Bleach’s second and third seasons known as “Soul Society Arc.” aired in 2007 (same year Hot Fuzz came out) on Adult Swim. It received positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. I’ll have you know the Soul Society Arc is the last time I watched Bleach. Haven’t been caught up on the latest story arc Thousand Year-Year Blood War. Once I watch and post every single arc, I’ll eventually give it a shot. So, bear with me. By the way, Bandai Namco’s working a video game titled, “Bleach: Rebirth of Souls.” It’ll be either released in late 2024 or early 2025.
This review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Voice Actors reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings a few elements to life such as character models, fluid movement, lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences displays Ichigo’s powers. Thanks to Urahara’s intense training, he gains new abilities. Ichigo learns Bankai. A powerful upgrade for his Zanpakuto. Obviously, his big sword. A few characters wield unique Zanpakuto and Bankai.
We’re introduced to a ton of prominent characters.
- Ganju Shiba
- Kukaku Shiba
- Sosuke Aizen
- Kenpachi “Kenny” Zaraki
- Toshiro Hitsugaya
- Mayuri Kurotsuchhi
- Hanataro Yamada
- Ikkaku Madarame
- Momo Hinamori
Soul Society Arc is split into two parts. “The Entry” and “The Rescue,” spanning a total of 43 episodes. Make sure you pay attention. Otherwise, you’re gonna be lost. Been quite a while since I watched Bleach.
Humor has legit funny moments. Ichigo & Ganju’s petty banters made me crack up. My favorite part’s the one when Ichigo tosses somebody like a human football.
Pacing didn’t take forever getting in from Point A to Point B.
Various episodes focus on a specific character’s backstory as well as world building.
Chad’s my favorite character.
Season 2 finale reveals Yoruochi’s true form. If you’re already aware of the cat’s form, you probably know why. I did not see that coming.
During a fight with Ichigo, Kenny says, “This is where the fun begins.” A reference to Anakin Skywalker’s quote from “Revenge of the Sith.”
Rukia shouts… “Run, Ichigo, Run!” A reference to “Forrest Gump.” “Run, Forrest, Run!”
Episodes 33 and 50 are filler. The equivalent of side quests not connected to the main story. They’re optional to watch.
Besides a rescue mission, a conspiracy among the Soul Society factors in. Near the end of Season 3, it all makes absolute sense.
Episode 60 has a shocking plot twist that’ll make you gasp. Changes everything since Season 2.
Songs are played in the opening and end credits.
- Opening 2: D-technoLife – Episodes 26-51
- Opening 3: Ichirin no Hana – Episodes – 52-63
- Ending 2: Thank – You – Episodes 21-25 (all-time pick)
- Ending 3: Hokiboshi – Episodes 26-38
- Ending 4: Happy People – Episodes 39-51 (second favorite)
- Ending 5: Life – Episodes 52-63
Episode 63 sets up the next storyline.
Weak: In Episode 40, Hanataro says… “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” I hate it whenever somebody utters out a dumb line. I would’ve preferred it like this… “You look like you’ve seen Patrick Swayze.”
Another nitpick is remember a character’s name. I’m not good remembering Japanese names. I had to jog my memory looking up a specific individual.
The Final Verdict: A-
Bleach: Soul Society Arc is a long storyline worth watching. I was this close to giving it a B, but upon seeing outstanding moments, interesting backstories and unique weapons, it deserves an A- without suffering from boredom.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 