WBCR - Setting the Stage (Grade: B)

Welcome back to another installment of WBCR posts where I review the recent Bleach chapter and give my thoughts/impressions on what happened as well as give a brief description as to occurred, whether relevant or irrelevant, in the chapter. The grading scale has notably been based on a A-F scale w/A exceeding all expectations as a chapter and F failing completely as it did not deliver. For the most recent chapters, most of them have been getting either Bs or Cs because, despite the build-up and pacing being inconsistent, it still is build-up nonetheless. This week's chapter is a B for the following reasons:

1) We see Riruka blush when Ichigo thanked her. This shows a level of attraction Riruka has for our protagonist and, though not as popular as fan-couples Ichihime (Ichigo & Orihime) or Ichiruki (Ichigo & Rukia), it is noted that Riruka is the SECOND chick to ever have blushed when talking with Ichigo (Orihime is the first). Riruka's involvement in this arc is sporadic and it is explicated on her re-introduction, but it is still nice to see familiar faces from Xcution (including the uninterested and cowardly Yukio). I am also curious to know how much stronger Grimmjow & Nelliel have become.

2) Ganju's perspective of Ichigo may/may not have changed. The two initially held animosity comedically against one another, but soon Ganju developed an admiration and respect for our main protagonist due to having come to the realization that not all Shinigami are evil. Ganju himself has matured as well ~ training alongside Ginjo & Tsukishima (whereabouts unknown) for this war. It is assumed Ganju has very well adapted to the circumstances surrounding the enemy he'll have to face.

3) The Destruction and Rebuilding of everything and anything that the enemy & ally have come to known is now being reshapes, reformed, and refitted to the liking of the main antagonist, Yhwach. With his fusing/absorbing of the Soul King, it is highly noted that Yhwach is now in a God-like level to which it is questionable whether or not the main characters pose any threat whatsoever to him OR if Yhwach himself posed a threat to himself as it is unclear on whether or not he 100% grasps the situation of just how much mantle of responsibility and power he possesses.

I decided to have a different take on writing the WBCR. What did you think of the chapter yourself? I summed up the chapters in 3 bullet points and those alone were what you'd call the highlights. Did the chapter live up to your expectations, lie somewhere in the middle, or was it a complete let-down. Do comment below and let me know. WBCRs will be posted whenever chapter is available. There'll be no Legacy post this week due to Fanime weekend. Hope to see you at Fanime in San Jose. Stay classy as always ladies & gentlemen.