WBCR - Overcoming the Odds (Grade C)

This week's chapter of Bleach can be broken down in 3 components: The execution of 2 Stern Ritters, Mask De Masculine wrecking havoc, and Rukia & Renji's arrival (THEY'RE BACK). Nothing really stood out in this chapter other than the fact that Cang Du refused to die by Jugram and that he's rather die by his majesty than his second-in-command. There's a reason why Cang Du is nicknamed "The Iron." I think that's a pretty impressive ability, but Jugram, knowing this, pretty much attacked with a much larger weapon and, I think, Cang Du & BG9 are gone. This just comes to show that the tide of battle between the Shinigami and Quincies is not flux at all. The tides of victory must go to the Quincy side, but with the momentum of the Shinigami, they have to step their game up. I thought this chapter went by pretty damn fast and that nothing in particular or grand stood out. I'm not hating on the chapter, but I was expecting a lot more than Jugram leaving his fight from Kyoraku. I was looking forward to that fight, but it seems that it wasn't mean to be. So overall, although nothing stood out and it's another set-up chapter with the arrival of Rukia & Renji, I'm going to give this week's chapter a Grade C, could've been better, but hey - it's setup. I hope you enjoyed this week's WBCR and until then, you all stay classy now and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Ryuko Matoi vs. Rukia Kuchiki (Kamui Senketsu vs. Sode no Shirayuki)

VS.

Now I know what you're thinking, why compare these two at all? Bleach Anime is over, but Kill La Kill just started not too long ago. For me, I chose these two women for one reason - I love em. They're strong, brave, and take no sh*t from no one. Since Kill La Kill just started, it's kinda unfair to judge her thoroughly yet, but I'm not going to go in-depth like most of the Fight Night posts. For these two, I'll go over their powers + a brief history about em. I mean both wield swords, have (I think) same colored eyes, and have short hair. So, shall we begin...

History: Before joining the Gotei 13, Rukia lived in the worst district in the Soul Society. It wasn't long before Byakuya Kuchiki, the current head of the Kuchiki family, adopted Rukia into the family, but in actuality- Rukia is related to Byakuya's wife, Hisana. Hisana was Rukia's sister and looked exactly like her, but Rukia didn't become aware of the truth until Byakuya met Ichigo. Rukia was abandoned by her sister and thus, Rukia saw Renji and his friends as her only family. Rukia now is the lieutenant of the 13th division and remains one of Ichigo's friends. 

Ryuko wants revenge for the one who killed her father. She was unaware of her father's works & didn't get to know him as much. She was prone to violence since she didn't have a normal childhood. She became a delinquent and kicked everyone's ass. It wasn't until she saw her father die that she swore to find the other half of the scissor blade to extract vengeance. Ryuko now lives with her friend, Mako, and it feels as if she has a family of her own now

Power: Rukia wields Sode no Shirayuki, an ice-based Zanpaktou. Her Zanpaktou allows her to encase her opponents in ice and, as expected, all her powers are all Ice-based. Being promoted to lieutenant became a big step in her division since she's always been a seated officer. She's grown strong and is potentially capable of handling herself now that she's a lieutenant. 

Ryuko wields Kamui Senkentsu, a uniform that pretty much enhances her stamina, endurance, and agility. Though she's partially naked, she's at her best when she accepts that her uniform is a part of her. Alongside her scissor blade, Ryuko is now besting what the Academy as to offer, but she's had her fair of wins & losses. 

Verdict: This was brief because I didn't want to go in-depth with one character and the other now. I think both are strong in their own right, are capable of handling themselves, and have gotten back up when beaten. I think Ryuko has more to prove since she's new to this and her intentions are vengeance. Rukia has no motivations other than following Ichigo's intentions as well as abide by the wishes of the Gotei 13 during the Vandenreich crisis. So even though this was brief and I didn't elaborate much, Imma give this victory to...RYUKO MATOI, KAMUI SENKENTSU! She has more to prove and her own personal agenda aside from Rukia. 

I hope you enjoyed this brief Fight Night post and until then, you all stay classy now! 

Update (11/24/13)

I do apologize for not having posted anything recently. Been caught up with schoolwork and whatnot. There'll be no posts on the following days.

11/24 (Today)
11/26 (Tuesday)

I apologize once again for not posting any sooner. Until then, ya'll stay classy and look forward to tomorrow's Fight Night post.

- Stillmattic

WBCR - No longer human (Grade B)

Poor Bambietta, she got her ass handed to her and as a result, it's likely that she's going to die at the hands of her fellow Stern Ritters. Judging from her reaction, I can say that this does not fare well for Bambietta and the thing is, I dug her. I thought she was a character of such great potential, but, like any cliche villain, she underestimate the full extent of her opponent's abilities. I don't want her to die, but what else can her reaction convey? As failure of not defeating the Shinigami, she is either forced to live with this defeat, die either by her fellow Stern Ritters or Ywach himself, or, and this is my personal opinion, be forced to abandon her Stern Ritter title and be labeled a traitor - join the Gotei 13 in order to come to some sort of agreement between Shinigami & Quincy. If only one can dream. But on top of that, that's the end of this chapter. Bambietta got her assed handed to her by Komamura, but we now know that this human metamorphosis was just a phase - a temporary fixation in his fluctuating Komamura's powers. We learn of the roots behind Komamura's clan and his thirst for vengeance. His grandfather's happy and Iba, his lieutenant, will be by his side to ensure that the Gotei 13 will kick the Stern Ritter's A$$. Overall, I'd give this chapter a B because although it was interesting, I found it predictable at most times and I was incredibly disappointed with the execution of Bambietta's defeat. I wanted her to fight back, but most of all, I wanted her to fight someone else - not Komamura. Props to Komamura, but Bambietta now must face the consequences. I enjoyed this chapter, but nonetheless, it was short, predictable, and I didn't like Bambietta's defeat. Hope you enjoyed this week's chapter and until then, ya'll stay classy now!

Affinity #21 - You're my bitch! (Nnoitra & Tesra)

Nnoitra is by far one of the most despicable Arrancars out there - thirsty for blood, challenging the strongest, and treating everyone like his B*tch. And yet, I can't help but find him just as interesting as any Bleach character because he's developed - he has a reason, he has a motivation, and he won't stop until he deserves the beating he's always wanted. Thanks to Kenpachi, he got his wish - challenged the best, thirsted for blood, and got his ass handed by someone who was both similar to him in mind and in perspective. And then we Tesra, Nnoitra's personal B!tch. I feel so bad for him, but at the same time I laugh at him because his Zanpaktou pretty much means - Wart. Tesra is an underling who cares for Nnoitra, but to him, he's a guinea pig - a disposable man who fights for a man who's all high and mighty without a care for what happens to others. I mean, Nnoitra provoked Nel, Harribel, & Grimmjow into thinking they're weak or pretty much trying to start a fight for his amusement. At the end of the day, Tesra keeps Nnoitra in check even if he doesn't see it himself. Tesra needs Nnoitra just as Nnoitra needs him, but the problem is one is strong and the other is the underling - do they have a mutual respect for another or does Nnoitra use Tesra as a way to vent out his frustrations and past aggressions just so he can feel better about beating his opponent to a pulp? I think these two are yin & yang and yet they feel so far apart - which makes this a pretty good affinity of Leader & underling.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity and until then, look forward to tomorrow's WBCR (will be posted when possible). You all stay classy now!

Throwback #27 - The Hero & Savior (Ichigo & Rukia)

One of my personal favorite scenes in all of Bleach is Ichigo's meeting with Rukia. It was so symbolic and it started our journey. It would be known later on that Ichigo's Shinigami powers were taken from him, but he was unaware that just behind him, a smile and an old friend would resurrect our fallen hero to kick some more ass. Rukia's influence on Ichigo is one of the primary themes in Bleach - how one can affect another person positively and change his destiny. Rukia's coincidental meeting with Ichigo may have started our journey, but it was bound by destiny that these two would remain loyal, comedic, and dutiful in the obligations as Shinigami. I love Rukia not only because she got cuter and cuter as time caught on, but the idea of her friendship with Ichigo is that of Captain & Lieutenant. Rukia is willing to put her life on the line for a dear friend - her protector, hero, and friend, Ichigo Kurosaki. Ichigo did the same in his shoes when he sacrificed his "kinda sorta" normal life to aid Rukia against the tyranny of the Hollow attacks. Although I emphasized I'm a huge Ichihime fan, this couple/affinity of Ichigo & Rukia should not be missed as well.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback (which looks more like an Affinity). Until then, you all stay classy now!

(Note: There'll be no Monday post tomorrow) 

WBCR - I am Dead therefore.....I'm a Badass! (Grade A-)

So this week's chapter of Bleach was a short read and I mean....REALLY short. This is the continuation of Komamura's new look & Bankai vs. Bambietta Basterbine. I decided to put the Bleach Moment of the Week picture first so that it encompasses the idea of every Bleach chapter. To sum up the chapter in a nutshell, Komamura and his Bankai are empty vessels that pretty much are an embodiment of fighting without the fear of death. Bambietta is confused and it ends up with what I believe is her getting messed up by Komamura's Bankai. I mean just look at that, it's huge and it can't die. Like Komamura's previous Bankai form, any damage inflicted on the Bankai also inflicts damage to the user (in this case: Komamura). Although this metamorphosis is temporarily, it's enough to give Komamura the edge since he's unafraid of dying since he theoretically has no heart and therefore, his body can withstand so much more that he is willing to put his life on the line to stop the Vandenreich. Bambietta is pissed off and, if I remember, keeps say DUH - thinking she has the upper hand when in actuality, she became arrogant and I think she got hurt pretty badly by Komamura's Bankai. Overall I liked this week's chapter, but thought it was a little short and a little predictable. I mean Komamura pretty much is immortal right now, but it's only temporarily - meaning he could go back to being a weak-ass character. I'm going to give this week's chapter an A- (GOOD: Komamura kicks some ass. BAD: Too Short of a read). I hope you all enjoyed this week's chapter and until then, you all stay classy now!

GRADE: A- for Awwwwww, why is it so good and yet so short!?

Affinity #20 - It's Captain Hitsugaya, not Toshiro (Ichigo & Hitsugaya)

In Bleach, two of the most badass characters would have to be Ichigo Kurosaki and Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya. I mean there's a lot of badass characters in Bleach, but let's focus on this one. I particularly am fond of these two, I like Ichigo's hollow powers and I like Hitsugaya's ice powers. What makes this funny is Ichigo's way of approaching Hitsugaya, he treats him like any ordinary Shinigami when in actuality Hitsugaya is captain-level. This especially irritates Hitsugaya to no end because although he's captain-level, it feels like a completely insult to him coming from Ichigo. This makes for a comedy-duo that makes up a small part of the comic relief in Bleach with Ichigo not learning anything. Ichigo is left clueless on the issue and Hitsugaya's integrity is sorta stepped upon whenever Ichigo slanders his name by not adding the proper title. So although Ichigo will never call Hitsugaya by his proper title, both are dependent on another, good friends, and will do whatever it takes to stop the forces of evil together.

I hope you enjoyed this week's short, but sweet Affinity and until then, you all stay classy now!

Mikan Yuuki vs. Yuzu Kurosaki (The Friendly, Reliable, and Caring Sisters)

VS.

In both Bleach & To-Love-Ru, there's no question that the protagonist's little sister deeply cares for their older brothers, up to a point where, in my personal opinion, they have a brother-complex. What I mean is Mikan, Rito's little sister, loves her brother more than just a sibling and although it's not hinted in Bleach, I think Yuzu could possibly have something more for her brother than just admiration and respect. These two are the ones that take charge of their household and serve more as the motherly figure when it comes to cooking, cleaning, worrying for everyone, and still attending school and being at the top of their class. So let's begin, shall we?

Personality: Bleach & To-Love-Ru are two completely different franchises and two separate genres, but I can't help but compare some of their characters. This'll be the 2nd time I compare a Bleach character with a To-Love-Ru character, but nonetheless here we are to discuss the motherly angelic sisters - Mikan Yuuki from To-Love-Ru and Yuzu Kurosaki from Bleach. First off, both of em can't fight, but they can fare well by themselves. For example, Yuzu can cook, clean, and still be a model student and Mikan constantly pressures her teacher to teach better, cooks, cleans, and pretty much can handle her brother's shenanigans. However, the biggest difference between these two is their perspective on their older brothers. Yuzu loves her family and pretty much is the splitting image of Masaki, Ichigo's mother. Yuzu is deeply concerned for her brother's wellbeing and although she is sorta oblivious to the Hollows and spirits laying about in Karakura, she knows her brother is likely saving the day and constantly worries when he'll be home (even crying when Ichigo was gone training with the Visored). And then we have Mikan....she went from respecting/admiring her brother to downright being jealous whenever Rito's flirting with Momo or just about any of the other heroines. I mean this is cute and all, but it's beyond normal. Yuzu stays out of her brother's business while Mikan is part of Momo's Harem plan, making Mikan always in her brother's business. Both are nice, caring, and loving sisters, but more importantly, Yuzu is calm most of the time and whenever Mikan is jealous of Rito, she can't remain calm. 

Verdict: I like Yuzu's motherly ways, but she's often in the sidelines and doesn't get much screen time or even comic time. Mikan is one of the main heroines in To-Love-Ru and is the main character's little sister. I mean in harem animes - we have a group of ladies (or even gentlemen) who have crush on the main character (male - harem, female - reverse harem). So all though they are portrayed as the little sisters and are caring, loving, and cute, Imma give this victory to Mikan on the grounds that she's more interesting, involved in the story, and is put in a lot of situations that she, unfortunately, has to do with her brother (EX: Rito accidentally falling on a naked Mikan and grabbing her breasts). Yuzu is cute and all, but Mikan's involvement with Rito's harem, her over-the-top nature of being the motherly figure in the household, and having complete authority at school - she's just so engaging with the story. 

I hope you enjoyed this week's cute Fight Monday. Until then, you all stay classy now! 

Throwback #26 - The Damsel saving Damsel in Distress

So remember this cutesy scene in the Anime? It always seems like Yoruichi's the one saving Sui-Feng and Sui-Feng doesn't mind being carried by her. After all, Sui-Feng LOVES Yoruichi. I just find this comical because when you see Yoruichi carrying Sui-Feng, all I can ask myself are three questions: 1) Is Sui-Feng, the badass captain of the 2nd division, a softy when it comes to Yoruichi? 2) Does Sui-Feng badassery go away when in front of Yoruichi? 3) Why is it so damn cute to se Sui-Feng being saved by Yoruichi? I mean when you see Sui-Feng in Bleach, you see the complete badass captain of the 2nd division who doesn't take sh*t from everyone, but when it comes to being saved by her former captain, suddenly it fades to admiration and Sui-Feng blushing like a giddy schoolgirl. I like this, but it's so out of character for Sui-Feng to go from a complete badass to a shy girl. She was saved on multiple occasions by Yoruichi and that's why I named it: The Damsel (Yoruichi) saving Damsel (Sui-Feng) in Distress. Here's another picture:

Hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback and until then, you all stay classy now!

WBCR - The Forbidden Technique (Grade A-)

AW YEAH! You see Komamura? You see his new form? Man all that training paid off as he is able to withstand Bambietta Basterbine's attacks that are pretty much bombs formed from imbuing reishi. He is no longer a beast, he's a manly man. The forbidden technique/ritual is a metamorphosis of Komamura turning a beast into human, but to prove his worth, he had to remove his heart in front of his Master. I'm not going to go in depth on what the ritual is about, but I will say by doing this ritual - it grants immeasurable power to the user. By doing so, he has unlocked his true potential, can now stand a chance against the enemy, and has reached new rights with his Bankai (having a new form & name). I really dig this new change and I know this week's chapter is short, but nonetheless, here's the verdict

+ Komamura's new appearance
+ Bambietta's going apesh*t
+ Komamura's new Bankai - Dangai Joue (Heavenly Armor of Rope)

- Shinji's down?

Hope you enjoyed this week's short, but simply & sweet WBCR. Until then, you all stay classy now!

BMW:

Affinity #19 - Pupil & Master (Ichigo & Yoruichi)

Hey, since we talked about Ichigo being a lucky bastard since he saw Yoruichi's A$$ & T!tt!es, I'd say we should take a look at their affinity. First off, that picture never gets old (OH YEAH), and secondly, if it weren't for Yoruichi, Ichigo would've never had a safe guide to the Soul Society. Yoruichi has helped out Ichigo so much, the prime example is when Yoruichi helped out Ichigo by training him in earning his Bankai so he can defeat Byakuya, Ichigo's most formidable opponent in the Soul Society. At first, Yoruichi was talking to Ichigo as a cat, but Yoruichi later opened up to Ichigo (literally) and Yoruichi, being Ichigo's mentor (much like Urahara), helped train Ichigo to become stronger, to face his fears, and to overcome whatever odds are in his favor. Yoruichi, being funny at times (pestering Ichigo on why he insists on taking out Ichimaru), knows that Ichigo is the one to save Rukia and with her support, Ichigo & the group can, without question, become stronger and brighter individuals.

So I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity and the picture :)
Until then, you all stay classy now and look forward to tomorrow's WBCR.

Masamune Date vs. Nnoitra Gilga (The 6-bladed Warriors)

VS.

Oh boy, where do I begin with this one. You'll probably asking yourselves - why this matchup? We clearly know who the victor is, so why bother? Well let me stop you right there and I'll tell you exactly why I paired up these two. First off, these two pose a significant threat to their enemies (Yukimura in SB and Ichigo/Kenpachi in Bleach). Secondly, they both have right-hand men (Kojuro and Tesra). Third and most importantly, they wield 6 blades (Masamune with his six blades and Nnoitra with his scythes). However, the problem with this matchup is one's human and a historical figure and the other a fictional character + is a different species. But for now, let's separate that idea and just focus on their fighting aspects + personality. Let's begin...

Personality/Abilities - First off, one is a protagonist and the other is an antagonist. Secondly, Nnoitra doesn't wield 6 scythes until he releases his final form, but Masamune can unsheathe his 6 blades whenever. Masamune and Nnoirtra love a good fight and especially love finding a good rival (Yukimura & Kenpachi). Masamune, in the Sengoku Basara anime, has a variety of attacks, but it's pretty much him swinging blue energy at his opponents whenever he swings (EX: War Dance). Nnoitra, much like Masamune, swings his blades with so much force and ferocity that he does considerable damage due to his hard skin, his scythes, and his rank as #5 Espada. The only difference is Masamune emits a blue energy when swinging, but Nnoitra doesn't. If you were to compare Nnoitra and Masamune - they both love fights, have a rival, can wield six blades (for Nnoirtra he has to release), and love grinning. Nnoitra was beaten down by Kenpachi, but Masamune has been beaten by Yukimura, Hideyoshi, & Nobunaga. Nnoitra is dead, but Masamune get stronger every time he's down or beaten. And I think we need to address the most important aspect - Masamune is a human and Nnoitra is not, thus if they fought - Masamune wouldn't necessarily see Nnoitra. There are handicaps on both sides of the spectrum, but Masamune seems to prove that by fighting Yukimura - he's at peace whereas Nnoitra finds peace at death from fighting Kenpachi. Ultimately people would go for Nnoitra immediately, but you can only go so far as to root for Masamune because he's strong, confident, and, for the most part - is a freaking commander of an army where Nnoitra is a foot-soldier for Aizen. So this is a tough decision, but I talked long enough, here's my verdict

Verdict: These two are unlikely matchups and it kinda is unfair since one is theoretically real and the other fictional. One is a human and the other is an Arrancar. One has spiritual energy and the other emits energy when angered. So tough decision, but Imma give this to Masamune for one reason - he can free range to unsheathe his blades whenever whereas Nnoitra only does it when releasing his final form. I may/may not reevaluate this fight again in the future, but my decision still stands. R U READY GUYS, BECAUSE I, MASAMUNE DATE, DRAGON OF OSHU, AM VICTORIOUS! 

I hope you enjoyed this week's Fight Night post and until then, you all stay classy! Feel free to leave comments or concerns on any post. 

Throwback #25 - Wanna see it again, Ichigo?

So in Anime, there's this phrase or term known as "fan-service" where the objected content often portrays violence, nudity, or language excessively. In Bleach, it's no different, but usually it's rare when fan-service is shown in the Anime or comic, specially when it comes to their beautiful women. It's no lie, the Bleach women in both the Anime and the comic are sexy! So when this scene popped up in both the Anime and the comic, I instantly fell in love with the character - Yoruichi Shihoin, the former 2nd captain of the Gotei 13 and Ichigo's mentor during the Invasion arc. So here are two instances where fan-service is hinted between Ichigo & Yoruichi and where I'll forever envy Ichigo because he saw Yoruichi without any underwear twice. The first time is where Yoruichi transformed out of her cat-form and when Ichigo was bathing in the healing hot springs. First time, Yoruichi was nude in front of Ichigo, but Ichigo demanded she put on some clothes. Yoruichi started with her shirt, having Ichigo blush at the sight of her without underwear (OH YEAH). The 2nd time Yoruichi was full-on nude in front of a bathing Ichigo were her legs widen open (OH YEAH AGAIN). Yoruichi, despite having lives 10x life times than Ichigo, is still freaking unbelievably hot in which I start to question, Ichigo- Y u no tap that? Yoruichi is a lucky woman to have by your side and to see her ass and tits is just a bonus, I'd definitely tap that (LOL). So Ichigo, when you get the chance to see Yoruichi's sweet behind or dreamy BEEWBS, go for it and look for days.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Throwback and C'mon, we all remember this, don't be kidding yourself. Until then, you all stay classy now!