

Though plagued with filler found despicable by many, along with the hurdles of battles that appears to be irrelevant for the plot's progression. Indeed it shows the obvious flaws of the lack of development (albeit not wasted) for characters such as Uryu, Sado, or Orihime, or the introduction of an oversaturated cast of characters in which one's such as the Vizards lost their spotlight immediately after flashes of great potential, we must not ignore the fact that it is still a series that explores the growth Ichigo Kurosaki, from how he had been the little boy who had saw himself as a pushover who had caused the death of his beloved mother, to someone who has discovered solace and acceptance through the guide of his friends, family, and his Old Man "Zangetsu". It is also a series which explores strength in overcoming the fears that poisons one's mind that hinders one's self, going along with the common themes of friendship and debt (Shinigami Agent Arc), to more "philosophical" subjects such as the meaning of justice and morality (Soul Society Arc), the evolution of becoming human/overcoming our primitive natures and irrational fears (Arrancar Arc), and growth over the looming fears of uselessness and the loss of one's heroism (Fullbringer Arc). With these central themes found within each arc lies short, sub-arcs which not only emphasize the collective themes of each arc, but also the development of each character, a major or minor one. These may include from the main character's (Ichigo) failure to accept the sides which are considered "good" and "bad" within him, leading to a strained relationship with Zangetsu (White Ichigo some of you may call), Sosuke Aizen and his cynical ideals for perfection through destruction and chaos, Nnoitra loathing for respect and peace from his unrequited effort to power, reflected from his "aspect of death" which is despair, Tousen and his twisted, unreasonable, blind view of "justice" through "justified vengeance", contradicting to his lover's wish, the state of the Gotei 13 during the Soul Society arc, carrying questions on the fairness of Rukia's fate in execution, divided through factions desiring order, yet an unquestionable abuse of law, or the one's who desire a fair, civil solution, Hisagi and his strength through humility and the "fear of the blade", Kenpachi and his lust for fulfillment, Byakuya Kuchiki and his divide over "what makes his PRIDE", Nelliel and her desire for rationality through the "humane mind" she has regained which she once lost. II'd even argue that some fillers are worth mentioning, such as the Zanpakuto Rebellion Filler Arc exploring the importance of the Zanpakuto and its user being "one" to achieve a heightened sense of oneself, since the Zanpakuto Spirit after all is a part of a Shinigami's soul. Or how about the Bount Filler Arc, although despised, I see it rather as misunderstood, for it demonstrates the flawed logic of the Soul Society's "Law and Order" in which they are willing to create sacrificial lambs from their own mistakes to "right a wrong", something that Jin Kagiya despised, further emphasizing the themes found during the Soul Society Arc. These are simply few of what makes Bleach and what makes it great.
42.5 out of 45 users liked this review