ALARIS' REVIEWS

29th January 2010
Bleach: The Zanpakuto Arc (2009)

'Disappointed' is getting pretty over-used in my reviews, but I wouldn't use it so often if people stopped making stuff like The Zanpakuto Arc (episodes 230-255). I like Bleach (2004), and the canonical arcs are quite compelling. However, the filler arcs reek of studio meddling and writers' boredom.

The Zanpakuto Arc has a reasonably strong start. When the zanpakuto (sword spirits) in Soul Society rebel, taking on anthropomorphic forms, the Shinigami (soul reapers) must quell the attacks, and discover what strange force lies behind the phenomenon. It's a fun idea with entertaining possibilities, and for a while, the arc is very engaging. Sure, it's patchy, and includes the most excruciatingly poor fight sequence I've ever seen, but there are also some funny, thoughtful, and intriguing moments.

The plot picks up speed right up until episode 251, in which dramatic revelations are made, along with some beautifully melancholy character reveals. Unfortunately, right when the finale should be wrapping up, the arc jumps the menos grande, big time. The story descends into senseless fights, nonsensical dialogue, and gratuitous repetitions of the protagonist's name. I thought I was back in the Bount Arc (2006). At least the Bount Arc got better toward the end.

I blame the studio execs, who probably demanded 4 more episodes of random stuffing.

A promising arc that, again, disappoints.

Verdict: A patchy Bleach arc with some entertaining moments, and a seriously wobbly ending.

If you like The Captain Amagai Arc (2008), you might like this.