Originally posted July 4, 2009
By REBECCA P.
In the first volume of Bleach we’re introduced to Ichigo, a 15-year-old boy who can see the dead as well as the living. As a result, ghosts and spirits — and later Hollows, swarm to him for help or for his life, especially after meeting Rukia. Ichigo has a lot on his plate with his new soul reaping powers as he finds the people close to him might be more intertwined in his new job and life than we would ever realize.
My thoughts
I love Bleach and have from the moment I read the preview in Shonen Jump years ago. Bleach is a series that gets a lot of things right where some manga fail and it’s very evident from reading the first volume this is a series that has a lot in store for readers and one that deserves a spot in every manga collection.
Granted, I’m not heavily into Shonen manga (being a girl I enjoy my romance and shojo), Bleach is one series that I will NEVER take out of my library. With a great cast of characters, each designed with precision and detail showing off Tite Kubo’s amazing art style, you can’t go wrong. Bleach’s artwork is some of the best and most detailed you’ll come across in the realm of manga (alongside series like Vagabond).
There really aren’t any complaints that can be made about Bleach #1. The only error I found in reading was in regards to Tatsuki being called originally a boy in the beginning and later being revealed to be a girl (every manga needs a gender confused character I guess). That aside, the story picks up quickly and draws you in and it’s a series you’re getting your money’s worth from. The dialogue is deep and engaging, and there’s plenty of room for more than just action and fighting in Bleach.
With a story that draws you in and has a lot to offer (and it’s going to be a long series, readers warned) there’s no reason not to pick up Bleach. It’s one of the rare series that comes out that really deserves being considered a grade A series. It may not have the most original of ideas and there are some clichés, but it’s a wonderful read.
If you’re still hesitant, just read the first volume and see what all the fuss is about. You won’t be disappointed and the series only gets better in future volumes. Good characterization, a little bit of every genre, good dialogue and artwork — what are you waiting for?
