Racjin/NIS's Resurreccion lacks a soul (Bleach: Soul Resurreccion - PS3 exclusive)

When this game was originally announced, I flipped my lid. Shattered Blade was ok, and I loved the DS and PSP fighters, but I always expected Bleach to get a huge console banazsplosion a la Ultimate Ninja Storm 2 or Raging Blast 2. After playing the demo, I was still in (and even more excited by the graphics! Oh, so pretty!!!) and eagerly anticipated the games release.

Then August 2 came, and everything changed. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!! REPEAT! DO NOT BUY THIS GAME!!!

Well at least don't buy this game at full price. Split the cost somehow, or wait for it to hit the bargain bin because the game has almost no substance. Yes, YES I know it is pretty. The animations are smooth as silk, the voice acting (both tracks are included for all you purist assholes out there) is excellent and the soundtrack is perfect for the high-speed combat. Speaking of the combat, the controls are nearly perfect, but a tad bit loose a times. My biggest complaint really is that special moves lock all characters in place once they are activated. While this means you can crush an opponent in one blow once you get them to about a third health left, it does mean you will probably die to Aizen and/or Barragan and/or Ulquiorra because

they are all cheap bastards that can rot in hell.

What was I talking about again? . . . Oh, Bleach is beautiful. Look at this!

I know, but other than that the game has nothing. There are 14 episodes to dash through (which covers Hueco Mundo to the fall of Aizen), and about 30 missions along side that, so there is not a ton of content. Judging by the trophy list, the developers expected you to max out every character, which is kinda a pain. That is for later though.

One problem with that plan: there is absolutely no multiplayer. There is a score comparison mode (OH WOW SO COOL!) but that is it. What the fun in that? I would totally be down for leveling everyone to the max if I could play it with by buddies and fellow Bleach fans. This was by far the biggest let down, but lets not that take away from my other big problem with the game.

Yeah, prepare to be doing this ALOT if you want a platinum in this one.

Leveling takes forever. If you have played/heard of Final Fantasy 10, you are probably familiar with the Sphere Grid. That is basically how you have to level each character in this game. Each character in the game adds a new branch to the grid once they become playable, and the branches range in size from 4-23 ability/support/power-up skills a piece. There are 21 characters in all, so this come out to be a taxing task to say the least.

This isn't made any better by the lack of environments. This can be said about any hack-and-slash game, but Bleach seemed particularly hollow (hoo HOO!) and bland. The story in crammed into short loading sections before each stage, but most non-Bleach fans won't be able to keep up with it to save their lives.

Really that just seems to be the problem with the entire game: it's just ok. Aside from the graphics, nothing really makes this title shine, nor does it do the Bleach series justice as far as scale and content goes. Avoid buying this one guys, and go get El Shaddai or Deus Ex. I know I wish I had. XC

Reel it back in, Ichi!: the Bleach Mega Catch-up (Bleach 441-446)

So it's been a while, yea? Well, instead of boring you with a bunch of small reviews, I'm going to consolidate the reviews that I would have done for each series into a mega review for each series. Therefore this is going to be chapters 441-446 of Bleach, but I will indicate a change in chapter with a link to the chapter itself.

So without further adieu, Ikuze!

[441] We open Ichigo paying a visit to Ikami, asking her to let him take off a couple more weeks from work, presumable to train. Ikumi, with Kauru listening in from the back room, begs for Ichigo to trust her with his secret, but instead, he thanks her and bolts.


Heading to Ginjo, he begs for two things: an explanation and training. Ginjo, happy to oblige him with both, starts with the explanation, telling Ichigo that Tsukishima, Xcution's former leader and a powerful Fullbringer, helped them formulate the plan to use a shinigami to cleanse Fullbringers of their powers, but suddenly killed the shinigami and went rogue. As proof of the events, Ginjo holds up a shinigami badge. He also explains that he is behind the attacks on his comrades and reveals that the second stage of his training is nearly prepped.

Wait, what did he do . . . oh, yeah now I remember. Sorry, it been a while. X'D

Leaving, Ichigo spies his father hanging out around a street light outside Xcution's lounge. Hiding behind a wall, Ichigo observes as Isshin meets with Urahara; Isshin suggests that they should move on, just in case, and they do. (speculative comment: Is it possible that Isshin helped Urahara look into the power of Fullbringers with using Ichigo as a subject? Could his special mix of human and shinigami blood triggered his ability to master both? This would also seem to suggest that Urahara purposefully imbued Ichigo with hollow/Visored abilities, wanting to see the limits of his greatest subject to date.)

Urahara, what have you done?

Ichigo is left to ponder this trusted duo's true intentions with Ginjo's words echoing in his head, but soon decides to focus on regaining his powers first. Coming back the next day to the lounge, Ichigo sees Rurika waiting with a fish tank on a table. After allowing him to enter, we see Jackie Tristan waiting in ankle-high water with dirt underneath, and before you know it, the fight is on!

Funny story, he also has boots made for walking.

[442] Jackie activates her Fullbring "Dirty Boots" and seems to disappear right before Ichigo's eyes. Barely managing to dodge her first advance, Ichigo quickly goes on the defensive, carefully dodging and weaving away from Jackie. This fight is absolutely fantastic, and it only gets better in 443, but we will get to that later. Meanwhile, Inoue finally calls Chad to talk about the recent events and her encounter with Tsukishima.

Now you see me, . . .

She reveals that for a moment, she felt as if she knew Tsukishima from some far distant past, even going so far as to call him a friend. Chad fears the worst in Tsukishima's ability, which he believes may allow him to plant memories or project false pasts into a targets mind. Tsukishima, on the other hand, is thinking about heading directly for his target.


[443] Ichigo and Jackie are still going at it. "Dirty Boots," as the name suggests, refers to the power bonus her Fullbring provides as her boots become more and more sullied. The imperfections came come in the form or blood, dirt, mod, crap, whatever. Obvious a fish tank with plenty of available mud does not bode well for Ichigo, as Jackie announces that she plans to get more aggressive in her attacks, in order for Ichigo to evolve his Fullbring attacks. Seeing him attacking blindly, Jackie picks apart Ichigo's technique move by move, avoiding all three of his attacks before launching a counter; the attacks, however, are a feign by Ichigo, who offers up a powerful counter of his own. Jackie, seeming to have some to an understanding about Ichigo's ability, speculates that he took the brunt of all of her hits so that he could counter with even more power.

[444] Meanwhile Chad arrives to talk to Ginjo about Tsukishima's abilities and reveals to him the what Inoue confided in him. Ginjo waves off Chad's concern, saying that he know the extent of Tsukishima's abilities and Fullbring abilities never evolve. An interesting concept, that Fullbrings have a set max, like a tiered tower; however I would be far from surprised if it turned out that Tsukishima had found a way to bend that rule.

Back in the tank, during a momentary lapse in the battle, Ichigo's badge goes haywire, and dozens of black tendrils begin consume the right side of his body. Fearing the worst, Jackie calls off the training but Ichigo begs her to reconsider, saying that he has always had it this hard. They go back at it, and outside the tank, Ginjo tells Chad to see what Ishida remembers about his attack, fearing that the one who attacked them both might not be Tsukishima; all of a sudden the man of the hour cuts through the door of the lounge.

Go Tsukishima!!! Use Cut!

While everyone stands around dumbfounded, Tsukishima Cuts the tank in two, releasing Ichigo and Jackie. When the dust settles, Ichigo stands before Tsukishima half-cloaked in a Shinigami outfit produced by his Fullbring with half a zanpakuto.


[445] Chad describes his Fullbring as a "clad-type," remarking that his bankai had a similar effect, while Jackie lies bleeding on the floor. Impressed by Ichigo's progress, Tsukishima attacks using Book of the End but is blocked easily by Ichigo. Chad, wanting to protect Ichigo, blasts a hole though a wall, ejecting Tsukishima out of the lounge. Ichigo follows Chad outside and overhears him and Ginjo talking about Inoue's attacker, exciting him into a vengeful rage.

A natural Ace at Fullbringing, Ichigo knocks Tsukishima into the air, then chasing after him by Fullbringing the concrete roof and the air. Tsukishima blocks the attack; Ichigo still unstable Fullbring fractures on his left arm, allowing Tsukishima to easily kick Ichigo back to earth. Diving at a defenseless Ichigo, Tsukishima seems to have won this fight, but like lightning, Ginjo intervenes.

[446] He knocks out Ichigo, then turns to Tsukishima. They duel for a bit before Ginjo releases a massive amount of energy around his blade and strikes at Tsukishima, who predicts his attack nicking Ginjo on the forehead with his countering blow. As building crumble about them, Ichigo jumps back into the fray. Tsukishima blocks his attack, but then he notices Ichigo's Fullbring going berserk again, starting to engulf his head in darkness (are we close to seeing a Fullbring version of his sadistic side?). Knocking him back, Tsukishima seems impressed by Ichigo's current power, which apparently has been dubbed "Invaders-Must-Die."

And we can't wait to see it!

Right then, several black panels fly out from behind Ichigo's head, and start connecting together in front of Tsukishima . . .

And now we're back on track, and I have to say I'm excited for upcoming future of Bleach. Most likely in the next 5 chapters, we will see some significant changes in both Ichigo's and (given the preview text seen at the end of 446) Inoue's powers, culminating the the first of many battles with Tsukishima and his disciples. My only question is, when will Soul Society get involved? Do they even know about what is going on, or are they purposefully choosing to ignore these developments? Stay tuned and we'll find out together!

Shot Through the Heart, and You're To Blame . . . (Bleach 440)

The chase is on as we begin Chapter 440 of Bleach, as Chad and Ichigo are now hot on the trail of Inoue, who is emitting peculiar reiatsu patterns. Ichigo is obviously very concerned, but his is still in a weakened state from the training he just completed. Chad cannot lock onto her precise location, but Ichigo notices that it seems to be coming from the direction of her apartment.

Meanwhile, at the Justice League, Inoue stands between Tsukishima and Shishigawara, vowing to not let the former leave with holding him accountable for injuring Ishida. Tsukishima scoffs at Inoue's assertion as she contemplates her battle strategy. As Tsukishima turns to leave, Inoue seizes the opportunity to activate Santen Kesshun, but is countered instantly by Tsukishima, appearing behind her.

Just then, Ichigo and Chad arrive to find a perplexed, yet unscathed Inoue standing alone by her apartment door. She claims to have just have experienced a stomach ache after her "friend" left. Bewildered by her own response, referring to Tsukishima as "friend," she tells Chad that she will text him later, so as to not get Ichigo involved (as Inoue is unaware of Ichigo's recent exploits), and plays along with the ruse.

Suspecting that there is much more to this that both Inoue and Chad are letting on, Ichigo returns to the Xcution headquarters, where Kuugo reveals to him the true source of the attacks on his friends: Xcution's former ally and fellow Fullbringer, Tsukishima.

After witnessing Inoue's response to Tsukishima's attack, you have to wonder if his Fullbring, Book of the End, has other special properties, such as some sort of mind-manipulating poison or something like that. Possibly poisoned works, or something of that line, to fit with the book theme. Only time will tell I guess. This chapter was quite solid, a good 9/10 with much to look forward to in the chapters to come.

. . . And the Bag is in the River . . . (Bleach 439)

Bleach 439 is live and a go! Looks like we are still dealing with the aftermath of Ichigo's training will finding out a bit more about the newly introduced antagonist, Shūkurō Tsukishima. If you have been keeping up with the manga lately then you know a bit about Tsukishima, in that he is the bastard responsible for the attack on Ishida!He also revealed himself to Inoue, who is now stuck between him and one of his cronies, Shishigawara.

Things start to get a bit more serious in 439, as Mr. Pork starts freaking out over the fact that he was kidnapped; really, he's being a big baby about it, yelling and screaming like a toddler who had his toy stolen from him my a magical puppeteer who locks people in dollhouses. Seriously, grow up dude. Riruka shuts him up quickly, gives him a phone so that she can use him whenever the occasion arises, then orders Ichigo to go home and rest. Kuugo seconds this opinion, adding that a couple more days of powerlessness couldn't hurt lil' Ichi. And then there was Inoue . . .

Kuugo gives Ichigo a steer warning against training to hard.

Oh, Inoue. How do you manage to stumble into some of the worst possible situations possible? Will you never learn? Bah . . .

Right when things start to get awkward, Tsukishima breaks the tension by scolding Shishigawara, ordering to take his proper punishment like a man. What's the sentence? Death. He closes his book, removes the bookmark and initiates his Fullbring, Book of the End, which makes his bookmark take the form of a katana. Inoue says she can't let the attack on Uryu go unavenged, and we cut to Chad and Ichigo heading back to their homes.

Tsukishima unleashing his R.O.D.-esk Fullbring, Book of the End.

Chad's complaining about accepting Inoue's bread baskets and offers Ichigo half of whatever she has left for him today; arriving at this door, though, Chad senses traces of Inoue's reiatsu, but it feels . . . off. In shock, Chad shouts out to Ichigo that something must be happening to Inoue, and we can only assume that Tsukishima is the cause.

This chapter is another nice bridge, with enough suspense and answers to keep you reading throughout. 7.5/10, I guess. Not terrible, but nothing really stuck out really, other than Tsukishima.

'Knuckle Down' and Grit Through it! The Ends Justify the Means! (Bleach 438)

What can possibly follow one of the best chapters of Bleach in resent arcs? Some sneezing, self-punishment and a merchant of death. But enough talk, let's hop right in!

If you have not read 438, then click here.

Bleach is really starting to heat up now that Ichigo isn't just a useless baby anymore. Of course, they still need to tie-up some loose ends before moving along with Ichi's training, while creating even more questions about the true nature of Ichigo's Fullbring. After Riruka breaks her Fullbring, Ichigo notices something odd about his badge: it seems to be talking.

Elsewhere, Inoue has her own problems to deal with, as she is confronted by Moe Shishigawara, a punk who can't beat up girls. After a slip of the tongue, Moe slips that he may have been responsible for Uryu's attack, and Inoue preps for battle. Suddenly, Uryu's real attacker appears, sticking fear into the heart of both Moe and Inoue. OMG NO! After what's been going on with MSPA, I can't take anymore main character deaths!

But he can't strike her! How could you break such a beautiful frame?!?

439-442 should be a blast, depending on exact goes down between Moe, Inoue and (slight spoiler) Tsukishima. Just have to wait and see. 6/10

Well That's Something I Did Nazi Coming (Bleach 436 & 437)

Hey all! How's it hanging? Sorry about the absence, I haz so many irons in the fire. In fact, I have all of them. ALL OF THEM!!! Anywho, time to catch up on some Bleach, eh? I figure no one will mind me merging my review and impressions of the last two chapters into one review, since 436 is kinda boring. If you do have a problem with this, take it up with the complaint department.

So 436 really felt like a filler chapter, as nothing really happens that advances the plot. In fact, when I was going to do the review of 437, I forgot that I hadn't done 436, since it just re-affirms some long standing ideas that I held about the story. The only cool part about the chapter involved the revelation of Giriko's Fullbring ability, "Time Tells No Lies."

It seems that Giriko can put a timer on any object, and if the conditions of the timer a broken, that object and any other object linked to that timer are consumed by the flames of time. Pretty cool, eh? I look forward to seeing this ability in action later on in the series, but for now, it is quite the ingenious way of framing a training exercise.

After that, there is more running and yelling, with the obligatory flash back to Ichigo's and Chad's pasts, and suddenly we are in chapter 437, where all the awesome shit happens.

First off, let me say that a battle-swastika is one of the best ideas ever. I don't support the Nazi agenda in any way, form or fashion, but you have to admit that the weapon looks cool as shit.

Anyway, this Fullbring ability seems to to have similar properties to Zangetsu flange attack, but it can only maintain that power as long as Ichigo is holding the badge (awww, no swastiken!). he can use it as a shield, and he is also able to produce a Getsuga Tenshou release from the Fullbring.

This chapter is a definite 10/10 for this scene alone, but it doesn't end there. You'll see . . .

As for chapter 436, eh. 5/10. Kinda forgettable, imo.

. . .And This Little Piggie Cried, "I'm Gonna F^ck!ng Kill You!!!" (Bleach 435)

Oh the Bleach train keeps chug-chug-chugging along. Next stop? PIG BATTLE!!!

That's right, Bleach 435 picks up in Riruka's Doll House, with Ichigo training against a giant pig doll to help him get in touch with his Fullbring abilities. Honestly it's become more interesting than I originally anticipated, but it's still in it's infancy right now. There is definitely some potential for 436 to be really fantastic.

It's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality.

As Ichi runs from the stuffed menace, he begs Riruka for a hint on how to unleash his potential. Scoffing at his inquiry, she notes that there are not hints or secrets. All of the members of Xcution have had these powers since birth, with no clues on how to control them or to harness their full abilities. At that moment, the pig-bear starts to talk!

Yesh, Ichigo he can talk. He can also kill.

Turns out that Riruka kidnapped a member of the yakuza and sealed his soul into the pig-bear, making him a . . . OMG MANBEARPIG!!! N0t only that, it is on a 15-minute timer. What happens when the timer is up? Well, I guess we'll see, in time. What we do know is that he doesn't kill Ichigo within the time limit, he'll be stuck inside the Doll House forever.

As Ichigo flees will concocting a strategy, Chad enters and gets the news: Ichigo is in a fight for his life with no knowledge of how to defend himself. Ripping the lid off the Doll House, Chad slips Ichi some knowledge: he should use his Shinigami Badge, for it is something that he deeply cares for and always has on him. Ichigo agrees, but right as he reaches for the badge, the time goes out. And all hell breaks loose.

I believe there is a term for this type of scenario: ohfuckrunweregonnadie.

Like I said, the next chapter looks exciting, but this one mainly filler till then. 7/10. Until next week, folks.

This is About to Get Really, REALLY Boring, Isn't It?(Bleach 434)

So Bleach 434 has been out for a bit now, and it's . . . um, insightful. Not the best, no, but hey not everything can be. The best, that is. Blah, anyway on to the recap.

Yuzu and Karin are staying up late, waiting for Ichigo to return. He's been missing now for two days, so Karin says. Right as they start to get into it, Ichogo walks in, cool as sh!t, tells them to go to bed, and cruises up to his room. So cool.
The next day, Ichi is summoned to the Fullbring lounge by Jingou for some training with Riruka, who bursts in screaming as always. She kicks down the door, caring a box, and , of course, yelling. Yukio, playing a PSP (I assume) comments about he tired of seeing her panties every time she enters the room, and more fighting ensues, although it's a bit one sided.
The box, which is very cute by the way, is one of objects of focus. It seems that she can freely insert and remove items or people from her Doll House. This plaything, she says, will become Ichigo's training camp. Flicking a heart onto his chest, Riruka draws Ichi into the Doll House, and orders him to bring out his Fullbring powers in order to survive a fantastic scene from "Akira".
Eh, this chapter was OK, I guess. Story-wise, that is. 6/10, but I think that might be pushing it a bit. The next chapter might be better, But I think that this whole Doll House bit might just suck over all.

And the Big Reveal! (Bleach 433)

Hey guys! Sorry about the long drought, it's been a weird week. I though I was going to start class, but now I'm going to be sitting here til next Tuesday. Yay? It's like some cruel joke. "What, you want to start your last semester and get out of school? TOO BAD BITCH!"

Anyway you don't want to hear me complain about not being able to start class. You want to hear about Bleach and Kamen Rider! No OOO right now, but I do have a review that I have been meaning to post about Episode Yellow. But first, Bleach 433, the return of Chad!

So in the last chapter, we ended with Chad and Ichigo being reunited in the lounge of Xcution. We start 433 with the two standing face-to-face, with Ichigo absolutely dumbfounded by what he see. Raging, Ichi starts demanding answers from Jingou, who calms him quickly, then requests a drink for Chad while he explains how and why Xcution plan to restore Ichigo's power.

Turns out that Jingou and the others' powers come from, in part, Hollows. Each Fullbringer has a parent who was attacked by a Hollow. A residual amount of that energy from the Hollow was then transferred to the child upon their birth, thus manifesting itself into powers such as Jingou's. The Fullbringers gathered in Xcution to help erase themselves of their acquired abilities, which can only be done if they can transfer their powers into a person who has both human and shinigami powers. Who do we know like that? Hmmmm. . .

So here's the deal: Xcution will help Ichigo gain his powers back in exchange for him taking their powers, therefore restoring the humanity of the members of the group. Sounds. . .suspicious, but even Chad is in for it. Turns out that he is also a Fullbringer (I still suspect that Inoue is as well, but we might not find that out till much later), and he fully supports any plan to restore Ichigo back to his former glory.

Reluctantly, Ichigo agrees to the plan (bad idea dude), and Xcution become bound to Ichigo. Things are about to start going down soon, but I'm not sure that either Ichigo or Chad have fully though this through yet. . .

Overall, 6.85/10 for the chapter. Not perfect but exciting, and it was a decent resolution of the 432 cliffhanger.

Wait, Do What Now? (Bleach 432)

So sorry folks, a major combi of work and family crap has kept me off the net for a bit, but I'm back with a review of Bleach 432, among other things. So let's get on with it!

So we open with Ruruka (you remember her, the loud mouth companion of Juugo) picking up another one of their comrades. Seems to be the strong silent type, as he can just barely put up with with her yapping.

Cut back to Ichigo and the Xcution gang. It seems as if Ichigo is just as surprised as I was with what Juugo said in the last chapter. To calm his jets, Juugo decides explain this bit by bit over drinks. It seems as if Juugo is "human" with the ability to draw souls out from matter and re-purpose them. He can, for instance, draw the soul of liquid out and use it to force it into his mouth.

His powers don't end there. He can also change the form of an object if he has a high compatibility with it, which he demonstrates by changing his necklace into a sword. He calls this ability "Fullbring," and it sounds very much like what Inoue can do with her hairpin. You could even say that Chad and Ishida's abilities are also akin to this fullbring ability, as Chad has a strong link to the necklace his grandfather gave him; Ishida focues through the Quincy equipment.

All of a sudden, Riruka bursts in, with her guests. And you'll never guess who it is: Chad Sado! Better yet, he doesn't seem surprised at all! WTF is going on?!?

First of, the ending and explanation of these new abilities makes this chapter a pure 10/10, hands down. Can't wait for the next chapter just to see what Chad's role is in all of this.

Where in the world is Sado-kun? (Bleach 431)

So things are getting kinda crazy in Karakura Town. Ishida is out of commission (spoiler alert! . . . oh . . .), Sado is out of contact and Kurosaki is in contact with some shady bedfellows known as Xcution. Bleach 431 picks up with Ichigo still on the phone with the Xcution's concierge, who gives him some odd instructions for contacting Juugo.

Call twice, hang up a weird intervals and the third call puts you though to the man? Who they hell does that? Anyway Ichigo finally gets through and requests a meeting time with Juugo. He still doesn't trust him (I wouldn't either, that MoFo is really creepy), but where else can he turn?

Later on at Karakura High, Inoue catches Ichigo in the hallway. To be more accurate, Inoue crawls through a window to ask Ichigo if he has seen Sado-kun recently, 'cause that is normal. Well I guess for Inoue that is . . .

She reveals that Sado hasn't been seen in a couple of days (worst fears are starting to come back again), and proceeds to ask Ichigo out on a date to find the big teddy bear (too far?). Ichigo declines, stating that he has plans, which we find out meeting Juugo in a creepy alley in a creepy part of town.

Inoue goes over to Sado's anyway with a sack of bread and a worried soul. With the worlds of Kyuken still ringing in her ears, she tries to repress the idea of Sado lying in some ditch ( . . . oh, I just made myself sad again . . .) and leaves him some bread to help him recover some strength.

Meanwhile in a dark alley in a bad part of town, Ichigo tries not to get raped while waiting for Juugo. The shady character finally shows, and leads Ichi into a rundown building with a keycard-access door. After sliding his card, Juugo opens the door to reveal a GIGANTIC lounge with three men inside waiting. One of them is Kutsuzawa, the other two are brand new.

Juugo explains off the room causally, then reveals Xcution's true purpose for drawing Ichigo closer: to jump-start his shinigami powers. Dun-dun-duuuuuuuun!

Holy hidden objectives, Batman, we've got ourselves a plot twist! All this time I feared that they were the cause of Ishida's attack and Sado's disappearance (I still do, 'cause these guys can't be trusted) because they wanted to eliminate all the competition in Karakura Town before they started a grand assault. Turns out they just want what I want: for Ichigo to get back to kicking some Hollow ass. But for what purpose? Only time will tell. I just hope that they find Sado soon, and we can worry about the rest of the ramifications later.

Guess that will have to wait another week. As for this chapter, I'd rate it a 9/10 simple because of the twist. Yeah it's slow to develop, but the payoff was well worth it. It definitely gets you stoked for next week's chapter.

Ishida, You Crazy Fool . . . (Bleach 430)

I know, I know, I'm late to the party. Finals and such got in the way. Anyway, what have we missed in the world of Bleach?

It looks like Inoue made it back home OK, and she seems to be fantasizing about her visit to Ichigo's. Wow, she's got one active imagination. And a hard head. BTW, who the hell has a ring-tone that's just someone saying, "It's alright?" Maybe I'm just missing the reference here, but WTF mate? Anyway, seems as if she's been contacted about Ishida.

Meanwhile, back at the Kurosaki residence, Karin and Yuzu are eating dinner, chatting about their big bro. Karin starts talking 'bout masturbation and creeps Yuzu out, making he run away from the table in shame. As Karin begins to speculate about her bad mood, she spots Ichigo rushing out the door. Before she can stop him, he's out the door. Where's he off to?

Same place an Inoue, the Ishida reference. Looks as if Uryu called the gang to the Karakura Hospital to let 'em know what's going on. The only one who's missing is Chad, who's at work according to Inoue (damn, does everyone have a job now?). Ryuken's already patched up the young Quincy, and, of course, is kinda pissed that he called the gang in to see him in such a sorry state.

Ichigo tries to get some info out of him, all in vain. Funny, Uryu calls everyone to let 'em know what's going on, and yet he tells them nothing. Ichigo and Inoue get ready to head out, and Ichigo offers to walk her home. It's late, and nobody wants to see her get raped or anything (wow, that subject has been popping up alot lately). Ryuken, however, offers to give her a ride home, in his classic creepy style.

Ichigo runs off home. After he's gone, Ryuken reveals that he's not sure what attack his son, but it's not a hollow or shinigami. In fact, it's nothing he's ever encountered before. In fact, he's not even sure if the energy residue left on Uryu's wound is reiatsu, technically. He didn't want ot say anything in front of Ichigo, 'cause he doesn't want to get someone who's powerless involved into the matter. Ryuken has be able to deduce that the enemy is human, and is most likely after those will similar powers, suchas Chad and Inoue.

Oh crap! Chad's not answering his phone either! I certainly hope he is OK! I'd hate to have another chapter like last weeks . . .

Across town, Ichigo is frustrated with his weakness, to the point of absolute desperation. Remember that card that Juugo gave him? Well, it seems there a lot more to that than was explained. Ichigo dials the number on back, and gets in touch with the Xcution's Concierge desk, who asks him to register his number as he's a new member to the program. The concierge says that they have been expecting his call and welcomes him to Xcution . . .

Really, I was just glad to see that Ishida was OK, but once that was over, the rest of the chapter was rather dull, save a couple of moments. Ryuken's speculations confirm my worst fears, which means that there is a new breed of villain on the loose in Karakura town. And it is human. :-T Worst yet, it seems as if Ichigo might be getting more and more tangled up with them. And we still don't know exactly what Juugo is after, or what he wants Ichigo to find out about Isshin. Even still, I can't give this chapter anything higher than a 5/10. Next week's should be ballz crazy though.

This Chapter Makes Me Sad (Bleach 429)

I really love this chapter, I just am not looking forward to reviewing it. The plot developments are fantastic, but so heart wrenching. So read this before you read the rest of this review. Go ahead I'll wait.


Caught up? Good. So now that you're crying too. Well recap time, then I guess, if I can hold it together. (T-T) Sniff, sniff.

After Juugo reveals his identity to Ichigo, he hands him something off screen and leaves. There is still a void of trust between Ichi and Juugo, but it seems as if they might be able to work together in the future. Ichigo returns home to find Yuzu waiting with her first test score in hand. A 95%! Way to go! He congratulates her, then goes on to try and find Isshin, who's nowhere to be found.

Yuzu says he hasn't been out all day. Right before Ichigo retreats to this room, Yuzu starts to ask him something, then stops. Perhaps she senses that something is wrong, that she can tell he brother is stressing over Juugo and the revelations that came with his unusual appearance. Once upstairs, Ichigo hears Inoue Calling to him from the street, carrying leftover bread from her bakery.

After letting her up (and some fidgeting), Inoue asks if anything or anyone is bothering Ichigo. Her intuition is telling her that something is off with Ichigo, but our macho hero dismisses her concerns. Ishida shows up, senses Inoue and decided to leave them be.

Ok, now I'm not sure if I can get through this next part. Time to buck up!

Ishida sees a stranger reading a book on top of a roof. Weird! Giving chase, Ishida tries to analyze this man's fighting style, seeing as he's going incredibly fast without changing the spiritual particles around him. He doesn't look like Kutsuzawa, who we meet in the last chapter, but objects seem to fizzle after he touches them. Could he a a Quincy? I doubt it, but he could be some sort of hybrid (like the Visored and such). He does kinda look like Zangetsu though . . .


Back at the Kurosaki residence, Isshin is still not home. Ichigo finally reveals to us what Juugo gave him: a black card with a magnetic strip on the back labeled: "Welcome to our Xcution."


Ichigo senses some disturbance outside, and we get a glance at the scene outside: it's Ishida, lying on the ground and missing an arm. OMG ISHIDA NO!!!!!!!!!!

I. . .I can't do this anymore. See you guys tomorrow, for the OOO 11 review.

Oh Ishida, why. . .

Hell Arc Special, The Movie Tie-ins begin

Sup all! Bleach 429 is still being translated, but there is a special movie tie-in chapter out now. I haven't seen much info on the new movie, but given the way the arc starts, it sounds like it might be pretty interesting.



So the chapter opens to someone stating that the gate to hell will not open. Which is a good thing right? I mean I only remember it being in one chapter early on the series, and it was scary as shit then. I don't think anyone really wants to see it open. Anyway, the story goes on to show Szayel Aporro Granz and Aaroniero Arruruerie crash-landing in some forsaken wasteland. It's definitely not Hueco Mundo, it could be Kansas, but who know at this point.


Aaroniero, the idiot that he is, gets pissed off at Szayel (he might have goaded him on a tad . . .), and decides to try and absorb him into his Resurrección: Glotonerí, when suddenly a strange man butts into the duel (that seems to happen alot, but whateves).

The man's name is Shuren, and he reveals that both men (? I really don't know how to classify Aaroniero other than an abomination, but 'man' will do for now) are already dead and the is no escaping their fate. Shuren is accompanies by three fearsome-looking allies: Taikon, Gunjou and Garogai.

Szayel calls shenanigans, and attacks. Bad decision.

Cow Days
Tags: SOUTH
PARKmore...

Shuren fucks his shit, even after he tries to release a Grand Rey Cero. Aaroniero even tries to take on Shuren's three coadjutor, to no avail. Disappointed a bit in their power levels, Shuren holds up a black lantern with an image of Ichigo's full-hollowfication form, stating that he is the only one with the power to open to door to hell.



I don't know about you, but now I really excited about the new movie. Tite Kibo said that he has personally put in a lot of work on the script and storyline, so it's going to be true to his vision of the series. Unfortunately there will probably not be a translation ready for a couple of months, but it's definitely made it onto my wishlist. It looks like this is the only pre-movie chapter, though. Hopefully 429 will be up tonight, and I'll get to is after I get off of work. I also have reviews of new the Kamen Rider movie and OOO episode incoming, so hold tight for those. Later!

Kuugo Jingou's his name, but what the hell is his game? (Bleach 428 summary & review)

Finally, Bleach 428 is out, and it's pretty good. I have hoping to read it while I was cooking a bunch of crap yesterday, but beggars can't always be choosers. :-/
428 opens in Ikumi's shops, where Ichigo is still discussing a new job with their strange client , the Unnamed Stranger. Things are starting to heat up, when Ikumi shoves her hot-ass face into the scene again, stating that their will take up the job, but the guy has to leave.
U.S. leaves his contact info, and slips out the door, delivering one final warning to Ichigo to see what's going on at Urahara's shop once he gets a chance. Outside, U.S. is stopped by some more strangers, who we take as his companions. One is a young girl with pony tails named Riruka, the other a middle-aged man with an eye-patch and a nice suit named Giriko Kutsuzawa. Both parties seem disappointed in U.S.'s efforts to recruit Ichigo to their cause, whatever that might be (Riruka even offers to try and bang him), but U.S. quickly and decisively gets them to disperse so that they are not heard and caught.

Meanwhile and Urahara's shop, Jinta gets molested while Karin goes over some products with Urahara. She seems to be stocking up on spirit deterring items and sprays in order to protect a powerless Ichigo. Karin's powers have definitely improved, evident in the fact the she is able to pretty accurately gauge her brother reiatsu levels.
As she leaving, Ichigo pokes his head out from a around a corner. He's kinda concerned about what he seeing, but not so much so . . . until U.S. shows up. He says that Ichigo and his family cannot trust Urahara, as nothing in his history suggests that he is a trust worthy guy (i.e. Rukia's gigai). If he want's to protect his family, Ichigo must to find out more about his past, and more about Urahara. Still stunned, Ichigo asks U.S. his name. ". . . Jingou. Kuugo Jingou."

Interesting chapter, with some great plot development. I'd give it a 9/10, especially since we final have a name for ol' U.S. But what is Kuugo's game? He obviously needs/wants something from Ichigo, which probably requires his to regain his abilities and/or to rid himself of Urahara's influence. How far will this have to go though? Will he have to sever ties with the Visored, because of their strong ties to Urahara? What about Ishida, who now is one of Urahara's employees? Or is Kuugo just trying to sever all of his ties with any Shinigami?

I'm not too sure at this point, only because we don't know that much about Kuugo. He is obviously familiar with the Shinigami order, which is evident with his familiarity with the Shinigami Badge. My guess? Kuugo and friends are either something completely new, rouge Shinigamis or rouge Visored. Still to early to tell for sure though.

Next week: WTF is up with Urahara and will we find out more about Kugo and friends?

Hopefully OOO 11 will be up soon, so keep an eye out for that as well.