ANIME REVIEW: BLEACH SERIES 15 PART 2

Bleach Series 15 Part 2
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 300 Mins
Audio: English & Japanese DD 5.1
Release Date: 29/6/2015
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

If Nozomi is to be kept away from her would be captors, Ichigo has to protect her, and there is only one way he can do that - she has to stay at his place. Isshin is delighted to have her board with his family, feeling as though he has a harem of girls living with him!

As Nozomi is also a mod soulhe isn't the same, moping around with Orihime and Chad who have noticed the change in his normally happy, cheeky personality. Nozomi's stay at the Kurosaki house means that there is more scope for humour at Ichigo's expense. There are more serious events unfolding though. Uryu's brush with Kagerosa could render him in a worse state than he imagines and Kon in Ichigo's body becomes of interest to him as well. Uryu doesn't expect to be defeated by a Soul Reaper, but he tries to control the situation. There are two teams, while Ichigo, Uryu and the others are busy fighting Kagerosa, Yoruichi takes on the reigai, especially the Captain Kuchiki impostor. As he really intends to take the real captain down in real-life, she sees fighting him as a bit of fun, and we know from previous series the connection those two have.

To point out individual characters, Kagerosa is a crazed type who thinks he is above being under his own captain. or at least he strikes viewers as mad due to being under his captain as everyone knows the infamous nature of Squad 12 and its Captain Kurotsuchi. He has an overinflated ego and sense of extreme self-worth and  an insanity that is unmatched. It's no surprise then that he thinks he can defeat Ichigo. All the time he is fighting, Ichigo has to go careful not to use too much spirit energy, being a burden to the rest of the Soul Reapers and friends he has made over the seasons.

As the Soul Society needs him, Ichigo has the full support of his colleagues to help him fight Kagerosa and the invading army of reigai. Kon is in charge of looking after Nozomi as Rukia is aware of Kagerosa's relentless pursuit of her. Most of the reigai want to kill their real counterparts and take over in their place. The reigai version of Captain Kuchiki is eager to kill his and take on the role as leader of the Kuchiki clan, while the reigai for Lieutenant Matsumoto thinks it's too much to do trying to find Nozomi. Even thogh it looks like the Soul Reapers might win, Kagerosa has another idea to throw doubt into their minds, and it is one they might not even want to consider. Later in the first disc, Kagerosa's reason for creating the reigai becomes clear.

Fun bits:
* Kon in Ichigo's body being given a promo toy by a seller which looks like a lion. This is probably a pun on his plushie toy form.
* Orihime putting spicy mayonnaise on her new culinary creation, choconomiyaki. 
* Soul Reaper meetings taking place in Ichigo's bedroom.

Entertaining, funny and at times things look bleak for the Soul Reapers, but no enemy is without a weak side to exploit. Most of the characters are going through a transition; Ichigo is getting weaker in his powers and could lose them soon, Uryu realises he is alone trying to fight Kagerosa and Kon has to win over Nozomi's good side before it is too late. The plot, characters and humour are what make this anime one to watch out for.



Bonus Material: Clean Opening and Ending Songs.

Verdict: A mix of fun and strong battle sequences keep this as one of the best anime around.