OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is about the most perfect manga you will ever read.
For those fans of the Bleach anime, I know you're like me, waiting around for more fillers about a dumb princess that no one cares about. I invite you to delve into the world that is the Bleach manga. No fillers, SO much more movement and SO much more story. This is where it's at.
Story: 10/10
I rarely rate an anime or manga with a story above 8. Most animes/mangas these days follow too closely after their predecessors, ending up as almost identical clones of the original. Bleach may not be completely original, but it is so thoroughly engaging that you won't even give it a second glance. After being a fan of the anime, I found myself gawking at certain frames in the manga, thinking "Why in the world was this NOT in the anime????", and furiously reading on. There is never, and I mean never, a boring section in this manga. Bleach is what all mangakas should look to as an example. It does what a manga should: It truly entertains people. The story is not completely original, but it doesn't seem to matter. I'm always eagerly waiting for the next chapter to come out.
ART: 10/10
Fantastic work from Kubo Tite in this section. It's almost always clear what is happening in battles, clarity that most mangas lack. The characters are defined and unique looking, and each panel is well thought out. The landscapes and buildings also have lots of creativity packed into them.
CHARACTER: 10/10
Again, amazing work here. There's a character for everyone to enjoy, and each person has their own unique traits. There are enough characters to keep the story interesting, and they are almost all developing as the story goes on. It just all makes a whole lot of sense, see?
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
I cannot express how enjoyable this manga has been to read. I started reading where the anime awkwardly broke away, and before I knew it, I had read 40 chapters and it was 12:00 AM. Perfect balance between action, comedy, and that sense that you don't know something very important. Tite never leaves you hanging for too long, however, and whenever a secret is unearthed, you will find yourself making astounded noises at your book/computer screen. If you like the action, if you like surprises, definitely, definitely read this manga.
OVERALL: 10/10
Bleach manages to keep a perfect balance between action and story, and it is truly a one-of-a-kind manga. You will always be on the edge of your seat, not knowing what to do while waiting for the next episode to come out. Timing, which is one of the crucial things in an anime/manga, is mastered wonderfully in each chapter. It really doesn't get much better than this, and it deserves the one and only full 10 score I will probably ever give to any manga/anime. Definitely give this a try, no matter what you like.
To be honest, I started watching Bleach because it was part of the legendary "Big Three" in shonen anime. I always thought it would be the weakest of the three (and objectively, I still think it is), but I never imagined it would turn out to be such an entertaining and cool ghost-fighting story. Surprisingly, it ended up being my favorite among the Big Three.
1-One positive point:
One of the things I liked most about Bleach is its storytelling. While the pacing can often be unnecessarily slow, it's compensated for by the numerous fights and the ease of reading. Unlike other mangas that progress through meetings, Bleach advances primarily through battles. Kubo successfully tells this incredible tale mainly through fight conversations between characters.
2-One negative point.
Throughout the manga, a large number of characters are introduced—seriously, there are a lot. While some characters, like Aizen, Ichigo, or Kyouraku, are well-developed and memorable with great backstories, impact, and development, many others feel empty. By "empty," I mean that most characters seemed to exist solely for the purpose of fighting, lacking any real character value and sometimes even being easy to forget.
3-A must-speak character
Without a doubt, Aizen Sosuke is the best-written and most compelling character in the series, so naturally, every review will mention him. Instead, I want to highlight Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Introduced as a problematic character who only wished to serve Aizen-sama, he ends up being one of the deepest and most well-developed characters in the series. His backstory was simply outstanding, metaphorically illustrating "the law of the jungle" and showing how much sacrifice is needed to gain power if it leaves you isolated, like a king without servants.
In summary, don't let the negative reviews deter you from experiencing this shonen masterpiece; it's better than they make it out to be. If you enjoy sword battles and power-ups, this manga is definitely for you.
Recently, I've become quite obsessed with Bleach, so I decided to write a review for it. Honestly, I'm not very good at reviewing stories or art, and I haven't read many shounen series yet. So, I guess I'll just go with my personal thoughts.
When I first started reading some chapters of Bleach, I thought, "Wow, it's somehow similar to other shounens I've read before, but it's still cool." But things changed when the Soul Society arc began. When the Shinigami characters were introduced, I was surprised that they couldn't be categorized as purely good or bad. I couldn't judge them by basic morality—they weren't black and white; they had dark sides and depth. In Bleach, they are considered protagonists. The same applies to the Espadas, who are antagonists. I appreciate this complexity. I love Gotei 13 and don't have strong feelings for the Espadas, but I definitely respect them. The characters are one of Bleach's strong points. Some people say that the characters in Bleach lack development, which I strongly disagree with. Take Byakuya, for example: At first, he only followed the rules and didn't care about others. After fighting Ichigo, he became softer and even learned how to express his care and feelings towards his beloved sister. It's a significant change. Ichigo also evolves—he becomes more mature and reliable. I even noticed some of his darker sides during the Arrancar arc when Ulquiorra questioned whether Ichigo came to rescue Inoue or fight him. At that moment, I realized Ichigo's motivations were no longer pure.
What I appreciate even more is the complexity of the world and justice portrayed in Bleach. All the characters and storylines, along with the hidden messages, support this theme. In Bleach, people don't fight to defend rights; some fight out of responsibility, others due to debts they owe, some fight out of hatred, and others to protect someone. I don't like Aizen, but I must admit that many things he said are true—the Arrancars had no purpose in life until he gave them one. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some characters' perspectives are dark, but there's truth in them. With the appearance of Quincy at the beginning of the final arc, the story becomes darker and more complex. Soul Society eliminated the Quincy years ago—an undeniable sin. And when the Quincy return and kill recklessly, it's another sin. So, who is right? There is no clear answer.
What makes Bleach even more special? I think it's the bonds between the characters. Rukia sees through Ichigo, the captains and lieutenants share irreplaceable bonds, and the connections between Ichigo and his opponents are extraordinary. That's why I love seeing Bleach characters together.
It's true that Bleach has its shortcomings—randomness and plot holes—but I still think it's worth giving it a try. Read carefully and make sure you don't miss anything because even small details can have significance in the plot.
Bleach was an incredible read from start to finish. I loved everything about it, from its phenomenal cast of top-tier characters like Aizen, Ulquiorra, Nnoitora, Tosen, Urahara, Shunsui, Tokinada, and, of course, the protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, to its stunning art, which is arguably some of the best in all of shonen manga. The series delves into profound themes such as death, fear, despair, and self-realization. Each arc has its own unique appeal and feels distinct from the others. Bleach also boasts one of the best shonen arcs ever with the Arrancar Saga.
Many criticisms of Bleach often stem from misunderstandings, as the writing and storytelling can be quite subtle. However, this doesn't mean the story is without flaws. In some instances, certain events could have benefited from more foreshadowing or explanation, like Mugetsu or the Still Silver Arrow. Nonetheless, I believe these issues are often exaggerated by fans. My biggest complaint would be the later part of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which felt rushed and incomplete. This will likely be addressed when the anime adaptation returns.
All things considered, I'd confidently place Bleach in the A-S tier of shonen manga.
I like to consider Bleach as one of the pioneering works that shaped my anime and manga journey, alongside Naruto and One Piece. These three classics were my gateway into the world of manga.
While Bleach might seem like a typical shounen manga by today's standards, it's important to acknowledge its role in setting the benchmarks for modern shounen manga.
The characters, whether heroes or villains, are meticulously designed and developed, giving us insight into their motivations and making their actions justifiable from their perspectives. Although it is one of the longer series out there, it justifies its length with well-structured arcs that contrast sharply with the filler episodes seen in the anime.
Despite its seemingly generic surface-level plot, Bleach laid the groundwork for what shounen manga means to me, which is why I've rated it as highly as I have.
I usually enjoy supernatural manga, but this story felt somewhat different. The plot was acceptable, though not outstanding, as it became predictable and seemed to follow an endless cycle with minor variations. The artwork was excellent, with well-drawn anatomy, though there were a few exceptions. Character development was poor; the creator neglected potentially interesting characters like Chad, focusing instead on the main character. As expected, the protagonist was portrayed as the strongest and always managed to overcome challenges, leaving other characters in the dust.
Despite these issues, I did find enjoyment in the manga. I recommend giving it a try to see if it suits your taste—dip your pinky toe into it and decide for yourself.
First things first. My "reviews" system is explained on a blog entry, which can be found through my profile.
Oeh.. Now that I've re-read the manga, I figured it's time to write a review about my all-time favorite battle shounens. (I've seen the anime a total of four times, including the movies, but I re-read because the final arc hasn't been animated yet, and I wanted a refresher.)
✦ Story
As a long-running battle shounen, it would be too tedious to provide a detailed review. To put it simply, it has a rich storytelling style filled with battles, drama, tragedy, character relationships, and even a touch of romance. Like any story, there are certain patterns, and the longer the series, the more prominent these patterns become. Does it ruin enjoyment? No, or at least it depends on how you approach it. Since I'm more of a "live" viewer than a "predictor," I derived tons of joy from this story.
✦ Art
I have nothing negative to say. The art was spot-on for my tastes. It had a sharp and clear style with amazing character designs, power designs, world designs, and godlike awakening/power-up designs. There are also plenty of waifus to choose from and many amazing weapons.
✦ Characters
Once again, the character variation is amazing, as are the stereotypes and personality variations. Characters with more importance or value have more backstory and roles in the story itself, leading to better development and backstory. There are many interesting characters, interesting villains, and even often likeable villains. Ichigo, our main character, is an amazingly enjoyable tragic hero. Whether it's his relationships with other characters, plot twists, his journey of combat, power-ups, and awakenings, everything about him is simply enjoyable. Stylistically, it's my all-time favorite battle shounen.
✦ Enjoyment & Overall
I would have more comments about the anime, but since this is a manga review, I'll keep it shorter. In short, it's one of the first "spot-on" anime/manga series that I fell in love with. It has so many elements that match my tastes, amplifying the enjoyment to an unreal level. One of the few series where I actively hope for the final arc to be animated. On top of that, I collect images, music, games, fanart, doujinshi, and so on (now and then).
In other words, I absolutely adore this series (and the anime adaptation is simply my utmost favorite anime of all time). It has its ups and downs, but overall, the storytelling is extremely pleasing, filled with twists, surprises, changes, awakenings, and powerful emotions. It even has a rather complex story and abilities, along with many story points that twist your gut due to some characters' master plans.
The weakest point of the story would probably be the last two arcs, where their contrast was rather odd. The Fullbring arc felt the weakest, and the final arc was a bit too over-the-top with its powers and characters, especially with the very specific/niche abilities that many characters had. Nevertheless, it was wrapped up rather nicely. If it hadn't been pressured into ending the story, we would have gotten more explanations and prolonging chapters that would balance out the pacing of the story.
At least the finale was great, showing some insight into the characters' futures and best of all, the love that bloomed. As far as "perfection" goes, it's one of the closest ones to my enjoyment and tastes. Obviously, it has its duller moments and issues, but so does everything.
BLEACH is a masterpiece in its own right, with Kubo sensei's writing style being exceptionally good. I would recommend BLEACH to everyone as it is truly great. What I love the most is the portrayal of villains and foreshadowing in the manga; the representation of "despair" is just phenomenal. The protagonist will win your heart, and the antagonist will do the same. Even the side characters are lovely.
Some characters like Ukitake, Kon, and Sado received less screen time in the last arc and throughout the series, but we can't ignore that Kubo sensei had only a 1-year project for TYBW and faced some health issues during that arc. I hope the upcoming TYBW anime adaptation includes everything Kubo sensei intended to put in the manga. Even the novels are brilliantly written.
BLEACH has some of the best arcs, though some are boring in the anime. However, the manga is simply a masterpiece. It's hard to overlook that the Arrancar arc was a bit sloppy and stretched out.
If you are new to BLEACH, read the manga up to Volume 54 and Chapter 479, as this covers the end of the Fullbringer arc, and TYBW is getting an anime adaptation. BLEACH definitely deserves its place in the Big 3 and is underrated among them. Personally, I would rank it above Naruto.
The storyline is fairly standard, but the characters, aside from the villains, are quite disappointing. Despite this, the series remains enjoyable and worth reading. The overall quality seems to decline towards the end, feeling somewhat rushed. The main character is overly powerful, with most of their abilities being gifted rather than earned, which isn't my preferred method of power scaling. It feels too simplistic, like higher levels or overpowered abilities guarantee victory. The artwork is excellent and maintains its quality throughout the series. The story begins simply but can become tedious at times. However, the villains often inject excitement when the plot starts to drag. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, with some very good arcs and others that are quite poor.
The Soul Society arc is the first major arc of the Bleach manga series and arguably its best. Spanning about 180 chapters, it is divided into two parts: the first where Ichigo becomes a Shinigami and performs his duties in the world of the living, and the second where he ventures to Soul Society to save Rukia Kuchiki.
Art Style: 7/10. Kubo's art style is commendable, but it could improve on backgrounds at times.
Character Design: 8/10. The character designs are excellent, especially for characters like Mayuri and Kenpachi.
Story: 7/10. The story is straightforward yet engaging, focusing on Ichigo discovering his identity as a Shinigami and learning what it means to be one. It emphasizes friendship and support through struggles, particularly between Ichigo and Rukia.
Action: 7/10. The fights are cool and well-executed, enhanced by the great art style and unique techniques. My favorite fight was Ichigo vs. Renji round 2.
Characters: 8/10. Kubo excelled with character development. Characters like Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, Renji, Byakuya, and Aizen are well-crafted. Aizen, in particular, stands out as an incredible antagonist. Supporting characters like Kon, Ganju, Jinta, Isshin, Urahara, Yoruichi, Sado, and Orihime add fun and humor, making the arc enjoyable.
The main issue with this arc is some underdeveloped supernatural elements and explanations. Overall, I give this arc an 8/10: Very good.
ARRANCAR ARC:
The Arrancar arc is the second major story arc of Bleach and the longest. It follows the Soul Society arc, focusing on Sosuke Aizen's plans and how they challenge Soul Society and Ichigo.
Art Style and Character Design: 9/10. Kubo's artistic skills improve significantly during this arc, especially towards the Fake Karakura Town arc. The character designs also get better with the introduction of the Arrancar.
Story: 6/10. The story follows Ichigo, now almost a full-fledged Shinigami, dealing with Aizen's plans and his inner hollow. While the focus on friendship is still strong, the story feels loose and lacks direction. It often feels like a series of endless battles and transformations. However, the first part of the arc, with adventures in Las Noches, is fun and filled with great comedy.
Action: 8/10. The action is satisfying overall, with many memorable fights such as Ichigo vs. Grimmjow and Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra.
Characters: 7/10. The Espada have great designs but lack depth in personality or backstory, except for a few like Nnoitra, Grimmjow, and Ulquiorra. Ichigo's friends, Ishida, Sado, and Orihime, provide support, though the "savior complex" can be tiresome. Aizen remains an intriguing antagonist but lacks deeper exploration.
Overall, it was a decent arc: 6/10.
FULLBRINGER ARC:
The Fullbring arc is the third major arc of Bleach, taking place a year and a half after Aizen's defeat. It is the shortest arc.
Art Style and Character Design: 8/10. Kubo's art has improved, and the detailed backgrounds in the human world are appreciated. The new character designs are simple but refreshing.
Story: 9/10. This arc's story is compelling, adding a touch of mystery. It focuses on Ichigo coping with his powerless state and questioning if he wants his powers back. The narrative is well-developed and entertaining.
Action: 7/10. The action is decent, with several short fights and a grand finale involving captains.
Characters: 9/10. Fewer characters make for a more focused story. Ichigo's development from protector to someone struggling with powerlessness is excellent. Ginjo, the antagonist, is intriguing and keeps readers guessing. Supporting characters like Chad, Orihime, Tsukishima, and others from Xcution are well-developed.
Bleach started off promisingly but gradually became less compelling over time due to various factors.
The initial setup is solid: Ichigo meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and becomes one himself. Fun antics follow, at least for a while. The story initially has a monster-of-the-week feel with some enjoyable, inconsequential enemies. We also get glimpses of Ichigo's high school life. Then comes the Soul Society arc, which is pretty fun! It introduces many new characters and lore, featuring plenty of fights. This arc is quite long and culminates in a memorable villain reveal that has stuck with fans.
In my opinion, this is the highest point the manga ever reached. Unfortunately, this arc ends around chapter 182, and there are *705* chapters in total. That's a significant gap. So what happened during the rest of the time? Honestly, not much that felt important. There are only three major arcs after the Soul Society. To keep readers engaged over such a long-running shounen series, there should ideally be more slightly shorter arcs or at least more varied ones. However, each new arc in Bleach follows the same structure as the first, just in increasingly bleak locations.
Characterization is another area where Bleach falls short. The character designs are fine, but I couldn't connect with the main characters as much as I wanted to. They're not terrible, but their motivations and goals aren't well expressed. Ichigo, who should drive the story, is likable enough, but his ultimate goals are unclear. This lack of an emotional core makes it hard to feel invested in the story. It's also odd that Ichigo's high school friends all have their own super abilities outside of Reaper powers.
The artwork, once the series' biggest strength, suffered from deteriorating quality over the years. Initially, Tite Kubo's art was impressive, with sleek and cool character designs and visually exciting fight scenes. But by the midpoint, there's less to hold your attention—the scenery and backgrounds become bleaker and washed out. It feels like you're just looking at characters talking or battling in a blank void, which adds to the increasingly empty story.
Overall, it's a shame Bleach fell from grace. I read it faithfully every week for 3-4 years until sometime in 2013, yet I find it hard to pinpoint many memorable moments from that time. For a while, I convinced myself I would eventually catch up and finish the manga, but I've accepted that I probably never will. I've seen summaries of the final chapters, and they're not compelling enough to make me want to read through more of the same.
I don't want to place blame too harshly on any one factor for the series' disappointing nature. Perhaps Tite Kubo's strengths lie more in artwork and character design than in character development. I understand the unique and unforgiving environment of weekly manga, especially Weekly Shounen Jump, but that doesn't mean any series is doomed to fail. Eventually, Tite was given a very short timeframe to end the manga. Would it have been drawn out for another 150 chapters of stale plot otherwise? Who knows.
Ultimately, Bleach would have worked better as a shorter series. Perhaps after the Soul Society arc, a short conclusion could have been added. Bleach would be remembered more fondly if it had ended sooner. It's certainly not the worst manga in the world; if shounen manga in a cool, modern setting appeals to you, it's worth reading the beginnings. Just know that even if you enjoy it initially and are determined to power through the lackluster arcs hoping the story will improve—it won't.
Before I say anything, let's compare my scores from the first couple of arcs to the total end of the series.
Soul Society Arc:
Art and Page Layout: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Story: 8/10
Overall Enjoyment: 9/10
The End:
Art and Page Layout: 4/10
Characters: 5/10
Story: 4/10
Overall Enjoyment: 4/10
You may notice a very distinct fall in quality according to my rankings. The beginnings of Bleach are fantastic. I loved my time reading it and find it to be one of my favorite shonen tales of all time. It surpasses the beginning of One Piece and goes well beyond the start of Naruto.
Based on what I've heard, it appears that Bleach's decline is a direct result of Tite Kubo's struggle with writing. With so much executive pressure, you can feel the whole story falling apart at the seams. The story never truly regains the glory of the Soul Society Arc and slowly starts to deteriorate from there.
The Hueco Mundo Arc isn't terrible, but it feels familiar and repetitive, following a similar plot structure to its predecessor. One can more or less stop reading once this arc ends and the villains are defeated; there is nothing for you after this. It was after the Hueco Mundo arc that the story and characters truly started to break down. The art became incredibly dull, along with the general beautiful composition. The ending to the series is dull and lifeless, and it's not how it should have concluded. It deserved better than the sloppy mess it got.
By the end, Bleach was a hollow shell of its former glory, and it's sad to see it fall apart. It was a series I grew to quickly love, and just as quickly, I started to grow bored with it. I stopped reading midway and switched to Kiss X Sis of all things!
All this factoring in, it saddens me to give this series a rating of 6/10.
Popular Reviews
OH. MY. GOODNESS. This is about the most perfect manga you will ever read.
For those fans of the Bleach anime, I know you're like me, waiting around for more fillers about a dumb princess that no one cares about. I invite you to delve into the world that is the Bleach manga. No fillers, SO much more movement and SO much more story. This is where it's at.
Story: 10/10
I rarely rate an anime or manga with a story above 8. Most animes/mangas these days follow too closely after their predecessors, ending up as almost identical clones of the original. Bleach may not be completely original, but it is so thoroughly engaging that you won't even give it a second glance. After being a fan of the anime, I found myself gawking at certain frames in the manga, thinking "Why in the world was this NOT in the anime????", and furiously reading on. There is never, and I mean never, a boring section in this manga. Bleach is what all mangakas should look to as an example. It does what a manga should: It truly entertains people. The story is not completely original, but it doesn't seem to matter. I'm always eagerly waiting for the next chapter to come out.
ART: 10/10
Fantastic work from Kubo Tite in this section. It's almost always clear what is happening in battles, clarity that most mangas lack. The characters are defined and unique looking, and each panel is well thought out. The landscapes and buildings also have lots of creativity packed into them.
CHARACTER: 10/10
Again, amazing work here. There's a character for everyone to enjoy, and each person has their own unique traits. There are enough characters to keep the story interesting, and they are almost all developing as the story goes on. It just all makes a whole lot of sense, see?
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
I cannot express how enjoyable this manga has been to read. I started reading where the anime awkwardly broke away, and before I knew it, I had read 40 chapters and it was 12:00 AM. Perfect balance between action, comedy, and that sense that you don't know something very important. Tite never leaves you hanging for too long, however, and whenever a secret is unearthed, you will find yourself making astounded noises at your book/computer screen. If you like the action, if you like surprises, definitely, definitely read this manga.
OVERALL: 10/10
Bleach manages to keep a perfect balance between action and story, and it is truly a one-of-a-kind manga. You will always be on the edge of your seat, not knowing what to do while waiting for the next episode to come out. Timing, which is one of the crucial things in an anime/manga, is mastered wonderfully in each chapter. It really doesn't get much better than this, and it deserves the one and only full 10 score I will probably ever give to any manga/anime. Definitely give this a try, no matter what you like.
To be honest, I started watching Bleach because it was part of the legendary "Big Three" in shonen anime. I always thought it would be the weakest of the three (and objectively, I still think it is), but I never imagined it would turn out to be such an entertaining and cool ghost-fighting story. Surprisingly, it ended up being my favorite among the Big Three.
1-One positive point: One of the things I liked most about Bleach is its storytelling. While the pacing can often be unnecessarily slow, it's compensated for by the numerous fights and the ease of reading. Unlike other mangas that progress through meetings, Bleach advances primarily through battles. Kubo successfully tells this incredible tale mainly through fight conversations between characters.
2-One negative point. Throughout the manga, a large number of characters are introduced—seriously, there are a lot. While some characters, like Aizen, Ichigo, or Kyouraku, are well-developed and memorable with great backstories, impact, and development, many others feel empty. By "empty," I mean that most characters seemed to exist solely for the purpose of fighting, lacking any real character value and sometimes even being easy to forget.
3-A must-speak character Without a doubt, Aizen Sosuke is the best-written and most compelling character in the series, so naturally, every review will mention him. Instead, I want to highlight Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez. Introduced as a problematic character who only wished to serve Aizen-sama, he ends up being one of the deepest and most well-developed characters in the series. His backstory was simply outstanding, metaphorically illustrating "the law of the jungle" and showing how much sacrifice is needed to gain power if it leaves you isolated, like a king without servants.
In summary, don't let the negative reviews deter you from experiencing this shonen masterpiece; it's better than they make it out to be. If you enjoy sword battles and power-ups, this manga is definitely for you.
Recently, I've become quite obsessed with Bleach, so I decided to write a review for it. Honestly, I'm not very good at reviewing stories or art, and I haven't read many shounen series yet. So, I guess I'll just go with my personal thoughts. When I first started reading some chapters of Bleach, I thought, "Wow, it's somehow similar to other shounens I've read before, but it's still cool." But things changed when the Soul Society arc began. When the Shinigami characters were introduced, I was surprised that they couldn't be categorized as purely good or bad. I couldn't judge them by basic morality—they weren't black and white; they had dark sides and depth. In Bleach, they are considered protagonists. The same applies to the Espadas, who are antagonists. I appreciate this complexity. I love Gotei 13 and don't have strong feelings for the Espadas, but I definitely respect them. The characters are one of Bleach's strong points. Some people say that the characters in Bleach lack development, which I strongly disagree with. Take Byakuya, for example: At first, he only followed the rules and didn't care about others. After fighting Ichigo, he became softer and even learned how to express his care and feelings towards his beloved sister. It's a significant change. Ichigo also evolves—he becomes more mature and reliable. I even noticed some of his darker sides during the Arrancar arc when Ulquiorra questioned whether Ichigo came to rescue Inoue or fight him. At that moment, I realized Ichigo's motivations were no longer pure. What I appreciate even more is the complexity of the world and justice portrayed in Bleach. All the characters and storylines, along with the hidden messages, support this theme. In Bleach, people don't fight to defend rights; some fight out of responsibility, others due to debts they owe, some fight out of hatred, and others to protect someone. I don't like Aizen, but I must admit that many things he said are true—the Arrancars had no purpose in life until he gave them one. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some characters' perspectives are dark, but there's truth in them. With the appearance of Quincy at the beginning of the final arc, the story becomes darker and more complex. Soul Society eliminated the Quincy years ago—an undeniable sin. And when the Quincy return and kill recklessly, it's another sin. So, who is right? There is no clear answer. What makes Bleach even more special? I think it's the bonds between the characters. Rukia sees through Ichigo, the captains and lieutenants share irreplaceable bonds, and the connections between Ichigo and his opponents are extraordinary. That's why I love seeing Bleach characters together. It's true that Bleach has its shortcomings—randomness and plot holes—but I still think it's worth giving it a try. Read carefully and make sure you don't miss anything because even small details can have significance in the plot.
Bleach was an incredible read from start to finish. I loved everything about it, from its phenomenal cast of top-tier characters like Aizen, Ulquiorra, Nnoitora, Tosen, Urahara, Shunsui, Tokinada, and, of course, the protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki, to its stunning art, which is arguably some of the best in all of shonen manga. The series delves into profound themes such as death, fear, despair, and self-realization. Each arc has its own unique appeal and feels distinct from the others. Bleach also boasts one of the best shonen arcs ever with the Arrancar Saga.
Many criticisms of Bleach often stem from misunderstandings, as the writing and storytelling can be quite subtle. However, this doesn't mean the story is without flaws. In some instances, certain events could have benefited from more foreshadowing or explanation, like Mugetsu or the Still Silver Arrow. Nonetheless, I believe these issues are often exaggerated by fans. My biggest complaint would be the later part of the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which felt rushed and incomplete. This will likely be addressed when the anime adaptation returns.
All things considered, I'd confidently place Bleach in the A-S tier of shonen manga.
I like to consider Bleach as one of the pioneering works that shaped my anime and manga journey, alongside Naruto and One Piece. These three classics were my gateway into the world of manga.
While Bleach might seem like a typical shounen manga by today's standards, it's important to acknowledge its role in setting the benchmarks for modern shounen manga.
The characters, whether heroes or villains, are meticulously designed and developed, giving us insight into their motivations and making their actions justifiable from their perspectives. Although it is one of the longer series out there, it justifies its length with well-structured arcs that contrast sharply with the filler episodes seen in the anime.
Despite its seemingly generic surface-level plot, Bleach laid the groundwork for what shounen manga means to me, which is why I've rated it as highly as I have.
I usually enjoy supernatural manga, but this story felt somewhat different. The plot was acceptable, though not outstanding, as it became predictable and seemed to follow an endless cycle with minor variations. The artwork was excellent, with well-drawn anatomy, though there were a few exceptions. Character development was poor; the creator neglected potentially interesting characters like Chad, focusing instead on the main character. As expected, the protagonist was portrayed as the strongest and always managed to overcome challenges, leaving other characters in the dust.
Despite these issues, I did find enjoyment in the manga. I recommend giving it a try to see if it suits your taste—dip your pinky toe into it and decide for yourself.
Bleach (Manga) 9/10/10/10/10
First things first. My "reviews" system is explained on a blog entry, which can be found through my profile.
Oeh.. Now that I've re-read the manga, I figured it's time to write a review about my all-time favorite battle shounens. (I've seen the anime a total of four times, including the movies, but I re-read because the final arc hasn't been animated yet, and I wanted a refresher.)
✦ Story
As a long-running battle shounen, it would be too tedious to provide a detailed review. To put it simply, it has a rich storytelling style filled with battles, drama, tragedy, character relationships, and even a touch of romance. Like any story, there are certain patterns, and the longer the series, the more prominent these patterns become. Does it ruin enjoyment? No, or at least it depends on how you approach it. Since I'm more of a "live" viewer than a "predictor," I derived tons of joy from this story.
✦ Art
I have nothing negative to say. The art was spot-on for my tastes. It had a sharp and clear style with amazing character designs, power designs, world designs, and godlike awakening/power-up designs. There are also plenty of waifus to choose from and many amazing weapons.
✦ Characters
Once again, the character variation is amazing, as are the stereotypes and personality variations. Characters with more importance or value have more backstory and roles in the story itself, leading to better development and backstory. There are many interesting characters, interesting villains, and even often likeable villains. Ichigo, our main character, is an amazingly enjoyable tragic hero. Whether it's his relationships with other characters, plot twists, his journey of combat, power-ups, and awakenings, everything about him is simply enjoyable. Stylistically, it's my all-time favorite battle shounen.
✦ Enjoyment & Overall
I would have more comments about the anime, but since this is a manga review, I'll keep it shorter. In short, it's one of the first "spot-on" anime/manga series that I fell in love with. It has so many elements that match my tastes, amplifying the enjoyment to an unreal level. One of the few series where I actively hope for the final arc to be animated. On top of that, I collect images, music, games, fanart, doujinshi, and so on (now and then).
In other words, I absolutely adore this series (and the anime adaptation is simply my utmost favorite anime of all time). It has its ups and downs, but overall, the storytelling is extremely pleasing, filled with twists, surprises, changes, awakenings, and powerful emotions. It even has a rather complex story and abilities, along with many story points that twist your gut due to some characters' master plans.
The weakest point of the story would probably be the last two arcs, where their contrast was rather odd. The Fullbring arc felt the weakest, and the final arc was a bit too over-the-top with its powers and characters, especially with the very specific/niche abilities that many characters had. Nevertheless, it was wrapped up rather nicely. If it hadn't been pressured into ending the story, we would have gotten more explanations and prolonging chapters that would balance out the pacing of the story.
At least the finale was great, showing some insight into the characters' futures and best of all, the love that bloomed. As far as "perfection" goes, it's one of the closest ones to my enjoyment and tastes. Obviously, it has its duller moments and issues, but so does everything.
+TOPFAV
(might revise for clarity)
BLEACH is a masterpiece in its own right, with Kubo sensei's writing style being exceptionally good. I would recommend BLEACH to everyone as it is truly great. What I love the most is the portrayal of villains and foreshadowing in the manga; the representation of "despair" is just phenomenal. The protagonist will win your heart, and the antagonist will do the same. Even the side characters are lovely. Some characters like Ukitake, Kon, and Sado received less screen time in the last arc and throughout the series, but we can't ignore that Kubo sensei had only a 1-year project for TYBW and faced some health issues during that arc. I hope the upcoming TYBW anime adaptation includes everything Kubo sensei intended to put in the manga. Even the novels are brilliantly written. BLEACH has some of the best arcs, though some are boring in the anime. However, the manga is simply a masterpiece. It's hard to overlook that the Arrancar arc was a bit sloppy and stretched out. If you are new to BLEACH, read the manga up to Volume 54 and Chapter 479, as this covers the end of the Fullbringer arc, and TYBW is getting an anime adaptation. BLEACH definitely deserves its place in the Big 3 and is underrated among them. Personally, I would rank it above Naruto.
The storyline is fairly standard, but the characters, aside from the villains, are quite disappointing. Despite this, the series remains enjoyable and worth reading. The overall quality seems to decline towards the end, feeling somewhat rushed. The main character is overly powerful, with most of their abilities being gifted rather than earned, which isn't my preferred method of power scaling. It feels too simplistic, like higher levels or overpowered abilities guarantee victory. The artwork is excellent and maintains its quality throughout the series. The story begins simply but can become tedious at times. However, the villains often inject excitement when the plot starts to drag. It's a bit of a rollercoaster, with some very good arcs and others that are quite poor.
THE BLEACH REVIEW
SOUL SOCIETY ARC:
The Soul Society arc is the first major arc of the Bleach manga series and arguably its best. Spanning about 180 chapters, it is divided into two parts: the first where Ichigo becomes a Shinigami and performs his duties in the world of the living, and the second where he ventures to Soul Society to save Rukia Kuchiki.
Art Style: 7/10. Kubo's art style is commendable, but it could improve on backgrounds at times.
Character Design: 8/10. The character designs are excellent, especially for characters like Mayuri and Kenpachi.
Story: 7/10. The story is straightforward yet engaging, focusing on Ichigo discovering his identity as a Shinigami and learning what it means to be one. It emphasizes friendship and support through struggles, particularly between Ichigo and Rukia.
Action: 7/10. The fights are cool and well-executed, enhanced by the great art style and unique techniques. My favorite fight was Ichigo vs. Renji round 2.
Characters: 8/10. Kubo excelled with character development. Characters like Ichigo, Rukia, Ishida, Renji, Byakuya, and Aizen are well-crafted. Aizen, in particular, stands out as an incredible antagonist. Supporting characters like Kon, Ganju, Jinta, Isshin, Urahara, Yoruichi, Sado, and Orihime add fun and humor, making the arc enjoyable.
The main issue with this arc is some underdeveloped supernatural elements and explanations. Overall, I give this arc an 8/10: Very good.
ARRANCAR ARC:
The Arrancar arc is the second major story arc of Bleach and the longest. It follows the Soul Society arc, focusing on Sosuke Aizen's plans and how they challenge Soul Society and Ichigo.
Art Style and Character Design: 9/10. Kubo's artistic skills improve significantly during this arc, especially towards the Fake Karakura Town arc. The character designs also get better with the introduction of the Arrancar.
Story: 6/10. The story follows Ichigo, now almost a full-fledged Shinigami, dealing with Aizen's plans and his inner hollow. While the focus on friendship is still strong, the story feels loose and lacks direction. It often feels like a series of endless battles and transformations. However, the first part of the arc, with adventures in Las Noches, is fun and filled with great comedy.
Action: 8/10. The action is satisfying overall, with many memorable fights such as Ichigo vs. Grimmjow and Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra.
Characters: 7/10. The Espada have great designs but lack depth in personality or backstory, except for a few like Nnoitra, Grimmjow, and Ulquiorra. Ichigo's friends, Ishida, Sado, and Orihime, provide support, though the "savior complex" can be tiresome. Aizen remains an intriguing antagonist but lacks deeper exploration.
Overall, it was a decent arc: 6/10.
FULLBRINGER ARC:
The Fullbring arc is the third major arc of Bleach, taking place a year and a half after Aizen's defeat. It is the shortest arc.
Art Style and Character Design: 8/10. Kubo's art has improved, and the detailed backgrounds in the human world are appreciated. The new character designs are simple but refreshing.
Story: 9/10. This arc's story is compelling, adding a touch of mystery. It focuses on Ichigo coping with his powerless state and questioning if he wants his powers back. The narrative is well-developed and entertaining.
Action: 7/10. The action is decent, with several short fights and a grand finale involving captains.
Characters: 9/10. Fewer characters make for a more focused story. Ichigo's development from protector to someone struggling with powerlessness is excellent. Ginjo, the antagonist, is intriguing and keeps readers guessing. Supporting characters like Chad, Orihime, Tsukishima, and others from Xcution are well-developed.
Overall, it was a great arc: 8/10.
Bleach started off promisingly but gradually became less compelling over time due to various factors.
The initial setup is solid: Ichigo meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and becomes one himself. Fun antics follow, at least for a while. The story initially has a monster-of-the-week feel with some enjoyable, inconsequential enemies. We also get glimpses of Ichigo's high school life. Then comes the Soul Society arc, which is pretty fun! It introduces many new characters and lore, featuring plenty of fights. This arc is quite long and culminates in a memorable villain reveal that has stuck with fans.
In my opinion, this is the highest point the manga ever reached. Unfortunately, this arc ends around chapter 182, and there are *705* chapters in total. That's a significant gap. So what happened during the rest of the time? Honestly, not much that felt important. There are only three major arcs after the Soul Society. To keep readers engaged over such a long-running shounen series, there should ideally be more slightly shorter arcs or at least more varied ones. However, each new arc in Bleach follows the same structure as the first, just in increasingly bleak locations.
Characterization is another area where Bleach falls short. The character designs are fine, but I couldn't connect with the main characters as much as I wanted to. They're not terrible, but their motivations and goals aren't well expressed. Ichigo, who should drive the story, is likable enough, but his ultimate goals are unclear. This lack of an emotional core makes it hard to feel invested in the story. It's also odd that Ichigo's high school friends all have their own super abilities outside of Reaper powers.
The artwork, once the series' biggest strength, suffered from deteriorating quality over the years. Initially, Tite Kubo's art was impressive, with sleek and cool character designs and visually exciting fight scenes. But by the midpoint, there's less to hold your attention—the scenery and backgrounds become bleaker and washed out. It feels like you're just looking at characters talking or battling in a blank void, which adds to the increasingly empty story.
Overall, it's a shame Bleach fell from grace. I read it faithfully every week for 3-4 years until sometime in 2013, yet I find it hard to pinpoint many memorable moments from that time. For a while, I convinced myself I would eventually catch up and finish the manga, but I've accepted that I probably never will. I've seen summaries of the final chapters, and they're not compelling enough to make me want to read through more of the same.
I don't want to place blame too harshly on any one factor for the series' disappointing nature. Perhaps Tite Kubo's strengths lie more in artwork and character design than in character development. I understand the unique and unforgiving environment of weekly manga, especially Weekly Shounen Jump, but that doesn't mean any series is doomed to fail. Eventually, Tite was given a very short timeframe to end the manga. Would it have been drawn out for another 150 chapters of stale plot otherwise? Who knows.
Ultimately, Bleach would have worked better as a shorter series. Perhaps after the Soul Society arc, a short conclusion could have been added. Bleach would be remembered more fondly if it had ended sooner. It's certainly not the worst manga in the world; if shounen manga in a cool, modern setting appeals to you, it's worth reading the beginnings. Just know that even if you enjoy it initially and are determined to power through the lackluster arcs hoping the story will improve—it won't.
Soul Society Arc:
Art and Page Layout: 10/10
Characters: 9/10
Story: 8/10
Overall Enjoyment: 9/10
The End:
Art and Page Layout: 4/10
Characters: 5/10
Story: 4/10
Overall Enjoyment: 4/10
You may notice a very distinct fall in quality according to my rankings. The beginnings of Bleach are fantastic. I loved my time reading it and find it to be one of my favorite shonen tales of all time. It surpasses the beginning of One Piece and goes well beyond the start of Naruto.
Based on what I've heard, it appears that Bleach's decline is a direct result of Tite Kubo's struggle with writing. With so much executive pressure, you can feel the whole story falling apart at the seams. The story never truly regains the glory of the Soul Society Arc and slowly starts to deteriorate from there.
The Hueco Mundo Arc isn't terrible, but it feels familiar and repetitive, following a similar plot structure to its predecessor. One can more or less stop reading once this arc ends and the villains are defeated; there is nothing for you after this. It was after the Hueco Mundo arc that the story and characters truly started to break down. The art became incredibly dull, along with the general beautiful composition. The ending to the series is dull and lifeless, and it's not how it should have concluded. It deserved better than the sloppy mess it got.
By the end, Bleach was a hollow shell of its former glory, and it's sad to see it fall apart. It was a series I grew to quickly love, and just as quickly, I started to grow bored with it. I stopped reading midway and switched to Kiss X Sis of all things!
All this factoring in, it saddens me to give this series a rating of 6/10.
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