11/21 ブログのポスト

 Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Arc


    I just recently finished reading all 705 chapters of the Bleach manga. While it was being actively published for much of the 2000s, it was considered to be one of "The Big Three," the top shonen manga in terms of relevance alongside One Piece and Naruto. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki as he is roped into being a Soul Reaper, an individual tasked with leading spirits to the afterlife. This task is far more complicated than simply providing directions, as lost souls can become powerful, violent entities known as "hollows." The current arc that is being adapted into anime is the final arc of the manga, "The Thousand Year Blood War Arc." It is the darkest and most serious arc of the series, though their are still moments of levity even with the death and despair that Ichigo must come to terms with as the Soul Reaper Society fights an enemy force that they had warred with and seemingly wiped out completely 1,000 years before. Like most wars, things are not black and white. Atrocities are an inevitability, and Ichigo has his meddle tested as he finds that he cannot save everyone as he had in the past. This is the arc in which Bleach hits its highest points in terms of writing and art. It is one of my favorite arcs in manga and anime that I have seen so far.

    I was able to catch a lot of phrases and familiar words. I was also able to use context, familiar words, and verb endings to understand some of the dialogue. Having watched so much anime up to this point, I recognize words and phrases regarding fighting, saving and protecting people, as well as dying and death.



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