[Analog]

Okay, like the title says, this thread is about "Bleach", the TV series.

I've watched the first few episodes on TV, and its... well... okay. Basically I've got the premise behind the "Soul Reapers" and the "Hollows". And its got your fairly typical high school, single parent setting, thrown in with some fairly typical samurai themes.

So, what am I missing so far that makes people jump up and scream for this show? Is the dub that bad (for those who have heard it)? Does the storyline pick up quickly after the first few episodes of character introduction? Is there anything in the series that would keep it from showing on Saturday morning cartoons besides an occasional thrown in curse word?

Do I just not get Bleach???

Tell me why you love it!

[Chimasterwang]

Its one of those extremly long animes but its better than Naruto basicly. The story is a bit more interesting to.
PS: Ive never seen it =P

[Analog]

Its one of those extremly long animes but its better than Naruto basicly. The story is a bit more interesting to.
PS: Ive never seen it =P

Y'know, that was my impression too before I actually saw Bleach. Now that I have seen a few episodes, I'm liking Naruto better at the moment.

[Kiai]

In my own oppinion, the show isn't all that great, but then again naruto and pokemon weren't either. I'm pretty sure it is the dub, mainly because I thought the japanese vox were spot on with the characters and how I felt they should have sounded when I read the manga. I've seen the first seventeen episodes in their original format and I'm pretty hooked.

[kyubichan]

I watched the subbed version. I like Bleach because :

1. all the basic stuff are explained on the first five episodes.
2. There's a lot of comedy (which you will not get if you watched it dubbed), and the cursing is actually hilarious (again, on the subbed version).
3. The characters are also hilarious, especially the nerdy Ishida which is the butt of jokes, along with Kon. And the jokes are good clean fun, rarely perverted and never disgusting (Naruto's farting disgusts me).
4. Except for the fact that it's fictitious, the characters' reactions to what goes on it the show are fairly natural, meaning that could actually be how a real person would react. Example: How the guys reacted to Yoruichi-san.

I've watched past the Soul Society arc, and I didn't not like the fillers. However, by then Bleach had grown on me (like a nasty mushroom) and I could not hate it. I've watched Naruto's first 100 episodes (both dubbed and subbed), and I always had the urge to skip a few frames. With Bleach that only happened during the Bount arc.

But eh, that's just me. There are a lot of anime that many people like but others don't, such as DBZ and Sailormoon; so Analog, don't get yourself worked up on liking/disliking Bleach, just try to enjoy it ^^

[tOToroKid]

In my own oppinion, the show isn't all that great, but then again naruto and pokemon weren't either. I'm pretty sure it is the dub, mainly because I thought the japanese vox were spot on with the characters and how I felt they should have sounded when I read the manga. I've seen the first seventeen episodes in their original format and I'm pretty hooked.

gaaaaaaaah...*nothing else registers in brain other than the line that says BLEACH ain't so great* me angry like a Canadian! *hides from ze mounteniers* nah im just messin, well I personaly wuv Bleach, but Kiai does have a point probably, but idk since me and sis watched the japanese ones...also, the fact that the anime just wont stop like it's freaking long already. When is it going to end? we stopped watching up to the bounto stuff somewhere along that story...


=D Look! a Jeileefush!

[Rebel]

Any series that somehow NEEDS to be in excess of 100 episodes, be it DBZ, Inuyasha, Naruto or Bleach, has inherant problems.

I dont like Bleach primarily because it's too long, thats why I skipped some 60 episodes in the middle of Inuyasha. Because it's a waste of show. Great shows have been made in a 50 episode timeline. Grand shows have been made in 26, and even 13. There is no proof that a long series equals a better series.

Also, I'm not too fond of the animation or characters, or plot....Which I will explain if you ask I just dont want too now.

[Analog]

The animation style wasn't that impressive for me either. Also, I guess I was expecting a more "serious" show when I thought of Bleach, but it hasn't turned out to be that way at all.

So Rebel, what about the show weren't you too fond of exactly?

[kyubichan]

The animation style wasn't that impressive for me either.

Wait 'til you get to the Soul Society arc. As for Bleach not being serious, I personally like it that way. Do you expect teenagers to be serious? C'mon.

[Eva]

The length of series like Bleach, Naruto and One Piece could kill people's interest. Nothing the matter with that since a ton of episodes might serve no point and people just don't want to deal with that.

Bleach would be another long series that has episodes that serve no point and power leveling up similar to DBZ and Naruto. You pick between Naruto, One Piece and Bleach as it's just a matter if you like the plot, theme, characters and artwork you prefer.

[Rebel]

So Rebel, what about the show weren't you too fond of exactly?

First, I dislike the "little miss soldier girl" concept. It's one of the most asanine character styles ever developed. A person who does whatever they're told without question has serious issues. I know, I have a cousin who is "little soldier boy" for him, the army is always right, and he follows unquestioning. In short, people like this are stupid. And they annoy the shit out of me because they lack the ability to actually anazlize a situation and think for themselves.

Second, the "teenager with super-powers" is a little tiresome. It was one thing I liked about NGE, Shinji wasn't really special in any way other than he could synch up with a giant robot. He didnt have mad fighting skills from the get-go. He couldnt make Ka-meh-ha-meh-ha waves or some stupid crap like that. This kid in Bleach barely even needs training, he comes preequipped with a bad-ass Cloud-style buster sword, krazy fighting skillz and a crazy outfit. The only thing he "needs" from this chick who's "teaching" him is to be told whats good and what's bad without thinking for himself, and in an episode I've caught, it's already been shown that what the "good" guys say is "bad" is not necessarily true.

The animation is not spectacular, while this isnt something that often gets to me as far as animation goes, this is animation I expect from the next generation of Yu Yu Haykusho, not a brand new show. Plus, I simply dont like it, call me spoiled from too much Gundam SEED or GITS.

The plot is rather tired. Mysterious orginization pulling sturings to fight mysterious evil that's really more misguided than actually evil. Teen holds the power to set things right with the world. Nobody can see any of it except teen and select few others. *this part I ESPECIALLY dislike*

And I agree that it needs to be a little darker and more serious, they're dealing with some VERY seirous concepts in this show, and I want to see them take it seriously. They're on a mission to destroy "bad" souls. That's beyond simply killing people. Bodies are frail things, souls are eternal, simply destroying them is a little disturbing even to faithless little 'ol me.

And finally, as I said already, it's TOO F******** long. Gundam 0083, 08th MS Team, Hellsing, and Gundam 0080 are some of my fav series, easily all in my top ten, and all of them are 13 episodes.(both 0083 and 08th MS have an accompying movie though). They are IMO, great series, with good animation that fits the show perfectly. 100+ episodes is excessive. Make sequal series if you have to, but dont make one big never-ending nightmare.

[kyubichan]

They're on a mission to destroy "bad" souls. That's beyond simply killing people. Bodies are frail things, souls are eternal, simply destroying them is a little disturbing even to faithless little 'ol me.

See, this is the part you don't get. Death gods, purify the souls, returning them to their former state and taking them to Soul Society. Quincy are the ones who destroy them, which is one of the flaws of humanity.

I have opposition to most of what you say (particularly preferring Gundam Seed over Bleach, Lolz) but it is a matter of preferrance. Thus, I shall shut up.

[Shannon]

I love Bleach. I watch for the characters, I admit, so the fight scenes I more laugh at than anything... but fight scenes are something I tend to not like in any shounen series.

I'm more partial to the manga, however. I have faith in Tite Kubo! I also love his artwork; I think it's so much better than the art in a lot of other shounen manga I've read. His characters are more "lanky" and tall, as opposed to all muscle and short and stubby. And, well, yes, aesthetics are important to me in an anime. =P I always thought the Bleach animation quality wasn't bad at all.

But anyway, I'm willing to "suffer" through the filler because I adore the characters of Bleach. I also hope someday Ichigo and Rukia will be together... LOL, I swear to god read the manga and the hints are all there. (But yes, I do know what is going on in the manga currently, thanks. No need to remind me!)

[kyubichan]

Yeah, usually the manga turns out better than the anime. The people here are complaining about the anime, maybe they should check out the manga sometime ^^ the bount arc is really lame tho

[Stormfalcon]

I have been visiting my local hobby store lately and I'm surprised that
they are making action figures of Bleach. When you see
that happening, you stop and say, "Hmmm, that anime might
actually be worth watching."

[Rebel]

See, this is the part you don't get. Death gods, purify the souls, returning them to their former state and taking them to Soul Society. Quincy are the ones who destroy them, which is one of the flaws of humanity.

I have opposition to most of what you say (particularly preferring Gundam Seed over Bleach, Lolz) but it is a matter of preferrance. Thus, I shall shut up.

I said I prefered Gundam SEED's animation over bleach's. I did not say I perfered Gundam Seed over Bleach(but technicly I do simply because I like giant robots, and utterly dislike Bleach). Besides, this is all just my opinion of the show.

Oh yes, the "humanity is ultimatly flawed" argument, one I dislike greatly, due in large part to the sect of tweens who think they're vampires, dragons or some other thing that would get normal people institutionalized for thinking, and think they're better than humanity. They talk about it in the 3rd person like they're not part of it, and it's really one of my pet peeves.

[Stormfalcon]

I don't really watch Bleach anymore, but I do like
Ichigo's character design.

[Analog]

So if I get why people like Bleach, its usually because of the characters and their interactions... and not so much the plot and action. That probably explains a lot. In that case, with a new perspective on things, I'll check out more of the show and try to dive into the characters a little more than usual... and try to keep an open mind to humor.

Like Rebel, I'm probably a little spoiled on plot/mood type animes such as FMA, Eureka 7, and GITS. I don't think Bleach is going to be a personal favorite, but now that I know what to expect I can see if I can enjoy it for what it is... and not hate it for what its missing.

Thanks to everyone for your opinions and perspectives. Feel free to keep adding on if you feel the need to vent or praise on Bleach. XD

[kyubichan]

So if I get why people like Bleach, its usually because of the characters and their interactions...

In a nutshell, that's it. There's not much to expect from most shounen anime these days. I know someone will give examples of other shounen anime that are better, but Bleach is something that more people are able to get a hold of. The availabilty and character design (bishies and bishoujos) of Bleach add to its fandom.

In that case, with a new perspective on things, I'll check out more of the show and try to dive into the characters a little more than usual... and try to keep an open mind to humor.

Most of the jokes are Japanese things... like the Kanji, puns on names and such, thus I suggest you watch it subbed.

Here's Ishida XD

[Shannon]

Oh... I should also mention the Bleach dub has really terrible dialogue. I don't mean to rip on the dub too much, because it truly isn't that bad (I actually like Ichigo's dub voice), but y'know... they have to arrange the dialogue to fit in the mouth flaps, so you get this really awkward speech. Even just "mother" in lieu of "mom" makes things seem weird and disconnected. They have to fit the translation into the mouth flaps for "'kaa-san", so yeah. It's necessary but weird.

The dub is also pretty censored too. I was pretty ripped when they 'toned down' that one Shinigami's "pleasures of the flesh" speech to Rukia, because it was much funnier/risque in the original. (They turned it into like "smoochy smoochy " or something.) That happens a lot. Things are funnier in the original because the seiyuu is so talented, and also because there are a lot of jokes that depend on Japanese culture. I mean, likewise, somethings are just funny to English speakers... crude sayings and stuff that make us laugh. It's the same way in the Japanese one. That sort of stuff doesn't translate well, I think. I never watch dubs because they sound like robots talking with one another, y'know?

[kyubichan]

I never watch dubs because they sound like robots talking with one another, y'know?

XD I agree. Thus emphasizing "subbed over dubbed". Asian words, idioms and jokes don't really translate well in English. This is one thing I have observed because I watched Filipino films that have been released international, and the dialogue is usually BLEH compared to the original.

[Analog]

Well, after all this time I'm still watching Bleach. Kyubi's line of thinking stuck with me so I stuck with the show for a time. And, like a mushroom, it's growing on me. In a way it reminds me of Fullmetal Alchemist, in that you never know when they may break out of a serious moment and take a comedy trip. Then again, most of Bleach so far has been more comedy than serious. However, I get the impression that might be about to change, since one of the Section Leaders got the "pinned dead to the rafters by his sword" treatment.

Anywho, deep in the heart of the Soul Society Arc and enjoying it. I'm still watching the dub so I have no idea what I'm missing with the sub... and plan to keep it that way for now. They'll be time to clean up that part of it later if I decide to anyway.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, and especially Kyubi. Otherwise I'd be missing a pretty entertaining anime series.

[Flynt]

I like Bleach and I'm glad its a long anime, it means I get to see more of it.
I like the mix of comedy and drama, the character designs, their backgrounds and personalities are very good too. They are well developed and the interactions between each of them is convincing and well thought out.
I like in particular each episode will have a little surprise or twist hidden in it, it keeps it interesting, the fighting isnt bad, and not excessive IMO, given the nature of the series.
The Soul Society arc is brilliant and I also enjoyed the 'filler' Bountou arc, it did start a bit slow, but redeemed itself quickly after that, the story was interesting. I don't know why some people don't like it. I'm already into the third arc and this so far is looking like it will best so far, only a few episides in and already its full of twists and surprises.

[kyubichan]

:O Analog, your brains belong to me now!

On a more serious tone, I'm glad you gave BLEACH a chance ^^ Oh, and about the Bount arc... yeah the first part was lame. Then I watched the later ones, around episodes 100, and the pace was picking up so I watched it all and liked it.

And... keep watching BLEACH!!! I command you to enjoy it! >.<

[Stormfalcon]

[COLOR="Teal"]When I first started watching Bleach, I thought that it would just be another typical, 26-episode anime. Yet, I was drawn to its dark and serious tone in the first episode and watching Ichigo beat the hell out of the other teenagers.

My favorite part of the series is the humorous interactions between Rukia and Ichigo, which are highly enjoyable.

I stopped watching Bleach for a while, but recently I've taken interest in the series and wondered how the its plot will unfold.[/COLOR]

[Analog]

:O Analog, your brains belong to me now!

On a more serious tone, I'm glad you gave BLEACH a chance ^^ Oh, and about the Bount arc... yeah the first part was lame. Then I watched the later ones, around episodes 100, and the pace was picking up so I watched it all and liked it.

And... keep watching BLEACH!!! I command you to enjoy it! >.<

Yes my mistress... I must obey... must watch Bleach... must Bleach clothes... must watch clothes... must wash clothes...

Hey, what was I supposed to be doing again?

[Stormfalcon]

Yes my mistress... I must obey... must watch Bleach... must Bleach clothes... must watch clothes... must wash clothes...

Hey, what was I supposed to be doing again?

Mind control getting to ya, analog?

[Rebel]

apparently....I'm still watching it. However, this still reminds me why i dislike extremely long series. I basically saw the first 10ish episodes, skipped to about two weeks ago, and still caught right up with the plot. Obviously somebody's wasting animation here.

[kyubichan]

But, aha! You're still watching it! See, like a nasty mushroom eh?

[Lynk Former]

*is watching One Piece*

[Moelman]

Alright well since Adult Swim is gonna stop airing it in a week or two, I've started watching the sub. I think I started with 51 and went through 65. Then I skipped all the fillers and started up again at 108, I'm now on 121. Its getting pretty good, this is pretty much all I'm watching right now.

At least this way I can watch at least one episode a day (yesterday I watched 5 lol) instead of only one a week.

[Flynt]

Yeah its all well and good until you catch up with the all subs, like me. Its currently at episode 143. I've taken to reading the manga as the series is up to chapter 240 in the manga. The manga now up to chapter 294. There is much ass-kicking to come in the anime

[Scar da Kookee]

well that kinda sucks
you got me, whom would have to rely on downloading all that
cus definitely if i bought all those DVD's id run out of room
its nuts

[Analog]

Hey, you cheated! (more than me anyway :P)

So the fillers start at 66, eh? I think I can wait until they start airing the dubs again... maybe... if I try real hard...

XP

[Tacx]

Well, I was upset when bleachs spark vanished in the beggining of the bount arc. But when I was able to watched the dubbed series it eventually re-lit its spark.

[Moelman]

No way I could wait, it will be at least half a year with Death Note being on. I did like the dub a lot but the sub is good too. I wanted to catch up anyways so I can buy the Bleach Wii game tomorrow without being spoiled.

I know I cheated pretty bad once I catch up to 143 or whatever they're at, I'll probably go back and watch the ones I skipped.

[Black Howling]

No way I could wait, it will be at least half a year with Death Note being on. I did like the dub a lot but the sub is good too. I wanted to catch up anyways so I can buy the Bleach Wii game tomorrow without being spoiled.

I know I cheated pretty bad once I catch up to 143 or whatever they're at, I'll probably go back and watch the ones I skipped.

Bleach never appealed to me actually :S

[Chimasterwang]

I still havnt started watching again since i stopped at the fillers in 2006 i think XD

[Briareos]

gaaaaaaaah...*nothing else registers in brain other than the line that says BLEACH ain't so great* me angry like a Canadian! *hides from ze mounteniers*

*Tries to think of any war the Canadians fought because someone pissed them off. Fails utterly.*

Huh? They've certainly fought and fought well in support of the ABCA alliance, including the great WW2 but they don't seem to tend to get that pissed off that easily.

[Moelman]

I finally caught up to where Bleach is today. Waiting for a new episode sucks!