Bleach,
Vol 22
Author: Tite Kubo
Publisher: Viz Media
American
release date: February 5, 2008
Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/216 pages
Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★
Ichigo’s dad’s secret is out
in the open—he’s a former Soul Reaper! Whodathunkit? And he’s more than passing
acquainted with sneaky old Kiskue. Apparently they are both aware of the
existence of the Visoreds. Not only that, but Isshin predicted they would
contact Ichigo, which they have. As Isshin describes them, the Visoreds are “a
lawless gang of ex-Soul Reapers who tried to acquire hollow powers through
forbidden methods.” He goes on to note the change in the Arrancars, which can
probably be laid directly at the renegade Aizen’s feet, with the use of the stolen
Hogyoku. That could become a distinct problem for all of them, especially the
Soul Society. Prior to this, there was a limit to the Arrancars’ power, but now
that Aizen plans to complete them, there could be hell to pay.
Dutch Boy has given Ichigo a
lot to think about. Namely, that he is like the Visoreds in that he has a
Hollow inside of him. One who is now making himself heard to Ichigo, which is a
chilling thought. At the same time, Uryu is wrestling with his father’s
offer—have his Quincy powers restored, but at the price of never involving
himself with Soul Reapers again. What will he choose?
Dutch Boy is making no
progress in his efforts to get Ichigo to join them. He is now attending
Ichigo’s school, which Ichigo certainly doesn’t appreciate. Hiyori shows up
after school to find out what the hold-up is, only to find that Dutch Boy has
been followed by Orihime and Chad, who want to know what’s up and what do they
want with Ichigo.
Two new Arrancars arrive on
the scene—Ulquiorra and Yammy, sent by Aizen to find the person with the
strongest spiritual pressure and kill him. The rest are nothing but ants,
according to him, not worth their time. But when they attack Tatsuki, Orihime
refuses to stay quiet and responds. With Orihime’s life in danger, can Ichigo
be far behind?
Back in school doesn’t
necessarily mean back to normal, as Ichigo discovers when some familiar figures
appear unexpectedly in his classroom. What the heck is going on, and why are
they there? And now why are they at his house?
Certainly an interesting
volume of Bleach as the plot thickens. The appearance of Ulquiorra and Yammy
can only mean that Aizen has begun hatching his dastardly plot, whatever that
might be. And the appearance of the Soul Reapers can’t be a coincidence. With Renji and Ikkaku around, you know there
will be hijinx, and whatever they are, poor Captain Hitsugaya probably won’t
like it. The part with Keigo and Chizuru
and their protectiveness of Orihime was hilarious, as was Keigo’s recipe—two
parts ginger ale and one part calpico, which he says tastes just like hair
tonic. Seriously, dude?
Ichigo has to come to terms
with the fact that he has a Hollow inside of him. The question is can he control
it or will it overwhelm him and make him into something horrible? I loved the
scenes with Isshin and Kiskue. I don’t remember knowing this early in the anime
about Isshin, so I like that. Karin realizes Ichigo is a Soul Reaper, although
he has admitted nothing. At some point, he has to learn that playing the lone
wolf, the brave knight who takes everything upon himself and requires no one
else, is a stupid attitude to take, and he can and must rely on the help of
others, especially his friends. He puts them in more danger by leaving them out
of the loop than by including them.
I liked seeing Kiskue and
Yoruichi. We don’t see them often enough, especially her. I already know Dutch
Boy will grow on me, so will Alquiorra. Right now the latter is just an emo
Goth Arrancar, and Yammy is a big strong dummy.
According to the preview,
another team of Arrancars is on its way!
Can’t wait to see them too!
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