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Bleach #59
Bleach, Volume 59
The Battle
After the defeat of the Soul Reapers by the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Ichigo heads to the royal palace to heal his wounds. With that accomplished, it’s time to get stronger! But does Ichigo have what it takes to survive some super-intense training?!
After the defeat of the Soul Reapers by the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Ichigo heads to the royal palace to heal his wounds. With that accomplished, it’s time to get stronger! But does Ichigo have what it takes to survive some super-intense training?!
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2013
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October 21, 2024
We were bored. With the sword. With fighting. Because of that, we wandered seeking an enemy that would please our swords. That is why our swords brought us two together. Bliss.
What a rollercoaster of emotions this volume had brought! I already knew what will come - because of the cover - but that knowledge hadn't helped me much. I still needed a lot of tissues - for both tears of pain and laughter, respectfully.
I'm grateful, because the first tears I have shared while reading this volume were the tears of laughter.
"Welcome to my gatorden! I'm so glad you made it, Ichigo, Renji! I'm gonna take good care of you!"
"Is everybody here stupid?!" 😂
There is no lighter way to say it, so I will just say it. The Squad 0 members are RIDICULOUS. And because they are ridiculous, and because both our heroes (Ichigo and Renji) are so serious, the personalities crush had happened and with it, hilariousness arrived. You have to understand the situation: the Wandenreich's army just left. The Soul Society is in shambles. Ichigo and Renji, who had been taken (alongside Byakuya and Rukia) by Squad 0, expect a harsh training to become stronger and therefore, more capable of defending the place and people they both love from another attack. But there come the Squad 0 members - the strongest of all Soul Reapers, mind you - who, instead of a training, give them a bath in a hot spring and a fancy dinner.
The amount of deadpan expression both Ichigo and Renji (mostly Ichigo) made through the first chapters of this volume needs to be studied, lmao 😂
But the harsh training did come - in the estate of the third Squad 0 member named Oh-Etsu. And that was the start of the serious part of Volume 59.
"If you can get outta there alive, I'll consider fixing your swords." [Oh-Etsu]
While Oh-Etsu's whole appearance is ridiculous like the rest of the squad's - and it truly looked like it's gonna be another fun sequence of scenes - he is the one who threw Ichigo and Renji into a fight (not with each other, though!). It was a hard thing to get through, mostly because I already knew how it will end - and how in pain I will be seeing Oh-Etsu's harsh words and Ichigo's reaction to them. As an anime fan, I already knew the truth about Ichigo's heritage, but it didn't make the pain any less. Not just Ichigo, but I also I, once again, I felt like the world I knew just got blown into pieces and we desperately tried to get it back into shape, but it's no longer possible 😥
"You gotta go back, yo. Back to your roots. You gotta learn about your past. Even if knowing your roots means you can never return." [Oh-Etsu]
Ichigo got thrown away from Oh-Etsu's estate back to the world of the living. Back to the Karakura Town, in front of the Kurosaki Clinic. He knew that he had to face his father - to find out the truth about his parents and himself - but he chickened out. He wasn't ready for it. He wasn't ready to get a confirmation of his suspicions. He wasn't ready for the change, not realizing that the change had already happened. His world is no longer the same, because he was no longer the same. All this time he believed that he was a human with Soul Reaper powers. He was proud of it. It was his whole existence, his whole pride. His only way to protect the ones he cares for. But now it looks like everything he believed in seemed like a lie. His whole existence seemed like a lie.
You once said to me. That I should wait to tell you until the time was right. Remember? Now's that time." [Isshin]
I was pleasantly surprised to see the flashback chapters! I thought that it will be shown in the next volume (I saw Masaki on the cover!), but I'm happy to see them here. I LOVE the flashback episodes of the anime! It was so amazing to see Isshin's younger days! Since I already saw it in the anime version, I knew who he was before and how he and Masaki had met, so my jaw hadn't landed on the floor like the first time I saw it 😂 I mean, it was obvious that Isshin was a strong fella - believe it or not - but I didn't consider how strong he actually was. Seeing him younger and, well, handsome as hell, was an amazing experience. I am glad that I was alone back then (LUCKY!), because I clapped my hands and cheered loudly like a moron 😂 And guess who else had shown up?? And no, I'm not talking (only) about Masaki!
"Way to go, [spoiler]! My soon-to-be captain!" [Isshin]
THE WAY I HAVE SCREAMED HAD TO BE HEARD BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD! I had no idea, in my greatest of dreams, who Isshin had to know back then! Now I'm wondering how the hell is this possible that none of these people found out who Ichigo's father is! They had shown up in the freaking Kurosaki house multiple times (do I count the filler episodes? Maybe...) and never catched up that Isshin lives there too?! 🤨 Weren't they curious what happened to him? Or do they think he died? I HAVE SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.!
We will get the next flashback chapters in the next volume and you have no idea how excited for it!! 🤩
Okay, now it's time for the most important thing that happened in this volume. If you read it or watched the anime, you already know what I'm talking about.
THE KENPACHI VS KENPACHI BATTLE.
There can be only one Kenpachi in any era. That is a rule as well as a fate that cannot be avoided.
You can only imagine how shocking it was for me to find out who Unohana was. You know Retsu Unohana, right? The captain of Squad 4? The most skilled healer? The silent, but deadly Soul Reaper? It looks like the "deadly" part is no longer just a joke 😨
I am strong. Stronger than anybody, except you. [Unohana]
The Kenpachi vs Kenpachi battle is one of the greatest and strangest fights I have seen in BLEACH, hands down. If you see two of one of the strongest Soul Reapers that have ever lived cross swords, you know that it's gonna be a legendary battle. And it truly was an legendary battle. An immersing one, a fiery one, but also a deadly one and therefore, a painful one. I cried. Of course, I cried. It was a battle that both warriors enjoyed tremendously, but knew that if one of them wins, the other dies. Just like the characters, I wasn't ready to lose anyone. I love both of them with all my heart and, while I understand the Kenpachi rule, I wish things were different. I wish both of them survived.
"My voice has finally reached you. I have been by your side longer than anyone. I have always been watching you. It's nice to meet you, Zaraki Kenpachi. My name is..."
WHAT?? WHAT IS IT'S NAME?? JUST TELL ME!! I WANNA KNOW!! 😭
We end the volume with a flashback where Isshin had met the creature responsible for all the deaths in Naruki City. But it looks strangely... familiar. What is it and what it wants? Is Isshin in danger? How is Masaki - Ichigo's mother - involved in all this? We will see in the next volume! ☺️
Some things I want to talk about: (as usual, beware of the SPOILERS!!)
~ You might think I'm crazy, but I missed Kon and I'm glad to see him more often in this arc.
~ How is it that Ichigo and Renji - when together - turn everything into a competition? 😂
~ "Hey, Renji... Do you think it's okay for us to be sitting around doing this? Back in Seireitei, everyone's busy preparing for the next battle, right? And look at us, lazing around in this crazy palace, taking baths and stuffing our faces... Is any of this going to make us stronger in time for the next battle?" - No, Ichigo, it's alright 😭
~ How the hell didn't Ichigo and Renji not recognize Hikifune after her transformation, I mean, she got slimmer, true, but it was still unquestionably her, lmao 🤣
~Hikifune is sooooo pretty!! 🤩
~ It's funny to me that when our heroes got welcomed in Oh-Etsu's estate the first thing they saw were a bunch of girl-like Zanpakutos while all the male ones worked in the back 😂
~ The way Oh-Etsu made Ichigo and Renji apologize and then took photos after 😂
~ The fact that Oh-Etsu's true estate is just a poor looking house on the cliff is hilarious to me 🤣
~ We got the story behind the Zanpakutos! And how some characters (like Kenpachi) got their swords!
~ I never thought that I will consider Unohana scary, but here I am 😨
~ Why the hell did one Kenpachi had to die for the other to live?? Especially while we're under a threat of Wandenreich where every sword is needed?? That's just really bad strategic move, guys!
~ Poor Isane and Yachiru 😥
~ How many times did Kenny died in that battle 😨
~ BANKAI. MINAZUKI. - CHILLSSSSS!
~ "He is the one. This child is the one who should bear the name of Kenpachi." 😭
~ Don't know about you, the whole Kenpachi story was painful and all, but, uh, how didn't Yachiru think that fighting a literal child (it was Kenny, but still A CHILD) was, uh, wrong?
~ "Don't die. I'm not done. I haven't had enough. So please. Don't die. I'm begging you... Don't die!" 😭
~ The fact that Ichigo got pissed not because he had failed the test, but because Oh-Etsu refused to heal Zangetsu 😢
~ IT WAS RAINING WHEN ICHIGO GOT BACK HOME, HELP
~ "Come here if you're lonely. If you're going through hard time. Or if you're just in the neighborhood. I considered myself your older sister the moment I hired you. You can come to me for help wherever you want! I told you before! Kids should rely on adults!" - Ichigo's boss is a fantastic person and I'm relieved that he has people like her in his life 😭
~ Ichigo's desperate and fearful expression while facing Isshin broke me 😭
~ IT RAINED WHEN ISSHIN AND MASAKI MET 🤯
~ MATSUMOTO!! TOSHIRO!! 🙌
~ Gin was already a captain back then?! Who else was in Gotei 13?!
~ THEY WANTED TO LURE THE VIZARDS OPEN?! WHAT?! 😯
What a rollercoaster of emotions this volume had brought! I already knew what will come - because of the cover - but that knowledge hadn't helped me much. I still needed a lot of tissues - for both tears of pain and laughter, respectfully.
I'm grateful, because the first tears I have shared while reading this volume were the tears of laughter.
"Welcome to my gatorden! I'm so glad you made it, Ichigo, Renji! I'm gonna take good care of you!"
"Is everybody here stupid?!" 😂
There is no lighter way to say it, so I will just say it. The Squad 0 members are RIDICULOUS. And because they are ridiculous, and because both our heroes (Ichigo and Renji) are so serious, the personalities crush had happened and with it, hilariousness arrived. You have to understand the situation: the Wandenreich's army just left. The Soul Society is in shambles. Ichigo and Renji, who had been taken (alongside Byakuya and Rukia) by Squad 0, expect a harsh training to become stronger and therefore, more capable of defending the place and people they both love from another attack. But there come the Squad 0 members - the strongest of all Soul Reapers, mind you - who, instead of a training, give them a bath in a hot spring and a fancy dinner.
The amount of deadpan expression both Ichigo and Renji (mostly Ichigo) made through the first chapters of this volume needs to be studied, lmao 😂
But the harsh training did come - in the estate of the third Squad 0 member named Oh-Etsu. And that was the start of the serious part of Volume 59.
"If you can get outta there alive, I'll consider fixing your swords." [Oh-Etsu]
While Oh-Etsu's whole appearance is ridiculous like the rest of the squad's - and it truly looked like it's gonna be another fun sequence of scenes - he is the one who threw Ichigo and Renji into a fight (not with each other, though!). It was a hard thing to get through, mostly because I already knew how it will end - and how in pain I will be seeing Oh-Etsu's harsh words and Ichigo's reaction to them. As an anime fan, I already knew the truth about Ichigo's heritage, but it didn't make the pain any less. Not just Ichigo, but I also I, once again, I felt like the world I knew just got blown into pieces and we desperately tried to get it back into shape, but it's no longer possible 😥
"You gotta go back, yo. Back to your roots. You gotta learn about your past. Even if knowing your roots means you can never return." [Oh-Etsu]
Ichigo got thrown away from Oh-Etsu's estate back to the world of the living. Back to the Karakura Town, in front of the Kurosaki Clinic. He knew that he had to face his father - to find out the truth about his parents and himself - but he chickened out. He wasn't ready for it. He wasn't ready to get a confirmation of his suspicions. He wasn't ready for the change, not realizing that the change had already happened. His world is no longer the same, because he was no longer the same. All this time he believed that he was a human with Soul Reaper powers. He was proud of it. It was his whole existence, his whole pride. His only way to protect the ones he cares for. But now it looks like everything he believed in seemed like a lie. His whole existence seemed like a lie.
You once said to me. That I should wait to tell you until the time was right. Remember? Now's that time." [Isshin]
I was pleasantly surprised to see the flashback chapters! I thought that it will be shown in the next volume (I saw Masaki on the cover!), but I'm happy to see them here. I LOVE the flashback episodes of the anime! It was so amazing to see Isshin's younger days! Since I already saw it in the anime version, I knew who he was before and how he and Masaki had met, so my jaw hadn't landed on the floor like the first time I saw it 😂 I mean, it was obvious that Isshin was a strong fella - believe it or not - but I didn't consider how strong he actually was. Seeing him younger and, well, handsome as hell, was an amazing experience. I am glad that I was alone back then (LUCKY!), because I clapped my hands and cheered loudly like a moron 😂 And guess who else had shown up?? And no, I'm not talking (only) about Masaki!
"Way to go, [spoiler]! My soon-to-be captain!" [Isshin]
THE WAY I HAVE SCREAMED HAD TO BE HEARD BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD! I had no idea, in my greatest of dreams, who Isshin had to know back then! Now I'm wondering how the hell is this possible that none of these people found out who Ichigo's father is! They had shown up in the freaking Kurosaki house multiple times (do I count the filler episodes? Maybe...) and never catched up that Isshin lives there too?! 🤨 Weren't they curious what happened to him? Or do they think he died? I HAVE SO. MANY. QUESTIONS.!
We will get the next flashback chapters in the next volume and you have no idea how excited for it!! 🤩
Okay, now it's time for the most important thing that happened in this volume. If you read it or watched the anime, you already know what I'm talking about.
THE KENPACHI VS KENPACHI BATTLE.
There can be only one Kenpachi in any era. That is a rule as well as a fate that cannot be avoided.
You can only imagine how shocking it was for me to find out who Unohana was. You know Retsu Unohana, right? The captain of Squad 4? The most skilled healer? The silent, but deadly Soul Reaper? It looks like the "deadly" part is no longer just a joke 😨
I am strong. Stronger than anybody, except you. [Unohana]
The Kenpachi vs Kenpachi battle is one of the greatest and strangest fights I have seen in BLEACH, hands down. If you see two of one of the strongest Soul Reapers that have ever lived cross swords, you know that it's gonna be a legendary battle. And it truly was an legendary battle. An immersing one, a fiery one, but also a deadly one and therefore, a painful one. I cried. Of course, I cried. It was a battle that both warriors enjoyed tremendously, but knew that if one of them wins, the other dies. Just like the characters, I wasn't ready to lose anyone. I love both of them with all my heart and, while I understand the Kenpachi rule, I wish things were different. I wish both of them survived.
"My voice has finally reached you. I have been by your side longer than anyone. I have always been watching you. It's nice to meet you, Zaraki Kenpachi. My name is..."
WHAT?? WHAT IS IT'S NAME?? JUST TELL ME!! I WANNA KNOW!! 😭
We end the volume with a flashback where Isshin had met the creature responsible for all the deaths in Naruki City. But it looks strangely... familiar. What is it and what it wants? Is Isshin in danger? How is Masaki - Ichigo's mother - involved in all this? We will see in the next volume! ☺️
Some things I want to talk about: (as usual, beware of the SPOILERS!!)
~ You might think I'm crazy, but I missed Kon and I'm glad to see him more often in this arc.
~ How is it that Ichigo and Renji - when together - turn everything into a competition? 😂
~ "Hey, Renji... Do you think it's okay for us to be sitting around doing this? Back in Seireitei, everyone's busy preparing for the next battle, right? And look at us, lazing around in this crazy palace, taking baths and stuffing our faces... Is any of this going to make us stronger in time for the next battle?" - No, Ichigo, it's alright 😭
~ How the hell didn't Ichigo and Renji not recognize Hikifune after her transformation, I mean, she got slimmer, true, but it was still unquestionably her, lmao 🤣
~Hikifune is sooooo pretty!! 🤩
~ It's funny to me that when our heroes got welcomed in Oh-Etsu's estate the first thing they saw were a bunch of girl-like Zanpakutos while all the male ones worked in the back 😂
~ The way Oh-Etsu made Ichigo and Renji apologize and then took photos after 😂
~ The fact that Oh-Etsu's true estate is just a poor looking house on the cliff is hilarious to me 🤣
~ We got the story behind the Zanpakutos! And how some characters (like Kenpachi) got their swords!
~ I never thought that I will consider Unohana scary, but here I am 😨
~ Why the hell did one Kenpachi had to die for the other to live?? Especially while we're under a threat of Wandenreich where every sword is needed?? That's just really bad strategic move, guys!
~ Poor Isane and Yachiru 😥
~ How many times did Kenny died in that battle 😨
~ BANKAI. MINAZUKI. - CHILLSSSSS!
~ "He is the one. This child is the one who should bear the name of Kenpachi." 😭
~ Don't know about you, the whole Kenpachi story was painful and all, but, uh, how didn't Yachiru think that fighting a literal child (it was Kenny, but still A CHILD) was, uh, wrong?
~ "Don't die. I'm not done. I haven't had enough. So please. Don't die. I'm begging you... Don't die!" 😭
~ The fact that Ichigo got pissed not because he had failed the test, but because Oh-Etsu refused to heal Zangetsu 😢
~ IT WAS RAINING WHEN ICHIGO GOT BACK HOME, HELP
~ "Come here if you're lonely. If you're going through hard time. Or if you're just in the neighborhood. I considered myself your older sister the moment I hired you. You can come to me for help wherever you want! I told you before! Kids should rely on adults!" - Ichigo's boss is a fantastic person and I'm relieved that he has people like her in his life 😭
~ Ichigo's desperate and fearful expression while facing Isshin broke me 😭
~ IT RAINED WHEN ISSHIN AND MASAKI MET 🤯
~ MATSUMOTO!! TOSHIRO!! 🙌
~ Gin was already a captain back then?! Who else was in Gotei 13?!
~ THEY WANTED TO LURE THE VIZARDS OPEN?! WHAT?! 😯
September 30, 2025
3.5/5
This started weak, but I got more engaged with it as it went on.
This started weak, but I got more engaged with it as it went on.
February 14, 2020
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
This book started off amazingly with Renji and Ichigo arguing. Lol.
I love these idiots and their stupid faces. Lol. I just love the humor in this series—it always makes me laugh. Anyway, these idiots are onto the next step in their... training? I guess? After bathing and healing they’re off to get their strength back by eating some yummy food. There’s more to it than that... One of the Squad Zero reapers has this cool ability relating to the food she cooks and her energy and whatnot, and I’m just really enjoying learning about Squad Zero because they have some really cool abilities.
We also learn where mod souls come from as well as Zanpakutos, which was very interesting! I actually never gave it much thought where a Zanpakuto came from, so I loved learning about it.
And here is a super cool pic of Ichigo and Renji (and Kon being an idiot lol):
Anyway, the thing I was really excited to get to was the Unohana thing because WTF! I mean, in the last volume we are left with the cliffhanger that she was the first Kenpachi?! Excuse me WHAT?! She is sweet and she is a healer while Kenpachi Zaraki is savage and loves killing things and I’m just like...
But there is a reason why they’re both so different and yet were both Kenpachi... and it actually makes a lot of sense...
Back to Ichigo now: One of the things in the show that was never resolved was when Ichigo found out his dad was a Soul Reaper and there was more to the story, about his past, that he never told Ichigo. Ichigo told him to not sweat it and that he understood and to tell him when the time is right. Well that time NEVER happened in the show because it ended! BUT that time is now and we are finding out some interesting things about Ichigo’s parents—especially his mother because there is more to her than we initially thought! And my suspicions were confirmed...
As you can see, I obviously loved this volume! There were a ton of cool and interesting revelations that just about gave me a heart attack... multiple times 😂 I am beyond excited to find out more about Ichigo’s parents in the next volume!
This book started off amazingly with Renji and Ichigo arguing. Lol.
I love these idiots and their stupid faces. Lol. I just love the humor in this series—it always makes me laugh. Anyway, these idiots are onto the next step in their... training? I guess? After bathing and healing they’re off to get their strength back by eating some yummy food. There’s more to it than that... One of the Squad Zero reapers has this cool ability relating to the food she cooks and her energy and whatnot, and I’m just really enjoying learning about Squad Zero because they have some really cool abilities.
We also learn where mod souls come from as well as Zanpakutos, which was very interesting! I actually never gave it much thought where a Zanpakuto came from, so I loved learning about it.
And here is a super cool pic of Ichigo and Renji (and Kon being an idiot lol):
Anyway, the thing I was really excited to get to was the Unohana thing because WTF! I mean, in the last volume we are left with the cliffhanger that she was the first Kenpachi?! Excuse me WHAT?! She is sweet and she is a healer while Kenpachi Zaraki is savage and loves killing things and I’m just like...
But there is a reason why they’re both so different and yet were both Kenpachi... and it actually makes a lot of sense...
Back to Ichigo now: One of the things in the show that was never resolved was when Ichigo found out his dad was a Soul Reaper and there was more to the story, about his past, that he never told Ichigo. Ichigo told him to not sweat it and that he understood and to tell him when the time is right. Well that time NEVER happened in the show because it ended! BUT that time is now and we are finding out some interesting things about Ichigo’s parents—especially his mother because there is more to her than we initially thought! And my suspicions were confirmed...
As you can see, I obviously loved this volume! There were a ton of cool and interesting revelations that just about gave me a heart attack... multiple times 😂 I am beyond excited to find out more about Ichigo’s parents in the next volume!
February 8, 2023
This volume did a great job at exploring some of the members of Squad Zero and the lore behind their creation and their histories. This volume also revolves around the climax between Kenpachi and Unohana and explains their backstory and history. This battle and their storyline is easily one of the best storylines in this arc and the entire series itself. I loved the flashback into the past around Ichigo’s parents and Ūryu’s father, it was interesting to see how they all connected to other characters from the Soul Society and the Quincies. Overall, a great instalment that builds up to greater storylines to come.
November 8, 2022
KENPACHI!!!! And we have another training arc! Hopefully the final one of the series!
July 7, 2025
This volume started hilarious, moved on to exciting, and then ended up blowing my fucking mind.
Read
December 28, 2022this arc is so goddamn good we're finally seeing more of the past
November 7, 2019
Bleach, Vol. 59 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next ten chapters (521–530) of the on-going manga series.
After complete recovery at Tenjiro Kirinji's place, Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai arrive at the palace of Kirio Hikifune where they replenish their Reiatsu with her special food. Ichigo learns that each of Royal Guard members have been chosen by the Soul King because of the significant contributions to Soul Society like Kirio Hikifune creating the ModSouls.
Afterwards, Ichigo and Renji meet Ōetsu Nimaiya, the unpredictable creator of the Zanpakutō. Before repairing their blades, Nimaiya gives Ichigo and Renji the challenge to evade the nameless Zanpakutō known as Asauchi whose anger towards the two symbolizes the improper use of their Zanpakutō.
Meanwhile, at the Muken, Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana enter a dark, cavernous space where they would fight to the death. It would be revealed that Retsu Unohana was originally a blood thirsty sociopath known as Squad 11 Captain Yachiru Unohana, one of the founding members of the Thirteen Court Squads and whose title Kenpachi named himself after. Both excited while remembering their first battle years ago, the battle ends with Kenpachi killing Unohana while finally hearing his Zanpakutō.
Back at the Soul King's Palace, Ichigo failed Nimaiya's test and is sent back to the World of the Living. Once Ichigo is gone, Renji admits that he knew Ichigo would fail Nimaiya's test because he is not a true Soul Reaper with Nimaiya believing Ichigo must learn of his roots. Meeting Ichigo there, Isshin Kurosaki decides that it is time to reveal the truth that he was Squad Ten Captain Isshin Shiba and how he met Masaki Kurosaki.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. This tankōbon is primarily a world building one. As the Wandenreich has retreated, Soul Society recuperates and Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai gets their Zanpakutō fixed. Meanwhile, Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana continues their death-match, which much of Unohana's past is revealed and Kenpachi finds his Zanpakutō as he wins the duel.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 59 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
After complete recovery at Tenjiro Kirinji's place, Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai arrive at the palace of Kirio Hikifune where they replenish their Reiatsu with her special food. Ichigo learns that each of Royal Guard members have been chosen by the Soul King because of the significant contributions to Soul Society like Kirio Hikifune creating the ModSouls.
Afterwards, Ichigo and Renji meet Ōetsu Nimaiya, the unpredictable creator of the Zanpakutō. Before repairing their blades, Nimaiya gives Ichigo and Renji the challenge to evade the nameless Zanpakutō known as Asauchi whose anger towards the two symbolizes the improper use of their Zanpakutō.
Meanwhile, at the Muken, Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana enter a dark, cavernous space where they would fight to the death. It would be revealed that Retsu Unohana was originally a blood thirsty sociopath known as Squad 11 Captain Yachiru Unohana, one of the founding members of the Thirteen Court Squads and whose title Kenpachi named himself after. Both excited while remembering their first battle years ago, the battle ends with Kenpachi killing Unohana while finally hearing his Zanpakutō.
Back at the Soul King's Palace, Ichigo failed Nimaiya's test and is sent back to the World of the Living. Once Ichigo is gone, Renji admits that he knew Ichigo would fail Nimaiya's test because he is not a true Soul Reaper with Nimaiya believing Ichigo must learn of his roots. Meeting Ichigo there, Isshin Kurosaki decides that it is time to reveal the truth that he was Squad Ten Captain Isshin Shiba and how he met Masaki Kurosaki.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. This tankōbon is primarily a world building one. As the Wandenreich has retreated, Soul Society recuperates and Ichigo Kurosaki and Renji Abarai gets their Zanpakutō fixed. Meanwhile, Kenpachi Zaraki and Retsu Unohana continues their death-match, which much of Unohana's past is revealed and Kenpachi finds his Zanpakutō as he wins the duel.
All in all, Bleach, Vol. 59 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
May 31, 2020
The typical training arc begins as Ichigo and Renji are sent to the royal palace to recuperate and to learn how to ameliorate their skills so that they can be ready for the next assault.
This is a mixed bag for me. It had some moments that allowed the story to build some intrigue and tease the novelty that mangaka Tite Kubo is preparing for us but then it also had a horrible structure that didn't particularly blend together. The humour came out of the blue and never really fit with the tone of the moment, the action sequences are vague and unenjoyable, the direction of the story is misleading and keeps a lot of things from the reader without the joy of wanting to read more to find out more.
The volume ends by giving us an origin story of Ichigo's mother (without completing the arc) and this feels a bit of a stretch ever since they revealed you-know-what about her. Let's hope things will get better as we approach the end.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
This is a mixed bag for me. It had some moments that allowed the story to build some intrigue and tease the novelty that mangaka Tite Kubo is preparing for us but then it also had a horrible structure that didn't particularly blend together. The humour came out of the blue and never really fit with the tone of the moment, the action sequences are vague and unenjoyable, the direction of the story is misleading and keeps a lot of things from the reader without the joy of wanting to read more to find out more.
The volume ends by giving us an origin story of Ichigo's mother (without completing the arc) and this feels a bit of a stretch ever since they revealed you-know-what about her. Let's hope things will get better as we approach the end.
Yours truly,
Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/
October 17, 2021
Good issue, definitely just starting to build up the story.
Summary:
Renji and Ichego go to the eating palace and meet the woman that created artificial souls for the soul society, and they find out each member of squad 0 created something in the soul society. They to the palace of the man that created the sword. They are told they will be made new swords/get theirs fixed if they can survive a battle with embodied swords. Kenpachi starts his training with Yachiru Unohana. Kenpachi wins the fight, killing Yachiru and gets the name of his sword. Rengi passes and Ichego fails. Ichego gets sent back home and told hes "not a soul reaper". Ichego's dad confirms that Ichego's mom was a quincy. Flash back: Ichego's dad travels to the real world to hunt a hollow.
Summary:
Renji and Ichego go to the eating palace and meet the woman that created artificial souls for the soul society, and they find out each member of squad 0 created something in the soul society. They to the palace of the man that created the sword. They are told they will be made new swords/get theirs fixed if they can survive a battle with embodied swords. Kenpachi starts his training with Yachiru Unohana. Kenpachi wins the fight, killing Yachiru and gets the name of his sword. Rengi passes and Ichego fails. Ichego gets sent back home and told hes "not a soul reaper". Ichego's dad confirms that Ichego's mom was a quincy. Flash back: Ichego's dad travels to the real world to hunt a hollow.
February 25, 2023
I imagine when this volume came out people were absolutely SHOOK by the unohana reveal lol but I’ve been living with spoilers for years so not so much for me. I’m so PISSED that she’s this incredible character we only get to see fight in this volume and never again. I would watch/read a whole spinoff series all about her as the criminal of soul society and the kenpachi. The way they animated this battle in the new anime was absolutely gorgeous. I feel like unohanas reveal is what some people want from orihime (a healer who actually has a big blood thirsty side, even though it’s totally against orihimes values) anyway tell me why unohana had to die to further zaraki’s development exactly besides misogyny? lol. why couldn’t she take out aizen, or the quincy invaders I ask?
also, speaking of misogyny and fat phobia…hikifune is a cool character except for losing weight when she cooks :/ let her just be badass and fat. ugh
Don’t even get me STARTED on how mad isshin makes me with his treatment of ichigo
i love love love squad 10 though. It makes SO much sense how at home hitsugaya and matsumoto are with ichigo now. like they’re his family!!! I’m fine
also, speaking of misogyny and fat phobia…hikifune is a cool character except for losing weight when she cooks :/ let her just be badass and fat. ugh
Don’t even get me STARTED on how mad isshin makes me with his treatment of ichigo
i love love love squad 10 though. It makes SO much sense how at home hitsugaya and matsumoto are with ichigo now. like they’re his family!!! I’m fine
February 6, 2025
Bleach demostrando que los Shonen son más románticos que los Shojos
April 6, 2024
“Battle is everything.”
Gimme that sweet Kurosaki backstory.
Gimme that sweet Kurosaki backstory.
June 13, 2023
Unohana 🧎🧎🧎
August 4, 2016
Maybe it's just the scanlations but Tite Kubo's artwork seems to be getting a bit, how d'you say *French Accent* "computerised". And I hate to say it but these days I find myself less and less excited about reading the next chapter because:
a) I can safely say that ALL of his latest characters are ridiculous. I don't like any of them, except maybe (slightly) Juha Bach. Not only are their appearances insane (in the bad sense of the word) but the personalities are so recycled it makes me want to hurl. They are so very typical of Kubo. It's almost as though he is taking the mick, or ran clean out of ideas.
It's sad because in the beginning, one of the main reasons I got into Bleach was because I found the characters intriguing; personality and appearance-wise.
b) The dumb arguments that ensue between comrades on all sides of the battle. They're just so annoying and pointless and not even funny - any more. They used to be, but as is the case with most things; Kubo is using leftovers from last season so nothing is fresh; just stale rubbish!
c) The (side)plots are becoming too confusing! This might be down to translation, but the riddley-schmiddley weird way in which everything is explained just isn't working for me. Sometimes I feel like, "This is going to be the big moment where everything gets cleared up in one, boiled-down-to-the-basics, well-structured chapter." And then I get another jumble of repetitions and vague references to "They" and "That."
BAH - I'm so annoyed! and believe you me I could go on. But I'm so annoyed that I can't even be bothered. I don't like not being super gripped by Bleach and I'm practically praying that Kubo will release a chapter that will restore my faith in this series. Here's hoping!
It's easy to write of the things that annoy me about the latest arc, and forget the good bits. But that's what happens when one's extremely high regard for something is shattered. That being said (and despite all of my disappointments), I still gave this book three stars because there were some (fleeting) moments when I was on the edge of my seat for the next chapter (only to be let down, you see...)
a) I can safely say that ALL of his latest characters are ridiculous. I don't like any of them, except maybe (slightly) Juha Bach. Not only are their appearances insane (in the bad sense of the word) but the personalities are so recycled it makes me want to hurl. They are so very typical of Kubo. It's almost as though he is taking the mick, or ran clean out of ideas.
It's sad because in the beginning, one of the main reasons I got into Bleach was because I found the characters intriguing; personality and appearance-wise.
b) The dumb arguments that ensue between comrades on all sides of the battle. They're just so annoying and pointless and not even funny - any more. They used to be, but as is the case with most things; Kubo is using leftovers from last season so nothing is fresh; just stale rubbish!
c) The (side)plots are becoming too confusing! This might be down to translation, but the riddley-schmiddley weird way in which everything is explained just isn't working for me. Sometimes I feel like, "This is going to be the big moment where everything gets cleared up in one, boiled-down-to-the-basics, well-structured chapter." And then I get another jumble of repetitions and vague references to "They" and "That."
BAH - I'm so annoyed! and believe you me I could go on. But I'm so annoyed that I can't even be bothered. I don't like not being super gripped by Bleach and I'm practically praying that Kubo will release a chapter that will restore my faith in this series. Here's hoping!
It's easy to write of the things that annoy me about the latest arc, and forget the good bits. But that's what happens when one's extremely high regard for something is shattered. That being said (and despite all of my disappointments), I still gave this book three stars because there were some (fleeting) moments when I was on the edge of my seat for the next chapter (only to be let down, you see...)
May 19, 2017
The first Kenpachi ... will this was a surprise, I thought of her like the other captains but not that special nor even that scary she always nice and calm :p but again this always comes from the calm ones :p anyways her battle with Zaraki was great a bit to short of these kind of thing but seeing him hearing his Zanpktu for the first time was great!!!
The other half we saw the whole back story of Ichigo's family, his father as captain, How he met his wife, what happened with Urahara and how he gave away his shingami's power, the real reason of his wife's death ... the whole thing it was alot... but that made me think that this arc is really the finale one :( no more surprises we gonna wait to see the finale battle between Ichigo and his friend and that's it just like in Naruto :(
The other half we saw the whole back story of Ichigo's family, his father as captain, How he met his wife, what happened with Urahara and how he gave away his shingami's power, the real reason of his wife's death ... the whole thing it was alot... but that made me think that this arc is really the finale one :( no more surprises we gonna wait to see the finale battle between Ichigo and his friend and that's it just like in Naruto :(
February 28, 2014
I have to admit, I came into the 59th volume of Bleach with very high expectations. The previous volumes had been so good and so promising, teasing a reinvention of the world we know as well as Ichigo's own purpose as a Soul Reaper. But this volume left me wanting more. It left me somewhat disappointed. Having said that, the plot manages to advance by leaps and bounds and ends with a great twist, so it is certainly not the worst volume this manga-ka has turned out.
You can read my complete review of BLEACH 59 here at my blog.
You can read my complete review of BLEACH 59 here at my blog.
April 13, 2022
Finalmente respostas sobre a família de Ichigo e não decepcionam!
Além disso, chamem-me esquisito, mas para mim a história entre o primeiro e o último Kenpachi é linda.
Além disso, chamem-me esquisito, mas para mim a história entre o primeiro e o último Kenpachi é linda.
June 19, 2015
OMFG.
It's coming... Isshin and Misaki's story... I thought I was ready for this... but I'm not.
It's coming... Isshin and Misaki's story... I thought I was ready for this... but I'm not.
December 9, 2015
Unohana je pěná badass... Škoda, že se takhle neobjevila už dřív.
September 26, 2022
nah i want a story about the original Gotei-13 cause unohana is that girrrlll but also kenpachi supermacy(i'm referring to both this time)
October 24, 2025
TBA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2024
Kubo does it again with an amazing volume with a most worthy character on the front of the cover! Despite One Piece being my favorite manga ever, I have an immense soft spot for Bleach because out of the top three (One Piece, Naruto, Bleach), Kubo Tite has the best representation and understanding of female characters! And they're diverse in design and personality. Obviously, I am referencing Unohana as a peak example.
Generally speaking, Kubo has a high reverence for women. Through his comments and interviews, you can tell that he is very close to the women in his life and respects them (whether it be comments about women in general, his niece, and/or friends). There's a sensitivity and maturity there that I love. This is a far cry from Kishimoto's complete lack of understanding women (using female characters in obnoxious ways to only serve male characters/fantasies: i.e, completely undermining the depth of Hinata's background to become a simple housewife and arm piece, instead of exploring the character development that could have been had from being a failed clan heiress; i.e, Ino and Sakura giving up friendship all for the sake of a guy; i.e., Sakura literally marrying a person who tried to murder her twice, talk about healthy!), and Oda's complete disregard for them (as per his comments: about mothers which encourage the dead mother trope, because mothers represent the antithesis of having ones own freedom; or expressing that One Piece is a Shonen manga, hence why he'll only cater towards men, while completely ignoring his varied readership (who criticized him for his over-sexualization and lack of diverse female character designs).
But I digress, onto reviewing the volume! There's so much to unpack. Initially, I was a bit hesitant on the concept of Squad Zero. But their introduction is a much needed aspect of the lore. I just wish it would have been mentioned or alluded to much earlier in the series for a sense of continuity. That said, the characters are interesting with unique designs. Yes, once again we have a tired and true training interlude as per the course with Bleach and I would have rated this volume lower if it wasn't for the fact that the story is jam-packed with crucial lore and really important revelations.
Heck, this volume should be rated 10 out of 5 alone simply for the Kenpachi storyline.
Generally speaking, Kubo has a high reverence for women. Through his comments and interviews, you can tell that he is very close to the women in his life and respects them (whether it be comments about women in general, his niece, and/or friends). There's a sensitivity and maturity there that I love. This is a far cry from Kishimoto's complete lack of understanding women (using female characters in obnoxious ways to only serve male characters/fantasies: i.e, completely undermining the depth of Hinata's background to become a simple housewife and arm piece, instead of exploring the character development that could have been had from being a failed clan heiress; i.e, Ino and Sakura giving up friendship all for the sake of a guy; i.e., Sakura literally marrying a person who tried to murder her twice, talk about healthy!), and Oda's complete disregard for them (as per his comments: about mothers which encourage the dead mother trope, because mothers represent the antithesis of having ones own freedom; or expressing that One Piece is a Shonen manga, hence why he'll only cater towards men, while completely ignoring his varied readership (who criticized him for his over-sexualization and lack of diverse female character designs).
But I digress, onto reviewing the volume! There's so much to unpack. Initially, I was a bit hesitant on the concept of Squad Zero. But their introduction is a much needed aspect of the lore. I just wish it would have been mentioned or alluded to much earlier in the series for a sense of continuity. That said, the characters are interesting with unique designs. Yes, once again we have a tired and true training interlude as per the course with Bleach and I would have rated this volume lower if it wasn't for the fact that the story is jam-packed with crucial lore and really important revelations.
Heck, this volume should be rated 10 out of 5 alone simply for the Kenpachi storyline.
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.
November 20, 2024
I rate this 3.75 stars and I'll explain why in a few paragraphs.
As I mentioned in my review for vol. 57, that I still haven’t seen the TYBW arc anime yet (I have my reasons and a couple of them are getting through a certain amount of volumes first and rewatching the original anime to refresh myself even though I had already reread the manga volumes last year) even though I’ve been a Bleach fan since 2007. But I'm planning on binging at least season 1 this weekend, I'll probably end up watching season 2 even though I haven't read those volumes yet, since I've heard that season 1 ends at the beginning of vol. 61 and I don't want to rush through the manga since it's one of my top favourite series. I say top favourite series but some of what happened in this volume disappointed me.
While the last few volumes were great and I got through them pretty quickly and they made me feel all kinds of emotions even though I already knew some of what was going to happen because of spoilers when the chapters were coming out😑 Thankfully, I wasn't spoiled on everything, plus I forgot some stuff because I was only a teenager at the time and it was such a long time ago. This volume started out great with Ichigo and Renji's deadpan looks at sqaud 0's antics, and then we see the truth about the first Kenpachi and a bit about Zaraki's past and also that fight for him to discover his zanpakuto's name. It was 5 stars until that point, then we see how things are going with the asauchi and it's not going great for Ichigo and then he gets kicked out but instead of not embarrassing himself, like a typical anime and manga protagonist, he makes a fool of himself begging to stay, so much secondhand embarrassment. I understand that he's 17 or 18 at this point of the series and 17/18 year olds make so many cringy decisions and I don't know how I would have behaved at that age, although I was pretty shy, so I probably would have been more quiet. Now as a 31 year old, I would have at first ask them about this weird behaviour in the middle of a war and then after learning about the truth of the parents' past (I already finished vol. 60 and am writing this review after knowing everything), I would have decided that if I was going to be treated like that and then expected to come crawling back like I wasn't thrown out like trash, then I might as well learn to be a quincy from either Uryu or his dad (we did learn that Uryu's dad is actually kind) and try to mix what I have learned as a soul reaper with that. I know that this isn't the time to be stubborn and I immediately thought of Mulan and how she got kicked out but in her case, she wasn't expected to come back and she wasn't being relied on to save everyone. I just hate that he just lets everyone treat him like that because he thinks it's the only way to save everyone. There are probably other ways to get stronger and he needs to understand that he's not the only one who can fight powerful opponents. That's why my rating dropped from 5 stars to 3.75 stars.
I feel like rewatching season 1 again, I love that season, it’s a comfort watch. Or maybe watch some episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (my number one favourite series ever for everything). I feel like if Ed was in this situation, he wouldn't make a fool of himself like that and wouldn't let people throw him and then bring him back so easily just so he could gain power, he would have tried to figure out a different way to get stronger. It's not like Ichigo hasn't done that before, look at Uruhara helping him become a true soul reaper before going to the soul society for the first time or like when he was training with the fullbringers. I still love this series, there are just some parts that rub me the wrong way.
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Twitter: Naz_readsanime
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As I mentioned in my review for vol. 57, that I still haven’t seen the TYBW arc anime yet (I have my reasons and a couple of them are getting through a certain amount of volumes first and rewatching the original anime to refresh myself even though I had already reread the manga volumes last year) even though I’ve been a Bleach fan since 2007. But I'm planning on binging at least season 1 this weekend, I'll probably end up watching season 2 even though I haven't read those volumes yet, since I've heard that season 1 ends at the beginning of vol. 61 and I don't want to rush through the manga since it's one of my top favourite series. I say top favourite series but some of what happened in this volume disappointed me.
While the last few volumes were great and I got through them pretty quickly and they made me feel all kinds of emotions even though I already knew some of what was going to happen because of spoilers when the chapters were coming out😑 Thankfully, I wasn't spoiled on everything, plus I forgot some stuff because I was only a teenager at the time and it was such a long time ago. This volume started out great with Ichigo and Renji's deadpan looks at sqaud 0's antics, and then we see the truth about the first Kenpachi and a bit about Zaraki's past and also that fight for him to discover his zanpakuto's name. It was 5 stars until that point, then we see how things are going with the asauchi and it's not going great for Ichigo and then he gets kicked out but instead of not embarrassing himself, like a typical anime and manga protagonist, he makes a fool of himself begging to stay, so much secondhand embarrassment. I understand that he's 17 or 18 at this point of the series and 17/18 year olds make so many cringy decisions and I don't know how I would have behaved at that age, although I was pretty shy, so I probably would have been more quiet. Now as a 31 year old, I would have at first ask them about this weird behaviour in the middle of a war and then after learning about the truth of the parents' past (I already finished vol. 60 and am writing this review after knowing everything), I would have decided that if I was going to be treated like that and then expected to come crawling back like I wasn't thrown out like trash, then I might as well learn to be a quincy from either Uryu or his dad (we did learn that Uryu's dad is actually kind) and try to mix what I have learned as a soul reaper with that. I know that this isn't the time to be stubborn and I immediately thought of Mulan and how she got kicked out but in her case, she wasn't expected to come back and she wasn't being relied on to save everyone. I just hate that he just lets everyone treat him like that because he thinks it's the only way to save everyone. There are probably other ways to get stronger and he needs to understand that he's not the only one who can fight powerful opponents. That's why my rating dropped from 5 stars to 3.75 stars.
I feel like rewatching season 1 again, I love that season, it’s a comfort watch. Or maybe watch some episodes of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood (my number one favourite series ever for everything). I feel like if Ed was in this situation, he wouldn't make a fool of himself like that and wouldn't let people throw him and then bring him back so easily just so he could gain power, he would have tried to figure out a different way to get stronger. It's not like Ichigo hasn't done that before, look at Uruhara helping him become a true soul reaper before going to the soul society for the first time or like when he was training with the fullbringers. I still love this series, there are just some parts that rub me the wrong way.
Blog: nazreads.ca
Twitter: Naz_readsanime
Instagram: nazreads01, nazcosplay, nradesigns, charmedanimegirl01
May 9, 2022
Step One in the healing process sees Ichigo and Renji arrive at the Bowing Pig Palace where their only job is to eat and get full! Ichigo digs right in, and although Renji has reservations about some of the things they are eating, that doesn’t stop him from stuffing himself also. Kirio Hikifune, whose palace they are enjoying the hospitality of, is the soul reaper who created the temporary soul and the ability to insert it into a body. She warns them that the guy in the next palace, though, is unpredictable. He is Oh-etsu Nimaiya, of the Phoenix Palace. He created the zanpaku-to.
Ichigo and Renji find Oh-etsu just a little offputting, as well as his bevy of big-busted beauties. But then he isn’t exactly impressed with them, saying they are heartless jerks who allowed their zankpaku-to be be damaged. Can he fix them? That depends on them. He explains to them what Asauchi are, and how Soul Reapers imprint their soul upon one of them through long and difficult training.
Meanwhile, in the underground great prison, Zaraki and Unohana are about to square off in an epic battle, one Shunsui could not forestall. One in which only one Captain will survive… Each has made such farewells as they care to make, for the outcome of this battle is uncertain.
At the Phoenix Palace, Oh-etsu announces that Renji has passed, but Ichigo has failed, which means he has to go home. Ichigo doesn’t accept that, but Oh-etsu tells him that doesn’t mean it’s over, just that before he can move forward he has to go back to his roots. Back home, Ichigo can’t face Isshin and runs away. He takes refuge at his boss’ house, but Isshin finds him anyway. Isshin takes him home… and tells him the truth about his mother. Finally.
Omigosh, this volume is chock full of valuable information, stuff I’ve been wondering about for some time and stuff I should have been wondering about. For example, who did Kenpachi beat to become Captain? Well now I know, and man, I never realized just how scary she is. This is a whole other side of her. Also, we learn more about Ichigo’s mother than we’ve ever learned before in a flashback to the past. Holy cow, she’s a Quincy? And she was raised in the Ishida household? Mindblowing stuff! Also, Isshin was a captain himself? And his name isn’t Kurosaki, it’s Shiba? Kurosaki is Masaki’s name. Seeing past incarnations of Aizen and Gin gave me chills, too, since this is all pre-the bad times.
So, once he learns he is part Quincy, where will Ichigo’s loyalties lie? And when will Uryu make an appearance, which I’m convinced he must at some point. Can’t wait to see what the next volume brings!
Ichigo and Renji find Oh-etsu just a little offputting, as well as his bevy of big-busted beauties. But then he isn’t exactly impressed with them, saying they are heartless jerks who allowed their zankpaku-to be be damaged. Can he fix them? That depends on them. He explains to them what Asauchi are, and how Soul Reapers imprint their soul upon one of them through long and difficult training.
Meanwhile, in the underground great prison, Zaraki and Unohana are about to square off in an epic battle, one Shunsui could not forestall. One in which only one Captain will survive… Each has made such farewells as they care to make, for the outcome of this battle is uncertain.
At the Phoenix Palace, Oh-etsu announces that Renji has passed, but Ichigo has failed, which means he has to go home. Ichigo doesn’t accept that, but Oh-etsu tells him that doesn’t mean it’s over, just that before he can move forward he has to go back to his roots. Back home, Ichigo can’t face Isshin and runs away. He takes refuge at his boss’ house, but Isshin finds him anyway. Isshin takes him home… and tells him the truth about his mother. Finally.
Omigosh, this volume is chock full of valuable information, stuff I’ve been wondering about for some time and stuff I should have been wondering about. For example, who did Kenpachi beat to become Captain? Well now I know, and man, I never realized just how scary she is. This is a whole other side of her. Also, we learn more about Ichigo’s mother than we’ve ever learned before in a flashback to the past. Holy cow, she’s a Quincy? And she was raised in the Ishida household? Mindblowing stuff! Also, Isshin was a captain himself? And his name isn’t Kurosaki, it’s Shiba? Kurosaki is Masaki’s name. Seeing past incarnations of Aizen and Gin gave me chills, too, since this is all pre-the bad times.
So, once he learns he is part Quincy, where will Ichigo’s loyalties lie? And when will Uryu make an appearance, which I’m convinced he must at some point. Can’t wait to see what the next volume brings!
August 21, 2024
VOLUME 59: CHAPTER 521-530
Arc 11: The Thousand Year Blood War
Ichigo and Renji next destination is Daton Palace owned by Hikifune. There, both of them eat all the foods they can. Hikifune is the first one who created artificial soul, Gikongan. She applied the artificial soul in her foods. What Ichigo and Renji ate all contained reiatsu that can boost their power. Next destination is Houou Palace who owned by Oetsu Nimaiya, the man who created Zanpakutou. There, they met the strongest Zanpakutou, the Asauchi. Using Asauchi, Ichigo and Renji will know their Zanpakutou more deeper and how they treated it after this while.
In Soul Society, Zaraki and Unohana trained in the prison under the Soul Society. Unohana is one of the founding Captains of Gotei 13. Hundred years ago, she found a kid Zaraki. They fought and Unohana admit that Zaraki is stronger than her. To avoid losing an enemy worth to fight, Zaraki lower his strength and unconsciously sealed off his power. Right now, Unohana is far stronger than Zaraki but she will kill him and heal up thousand times until Zaraki can unlock his true power. Unohana even used her Bankai: Minazuki. Zaraki's power gradually increased and finally he managed to kill Unohana. There is only one Kenpachi in every era. Zaraki finally managed to get a contact with his Zanpakutou.
After 71 hours and 48 minutes, Renji passed the test while Ichigo failed. Kirinji sent Ichigo back to human world. According to Kirinji, all Shinigamis from the beginning of the Soul Society have their Zanpakutou using the Asauchi. Ichigo must find his soul to do so. In human world, Ichigo confronted his father. Isshin told the truth about his mother, Masaki who is a Quincy. Long ago, Isshin is the Captain of 10th Division with Rangiku as his Vice Captain and Toushiro as the 3rd Seat. Isshin origin is from Shiba Family. Toushiro reported a report about a Shinigami who died in Narukishi Town in human world. The incident seem likely Aizen's doing. Isshin went to Narukishi Town to investigate.
Masaki is the last of Kurosaki Family. She accepted into the Ishida Family in order to save the pure blood Quincy and she was expected to marry Ryuuken.
Arc 11: The Thousand Year Blood War
Ichigo and Renji next destination is Daton Palace owned by Hikifune. There, both of them eat all the foods they can. Hikifune is the first one who created artificial soul, Gikongan. She applied the artificial soul in her foods. What Ichigo and Renji ate all contained reiatsu that can boost their power. Next destination is Houou Palace who owned by Oetsu Nimaiya, the man who created Zanpakutou. There, they met the strongest Zanpakutou, the Asauchi. Using Asauchi, Ichigo and Renji will know their Zanpakutou more deeper and how they treated it after this while.
In Soul Society, Zaraki and Unohana trained in the prison under the Soul Society. Unohana is one of the founding Captains of Gotei 13. Hundred years ago, she found a kid Zaraki. They fought and Unohana admit that Zaraki is stronger than her. To avoid losing an enemy worth to fight, Zaraki lower his strength and unconsciously sealed off his power. Right now, Unohana is far stronger than Zaraki but she will kill him and heal up thousand times until Zaraki can unlock his true power. Unohana even used her Bankai: Minazuki. Zaraki's power gradually increased and finally he managed to kill Unohana. There is only one Kenpachi in every era. Zaraki finally managed to get a contact with his Zanpakutou.
After 71 hours and 48 minutes, Renji passed the test while Ichigo failed. Kirinji sent Ichigo back to human world. According to Kirinji, all Shinigamis from the beginning of the Soul Society have their Zanpakutou using the Asauchi. Ichigo must find his soul to do so. In human world, Ichigo confronted his father. Isshin told the truth about his mother, Masaki who is a Quincy. Long ago, Isshin is the Captain of 10th Division with Rangiku as his Vice Captain and Toushiro as the 3rd Seat. Isshin origin is from Shiba Family. Toushiro reported a report about a Shinigami who died in Narukishi Town in human world. The incident seem likely Aizen's doing. Isshin went to Narukishi Town to investigate.
Masaki is the last of Kurosaki Family. She accepted into the Ishida Family in order to save the pure blood Quincy and she was expected to marry Ryuuken.
December 7, 2020
This volume was good and the revelations continue as we learn more about the history of Kenpachi and how Unohana was formerly one and how she met Zaraki and the thrill of battle and all that and all this was done in order to awaken the real power of Zaraki so that he could lure out his Bankai or true power and that was an emotional battle and send off. Its a good one seems like. In the other place we have Ichigo and Renji going to first meet Kirio who feeds them food and then Nimaiya Ouetsu - he one who created Zanpakutou and some stuff happens and he is rejected ..it was done in order for Ichigo to learn how his mother and father met and his real history aka the first Shinigami-Quincy-Hollow thing and how Aizen might also be involved. Its a thrilling read and the next volume will be even better!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
Our heroes need to get stronger before they battle the Quincy army again, so here comes the training arc! Renji and Ichigo meet the creator of Zanpaku-to and try to get their blades fixed up, while Zaraki and Unohana have their own special training. Ichigo has to learn more about his family history and why he's so unique (aside from the fact that he's the main character, of course). Almost like the "Turn Back the Pendulum" part of the Arrancar arc, we get to dive deeper into the past and how some of our supporting cast acted further back in time. Pretty neat stuff to see, and I like that Tite Kubo is taking his time to explain how Soul Society can possibly hope to win the war.
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