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Post by philster on Jul 19, 2005 19:49:42 GMT
 Might as well start a thread here for Bleach, too. I'm not SOLELY a Naruto fan, after all.   This is a discussion thread for anybody who likes to either read Bleach, the manga, or watch the anime. At the Cascade, I know Sarah, Shan, and I are all reading it but if there's any more Bleach fans here, feel free to join in. ;D Right now I'm just a manga reader, and currently on volume 7 and enjoying it a LOT. It's coming very close to matching the excitement that I feel by reading new chapters of Naruto. I absolutely love the dialogue between the characters, that feels so realistic, yet the story is so wild. All the characters are majorly cool in their way, I haven't been disappointed with a single one. Can't wait to read volume 8. (Though I'll try to keep patient enough not to have to read the downloads for this one.  ) If you are also a Bleach fan and would like to make any observations that might be considered spoilers to newer readers, then please put them in spoiler tags if possible, and also put the number of the chapter(s) that the spoiler is about. (a la Naruto). That way it will save a lot of trouble for everybody, and we can have a reasonably efficient discussion without endangering anybody's "virgin enjoyment" of the series. Thanks! (To put your comments in spoiler tags, just start by putting color=white inside ['s and end it with a /color.) Let's Discuss! |
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Post by Gray Lensman on Jul 20, 2005 3:51:16 GMT
On Sarah's recommendation, I've read about the first dozen episodes of Bleach or so. It actually is pretty decent. It's hard to get through the first storyline or so because they throw so many characters at you. But Ichigo's a good character, and the universe is pretty well thought out. I would agree with Sarah to the extent that Orihime is probably my favorite in the book. She's not the brightest bulb around, but she's really innocent, charming and adorable. That overcomes a lot of faults for me. The stories are well plotted, the art tracks well, and the supporting cast is pretty solid. I can't say it's up with Naruto (which I'm behind on), but it's not a bad series at all. |
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 4:06:55 GMT
I didn't expect you to post in this thread, Steve, lol. You've been busy with manga lately, haven't you? ;D
I have heard dire warnings from friends at the Realm that apparently some kind of tournament ruins the series. But I haven't gotten to that point yet, apparently. Hopefully they were just being nit-picky...
But anyway, I agree with you, Steve, and it has a lot of potential for so much, and hopefully it will meet all the expectations.
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Post by Gray Lensman on Jul 20, 2005 4:13:49 GMT
I'm not really the most manga-inclined person. But I do make room for the odd exception. Sarah convinced me to try Bleach while she was in chat one day. Well, okay, I figure I can try most things once. I really hope it doesn't get quite as bad as you're saying. Still, sounds like I'm a long way off if indeed it jumps the shark. In the meantime, I figure there's still some good stories ahead yet. |
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 5:22:47 GMT
I haven't been disappointed so far. Edit - but knowing your fondness for Lone Wolf and Cub, I do think you would enjoy Rurouni Kenshin better than either Bleach and Naruto. It's another great historical fiction set in the Meiji age about a wandering samurai atoning for his sins. Instead of downloading that one, though, I'd recommend just buying the volumes - just for the best translation available, I think. |
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 5:34:43 GMT
But anyway, back to Bleach. I think my favorite character is Rukia, because she's just so cool. Moreso than Orihime, because she seems to be able to handle herself, and she can be quite serious, yet unexpectedly hilarious. I love her quirks and how she seems to be bewildered by modern applicances and things like that. Yet despite her old-fashionableness and conservative attitude, she's obviously willing to try new things (the latest fashion, slang, etc.)
I kinda want Rukia to regain her Soul Reaper abilities at some point so she can be more of a contribution to the story, but I like that she continues to be a constant companion of Ichiigo's. Most female characters tend to get lost in manga series directed towards male readers.
But Bleach has more cool female characters than any other comic I can remember reading.
Edit - Oh, just remembered one with a lot of cool female characters too, Elfquest. ;D
But, yeah.
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Post by Gray Lensman on Jul 20, 2005 5:40:28 GMT
Sounds like an interesting concept, Phil. Samurai and a hero seeking redemption is always a good draw for me. Rukia, I do also rather like. She's a competent and capable planner. She also has no trouble in being direct with Ichigo, which I respect. Interesting decision to make the mentor figure an immortal who looks like a 17-year-old girl. I suspect they basically depowered Rukia so as to make Ichigo stand out more initially. But I am hoping that she gets at least some of her power back as things go on. My feeling is that Ichigo's natural talent will take him well beyond her anyway, so no need to keep her depowered. |
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 5:50:28 GMT
Sounds like an interesting concept, Phil. Samurai and a hero seeking redemption is always a good draw for me. You'll like it. Kenshin is a great character. ...who draws bunnies to emphasize the points she's trying to make. ;D I suspect you're right there. Well, guess we'll see how things develop with her. The only problem with Rukia's regaining her powers right now is Ichigo's power is, basically, stolen from Rukia's. Rukia will probably have to develop her power back, separate from Ichigo's. ( Just a guess on my part. ) |
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Post by Shan on Jul 20, 2005 17:48:48 GMT
A thread for Bleach, way to go Phil. Bleach is another good manga. It isn't as good as Naruto yet to me, but I am told that it will get there in later episodes. Right now my favorite characters are Rukia, Ichigo, Orihime, and Chad. I am just now getting interested in Orihime and she is fast becoming an even more favorite character. I still like Rukia the best though. For some reason, not sure why, I have been drawn to Chad. I find his character, even though he plays a very small part, very interesting. Shan |
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Post by Shan on Jul 20, 2005 17:56:20 GMT
I just started reading Rurouni Kenshin shortly before the latest Harry Potter came out. I read the first part which kinda sets up things for what is to come. It wasn't bad. I am anxious to read the next story, because I think it will tell me more as to whether I will like it or not. I want to read enough to give it a fair chance before making a decision about it. Shan |
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Post by Shan on Jul 20, 2005 18:08:10 GMT
I am hoping Rukia will get at least some of her powers back too. I feel a little sorry for her now with Ichigo having to do her job for her. Like Steve, I expect Ichigo' natural talent to surpass hers by a great extent. Shan |
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Post by Shan on Jul 20, 2005 18:20:07 GMT
Would it just gradually rebuild or will she have to go through some kind of special training to get it back? I knew Ichigo got his powers from her, but I just thought she would gradually get hers back. Shan |
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Post by Gray Lensman on Jul 20, 2005 20:14:18 GMT
Chad is fairly interesting, Shan, I agree. On the surface, he's the gentle giant, but he'll get his hands dirty if he has to. I rather like that he can actually fight spirits, even if he can't necessarily see them. He's a good addition to the cast. Once Ichigo gets more training, Rukia gets her powers back, and Chad gets in more combat time, I think they'd be a pretty tough group. |
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 20:27:34 GMT
Glad you could join us Shan. ;D
I concur with you both about Chad. Easily the best "quiet and strong" character I've seen in comics.
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Post by philster on Jul 20, 2005 20:30:00 GMT
Would it just gradually rebuild or will she have to go through some kind of special training to get it back? Shan I'm as much in the dark as you are on this one, Shan ;D If you keep reading the downloads, it may end up that I'LL be asking YOU the questions for this particular manga, lol.  |
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Post by Shan on Jul 21, 2005 23:21:10 GMT
I seriously doubt that Phil. You know way more about all of this than I ever will. Shan |
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Post by Shan on Jul 21, 2005 23:26:12 GMT
Those are some of the things that I like about him. I also like the way he is more the silent type but that you can count on him. I am hoping that he will play a bigger part in the comic as time goes on. Shan |
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Post by philster on Jul 21, 2005 23:27:48 GMT
I believe he will. |
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Post by Shan on Jul 21, 2005 23:33:06 GMT
Is that a hint, Phil? ;D I kinda have the same idea though. Shan |
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Post by philster on Jul 21, 2005 23:33:34 GMT
If it is, I'm not telling. ;D
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