Book Review: Bleach, Vol 54 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 54       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: January 1, 2013

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The battle with the Fullbrings continues. Ginjo baits Ichigo, to get him to react, but Uryu warns him to be cautious, that Ginjo probably knows all the same attacks that Ichigo does.  As they battle, each of the Fullbrings remembers how they came into their own powers, and how much they owe Ginjo. Byakuya has a similar problem to Ichigo’s in his fight with Tsukishima, in that he knows all of Kuchiki’s moves. So how to handle that?

As the various members of the Soul Society end their battles, they gather together. But one battle is still ongoing, and Yukio claims he cannot close that particular arena, due to a promise made to Ginjo, and that it cannot be broken. So now they wait to see who will emerge the victor. Meanwhile, within this particular box, Ginjo is trying to sow the seeds of doubt within Ichigo, in relation to his being a deputy Soul Reaper and what it actually means. Will Ichigo rise to the bait and believe him?

Finally, we bring the Fullbring arc to a close. I’ve been wanting this for some time. Is it surprising that the right side won? It would be surprising if they didn’t. Although seeing the backstories of the Fullbring was interesting, I won’t miss them. I’m more curious to find out what Ichigo has to say to the Soul Society, now that he has his powers back. Will it be anything they want to hear? What will his role be now?

Looking forward to the next volume!

 

 

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 53 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 53      

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 4, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ginjo is not only dismayed at Rukia’s unexpected appearance where she hands Ichigo a sword, he is shocked that Ichigo still has any powers since he thought he drained him of them. Turns out the sword contains the power of a number of the captains from Soul Society. At the Old Man’s request, they’ve come to help Ichigo, since he was instrumental in saving Soul Society. Renji, Byakuya, Hitsugaya, Kenpachi, and Ikkaku are all there with Rukia and ready to do battle. Apparently Ginjo and Tsukishima’s little scheme has failed. But Ichigo learns something surprising. Before him, there was another deputy soul reaper. And apparently that man was Kugo Ginjo!  The plot thickens!

Chad and Orihime are baffled at the turn things have taken, still under the mistaken impression that Tsukishima is a long-time friend. They assume the Soul Reapers are there to help them but they seem to be on Ichigo’s side! And why does Orihime feel so bad when she sees Ichigo cry? Mercifully, Kiskue and Isshin take Chad and Orihime out of the battle, although Isshin complains about having to take the heavy one (Chad, of course lol)

Ginjo distributes the power he has taken from Ichigo among his people, who are amazed at the way they feel. Yukio creates arenas in order to force match-ups between the two sides. Kenpachi sees Byakuya has been paired with Tsukishima and wants him to switch since he thinks he’s stronger than his opponent but that doesn’t work and he is left with Giriko. Ichigo faces Ginjo, but is unexpectedly joined by Uryu, who apologizes to Ichigo for not telling him sooner what he surmised concerning the deputy badge. Hitsuguya faces Yukio, whom he dubs the “annoying guy”, while it’s Rukia versus Ruriko, who keeps trying to bombard her with cute things. Ikkaku is stuck battling with Tsukishima’s lackey, Shishigawara, the lucky one. Will his luck run out against Ikkaku? Renji is paired up with Jackie Tristan and her Dirty Boots, but he refuses to strike first against a woman.

Let the battles begin!

To be honest, I just want to see Ichigo and the Soul Reapers kick a lot of Fullbring hiney and end this obnoxious arc. Not much to say other than each battle brings its own troubles that have to be overcome. Even so, it’s a foregone conclusion who will ultimately win, so it’s more a question of how than who. Even so, still love the series, looking forward to the next volume.

 

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 52 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 52      

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 4, 2012

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Ichigo finds himself blinded by Ginjo during their battle. When Orihime attempts to heal him, she is locked into a cage from which her voice cannot be heard. But Ichigo battles on, only to discover Ginjo’s reason was to help him achieve his complete Fullbring. Afterward, an exhausted Ichigo wants nothing more than to go home. But when he gets there, he’s in for a rude shock when Yuzu tells him they have a visitor, their cousin… Tsukishima? Wth?

When Ichigo attacks Tsukishima, Karin and Yuzu are appalled at their brother’s lack of manners. What can he be thinking, to try to hurt their lovely cousin? And why are Keigo and the others here? The situation grows worse when Tsukishima calls Orihime and Chad to join them! Everyone is convinced that Tsukishima is their friend, such a great guy. Confused and upset, Ichigo escapes. He lucks out and runs into his boss on the street and she takes him home. Finally, someone who’s on his side. Or is she? Oh no, she’s called Tsukishima too! Making a hasty exit, Ichigo goes to the Fullbring hideout, only to learn that the others, aside from Ginjo, have all been taken by Tsukishima!

Ginjo takes Ichigo to another secret hideout, but Yukio finds them anyway, and they end up following him to a large house… where everyone is waiting to welcome Ichigo back and forgive him for his bad behavior! It’s like a nightmare he can’t wake from! How can he protect his friends and family if they think he’s in the wrong and Tsukishima is such a great guy?

Ichigo attempts to battle Tsukishima, but it’s difficult when everyone else keeps getting in the way, attempting to run interference. To his dismay, Ginjo steps between them only to be cut by Tsukishima’s sword. Will he become buddy buddies with the enemy now too? When Uryu arrives, Ichigo doesn’t know if he’s siding with the others or not. But in one move, he now realizes who his enemy really is.

Poor Ichigo has it hard in this volume of Bleach. His friends and family think he’s acting badly and he can’t make them see that it’s Tsukishima who’s the enemy, not him. Kiskue and Isshin seem to be up to something, not sure what. Guess we’ll find out in time.  I was right not to trust those Fullbrings! Can’t wait for the next volume!