Throughout the years

Throughout the years
"DON'T LOSE YOUR WAY!"

5/31/2013

Bleach Segment Fridays (#1) - Look at this beast!

So as you know this is Friday's first Bleach segment - the thing in Bleach that stood out. It could be a character, something in the plot, or just a moment in Bleach. In my opinion, what stood out was Sajin's great grandfather. I mean Ichigo saying Goodbye to Ichigo is a nice twist to the story because Zangetsu has been with him from the start, but look at this monster - LOOK AT THIS BEAST! He means business when he says he'll kick Sajin's Ass. Here's a picture of him. You see how big in comparison he is to Sajin. Man if this thing were in front of me, I'd piss my pants, run away screaming, and be like "He's gonna crush my puny body!" So I thought this welcome addition to Sajin's character development is interesting and this secret technique of his, I wanna know what it's capable of and what it will do to the Vandenreich. What damage it'll do and the magnitude will be in the end.

So that concludes Friday's first Bleach segment. Short, sweet, and to the point. See you all on Sunday for Throwbacks. Make sure to vote on the poll. Your vote counts.

- Stillmattic

5/30/2013

Bigger & Better Things (Update)

So I've been pondering about about Bleach (of course) and began to question, am I only posting from time to time and not daily? Bleach chapter reviews are every Wednesday or whenever the chapter's released and making polls is posted monthly, but I can't do it without you ladies and gentlemen. The poll is almost done and there are barely if none votes. If this continues, I will take down the polls and post them every other month (see what'll happen then). As of now, I am gettin' back into posting and will continue to do so. Here is my schedule of how things will go about.

Mondays - Who would win in a fight Mondays.
What is it: I make a comparison of Bleach characters to other popular franchises. It'd be interesting to see who'll win in the confrontation (strictly opinion, but feel free to express yourselves) w/pictures and opinion on who'd win.


Wednesdays - Bleach Chapter Reviews Wednesdays (w/Spoilers)
What is it: Daily Bleach reviews on latest chapter released w/picture + grade.


Fridays - Bleach Segment Fridays 
What is it: What stood out in Bleach weekly - characters, plot, powers, etc. w/picture.


Sundays - Throwback Sundays
What is it: Revisiting the origins of Bleach and beyond w/pictures.

Look forward to it folks. Tomorrow will be first Bleach segment of the Week.

- Stillmattic

5/29/2013

Throwback #3 (The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry) (Pt 3-Finale)

So Imma try and keep this short for you guys since Ichigo has been through a lot and we're wrapping up the beginning stages of him being a Substitute Soul Reaper. So Orihime & Chad have powers of their own, Uryuu is a Quincy, Kon (nuff said about a Mod Soul), and Rukia is finding it difficult to adjust to a Gigai. Ichigo, on the other hand, is kicking ass & taking names, taking down Hollows as well as discovering what it's like to be a Shinigami. There is, however, one particular moment in Ichigo's becoming a Shinigami that'll change him forever - encountering his mother's killer: Grand Fisher. A monster that took Masaki's life when Ichigo was just a boy, scarring him. With his Dad and two sisters, Ichigo has carry the burden of his family as well as the responsibilities of a Shinigami. Whereas Grand Fisher is content with doing what he does most - tricking and eating people, Ichigo id disgusted by this, falls to tears, and goes all crazy on this Hollow. Not only did this Hollow influence Ichigo to become stronger as a person, but it reminds us of the pain Ichigo has had to endure and meeting the murderer right before his eyes - perfect opportunity for revenge.


Atop of Ichigo's one-man stand against Grand Fisher, Rukia herself is having trouble. She sees that her remaining power is disappearing and she is becoming more human-like by the second, meaning that her body wouldn't be able to return to the Soul Society if she completely turned human in her Gigai body. So what will she do? Running away seems to be the only option as she begs Ichigo & Kon to keep their mouths shut and not do a thing or else. Well that turned out quite unexpected as two Shinigami come to pick up Rukia, sentencing her pretty much for her crimes. This leads Ichigo to encounter these two men: Renji Abarai & Byakuya Kuchiki, Rukia's friend and older brother (Nee-Sama). Ichigo terribly loses and thus has to train himself in order to rescue Rukia from execution. Ichigo questions why Byakuya's brother would betray his own sister, but the needs of the Soul Society outweigh Rukia's need to stay alive and live with her crimes. Leaving Ichigo nearly dead and Rukia disappointed w/Ichigo's sudden actions to help her out despite her pleas to not, what can Strawberry do against high-level Shinigami?

This is where we conclude it all with a training montage with Ichigo and Kisuke Urahara, former captain of the 12th Division exiled/banished from Soul Society. Here, we discover Ichigo learning of his own power, Zanpaktou, and his own potential as a Shinigami. He earns his Shikai, has a new sword, and Team Ichigo (Ichigo, Orihime, Uryu, & Chad) - he is now ready to embark on an adventure to save Rukia, haul ass, and return home - without dying of course. Urahara is Ichigo's guide as he trains him and opens a gateway to Soul Society. We then see Benihime, Urahara's Zanpaktou in its Shikai state, and what it's capable of doing compared to Ichigo's bland broadsword w/out a name.

Ichigo now must battle for his life alongside his friends to save Rukia and discover that the world he has come to known about the Shinigami is a mysterious, dangerous, and astonishing place full of strong Shinigami, unique Zanpaktou capabilities, and secrets that'll change Soul Society - for better or worse.

LOOK FOR BLEACH CHAPTER REVIEW BELOW. IT'S PRETTY LONG, BUT IT'S WELL WORTH THE READ!

Goodbye Slaying Moon (Grade A-)

So where did we leave off? The last chapter was a setup chapter w/everyone preparing to kick some major ass (or shall we say Major Payne). This week's Bleach chapter is a continuation of that with more characters shown and elaboration on Sajin & his Lord (later revealed to be his Great Grandfather). So to start, we see that Mayuri has some things planned as Akon and the rest of the 12th Division discover that Mayuri is making something, but what is it? A monster that could possibly be an Ally for the upcoming war? A specimen that could be a remnant of Hollows? Or perhaps a corpse of a Quincy that could be used as a war weapon against his/her own kind? Who knows and when Mayuri's involved, it's usually one of two things: Disturbingly Awesome or Horribly Comical (There is a difference by the way). And we have something we don't see everyday - Omaeda and his family. We catch a glimpse of Omaeda's cute sister who comically doesn't remotely look related to Omaeda in any sense and his glasses reading brother. Marechiyo then says that his captain ended up leaving him, meaning that Sui-Feng is in preparation for the upcoming war and Marechiyo would, in her case, just get in the way. This could also be a disciplinary action since I believe she had previously lost against the Vandenreich w/her Bankai stolen from her. She could be ashamed and like Toshiro, training their asses off from scratch. And now we have Sajin and his Great Grandfather discussing matters of Sajin's Clan as well as some sort of secret technique that could be used against the Vandenreich. So there is more of the Wolfpack, but Sajin, according to the big ass Wolf GG, is a disgrace for masking his appearance (look back at Sajin's old appearance before Kenpachi disposed of it). What is controversial in this is that the big ass Wolf wants nothing to do with the outside world and Sajin, but Sajin keeps on insisting that there's more to it - that there is a purpose in trying to save the world despite what the big ass Wolf thinks. This leads to a impasse in which the only way to  convince him otherwise is if Great Grandson and Great Grandfather fight. So who'll win? The big ass Wolf GG who talks big and probably has lotta experience or Sajin, the 7th captain of the Gotei 13? This I gotta see and if it is off screen for any reason, it could be one of two reasons: Save time or F it (which I hope isn't the case). Finally, the ast part of the chapter is Ichigo saying goodbye ro Zangetsu according to Oetsu Nimaiya of the Royal Guard. Forging Ichigo's newfound Bankai requires Water and that's why Oetsu's Phoenix Palace is placed on a Cliff. Oetsu's says (also the end of the Chapter) - "Ya gotta say Sayonara to yer Zangetsu!" I want to see the direction of this because Zangetsu has been there the entire time. This came about when Ichigo trained with Urahara and got his Shikai formed Zangetsu and later his Bankai would resurface. Zangetsu is the man and you know without Ichigo wielding him, then what's the point. I want to see if Ichigo would so easily abandon Zangetsu or the chance that he'll have a new Zanpaktou with a new name that is either equal to Zangetsu's awesomeness or lamer. Hope it's not cliche. Rukia contributed to Ichigo gaining Shinigami powers, but at the time he didn't have a Shikai. However, he all along had his own powers that are now resurfacing (Blood of Shinigami AND Quincy). So he is part Shinigami, Quincy, Visored, & Fullbringer. He ain't no ordinary human - he's 4 species w/orange hair and matching eyes to kick some serious ass from taking over the world.

Overall, pretty good setup once again for this chapter. Like last week's, Imma give it an A-. Look forward to next week's chapter ladies and gentlemen. It will most likely be LEGEN- (wait for it). Also look forward to Throwback #3 today posted above - DARY!

Grade A-

















Bleach Chapter 539: http://mangastream.com/read/bleach/38996499/1

Follow me on Blogger or YT - http://bleachzealot.blogspot.com/ or http://www.youtube.com/user/ichigoorihime1

5/28/2013

Throwback #2 (The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry) (Pt 2)

Sorry for the late delay, but something came up. So here is the 2nd installment on the The Death Trilogy Overture. Back when Ichigo saved Rukia from danger, Rukia was left a bit powerless and thus her encounter with Urahara left with the only option to have a Gigai. And so, Rukia helps out Ichigo in every way she can to preserve peace for the souls to pass on, fight off against Hollows, and retain a somewhat normal high school life w/Ichigo's friends: Orihime, Tatsuki, Chad, Keigo, and Mizuiro. However, things aren't as easy as Ichigo foresaw as Rukia's influence has greatly put a target on his back. Rukia, however, is determined to help out Ichigo until her powers return - even if it means to put on an "act" for all of Ichigo's friends. Rukia's influence has even caught the eye of the many female classmates, assuming Ichiruki is a thing, but Rukia denies that claim and simply says Ichigo is a good friend. Ichigo, ever since he got Shinigami powers, has influenced primarily two of his friends to be spiritually aware: Orihime Inoue & Chad Yasutora Sado. And thus begins Ichigo's struggle to preserve his secret from his classmates.


As Ichigo goes about fighting hollows, Orihime, Ichigo's friend, is as air-headed and kind as usual. There is one day that'll change Orihime forever. The day Orihime's leg was supposedly hurt, Rukia was  convinced that it perhaps could've been a Hollow that attacked her since the wound didn't look ordinary. Denying Ichigo's offer to walk her home after the accident, Orihime is suddenly attacked by Acidwire, a hollow that knows of Orihime Inoue. Turns out Acidwire is Sora, Orihime's deceased older brother, who took out Orihime's soul from her body as the Chain of Fate is remained unbroken, keeping her alive at the time. As the hero saves the damsel, the damsel realizes that she too has powers of her own known as Shun Shun Rikka. Orihime's encounter with Acidwire, Ichigo's influence, and Rukia's arrival, have greatly altered Orihime's destiny for the better. Now Orihime will later be part of Team Ichigo (Strawberry).

Chad, Ichigo's friend, is also a man who is now spiritually aware and has gained powers of his own thanks to Ichigo's influence & Rukia's arrival. Chad, like Orihime, kicks ass with his brute strength and tenacity. He, like Orihime, also faces a Hollow. Chad's history with Ichigo is that of mutual respect and trust. Ichigo saved him in the past from a group of thugs and made a promise to Ichigo to have his back and Ichigo his.

So this is the setup for the creation of Team Ichigo w/Uryuu Ishida being the last member to join. However, this is all to show Ichigo having a great influence and aspiring Orihime & Chad to find out of both their powers and their potential. With Hollows out and about, it won't be long before one man can stand alone and fight off against an army of monsters. It'll take more than just one man - it will take friends, side by side, to protect the peace and nature of Karakura Town. Ichigo now is not alone w/Orihime (Shun Shun Rikka), Chad (Brazo Derecha de Gigante - form 1), & Rukia (Shinigami). What I personally like about this setup is the friendship that grows with these characters and how they are willing to, like Ichigo, fight off against a common threat. The camaraderie of Ichigo, Orihime, Chad, Rukia, and later Uryuu is a powerful once because like Ichigo's promise to Chad in the past, they all have each others backs. It went from Rukia and Ichigo being the dynamic Hollow-Fighting Duo to it being a Team effort. What's more, this only became possible thanks to Rukia. Without her, none of this would happen to Orihime, Chad, and even Uryuu. Rukia, like Ichigo, has also influenced Ichigo and his friends to become stronger, to always have each other's backs, and to grow as special people gifted with talents that can preserve peace for Karakura. And through this friendship lies a promise to be kept that will shape them for the many battles they will venture forth.

Stay tune for the third and final installment of The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry Tomorrow + Bleach chapter review.

5/26/2013

Throwback #1 (The Death Trilogy Overture: Death & The Strawberry) (Pt. I)

With any franchise, there is always a beginning and though that beginning unfolds, unlocks, and unveils something wonderful. That, my friends, is the beginning of a journey you will take alongside any franchise you follow. So I'm here to give my insight on the very first Bleach episode of the series. This premiered on Adult Swim long ago and to this day, still continues every Saturday. I don't think I need to give much of a backstory on the series, but for those of you new to Bleach - I'll give you a quick little summary, insight on its origins, and points from the first arc throughout that'll lead up to what it'll be about later on. The chance encounter with Ichigo & Rukia (or Ichiruki).

Ichigo Kurosaki is your everyday teen who can see spirits, lives with a hyperactive and ecstatic Dad, and has two younger sisters. He helps spirits pass on and be at peace (shown when he beats up a bunch of thugs for knocking over a flower vase meant for a dead little girl). Everything changed once he met Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper (or Shinigami) designated in watching over Karakura Town. However, Rukia's powers were stolen when Ichigo agreed to help her out against a Hollow. And there's the first episode - Ichigo went from seeing spirits to a full-fledged Substitute Soul Reaper. 

So I'll say that the setup of this is pretty interesting because you see Ichigo's life go from normal to being all badass and whatnot. He not only took Rukia's powers, but now Rukia has to train him to fight off Hollows and other threats to Karakura Town while balancing his family's shenanigans, his high school life, & his own personal life as a teenager. Things take a turn for the better when Ichiruki are together, but with Hollows coming about left and right, will Ichigo be able to balance everything and save the day? Well as the series progresses he does just that and even ends up meeting the very Hollow who took his mother's life (Spoiler for those who haven't gone that far). 
It shows Ichigo's determination to help someone as strange as Rukia and do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and protection of his town. Ichigo, who can see ghosts, isn't the only one in the family who can see em'. Ichigo's sister, Karin, can seem them, Yuzu, has some sort of feel that they're there, and Ichigo's dad, Isshin, can see em' (but it doesn't heavily hint at it until WAY later). Ichigo, at first, was taken back when Rukia just appeared in his room without the slightest thought if Ichigo could see her or not since normal human beings can't see/sense Shinigami/Hollows.

The comedic relief between the two and the chemistry that began with Ichiruki is a strong one as they would grow closer as partners and even perhaps in the future Captain + Lieutenant partnership. The first season is Ichigo's baby steps into this whole new world that he is sorta familiar with and how he tends to balance out everything - shouldering everything on his own, not looking back, and living day by day w/Rukia, his teacher and friend, and his everyday friends (with some even being influenced by Ichigo's spiritual awareness). The start of it all it started to sound like a everyday normal teen life changed into a badass mothafu*ka who fights monsters and protects his home from threats all alike. This is the beginning of a wonderful life for Ichigo thanks to meeting Rukia Kuchiki. Bwahahahaha look for Pt. II Throwback tomorrow. 

5/22/2013

The Wolfpack (Grade A-)

So you guys read the latest Bleach chapter? What are your thoughts on what is happening? For me, I think the set up is gettin' good since war is upon them w/the Vandenreich. Ichigo is kickin' it now, Hisagi has a Bankai, Toshiro is practicing his swordsmanship, and a big ass Wolf creature appeared before Sajin in a cave. Something big is coming and who knows what Tite Kubo is planning next. All we know is that Shit's gonna go down with everyone. Ichigo now is a complete badass just extending his hand and getting his Asauchi. Toshiro is starting from the ground up what with his Bankai gone. Hisagi has a Bankai? Well it's to be expected and it seems like the 9th Division is the same as it was before Hisagi became Lieutenant. The man whom he respected is now his captain, but Hisagi still holds Tousen in high regard - calling out Kensei on NOT to say such things about his former captain. And now we have Mashiro kickin' ass and being super duper hyperactive as usual w/her hollow mask - punching Hisagi like hanging meat. I want to see Hisagi's Bankai cuz if u know Hisagi's Shikai does a lot damage, just imagine what that Bankai of his is capable of. And now we have the Wolfpack (Sajin and his "Lord." Who is that? Is that his master? A relative? A rival? All we know is that if Sajin and the big Wolf like creature are there, who knows how many exist. Overall, I'm liking the buildup and I look forward to seeing next week's installment of Tite Kubo's Bleach.

Grade A-



5/21/2013

What to expect in the forthcoming Bleach chapter? +Unanswered questions

So we all know that the next Bleach chapter should be just around the corner. So it brings up the question, what do you expect to see? We now know that Uryuu is with Juha Bach (or is he?) and Ichigo now is aware of what has happened to her mother, now ready to kick some Vandenreich ass. Isshin and Masaki's past is now revealed and what of the Zero Division? What of the following Arrancars in Hueco Mundo such as Harribel, Grimmjow, and that Afro guy who got his ass beat by Chad? What of Ikumi (if she has any relevance whatsoever)? What of the Shiba clan (Do they know of Isshin being fathered to Ichigo)? What of the Fullbringers (are they ready to kick some ass)? And overall, is it an all-out war against the Vandenreich (Shinigami/Fullbringer/Arrancar/Visored vs. Vandenreich)? I'm curious, are you?



-Stillmattic

5/20/2013

The Top 3 Giants

So a lot of Anime fans are well aware that the top 3 Shonen Jump Manga are One Piece, Bleach, & Naruto. However, speculations have arisen on which one is considered the best of the three, but I say that you can't declare one is better than the other without taking into consideration the story, characters, and overall atmosphere of the 3 combined. As such, there is a central theme in all 3.

Bleach - Soul Reapers & Secrets
Naruto - Ninjas & Friendship
One Piece - Pirates & Treasure

In my personal opinion, I think all 3 are masterpieces in their own rite, but I will say that Bleach is my favorite of the 3 next to Naruto & One Piece. I praise the artwork, storytelling, and characters (even fanservice). I enjoy Naruto for the elements of friendship and the different Jutsu they use as well as enjoying the overlapping character history. I enjoy One piece for the Nakama, Luffy's determination to kick ass, take names, and being naive as Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates as well as Nami, Nico Robin, & Boa Hancock (if you know what I mean).

I also explained my reasons for liking Bleach so I won't need to go in depth. Overall, I think all 3 are deserved of recognition and with its strengths and weaknesses, it's series will continue to thrive for many readers to enjoy.

5/18/2013

New Layout & Everything

Whats up Bleach fans. As you can see, the blog has went through a makeover of the sorts. The latest poll is up on whether you think Bleach currently is good, bad, or so-so. I will be posting everyday on various Bleach issues. Look forward to it

-Stillmattic

5/16/2013

Been awhile (2013 Shoutout!)

What's up everybody! I do sincerely apologize once more for my recent hiatus from the blog. Been busy with college and whatnot, but I am here once more to bring you reviews, polls, and Top Lists. I do tend to say a lot about what I'm gonna do, but this time it's 100% sure. So far, I've been caught up with Bleach and I gotta say, I'm impressed with the direction. The reveal of Masaki's fate, Juha Bach, & Uryuu allying himself with the enemy. It comes to show that it's about to go down with Shinigami, Quincy, Holow, Visored, and Fullbringers - it's a brawl that's bound to be awesome. As for the bleach poetry, I'm not quite sure if I will be posting it anytime soon - depends on you guys and girls if you want me to. Please leave a comment for any concerns.

- Stillmattic