Bleach, Volume 08

Bleach #8

by Tite Kubo

The Blade and Me
Ichigo knows that to retrieve Rukia from the Soul Society, he'll have to enter that world himself. But his fight with Rukia's brother Byakuya showed, in no uncertain terms, that Ichigo still has a great deal of rigorous study and training ahead of him. Deep beneath Kisuke's Urahara Shoten, Ichigo practices his fighting and hones his spiritual energies, and now he must face the most daunting challenge of all: prevent his Chain of Fate from consuming itself, or be forever transformed into a soul-devouring Hollow!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Shonen, Fiction, Action

200 pages, Paperback

First published June 4, 2003

About the author

Noriaki Kubo, known professionally as Tite Kubo ( 久保帯人), is a Japanese manga artist and character designer. His manga series Bleach (2001–2016) had over 130 million copies in circulation as of 2022.

Reviews

[Sana⁷ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Seventy two hours. Three days. In that time, you'll become a Soul Reaper and crawl out of there... or you'll become a Hollow and we'll have to dispose of you." [Urahara]

First of all, I have to say that Ichigo is only fifteen years old. Okay? HE'S FIFTEEN and he had to get through very horrible experiences already, one of them is fighting for his life to not become a complete monster (Hollow). Second of all, after watching The Thousand Year Blood War Urahara's steel will to play so dangerously with Ichigo's soul finally make sense to me. At first I thought that he's crazy enough to put everything into one card with the attitude that it will either work or not, no big deal. Then I thought that he just had faith in Ichigo's strength. But nah. He JUST KNEW that Ichigo will be fine on the end (if you know, you know - no spoilers!).

Third of all, I have to say that while I understand why everything had to happen the way it happened, I still think that putting anyone, especially a totally green teenager, through such horrible experiences it's an awful thing to do. Everything could go wrong and not only Ichigo's soul would be lost, EVERYONE would be in a great danger.

"Why do you run, Ichigo? You still haven't called me. Face forward, Ichigo. You should be able to hear it now. What's plugging your ears is only fear." [Zangetsu]

I know that the BANKAI!! scream is the most iconic Bleach thing (especially the Ichigo's one - I got chills wherever I hear it!), but please, let's not forget the moment Ichigo said the name of his Zanpakuto for the first time. The ZANGETSU!! scream is as iconic as the BANKAI!! one. Fight me if you want to!

"Before you go on, know this... If you try to fight me with that toy... I will kill you." [Urahara]

Urahara can be pretty intimidating when he wants to, isn't it? 😳 No wonder that Ichigo decided to run away, I would also be sure that I will die 😳

"Rukia Kuchiki, you have been found guilty of a capital offense. Twenty-five days from now, you will be taken to the Garden of Judgement to suffer the ultimate punishment. That is the Soul Society's final decision." [Byakuya]

I knew that this was coming, but it still made me incredibly upset, especially because these words came from Byakuya, the guy that supposed to be Rukia's family. But hey, the little Rukia/Renji scene was very cute and it made me smile :)

Other things I need to mention:

~ Chad trying to remember Karin and imagining her with Ichigo's face completely cracked me up 😂
~ while I understand Orihime's need to protect Ichigo (I would do the same without a second thought), I'm shocked that when she was asked about the reason you go to the Soul Society, she didn't mention Rukia's name. If Chad said that he needs to protect Ichigo, it would made a perfect sense, because he didn't had practically any contact with Rukia, but Orihime? They were friends, weren't they? Wasn't she the only one who noticed that Rukia was gone? Her character have some good moments in the story and always when I think I might like her, she jumps in and does things like this *sigh*
~ "How dare you summon us when you're not in trouble! You selfish strumpet! - Tsubaki the goat 😂
~ Gin and Kenpachi showed up!!
~ if Tatsuki ever got any powers like Orihime and Chad did, she would be a true monster, she's strong STRONG 😳
~ the Tatsuki/Orihime scene was very cute and I liked it
~ Isshin giving Ichigo Masaki's lucky charm 🥹
~ Orihime and Uryuu's reaction to Kon was hilarious 😂
~ Zangetsu: "There's no one in this world that knows me better than you do."
Ichigo: "What are you talking about? Sorry, but I don't have any friends who float." LMAOO 😂


"The will to go forward will be your guide. Have no doubt. Have no fear. Do not stop. Do not look back. Do not think of those you are leaving behind. Just... go forward." [Yoruichi]

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What is there to fear?"

Okay, I know the training segment has a purpose, and some of it is cool to see, but it does have a filler feel to it. Either way, I'm glad the group is finally heading off to Soul Society.

[Lauren Lanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume felt a bit filler-y, though it was interesting to see how Ichigo named his Zanpakutō. Loved the cliffhanger!!

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Training is complete so now it’s time to go to the Soul Society!

[Anh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ichigo and his friends are gonna retrieve Rukia from the Soul Society. Unfortunately, Rukia’s brother had a fight with Ichigo because Rukia gave her power to Ichigo and she was send off to Soul Society to deserve a death punishment also she weren’t suppose to do that. Ichigo come to rescue her but it turn out a fail. Good book 📖

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid volume that brings up a huge MacGuffen in this one.

[Lashaan Balasingam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The training comes to an end in an epic fashion and it is worth the small wait. The way Ichigo learns quickly and has his badass moments drawn is enough to make you overlook the ridiculous humour and slice of life side-plots.

I do feel like the story so far has some plot holes like how everyone's realization of each other's ability is skimmed through.

Yours truly,

Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer
Official blog: https://bookidote.com/

[Ozan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave another shot to a shounen classic, The Bleach. I found the 8 trades that i bought 7 years ago in a box and i was like ''ok, lets give Bleach another shot'' and i liked it this time around. I don't know why i didn't like it the first time, it's pretty good. May be i was in a bad mood while i was reading the first time around... I think i will get the box sets.

The humor that came from a horny talking stuffed animal named Kon was great. lol Hollow designs were ok, hollows are monster evil spirits who eat regular spirits called konpaku. Hollow designs are important to me cause there are very few things better than a good monster design. All the world building was great, the soul soceity where souls live and their Soul Reapers, urahara shoten, the nearly extinct Quincies, hollows&wholes, Melos Grande and all were great elements of The Bleach Universe.

Soul Reapers are the main focus of the book. Our main character Ichigo Kurosaki is a Soul Reaper (shinigami) and the Bleach's Soul Reapers are a nice new take on the japanese mythology's Soul Reapers (Shinigamies) The Bleach's Soul Reapers hunt evil spirits named Hollow and also send ordinary spirirts the wholes (konpakus) to the Soul Soceity where all the konpakus live. The Soul Soceity is pretty much a new take on the heaven of the afterworld. Ichigo the rookie Soul Reaper/16 year old highschool student fighted against some hollows with the help of his ally Rukia, Rukia was a seasoned Soul Reaper. Ichigo had a talking horny stuffed animal named Kon, Learned a curitial truth about his mother's fate in the process and met Uruhara and had Uruhara shoten store as a new ally and was going to The Soul Society to save Rukia with all of his allies in the end where i left reading.

I really want to read the rest but i must be patient and put some money aside and get the box sets cause why get the single trades when you can get box sets. lol I need those box sets...

[Katie (Kitkatscanread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more of a 4.5.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damn I loved Ichigo getting to meet his blade!!! So damn cool. And now we are finally headed to the Soul Society! I’m so excited to see what the soul reaper society is like!

[Mangrii · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡El momento ha llegado!

Ichigo completa su entrenamiento de forma épica, por fin empieza a conocer su espada (¡madre mía, qué lejos se sentía esto!) y todo está listo para que comience el ARCO por el que todos amamos Bleach.

¡Rumbo a la Sociedad de Almas para recuperar a Rukia!

[lana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The will to go forward will be your guide. Have no doubt. Have no fear. Do not stop. Do not look back. Do not think of those you are leaving behind. Just...go forward.

Loved this volume!

4.5!

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ichigo must continue his training with Urahara and it involves the cutting of his chain of fate and before he turns into a hollow, he must regain his shinigami form in 72 hours and the way it happens is epic and there is a time when he almost becomes the hollow, but Ichigo with his spiritual energy is able to push through it and becomes the shingiami again and while battling with Urahara, he is able to calm himself and seeing the spirit of his Zanpaku-toh he is able to call his name "Kitsuki" and able to gain a new sword and they fight. Meanwhile the training of Orihime, Chad and Ishida are complete and they gather together as they go to the soul society, and also Yoruichi goes with them! It was an amazing volume and had so many heart filled moments and Ichigo just being awesome!

[MajesticalLion · Rating 5 out of 5]

The squad is officially entering Soul Society. Let the first arc begin.

[DonutKnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Byakuya is one of those misunderstood characters like InuYasha’s brother or Kaiba in Yu-Gi-Oh- there is more to him I think, it’s always the arrogance at first 🤔

And of course Renji is a softie 😂😂❤️❤️

[William Bainbridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid issue. The first half was really good and meeting zangetsu for the first time was nice as well as the final training with sensei urahara. The other half was a little bit fillery which wasn't bad but was hardly stellar. Looking forward now as the gang has officially entered soul society.

[David]

This is so entertaining for real. The way in which the world is being expanded could be way better, but I am enjoying the story.

[Kurtis Burkhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great volume of Bleach! Love it soo much😻😁💕💕

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bleach, Vol. 8 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next nine chapters (62–70) of the on-going manga series.

During summer vacation, Ichigo Kurosaki begins his training at The Urahara Shop by sparring against Ururu Tsumugiya, an alley of Kisuke Urahara, to regain control of his spirit body. At the same time, a cat named Yoruichi Shihōin trains Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Orihime Inoue to master their powers so they can help Ichigo rescue Rukia Kuchiki.

In the second phase of his training, Ichigo finds the chain linking his soul to his body severed by Urahara's assistant Tessai Tsukabishi before the youth placed in a pit where he either regains his Soul Reaper or becomes a Hollow. In the pit, Ichigo battles through the agony of hollowfication process as he enters his own mind where he encounter the spirit of his zanpakutō who enables him to become a Soul Reaper.

Finding himself facing Urahara in the next training exercise, Ichigo learns his zanpakutō's name Zangetsu and manages to transform the blade to defeat Urahara. Finished with his training Ichigo reunites with Orihime, Uryū Ishida, Chad, and Yoruichi, as they prepare to go to Soul Society to save Rukia.

This tankobon is written and illustrated by Tite Kubo. In order to help rescue Rukia Kuchiki, Ichigo Kurosaki, Yasutora "Chad" Sado and Orihime Inoue has to train their body to accept spiritual energy to survive in Soul Society without dying. Apparently, Uryū Ishida uses spiritual energy as his weapon and is already adapted to spiritual energy to survive being Soul Society. The tankōbon ends with the team ready to rescue their friend Rukia Kuchiki.

All in all, Bleach, Vol. 8 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geez this training is loooooong.

Ichigo goes through the rest of his intense training. Also his friends as well go through training to learn how to use their power. While this is all happening Rukia gets a sentence and as you guessed, that head will be chopped off in a few weeks. So Ichigo better power the fuck up.

Most of this volume has training as the theme. We even go inside Ichigo head, or his weapon's mind, and he must take control or become a hallow. The idea is pretty cool even if a bit cliche. I liked the fact the friends training too so you can see why they can do something to help when getting to soul society. The stuff with Rukia is by far the most interesting part and helps get through the training easier.

Overall not a bad volume but just another bridge to the next big arc. A 3 out of 5.

[Agnese Rosengren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I capitoli dedicati all'allenamento di Ichigo li ho davvero amati.
Solitamente le parti dedicate agli allenamenti risultano prolisse e noiose, o meglio, si rischia spesso di cadere in questi problemi, ma questa volta devo dire che le ho trovate stimolanti e adrenaliniche al punto giusto, perfino celeri, ma non per questo raffazzonate e sbrigative.
Un'ottima preparazione a ciò che avverrà d'ora in avanti, non c'è che dire.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.5 rounded up)

This volume definitely felt more like filler, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. Ichigo undergoes intense training to work up the stamina and experience to rescue Rukia from the Soul Society.

Chad, Orihime, and Uryu tag along and it's onward to the Soul Society!

I did feel that the ending questionnaire thing with Kon was a bit creepy and I wish to God that we can stop discussing Orihime's boobs. She's a MINOR! It's weird.

[Elias Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap this was good. Such an awesome cliffhanger.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did they really have to make his goddamn zanpakutō attractive 😭 like Zangetsu, sir you are so fine.

[Grace Hennessey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gangs all coming together 😄

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did scream when ichigo’s blade changed and he became a real soul reaper

[Deli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like the last introduction volume, and it was really cool. I’m curious to see what’s coming next

[fxtiko · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing

[✿ Mika ✿ · Rating 4 out of 5]

好きな俳優さん主演で実写映画化されると言うことで読み始めました。
映画は1巻から8巻のストーリーらしいのですが、面白くなってやめられなくなってしまいました。