 5, 2022
Ichigo's hollowfication going feral was A-MA-ZING!
November 3, 2015
Nemám ráda Barragana... Nesnáším Yammyho...
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.
September 12, 2021
Although it appeared as though Ulquiorra defeated Ichigo, that turns out not to be true. But is the creature that rises from the proverbial ashes really Ichigo? If so, what is he now, and how did he arrive there? Neither Orihime nor Ulquiorra can believe their eyes. While Ulquiorra questions him as to who he is, he receives no response. But whoever this is knows how to fire a cero! That is something no mere human can do.
And so the battle continues…
Meanwhile, Rukia’s battle with Rudbornn is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Yammy, who is really angry with Uryu. Chad marvels at Yammy’s size, having fought with him in the World of the Living. “He was huge back then… but he’s a whole lot bigger now!”
Orihime realizes that this is still Ichigo, there to protect her, as he returns to himself. Ulquiorra is in bad shape. While he can regenerate limbs, that is not true of his organs. He wants to finish this now, but Ichigo tries to attain an even playing field. Ulquiorra tells him, “Hmmph. To the very end, you never do what I want you to do.” He asks Orihime if she is afraid of him and she says, “I’m not.”
Yammy is resolved to avenge Ulquiorra. The others are initially not concerned, as he is Espada 10, and they’ve defeated worse. But then Yammy reveals that they are wrong about the Espada ranks, and he is actually 0… and bigger and badder than they ever imagined!
The other captains’ fights continue. Shunsui receives the grudging admiration of Starrk, while Hitsugaya battles Harribel, and Komamura stands guard while Lieutenant Kira heals the others. Soi Fon and Omaeda face off with the old man, Berrigan, who reveals the true nature of the Espada’s powers – each governs a different form of death. His is senescence, or aging. When he touches Soi Fon’s arm, which begins to rot, she makes an instant decision and demands Omaeda help her immediately! Harribel thinks she has triumphed over Hitsuygaya, because she can also control water. But Hitsugaya lets her know she has far underestimated him.
Decisive battles are being waged here, more enemies defeated. You just know that at some point, Aizen has to be let back into the fray, or what’s the point of him being there? I enjoy the strange relationship between Soi Fon and Omaeda, and I don’t think she really hates or despises him the way she seems to. And he isn’t as weak as he thinks he is. Shunsui is handsome, as always, always glad to see more of him. I loved the battle with Hitsugaya and Harribel. People too often overlook him because he resembles a child, but he is far from that and he is far stronger than people give him credit for.
The most touching part of this volume was the scene between Ulquiorra and Orihime, which made me tear up, and earned Ulquiorra my reluctant admiration. Still loving this series and looking forward to the next book!
And so the battle continues…
Meanwhile, Rukia’s battle with Rudbornn is interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Yammy, who is really angry with Uryu. Chad marvels at Yammy’s size, having fought with him in the World of the Living. “He was huge back then… but he’s a whole lot bigger now!”
Orihime realizes that this is still Ichigo, there to protect her, as he returns to himself. Ulquiorra is in bad shape. While he can regenerate limbs, that is not true of his organs. He wants to finish this now, but Ichigo tries to attain an even playing field. Ulquiorra tells him, “Hmmph. To the very end, you never do what I want you to do.” He asks Orihime if she is afraid of him and she says, “I’m not.”
Yammy is resolved to avenge Ulquiorra. The others are initially not concerned, as he is Espada 10, and they’ve defeated worse. But then Yammy reveals that they are wrong about the Espada ranks, and he is actually 0… and bigger and badder than they ever imagined!
The other captains’ fights continue. Shunsui receives the grudging admiration of Starrk, while Hitsugaya battles Harribel, and Komamura stands guard while Lieutenant Kira heals the others. Soi Fon and Omaeda face off with the old man, Berrigan, who reveals the true nature of the Espada’s powers – each governs a different form of death. His is senescence, or aging. When he touches Soi Fon’s arm, which begins to rot, she makes an instant decision and demands Omaeda help her immediately! Harribel thinks she has triumphed over Hitsuygaya, because she can also control water. But Hitsugaya lets her know she has far underestimated him.
Decisive battles are being waged here, more enemies defeated. You just know that at some point, Aizen has to be let back into the fray, or what’s the point of him being there? I enjoy the strange relationship between Soi Fon and Omaeda, and I don’t think she really hates or despises him the way she seems to. And he isn’t as weak as he thinks he is. Shunsui is handsome, as always, always glad to see more of him. I loved the battle with Hitsugaya and Harribel. People too often overlook him because he resembles a child, but he is far from that and he is far stronger than people give him credit for.
The most touching part of this volume was the scene between Ulquiorra and Orihime, which made me tear up, and earned Ulquiorra my reluctant admiration. Still loving this series and looking forward to the next book!
January 8, 2026
4/5 (Review is for the series as a whole and does not contain spoilers)
Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who can see ghosts. When an evil spirit, called a hollow, attacks his family, he meets Rukia, a soul reaper tasked with fighting against hollows. But when Rukia is injured, Ichigo must make the decision to take over the role of soul reaper to help fight against hollows to save his hometown.
Bleach is a classic manga and one of the more popular options for those starting out in the genre/format. It features themes of friendship, growing up and changing, and never giving up. One of the most enjoyable elements of this series is watching the progression as the characters learn and evolve. Ichigo has a tendency to be really cocky, especially at the start of the series, but as time goes on and he learns more about the world he’s in, he changes and becomes more willing to listen to the advice given to him by other characters. His friends also continue to grow and progress along with him. Additionally, there is a change in the art style of the characters as the story progresses, which makes it easy to see how they have changed as they all get older. There were two elements about this series that I disliked. The first was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed, and there were some things that I was a bit confused about. However, I recognize that the author was sick and so that attributed to the way things ended. The other element that I disliked was the sheer number of characters in the series by the end. Many of the characters that I thought were dead or gone ended up coming back, and I had to try and remember who they all were. I definitely think I needed to make myself a character sheet with information about each character to help me remember everyone in the end. In terms of assessing age appropriateness for this series, I would say that it’s an okay series for middle school and up. A couple of considerations to keep in mind when deciding if it’s right for you: 1. There is some violence (which is common for shonen mangas), including some elements of body horror, but it’s not too bad. 2. There is no sexual content, although many of the women are drawn disproportionately (which is common in manga written by men). 3. The main character is fifteen years old at the start of the series and only gets older as it progresses. And 4. The themes are a bit mature in that they require some deeper level thinking in order to fully understand them all. Overall, I enjoyed this series for its interesting premise, and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy the traditional shonen manga.
Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who can see ghosts. When an evil spirit, called a hollow, attacks his family, he meets Rukia, a soul reaper tasked with fighting against hollows. But when Rukia is injured, Ichigo must make the decision to take over the role of soul reaper to help fight against hollows to save his hometown.
Bleach is a classic manga and one of the more popular options for those starting out in the genre/format. It features themes of friendship, growing up and changing, and never giving up. One of the most enjoyable elements of this series is watching the progression as the characters learn and evolve. Ichigo has a tendency to be really cocky, especially at the start of the series, but as time goes on and he learns more about the world he’s in, he changes and becomes more willing to listen to the advice given to him by other characters. His friends also continue to grow and progress along with him. Additionally, there is a change in the art style of the characters as the story progresses, which makes it easy to see how they have changed as they all get older. There were two elements about this series that I disliked. The first was that I felt the ending was a bit rushed, and there were some things that I was a bit confused about. However, I recognize that the author was sick and so that attributed to the way things ended. The other element that I disliked was the sheer number of characters in the series by the end. Many of the characters that I thought were dead or gone ended up coming back, and I had to try and remember who they all were. I definitely think I needed to make myself a character sheet with information about each character to help me remember everyone in the end. In terms of assessing age appropriateness for this series, I would say that it’s an okay series for middle school and up. A couple of considerations to keep in mind when deciding if it’s right for you: 1. There is some violence (which is common for shonen mangas), including some elements of body horror, but it’s not too bad. 2. There is no sexual content, although many of the women are drawn disproportionately (which is common in manga written by men). 3. The main character is fifteen years old at the start of the series and only gets older as it progresses. And 4. The themes are a bit mature in that they require some deeper level thinking in order to fully understand them all. Overall, I enjoyed this series for its interesting premise, and would definitely recommend it to those who enjoy the traditional shonen manga.
January 1, 2023
This was an interesting volume, with a great conclusion to the fight with Ulquiorra. I loved seeing Ichigo’s Vasto Lordez form and how animalistic and brutal it was. I loved how he easily squashed Ulquiorra. My only gripe is that Ichigo’s sense of honour made him suggest that he wanted to cut off his own arm and leg so he could defeat Ulquiorra “fairly”. This is meant to be a badass moment that shows that Ichigo is an honourable swordsman, but I think it felt cartoonish. War isn’t about honour, and offering to cut off your own arm and leg after being healed from death just so you could defeat one enemy “fairly” is childish and foolish. Ulquiorra’s death is one of my favourites in the series, especially when he finally realizes what a human “heart” is in the spiritual sense. I though it was poetic that a being so nihilistic only understood human love at the moment of his death, and I think it was fitting that Orihime was the last person he saw and reached out to, the same person he taunted earlier when he questioned if he would find “love” if he tore out her heart from her chest. That was an incredibly fitting moment that I didn’t appreciate when I watched the anime for the first time. I loved the concept of Espada 10 becoming 0 when they release their first form, but Yammy’s character didn’t feel interesting enough to warrant that cool character concept. Although in the author’s defence, the Espada’s numbering system isn’t 100% accurate to their strengths as it changes as they do. I loved Halibel’s transformation and her fight with Hitsugaya. I loved how Hitsugaya’s near-death experience was in this volume, as the amount of times he got cut in half in the anime removed any shock value, while seeing it for the first time here really packed a punch. “An ice dragon is sent to the bottom of the sea by a single strike from a shark.” is such an amazing line from Halibel. I loved how Hitsugaya’s ice powers and Halibel’s water played off each other in their fight, it also made them an interesting combination for a fight scene. I loved the explanation of the different aspects of death that each Espada signifies, and I liked how fitting each one was with each Espada, but it made me wonder which aspects of death the former Espadas governed. Soi Fon commanding Omaeda to cut off her arm in order to save herself was an interesting character moment for her. This was a great volume, and I’m excited for the latter half of the series from here on out.
May 27, 2024
This was an interesting volume, with a great conclusion to the fight with Ulquiorra. I loved seeing Ichigo’s Vasto Lordez form and how animalistic and brutal it was. I loved how he easily squashed Ulquiorra. My only gripe is that Ichigo’s sense of honour made him suggest that he wanted to cut off his own arm and leg so he could defeat Ulquiorra “fairly”. This is meant to be a badass moment that shows that Ichigo is an honourable swordsman, but I think it felt cartoonish. War isn’t about honour, and offering to cut off your own arm and leg after being healed from death just so you could defeat one enemy “fairly” is childish and foolish. Ulquiorra’s death is one of my favourites in the series, especially when he finally realizes what a human “heart” is in the spiritual sense. I though it was poetic that a being so nihilistic only understood human love at the moment of his death, and I think it was fitting that Orihime was the last person he saw and reached out to, the same person he taunted earlier when he questioned if he would find “love” if he tore out her heart from her chest. That was an incredibly fitting moment that I didn’t appreciate when I watched the anime for the first time. I loved the concept of Espada 10 becoming 0 when they release their first form, but Yammy’s character didn’t feel interesting enough to warrant that cool character concept. Although in the author’s defence, the Espada’s numbering system isn’t 100% accurate to their strengths as it changes as they do. I loved Halibel’s transformation and her fight with Hitsugaya. I loved how Hitsugaya’s near-death experience was in this volume, as the amount of times he got cut in half in the anime removed any shock value, while seeing it for the first time here really packed a punch. “An ice dragon is sent to the bottom of the sea by a single strike from a shark.” is such an amazing line from Halibel. I loved how Hitsugaya’s ice powers and Halibel’s water played off each other in their fight, it also made them an interesting combination for a fight scene. I loved the explanation of the different aspects of death that each Espada signifies, and I liked how fitting each one was with each Espada, but it made me wonder which aspects of death the former Espadas governed. Soi Fon commanding Omaeda to cut off her arm in order to save herself was an interesting character moment for her. This was a great volume, and I’m excited for the latter half of the series from here on out.
August 15, 2017
Ulquiorra is finally defeated and fades to dust which was a great. In the last volume Ulquiorra had the upper hand and was totally awesome and badass but now it's the other way around and Ichigo is now the strongest. Ichigo says that it was not him because he was in his hollowfied form and it did not count. Ichigo did not want to take the victory because he was not conscious throughout the whole battle. There was a moment between Ulquiorra and Orihime that he asks her again whether she is afraid of him and she says she's not which was a bit bittersweet for him. He was starting to understand a little bit of emotions but he ended up dying.
Yammy being the strongest of the espadas was a bit of a shock because of how he acts. Renji and Chad, And Rukia were shocked when they found out that Yammy was not Espada #10 but #0 and he was the strongest of the espadas. Can't wait to read what kind of strategy they will come up with to defeat Yammy now that they found out how strong he is.
The battle between Barragan and Soi Fon was good so far can't wait to see how it would end. Soi Fon is having trouble in trying to figure out how to defeat him without having to get close to him because of his ability and power.
What I found interesting is that Barragan tells the captain that each Espada embody a certain aspect of death: Stark-solitude, Halibel-sacrifice, Ulquiorra-nothingness, Nnoitora-despair, Grimmjow-destruction, Zomaire-ecstacy, Szayel Aporro-madness, Aaroniroe-greed, Yammy-rage. I love how each each espada personify an aspect of death like Barragan said it is their abilities, their thoughts, and their reason for existing.
The fight between my favorite character Hitsugaya and Espada #3 Halibel was great because they are in a stand still because of both their ability to manipulate water they evenly matched. "If you can use and enemy's weapon against him the opposite is also true." I LOVE how Captain Hitsugaya let's Halibel know that "The entire sky is under my control," that's was awesome can't wait for the conclusion of this battle.
Yammy being the strongest of the espadas was a bit of a shock because of how he acts. Renji and Chad, And Rukia were shocked when they found out that Yammy was not Espada #10 but #0 and he was the strongest of the espadas. Can't wait to read what kind of strategy they will come up with to defeat Yammy now that they found out how strong he is.
The battle between Barragan and Soi Fon was good so far can't wait to see how it would end. Soi Fon is having trouble in trying to figure out how to defeat him without having to get close to him because of his ability and power.
What I found interesting is that Barragan tells the captain that each Espada embody a certain aspect of death: Stark-solitude, Halibel-sacrifice, Ulquiorra-nothingness, Nnoitora-despair, Grimmjow-destruction, Zomaire-ecstacy, Szayel Aporro-madness, Aaroniroe-greed, Yammy-rage. I love how each each espada personify an aspect of death like Barragan said it is their abilities, their thoughts, and their reason for existing.
The fight between my favorite character Hitsugaya and Espada #3 Halibel was great because they are in a stand still because of both their ability to manipulate water they evenly matched. "If you can use and enemy's weapon against him the opposite is also true." I LOVE how Captain Hitsugaya let's Halibel know that "The entire sky is under my control," that's was awesome can't wait for the conclusion of this battle.
November 24, 2025
Splitting this review into two parts: 1) objective review and 2) response to post-2015 moron anime fans that slander Bleach.
1)Finally bro. Ulquiorra v Ichigo delivers on every level. Swordplay, cero’s, release and hollowfied forms. The hero gets dog-walked by an unrelenting villain and it’s a subversion of expectations. Ulquiorra’s cold, calculated character blankets this fight with a thick layer of despair and hopelessness, and it’s elevated by Ichigo’s subtle self-disgust at having to rely on his hollow to survive. Finally, it advances Ichigo’s “hollowfication” subplot in a natural way. Peak shonen. Zero asspull, the Vasto Lorde transformation has been teased since the beginning. Through it, Ichigo’s motivation is 100% cemented, if it wasn’t clear already. He’s not a noble hero for all - he just wants to protect what’s important to him. He’s an interesting character if you read the book with your brain on. Elsewhere, Captain’s v Espada’s is banging. Barragan is so badass it’s crazy. Death incarnate espada? Yes please 😩
2)Standing on my literary soapbox in defense of Bleach here. This is the peak of Bleach character design and one of the best, if not the favorite fight in the series; it’s also where people clowned the hell out of Bleach for “The Heart.” because they can’t even read battle shonen with their eyes open. “The Heart” isn’t weak writing. Orihime is as big a focus narratively here as Ichigo is. It’s not crappy, uninventive Stockholm syndrome that makes Orihime feel empathetic to Ulquiorra or scared of Ichigo - she sees her brother in both of them. Her brother was lost to hollowfication after death because of jealousy over Orihime. She’s watching similar shades take over Ichigo, and Ulquiorra reflects her brother’s complete misunderstanding of her prayers to him. As much as this arc moves Ichigo’s character, it moves Orihime’s.
1)Finally bro. Ulquiorra v Ichigo delivers on every level. Swordplay, cero’s, release and hollowfied forms. The hero gets dog-walked by an unrelenting villain and it’s a subversion of expectations. Ulquiorra’s cold, calculated character blankets this fight with a thick layer of despair and hopelessness, and it’s elevated by Ichigo’s subtle self-disgust at having to rely on his hollow to survive. Finally, it advances Ichigo’s “hollowfication” subplot in a natural way. Peak shonen. Zero asspull, the Vasto Lorde transformation has been teased since the beginning. Through it, Ichigo’s motivation is 100% cemented, if it wasn’t clear already. He’s not a noble hero for all - he just wants to protect what’s important to him. He’s an interesting character if you read the book with your brain on. Elsewhere, Captain’s v Espada’s is banging. Barragan is so badass it’s crazy. Death incarnate espada? Yes please 😩
2)Standing on my literary soapbox in defense of Bleach here. This is the peak of Bleach character design and one of the best, if not the favorite fight in the series; it’s also where people clowned the hell out of Bleach for “The Heart.” because they can’t even read battle shonen with their eyes open. “The Heart” isn’t weak writing. Orihime is as big a focus narratively here as Ichigo is. It’s not crappy, uninventive Stockholm syndrome that makes Orihime feel empathetic to Ulquiorra or scared of Ichigo - she sees her brother in both of them. Her brother was lost to hollowfication after death because of jealousy over Orihime. She’s watching similar shades take over Ichigo, and Ulquiorra reflects her brother’s complete misunderstanding of her prayers to him. As much as this arc moves Ichigo’s character, it moves Orihime’s.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2024
VOLUME 41: CHAPTER 350-358
Arc 9: Arrancar: Downfall
Ichigo changed fully into a Hollow. He can shoot Cero which is a normal human cannot do that. Ulquiorra is defeated after his lower body is destroyed. Ishida trying to stop Ichigo but he being stabbed. Ulquoirra trying to regenerate his body but he can't after his organ was destroyed. Ichigo collapsed and regain his consciousness as he changed back to human. The hole in his chest heal rapidly. Ulquiorra wants to settle the match as his body fade into ashes as he lost so many strength.
Rukia managed to defeat Rudborrn as she froze his body. Suddenly, Yammy appears and destroyed Rudborrn's body. Yammy released his Resurrecion: Ira and he become bigger. As his body become bigger, the number 1 on his shoulder fade and become number 0. Yammy said that Espada is not ranked from 1 to 10 but from 0 to 9 which is he is the strongest Espada.
In Karakura Town, the fights getting intense. Halibel released her Resurrecion: Tiburon. According to Suí-Féng, their limit seals were already lifted when they come to Karakura Town. Barragan said that each Espadas has their own form of death:
- Coyote Stark (Isolation)
- Barragan Louisenbairnn (Old Age)
- Tier Halibel (Sacrifice)
- Ulquiorra Cifer (Emptiness)
- Nnoitra Gilga (Despair)
- Grimmjow Jaegerjacquez (Destruction)
- Zommari Leroux (Intoxication)
- Szayelaporro Grantz (Madness)
- Aaroniero Arruerie (Greed)
- Yammy Llargo (Rage)
Old age means time. Barragan can manipulate time in someone body. Barragan then released his Resurrecion: Arrogante. Everything he touch will rot and die. Suí-Féng left arm was rot and Omaeda cut her arm.
Arc 9: Arrancar: Downfall
Ichigo changed fully into a Hollow. He can shoot Cero which is a normal human cannot do that. Ulquiorra is defeated after his lower body is destroyed. Ishida trying to stop Ichigo but he being stabbed. Ulquoirra trying to regenerate his body but he can't after his organ was destroyed. Ichigo collapsed and regain his consciousness as he changed back to human. The hole in his chest heal rapidly. Ulquiorra wants to settle the match as his body fade into ashes as he lost so many strength.
Rukia managed to defeat Rudborrn as she froze his body. Suddenly, Yammy appears and destroyed Rudborrn's body. Yammy released his Resurrecion: Ira and he become bigger. As his body become bigger, the number 1 on his shoulder fade and become number 0. Yammy said that Espada is not ranked from 1 to 10 but from 0 to 9 which is he is the strongest Espada.
In Karakura Town, the fights getting intense. Halibel released her Resurrecion: Tiburon. According to Suí-Féng, their limit seals were already lifted when they come to Karakura Town. Barragan said that each Espadas has their own form of death:
- Coyote Stark (Isolation)
- Barragan Louisenbairnn (Old Age)
- Tier Halibel (Sacrifice)
- Ulquiorra Cifer (Emptiness)
- Nnoitra Gilga (Despair)
- Grimmjow Jaegerjacquez (Destruction)
- Zommari Leroux (Intoxication)
- Szayelaporro Grantz (Madness)
- Aaroniero Arruerie (Greed)
- Yammy Llargo (Rage)
Old age means time. Barragan can manipulate time in someone body. Barragan then released his Resurrecion: Arrogante. Everything he touch will rot and die. Suí-Féng left arm was rot and Omaeda cut her arm.
June 9, 2021
Another awesome volume. Great battles and the plot keeps pushing foward
Summary:
Ichego gets up and is looking like a full on arrancar. Hollow Ichego performs a cero to cancel out Ulquiorra's cero blast. Hollow Ichego kills Ulqiuorra. Yammy kills the arrancar fighting Rukia and starts to fight her chad and Renji. Uryu tries to stop Hollow Ichego from mutalation the body. He stabs uryu and then charges a cero blast, Ulquiorra gives one final slash and destroys hollow Ichego's mask and he regenerates on his own and returns to normal. Ulquiorra vanishes to ash. Yammy transforms to reveal he is actually espada 0. The fights against the 1-3 espadas continue, the king espada reveals that each espada symbolizes a way of death.
Summary:
Ichego gets up and is looking like a full on arrancar. Hollow Ichego performs a cero to cancel out Ulquiorra's cero blast. Hollow Ichego kills Ulqiuorra. Yammy kills the arrancar fighting Rukia and starts to fight her chad and Renji. Uryu tries to stop Hollow Ichego from mutalation the body. He stabs uryu and then charges a cero blast, Ulquiorra gives one final slash and destroys hollow Ichego's mask and he regenerates on his own and returns to normal. Ulquiorra vanishes to ash. Yammy transforms to reveal he is actually espada 0. The fights against the 1-3 espadas continue, the king espada reveals that each espada symbolizes a way of death.
July 24, 2021
و اینم از جلد چهل و یکم مجموعه مانگا bleach...
فقط سه چپتر اول که در مورد فایت ایچیگو و الکیورا بود رو دوست داشتم و نمی دونم که چرا مانگاکایی که تا اینجا همه فایت ها رو حتی فایت شخصیتی که ده جلد یکبار دیده میشه رو انقدر طول میده اما فایت شخصیت اصلی اونم وقتی که تکامل پیدا کرده رو با عجله تموم میکنه و میره سراغ فایت هایی که جذابیتی ندارن.....
توی این جلد هم دوباره اون مشکلی که توی ریویو های قبلی گفتم اتفاق افتاد و دوباره کاپیتان ها خیلی ضعیف نشون داده شدن و ریسس کاپیتان ها هم که کلا هیچ نقشی نداشت و ای کاش مانگاکا این کار رو نمی کرد....
آرت سه چپتر اول رو خیلی دوست داشتم که مثل جلد قبلی حیرت اور بودن و چپتر های دیگه هم آرت عادی داشتن...
اگر خیلی روی موضوعات اعصاب خورد کن حساس نیستین و مانگایی اکشن و خوب بخونین این مانگا برای شماست...
فقط سه چپتر اول که در مورد فایت ایچیگو و الکیورا بود رو دوست داشتم و نمی دونم که چرا مانگاکایی که تا اینجا همه فایت ها رو حتی فایت شخصیتی که ده جلد یکبار دیده میشه رو انقدر طول میده اما فایت شخصیت اصلی اونم وقتی که تکامل پیدا کرده رو با عجله تموم میکنه و میره سراغ فایت هایی که جذابیتی ندارن.....
توی این جلد هم دوباره اون مشکلی که توی ریویو های قبلی گفتم اتفاق افتاد و دوباره کاپیتان ها خیلی ضعیف نشون داده شدن و ریسس کاپیتان ها هم که کلا هیچ نقشی نداشت و ای کاش مانگاکا این کار رو نمی کرد....
آرت سه چپتر اول رو خیلی دوست داشتم که مثل جلد قبلی حیرت اور بودن و چپتر های دیگه هم آرت عادی داشتن...
اگر خیلی روی موضوعات اعصاب خورد کن حساس نیستین و مانگایی اکشن و خوب بخونین این مانگا برای شماست...
January 13, 2023
My my, the battle was intense!! When Orihime screamed for Ichigo and he transformed into a fully hollow state without any conscience oof that was hella scary and he pierced through Ishida! The hollow Ichigo doesn't mess around and is out for blood, no matter friend or foe. I wonder how will he regain control so to speak, when he understands what happened to him.
Interesting point to note is how Ulqiorra was curious about the concept of a heart when he represents nothingness. I think, relating the Espadas to the ten deaths is cool while at the same time, nothing that the chapters in this volume and the last volume had the seven deadly sins as their chapter titles.
Meanwhile the rest of the captains and their Espada fights though... 頑張れ
Interesting point to note is how Ulqiorra was curious about the concept of a heart when he represents nothingness. I think, relating the Espadas to the ten deaths is cool while at the same time, nothing that the chapters in this volume and the last volume had the seven deadly sins as their chapter titles.
Meanwhile the rest of the captains and their Espada fights though... 頑張れ
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2020
Great volume as the battle between Ichigo and Ulquiora comes to a close and we see the difference in their powers but when Ichigo goes all demon-hollow form and like the way he takes down U is something and like scary. He is not in control of himself and its almost berserker like rage. And then Ichigo attacks him until Ishida stops him and he returns to normal state. There is a good moment with U. Then Yami reveals his true number. And Espada no 2- Death man is fighting Soi Fon and Hitsugaya vs Halibel is happening which is another epic one, this arc is reaching its climax for sure and the battles are getting so good and epic! The art is so beautiful here!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
The Battles! The Battles!! THE BATTLES!!! Wow, there is a few moments where the action is so breakneck that you feel you need to pause to catch your breath as so much is happening. The Soul Society is beyond overwhelmed, and this isn't all Aizen has to offer as he has not gone all-out! Ichigo is battling for his life, and maybe his soul! Tite Kubo continues to mesmerize. His clean and amazingly crisp art needs to be collected into larger versions (if they have not already) as they are beautiful. The story is progressing a little slower because of the action sequences, but I don't think any fan is really complaining as they are treats for your eyes.
January 17, 2023
"Seu coração, confiado a outros..."
Que volume perfeito, na moral! Esse foi de longe o meu volume favorito da saga dos espadas. Conhecer o novo poder do Hitsugaya foi uma experiência tão incrível quanto ver a Soifon em ação. Estou ansiosa para ver os outros capitães lutarem. Também quero ver os vaizards lutarem, mas acho que vai demorar mais uns dois ou três volumes para acontecer. Gostei bastante do que está acontecendo no Hueco Mundo também e quero ver o Byakuya e o Zaraki lutarem logo com o Yammy. Ansiosa. E sim, estou de luto com a morte do Ulquiorra ?
Que volume perfeito, na moral! Esse foi de longe o meu volume favorito da saga dos espadas. Conhecer o novo poder do Hitsugaya foi uma experiência tão incrível quanto ver a Soifon em ação. Estou ansiosa para ver os outros capitães lutarem. Também quero ver os vaizards lutarem, mas acho que vai demorar mais uns dois ou três volumes para acontecer. Gostei bastante do que está acontecendo no Hueco Mundo também e quero ver o Byakuya e o Zaraki lutarem logo com o Yammy. Ansiosa. E sim, estou de luto com a morte do Ulquiorra ?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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