Death God's Bebop (Track #13) - Alones + Throwback #22 - It's a Fight (Ichigo vs. Ganju)

Remember this opening? Now only does it show Orihime almost kissing Ichigo (Ichihime 4 Life), but this opening opens a new chapter in the Bleach universe - the world of the Arrancars. This is probably my favorite opening and favorite arc because Ichigo, Uryu, Chad, Rukia, & Renji have had their fair share of fights against various Arrancars. Ever since Aizen's defection, their's been a gap of action in Bleach. We're not counting the Bount Arc because that is technically considered filler and there was less emphasis on fighting than just trying to lay out a new world w/new bad guys - though it didn't leave any expectations from me other than to see Aizen and his reign of power come reigning down on the Soul Society. I like this opening not only because of the beat, the artist, and the overall imagery in the opening - but the feeling that this is returning to where we left off in Bleach when Aizen defected - it's about time, ya know? No offense to those with liked the Bount Arc, but it didn't do it for me - it was slow, talky, and the enemies weren't as interesting as, do I dare day, the fullbringers or heck, even the Zanpaktou manifestations? So this opening marks my favorite arc n time in Bleach and when it comes down to it, that's all we wanna see - Bleach, no BS, just fighting, continuing story, and kick ass amounts of fights.

Throwback #22 - It's a Fight (Ichigo vs. Ganju)

Ah yes, who could forget this comedic madness? Before Ichigo fought Ikkaku, Renji, Kenpachi, Byakuya, and even rescuing Rukia from her demise - Ichigo had to face Ganju, the certified #1 Shinigami hater. This dates back to Ganju's past where he holds a specific grudge against the Shinigami who killer Kaien Shiba, Rukia Kuchiki. Though Rukia regrets it and it was all a misunderstanding on the Shiba's side, Ganju couldn't forget that face. However, later tensions would ease and all would be forgiven once the story was elaborated on by Ukitake, Kaien Shiba's superior and Rukia's captain. So this fight scene between Ichigo & Ganju served as comic relief, but there's more to it. Later on, way later, Ichigo is related to the Shiba clan, but he is unaware of this fact. This relates to more on why Ichigo and Kaien look and somehow act the same manner. Ichigo pretty much is a cousin/relative to Ganju & Kukaku (BEEWBS). Ichigo and Ganju's meeting, to me, was destined for something more than to end a rivalry, but to create an enduring friendship that started with Rukia's sentencing. If it wasn't for Rukia, Ichigo would have never met anyone and we wouldn't have had Bleach. That is why every character, even Ganju, had a key role in Ichigo's life. Ganju, though angry with Shinigami, came to appreciate them and, when fighting Ichigo, stood toe-to-toe with him with his skills and talents of sand. Thanks to Ganju and Kukaku, we learn more about Ichigo as the story unfolds for our hero.

Well I hope you enjoyed today's back-to-back posts. There will be no post tomorrow. Until then, you all stay classy now!