Bleach vol. 58
Author: Tite Kubo
Distributor: Viz Media
American Release Date: Oct. 1st, 2013
Format: Traditional Manga
Genre: Supernatural, Action, Adventure, Drama
Publisher Age Rating: T (Fantasy Violence)
Overall Personal Rating: A-
Similar Title: Towanoquon
Synopsis:
A mysterious group calling themselves the Vandenreich launches a simultaneous attack against the Soul Society and Ichigo in the World of the Living. After invading the Soul Society, the Vandenreich’s strongest warriors launch a relentless attack as the Soul Reaper captains start falling one by one. It will be up to General Captain Yamamoto unleashes to defeat the Vandenreich’s king and save the Soul Society!
Ichigo finally breaches the bonds that held him between Hueco Mundo and the Soul Society and arrives just as things couldn’t be any worse. The Captain General is in a fight for his own life and the existence of everyone else. Renji, Rukia and Byakuya Kuchiki have all been defeated and their final fate is unknown. Ichigo moves in to battle Yhwach the leader of the Wandenreich.
Will Ichigo in his weakened state be able to stand up to Yhwach and what is the fate of his friends and the other Soul Reapers?
Commentary:
It is great to see things begin to progress. I was beginning to worry that we where going to be lost in another pointless battle that just brings us to the next evolution of Ichigo’s powers. This thing with this volume that I really enjoy is that some very important tidbits are revealed and that we jump forward to some valuable action and development. The other thing that I’m ok with is that Ichigo is still easily confused, but this time it is fine because the confusion is honest and real. Anyone would be confused with what is going on and as the reader I found myself scratching my head more than once. Funny thing is that in this case I like what I am seeing. Something new is happening that I haven’t seem before in the series and discovering its truth will be fun.
It isn’t often in the last few years that Tite Kubo has managed to provide a new set of rules that may not make any sense, but none-the-less they are cool and manage to keep me moving forward without hesitation. I am hoping that the series has turned a corner and is now heading down the righteous path that leads to a beautiful conclusion.
Overall Grade: A-
It has been some time that I have been able to upgrade Bleach to an A-, but in this case I feel that it earned it because of the new life they have given to this arc. I know there is still plenty to come, but now I am wanting to see it. I hope he doesn’t fall into his typical mode of making Ichigo go through some senseless self discovery phase where he gains new power. I truly believe that Ichigo currently has everything he needs to take on this treat that could disturb the natural balance.
Review by Andy
