Bleach Volume 37 cover image is courtesy of barnesandnoble.com.

Rated “T” for “Teen”

Because a “Hollow,” a malevolent lost soul, attacked his family, Ichigo “Strawberry” Kurosaki was introduced into the world of the Soul Reapers and the Soul Society.  As he was also born with the ability to see ghosts, Ichigo became a Reaper.  Now, he protects the innocent and cleanses malevolent lost souls, helping them find peace.

As Bleach, Vol. 38 (entitled Beauty is so Solitary) begins, the 110-year-old story of renegade Soul Reaper, Lord Sôsuke Aizen, and his betrayal of the Soul Society continues.  Witness the “Hollowfication” of Soul Reapers!  Back in the present, Lord Aizen and his Arrancars begin their invasion of Karakura Town (Ichigo’s hometown, which is connected to the Soul Society).

Meanwhile, Ichigo remains in Hueco Mundo, the world of the Arrancars, on a mission to rescue his friend and compatriot, Orihime Inoue.  To save her, Ichigo must fight the fearsome and powerful, Ulquiorra.

THE LOWDOWN:  Plain and simple, this 37th volume of Bleach is pure battle manga.  This is a common feature of Bleach graphic novels.  What I found different in this volume is how creator Tite Kubo intertwines character development, conflict between characters, and character dilemmas to shape the action and battles.  Each fight isn’t just a skirmish; this is personal, boyfriend.  Seriously, this brings an intensity and veracity to the clashes that continue to place Bleach above just about every other battle manga or super hero fight comic book.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Those who want great shonen will want Bleach.

A