The clash of the Vasto Lorde!

I have dropped BLEACH and I have stopped watching the episodes. However, I stumbled upon this MV. OMG! This is so freakin' awesome! Anyway, I am wondering... how's everything with Bleach. I heard that Aizen is defeated...

Hmm... I am contemplating whether I should re-follow this series....

Gaga over GAR? I don't think so!

Being a non-fan of shounen animes, I don't really focus on its archetypal characters. Well, out of sight, out of mind. In actual fact, other than tsundere and moe there are many archetypal anime characters out there and one of the most prominent ones is GAR.

Actually GAR character is the exact opposite of moe character. Nonetheless both of these characters serve same purpose: to evoke the emotion of the target audience. Moe is created in order evoke the feeling of love and protectiveness towards the characters among men and on the other hand GAR is to inspire the feeling of extreme awe and worship towards the characters among adolescent boys.

What on earth is GAR?

The word GAR is actually created by English-speaking audience. A GAR character usually a male character although, there are cases where female character can be GAR as well. In addition, a GAR exhibits intense masculinity and extreme strength. This is to ensure that the audience admire and worship him.

More often than not, GAR character always appears in shounen animes as well as mangas. Series such as Bleach, Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Naruto, Inuyasha, and etc are chock-full with GAR characters. It is seldom to see a GAR character in a seinen series because, GAR characters only appeal to the adolescents. the A good example of a GAR character is none other than Kurosaki Ichigo from anime / manga BLEACH. I believe he is the GARest character to date!

Another prominent GAR character is Edward Elric from FULL METAL ALCHEMIST. Despite is chibi state, Ed has proven himself that he is worthy of being admired and worshiped by the fans and non-fans alike.

However, there are cases where GAR characters are female. Anime such as CLAYMORE exudes GAR theme even though the protagonist is a female: Claire. She is portrayed as a half-breed who is extremely strong and masculine.

Well, I guess that's it! This all I can say about GAR anime. I am not a GAR anime fan so this is just my two cents.

[Note]

In my previous post, I have discussed on moe characters. Based on my reading and observation, I realised that moe characters only exist in seinen animes or mangas. As I can see both CLANNAD and SUZUMIYA HARUHI NO YUUTSU are seinen anime and the existence of moe-fied characters are agreeable. So, does it mean that K-ON! is a seinen too? Or maybe it is NOT a moe anime?

Here and back again! めんどくさい!

Ulquoirra-sama? Not you again! Tsumaranai, ne!

Right now, I am so bored with BLEACH. Currently we are at episode 269 and I am not the kind of person who watch lengthy episodic series and this is so dragging. Mendoukusei! We are back to Espada Arc. Gosh! How long will it take this time. Sigh... Should I drop this series? Maybe I will give this series another 3 to 4 more episodes. Then, I will decide...

The final piece of the puzzle: Bleach 252

OMG! This is the showdown you don't want to miss! This is the episode that answers my confusion regarding Byakuya's high treason. In one of the arc's episodes he did mention that all his actions were done because of his pride. I was tad baffled with that statement and this episode completes the whole puzzle.

Apparently, Kouga was once a Kuchiki and his past action had tainted the name of the Kuchiki House. And for that reason (among other crimes he had done) he was exiled from the house as well as Sereitei. As the 28th head of the Kuchiki House, Byakuya was entrusted by his grandfather, Ginrei, to annihilate Kouga if he managed to break free from his imprisonment, which he finally did with the help of Muramasa. And as a responsible and loyal member of the family, Byakuya shouldered the responsibility without any qualm or quandary. And that actually what he meant by his pride

Well, this episode we learned about why Byakuya and Senbonzakura were on Muramasa's side. It is because Byakuya needed to know the exact location of Kouga's burial ground. He had to do what he had done (including obliterating Rukia's zanpakutou Sode no Syirayuki) so that Muramasa would be convinced and his cover would not be blown. In this episode we will witness the fight between the two, which I think between a father and a son. In my opinion, this episode is a must-watch. The fighting scene is the best ever (after Ichigo vs. Grimjow). And in this episode we witness the release of Senbonzakura's final scene White Imperial Sword. However, the excitement is curtailed since it will be continued in the next episode... This is killing me!!!!

Check out the screenshot!

Bleach 246: Let's go spelunking!

In this episode Bleach: 246, we can see that the conflict between the shinigamis and zanpaku-tous is getting more and more intense. How I wish I have read the manga to know what Byakuya has in his sleeves, because this is killing me. I wonder why does he join Muramasa and the zanpaku-tous' guild and abandon the Soul Society.

In this episode, a group of shinigamis (Ukitake, Kyoraku, Yoruichi, Zaraki, Yachiru and Kurosaki) went into the cave where the zanpaku-tou use as a secret hideout. Now, that explains the dark scenery. However, their mission is stalled when they are ambushed by bunch of zanpaku-tous. To my surprise, Ukitake's zanpaku-tou, Sogyou No Kotowari, is actually kids. And they are so playful. I guess they complement Ukitake's cool and calm temperament. Then, we are also introduced to Kyoraku's zanpaku-tou, Katen Kyokotsu.

In this episode too, we are exposed to what really happens to Yamamoto so-taicho. Somehow, I feel that this episode is rather dragged and unnecessary to the whole plot. Anyhoo, here's the screeshots!

Lazarus of Soul Society...

BLEACH episode 224, is certainly a shocker when Hinamori Momo suddenly appeared out of nowhere! She was in time to save Matsumoto Rangiku from Apache's lethal attack.

In order to save Rangiku, she 'masked' her reiatsu from being detected by the three fraccions... And then she launched a fire ball using her zanpaku-tou Tobiume....

Apache, one of three Halibel's fraccion...

Eat this you arrancar bitch!

Have no fear! Hinamori is here!

Look can really be deceiving! This is the face of 5th Division's Fuku-taichou...

Don't worry Rangiku, I'll be by your side...

She is also master ni Kidou... she can mix more than 2 kidous at the same time!

Those who are not really familiar with her is forgiven because she had disappeared from Bleach airtime for quite sometime.

The last time she appeared was during the Arrancar Arc. During that arc, she was seen talking with Hitsugaya through a video monitor. She wholeheartedly believed that Ichimaru Gin was the one who manipulated Aizen and that Aizen really was innocent. Then, realizing the grave situation, she was quickly made unconscious by Yamamoto and his lieutenant Choujirou Sasakibe. From the short conversation it was proven that Hinamori had not gotten over Aizen yet.

In this episode she suddenly appeared to aid the guild fighting the Espadas at the fake Karakura Town... She declared her self as Aizen-taichou's enemy without realizing the mentioning of the word 'taichou'. This means she still has hope that Aizen will someday repent and come back to soul society....

So, for in-depth analysis of her character, check this LINK.

The man I love to hate...

Name : Aizen Sousuke
Species : Shinigami
Occupation : Former Shinigami Taichou. Currently the leader of the Arrancar
Location : Las Noches, Hueco Mundo
Zanpaku-tou : Kyoka Suigetsu (Mirror Water, Flower Moon)
Power : Kanzen Saimin a.k.a Perfect Hypnotism

Aizen-sama is the most devious antagonist in BLEACH. In fact, he is the most mysterious character in this anime. He is not like any other archetypical villain. He is portrayed as a soft spoken gentle bespectacled cultured man. But, truth be told, he is the most manipulative and deceitful antagonist. However, the only person who realizes this is Hirako Shinji taichou. Then again, he was also deceived by Aizen's Kanzen Saimin just like anybody else. Talk about irony!

Every conflict, conspiracy and atrocity is revealed in the Pendulum Arc and thus making Aizen-sama, imho, the most intelligent and conniving villain ever. He had painstakingly plotted the whole commotion 100 years earlier from the original plot. We are finally revealed that he was the real perpetrator behind Urahara Kisuke and Tsukabishi Tessai's banishment from the Soul Society. He was the one who brought the Visoreds a.k.a the Vizards into existence and who ever thought Kaname Tosen and Ichimaru Gin were with him all along...

Aizen strength is so incredible. Because of his immense power, he is able to govern the Las Noches, an alternate world crammed with Hollows . Even the 4th Espada, Ulquiorra Schiffer obeys to his order without any qualm and quandary. His powerful reiatsu alone can effortlessly overpower one of the strongest Espadas, Grimmjow Jaegerjaques, to his knees! When he was a shinigami, he defeated Kurosaki's bankai - Tensa Zangetsu with just one finger.

Through his glorious power and sheer strength, Aizen Sousuke attains everything he wishes for. He is a perfect villain to date!

From left: Ichimaru Gin, AIZEN SOUSUKE and Kaname Tosen in Arrancar uniform.

[Note]
The color of the Arrancar uniform defies the norm of symbolism. It doesn't use black -which symbolizes evil and darkness. Instead, it is in white with black trimmings. Compare this to the uniform of the Shinigami which is black with white trimmings...

Back when they were...

As an avid Bleach fan, I am glad that these episodes (a.k.a The Pendulum Arc) are finally aired! These episodes are the genesis to all upheavals and commotions that are taking place in Soul Society. From these episodes, too, we will be enlightened on the transformation of the Visoreds a.k.a Vizards. (Picture: These are the former taichous who are currently the Visoreds. Except Ukitake Juushirou)

The plot takes place around 100 years before the present plot. Here, we will be re-acquainted to the young version of the current characters.

Currently, Shinji Hirako is a Visored. However, back then he was actually the Taichou of the 5th squad. His Fuku-taichou was Sousuke Aizen. Who is currently residing in Hueco Mundo as the leader of the Arrancars. Right from the beginning, Hirako had never trusted his fuku-taichou. Aizen seemed to have so many hidden agendas who apparently had a knack in spying on people.

Other than Hitsugaya, Ichimaru Gin was also considered as Boy-Genius (Tensai) by the society when he managed to snag a numbered seat in the 5th Squad at a very tender age. He was proposed by Aizen after he managed to slay one of the shinigamis.

Next, we will also be introduced to Urahara Kisuke who was also a Taichou back then. Currently, he is living like a normal human being in the real world. Before he was exiled from Soul Society, he was the 12th squad’ taichou and his Fuku-taichou was the spunky and cantankerous young girl, Sarugaki Hiyori. Who is currently a Visored. Eventually, he will be exiled from Soul Society because of some illegal things he did in the past. In episode 208, we will also be re-introduced to Kurotsuchi Mayuri who was imprisoned by choice. Urahara was persuading him to join forces with the 12th Squad a.k.a The Technological Research Bureau that specializes in doing research and create new inventions.

In these episodes to, we will be re-introduced to one of my favourite characters, Kuchiki Byakuya. In one of these episodes, he is portrayed as a conceited and high-and-mighty young boy who has the tendency to get annoyed easily, especially when he was provoked by young Shihouin Yoruichi. Back then, she was the Taichou of the Covert Ops or the 2nd squad. In these episodes to, we will re-introduced to Soifon (who is currently the Taichou of the 2nd squad) who was one of Yoruichi’s subordinates.

What I'm really looking forward in this arc is the transformation of Visoreds. I believe, among all 'species' in this anime, Visoreds are the coolest. Unlike Arrancars, even though they utilize Hollow power they are not evil and their hollow transformations are temporary.

The Visoreds: Hachiigen, Love, Kensei, Hiyori, Hirako, Lisa, Rose and Kuna

Can’t wait for the next episodes!!!

The best ever!

I really adore the 9th opening theme of BLEACH! Sugoi, neThe title is VELONICA. What I love most about this opening is, yes, the artiste - AQUA TIMEZ. FYI, Aqua Timez has contributed 2 songs for the series ALONE and SEN 'O YORU 'O KOETE. I believe they have the best sound ever! Alone is also their masterpeice and it was used as one of the openings. The latter is used for the ending theme of Memory of Nobody. I don't know if there are any other songs. Sorry, I couldn't remember all...



Another reason why I enjoyed this opening is because, in the video we can see all characters: Kurosaki and his mortal friends, the Shinigamis, the Visoreds and not forgetting Aizen and the rebels. I really can't wait for the upcoming episodes!

BTW, after the opening song ends, the song afterwards is the 17th ending by STEREOPONY entitled HITOHIRA NO HANABIRA... It's a cool song, indeed! The vid is so amazing. In fact in this one you can see almost all characters. My favorite would be Grimmjow Jeagerjaques. But, song-wise, I prefer the opening better...



[Note]
I can't wait for Bleach 195th episode. I believe, in this episode Neliel will transform into her resurrección form, Gamuza!!!

The Awakening of Oderschvank...

Bleach 192 is the episode I've been waiting for so long! This is the episode where NELIEL TU ODERSCHVANK 'comes' and rescues Kurosaki Ichigo! YEAYY!!! For your information, she is the former 3rd Espada of the Arrrancar.

Who is Neliel Tu Odersvhank? Well, she is also known as Nel Tu, the girl that tags along Kurosaki during the Hueco Mundo Arc in Bleach Series. She is also accompanied by three hollows, named Dondochakka Bilstin, Pesche Guatische and the pet named Bawabawa. Check this LINK to know more about her.

Nel Tu in in child form...

The real Neliel Tu Oderschvank, the former 3rd Espada

Oderschvank's power, VIOLET CERO DOBLE...







The Resurrección form - Gamuza and her lance Lanzador Verde

Behold and fear the wrath of Oderschvank!

Souten Ni Saze!...

Name : Hitsugaya Toushirou (Eng. Toushirou Hitsugaya)

Nickname : Tensai (Boy Genius), Shiro-chan, Toushiro-kun

Gender : Male

Birthdate : 20th December ????

Place of birth : Jurinan, Distric 1 Rukongai

Type : Shinigami (Soul Reaper)

Rank : Taicho (Captain)- The youngest captain in Gotei 13.

Squad : 10th Division of Gotei 13

Zanpakutou Type: Water and ice
-Shikai - Hyorinmaru
-Bankai - Daiguren Hyorinmaru
* Release 1 - Ryusenka
* Release 2 - Senen Hyorou


Seiyuu : Romi Paku (Japanese), Steve Staley (English)


Extra:
When Hitsugaya was young, there was always seemed to be an icy manifestation within himself. Then, he always dreamt of being in an icy plain. One night, He dreamt again of the icy plain and in that dream he finally met Hyorinmaru for the first time. However at that time he could not hear the spirit's name. He woke up to find Rangiku (now, is his fuku-taichou) warning him for not being able to control his power. Obviously, he had accidently frozen his grandmother. Rangiku, then, convinced him that power like his needed to be controlled. she continued on convincing him to become a Shinigami. With Hitsugaya's innate talent, he joined the Shinigami academy regardless his tender age. From there, he was known as a prodigy (tensai). Since he was a genius, he was quickly promoted to captain of the 10th Division. What is so ironic, now he is Rangiku's superior.

Intrigue! Thy name is BLEACH!

*Gasp*... Something is rotten in the state of Denmark (Shakespeare's Macbeth)! In episode 182 the whole Soul Society was in total lunacy! The Gotei 13 were divided into two sides; pro-Ichigo and anti-Ichigo. Nonetheless, after one incident, Amagai-taichou finally agreed to help Ichigo and Rukia in saving Lurichiyo.

In episode 183 - 184, Kifune Makoto had revealed his true colors. Aparently, he was what Kira thought he was. Kifune was actually in-cahoots with the Kasumi-Ouji. In one-on-one battle with Kifune, Kira began to attack Kifune and Wabisuke had the upper hand against Kifune's Reppu, initially. However, Kifune managed to overwhelm the strenght of Wabisuke as he was actually using bakkotou; the forbidden weapon created by the Kasumi-Ouji.

In episode 185, Kira finally won. How? Apparently, bakkotou would consume the users after reaching a certain limit. That's why it was forbidden by the Soul Society in the first place. So, what happened to Kifune? You do the math. Renji brought the broken Reppu to Yamamoto so-taichou as the evidence of the conspiracy plotted by the Kasumi-Ouji. After seing this, Yamamoto ordered the entire Gotei 13 to invade the manor and apprehend Kumoi. In this episode too, we are revealed to Amagai's true strength when he released his zan-pakutou Raika.

In episode 186, this where the intrigue starts. Kumoi was finally cornered and he used Lurichiyo as a shield. Then, Amagai appeared out of nowhere. He was thought to take Kumoi into custody but instead he slayed him then and there and took away Lurichiyo! And then he tele-ported himself and Lurichiyo to Yamamoto... So, the questions here are, why did Amagai kill Kumoi since Kumoi was the main suspect of the whole crime? Was he trying to conceal something? Why did he prevent Ichigo and Rukia from saving Lurichiyo? And finally, why did Kumoi, was angry over someone (presumed to be Yamamoto or Amagai) for breaking his promise to protect him? Hmmmm..... can't wait for the next episode!

And The Plot Thickens... Bleach 180 - 181

In episode 179, the audience are revealed with Kifune's 'visit to the Kasumi-Ouji's manor. It seems there's more than meets the eye! The plot is getting more complicated and the conflict is getting intense in episode 180. What is Kifune's relationship with Kumoi and what was he doing at Kasumi-Ouji's manor? I simply can't predict the future episode but one thing for sure the 3rd Seat Kifune of 3rd Squad is up to no good. Will Kira Izuru once again brandishes his zanpaku-to Wabisuke?

In episode 181, Kurosaki, Rukia, Kenryuu and Enryuu managed to usurp into Kasumi-Ouji's manor in order to save Lurichiya-sama. They tried to stop the wedding however being withheld by Soifon and her squad (which one? Can't really recall). Apparently, they were accused of attempting to kidnap Lurichiyo-sama. In this episode also, we will witness Enryuu's power as he has released his overwhelming zanpaku-to. His brute strength has caused the palace's roof to disintegrate. However, my favourite scene would be the fight between Soifon-taicho and Kurosaki Ichigo. So incredibly intense! I like the part when she released her Suzumebachi in order to stop Ichigo's attack. However the fight was short-lived when it was interrupted by Rukia's Sode No Syirayuki's Hakuren (why?!!!....).

The effect of this incidence is, Kurosaki and Rukia have caused tremendous turmoil in the Soul-Society and they accidentally became the most-wanted fugitives.

In a nutshell, these two episodes are awesome and to all Bleach avid fans, don't forget to download these episodes A.S.A.P!

P/S- I just read something... Shinji Hirako used to be the Taicho of 5th Squad before he became a vizard! Sugoi, ne! No wonder he could beat/block Grimmjaw Jeagerjaques' cero effortlessly!

Blossom madly, Benishidare: LAME!

Last night I, finally, managed to watch the latest episodes of Bleach. After the Hueco Mundo's arc, there have been so many new characters! And somehow, these characters are quite 'ripped-off'. For example, Kenryuu reminds me of Shuuhei Hisagi; Enryuu looks similar to Tessai; Amagai Shuusuke taichou reminds me of Kyoraku Shunsui taichou; as well as Kifune looks almost like Syazel Apporo Grantz (maybe it's the spectacles). And, the plot has 'deviated' from the last arc.

One more thing, I like the idea that the setting is back to Soul Society and Karakura Town. I miss all Shinigamis a lot, especially Byakuya-sama and Hitsugaya Taichou! From the latest episodes, we are revealed to the fourth noble house in Soul Society. As we all already informed, the first one is The House of Kuchiki, then The House of Shiba, next The House of Shihouin and the last one is The House of Kasumi-Ouji. This might be trivial to others, but to an anime freak like me, it's a biggy!

One of the new characters that is introduced is Kenryuu. He is the 'baby-sitter' of Kasumi-Ouji Lurichiyo-sama. And he is also a shinigami (I assumed fron his black kimono & hakama as well as his zanpakutou). His zanpakutou certainly has the strangest release ever. The shikai, I thought , would be somewhat similar to the Byakuya-taichou's Senbonzakura. When he started to unsheath the zanpakutou, small petals of pink flowers scattered all over the place. Then he uttered "blossom madly, Benishidare!".

I was so excited and anticipated the power of his shikai form. But, I was decieved... OMG, his shikai release is so weird and hillarious. The power of the shikai is, to sprout flowers from the enemy's weapon that eventually renders it useless. Anyway, after the enemy shook off the sprouting flowers, the it is back to normal. I found it so lame! Even Kurosaki and Kuchiki found it lame too! (I like when both of them fainted). The funny thing is, Enryuu, Orihime and Lurichiyo found it cool and amazing! I laughed so hard I hurt my tummy (ok, I exagerrated a bit there). Check out the video!