Comics / Manga

Bleach: Volume 33

By Leroy Douresseaux
December 5, 2010 - 13:26

Bleach Volume 33 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Born with the ability to see ghosts, Ichigo “Strawberry” Kurosaki was introduced into the world of the Soul Reapers, after his family was attacked by a “Hollow,” a malevolent lost soul.  Ichigo became a Reaper, and now, he protects the innocent and cleanses malevolent lost souls, helping them find peace.

In Bleach, Vol. 33 (entitled The Bad Joke), Ichigo and his companions have seen their mission to rescue their friend and compatriot, Orihime Inoue, from the clutches of the Arrancars turn into a battle for survival.  Now, Ichigo faces off against Nnoitora, who is not only powerful, but also knows the truth about Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck, also known as Ichigo’s pal, Nel.

THE LOWDOWN:  It reads like one, long fight scene – one that often even extends from volume to volume.  That’s why Bleach is one of the great fight comic books, as fine as the best superhero comic books, but creator Tite Kubo does not depict battle for the sake of fighting.  Through combat and intense conflict, Kubo unveils characters’ individual personalities and the bonds and relationships between characters.  Even the villains get this treatment.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  When shonen wants shonen action, it seeks out Bleach.

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Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12