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ローゼンメイデン 
February 23, 2005 | 
22 Comments
Unfortunately the recap will have to be shorter this time around since I don't have the episode in front of me and I barely remember the sequence of events. I also feel a bit annoyed with Ichigo's tendency to be over-confident here. I think it's one thing to be confident of one's ability, but it is quite another to brag about it before showing what one can do. It doesn't help that unlike Naruto, who has a naive personality, Ichigo is all serious. As a result, when his basic personality is combined with his over-confidence, the character ends up looking rather obnoxious. In the end, I can't help but think that Ichigo deserves the fear that Urahara dishes out on him in this episode. Unfortunately, even this doesn't seem to change him much. He's as impatient and over-confident at the end of the episode as he was at the start of the episode.
February 16, 2005 | 8 Comments
This seems to be a precursor episode that will explore the origin of Ichigo's Shinigami power. As a result, the episode contains more than enough mystery to keep everyone's attention glued to the story. In my opinion, however, the best part of the episode belongs to some of the comic moments involving Orihime and Chad. At this point in the story, I think I simply appreciate any kind of comic relief that I can get. I just realised not too long ago how much I missed Kon and his silly antics. It's unfortunate that he doesn't have a permanent body that he can use to accompany Ichigo and his friends. Although considering Ichigo's destination, Kon is probably happier to remain at Ichigo's house, away from Soul Society.
February 9, 2005 | 11 Comments
With this episode, I have officially given up trying to hope for a better stylistic approach. It seems to me that the animators are hell-bent on maintaining that washed out look during the fight scenes. Thankfully, the entire Hollow/Shinigami sub-plot from this episode is interesting enough to hold my attention, or rather, it makes my brain works a little bit to the point that I managed to ignore the washed-out look. In fact, I personally think that this sub-plot is actually far more interesting and engaging than the main premise of saving Rukia from Soul Society. This main plot always bothers me a lot mostly because the story suddenly turns Rukia from a normally headstrong and resourceful character into a damsel in distress waiting to be saved by Ichigo.
February 3, 2005 | 13 Comments
Blah. I guess I spoke too fast last week when I said that the animation is getting better. It looks like the good animation was limited to last week's episode. So now the blurriness is back again in its full glory. Anyway, storywise, this is an okay one. At least it's not predictable. But at the same time, it still feels boring that I feel like turning it off as soon as possible and watch that last episode of Rozen Maiden. I also dislike the fact that there is a sudden, unexplained power up scene given to one of the characters here. Anyway, I'd recommend getting alternative perspective about this episode from other bloggers such as David, Ten, Kungfucius, and Tensai once they released a review for this particular episode.
Wow, what is going on here? All of a sudden the animation quality goes up a notch. The look is now crisp and clear with some drool-worthy sakura petal scenes to spice up the episode. It's like Pierrot suddenly fired the former animation team and hired CLAMP to direct and animate this episode. There are some wonderful camera angles used in this episode as well. I really hope this new, much, much better style continues in the future. I'd hate to see the animation quality drops again to the earlier version of the series. Now, if only they'd fix those early episodes to match the quality of this one, I'd buy the R2 right away. As it is now, however, I'd much rather wait for the R1 since there's no point paying extra for better encoding when there isn't much to be seen to begin with.
January 20, 2005 | 25 Comments
OMG!!! A Bleach episode without the requisite crappy washed-out filter? Sign me in!! I'll be happy if this is the end of that stupid effect on this show. Having said that, it looks like the next episode is the start of the 'Soul Society' arc and I'm not exactly a fan of this arc. It actually started out really good but once the arc gets into the endless battle scenes, it feels a bit repetitive to me. Maybe I just don't like this kind of routine fight scenes since I also have the same problem with the current Sasuke vs Naruto arc. Anyway, this episode seems to function as a bridge between the previous 'Quincy Archer' arc and 'Soul Society' arc. I actually like this because it makes the transition less abrupt in comparison to the manga version.
It's nice to know that this is another good episode. It's mostly action-oriented and yet the writers manage to insert some good character development and history for Ishida Uryuu. There's also a rather disturbing development in regards to Soul Society but then again, this should be expected by now. Before I forget, this series for some reason decide to change the ending theme after only 13 episodes. This is unfortunate in my opinion because Life is Like a Boat is a much much better song to illustrate the upcoming Soul Society arc. The new ending theme, Thank You is not exactly a bad song but it feels misplaced here. When I first heard it and saw Rukia in her white robe, I was expecting her to reggae/boogie her way down to a seaside swimming pool. The tune is so upbeat that it's weird to see some of the characters looking angsty in the ending animation.
December 31, 2004 | 9 Comments
It's good to know that the anime has been getting better lately. Although I think that this has more to do with the plot and the voice acting than the animation itself, which still is quite blurry in some scenes. But now that all of the characters have received development as well as powers of their own, I hope that the series' pace will pick up quickly. I'm also glad to see Orihime getting a rather major exposure in this episode. It's been disappointing to see her appearance being cut down short in the previous episodes and this certainly makes up for those times. Anyway, since this arc is quite close to the end of its conclusion, it means that the 'Soul Society' arc is on its way soon. Despite the fact that I am not a big fan of this arc, I am quite keen to see it since the anime seems to put a lot of effort to prepare for this arc.
December 22, 2004 | 3 Comments
I'm impressed. These two episodes actually manage to make me interested in the anime again. Maybe it's the humour or maybe it's the current arc but either way, I like these two episodes. Speaking of arc, the anime has now reached the 'Quincy Archer' arc, one of the best arc after the 'Grand Fisher' one. It is here that all of the hints and events that happened in the past finally come to fruition. If you're a casual watcher, I think it's a good idea to give these two episodes a go just to see how some elements from previous episodes finally play out here. A new character is also introduced here and Naruto watchers will probably recognise his voice as that of Uchiha Sasuke's VA, Sugiyama Noriaki. Amusingly enough, there are several similarities between the two characters so in a way, this is a rather nifty casting on Pierrot studio part.
December 10, 2004 | 2 Comments
Yawn. Apart from the light humor in some of the scenes, this episode is exactly what I need the next time I have insomnia. Personally, I've been quite disappointed with this anime lately. Apart from 2-3 episodes, I haven't been happy with this version of the story. I've said it before but I'll say it again because it can't be emphasised enough: the blurry, over-contrasted scenes of the Hollow world are still horrendous. Thank God for Photoshop or else all of the screencaps would have been hard to see. The worst part of this version, however, is how some characters like Orihime gets the shaft in terms of screen time and appearances. I really abhor this new direction because Orihime is one of my favourite main characters in the manga and to see her being reduced to background characters simply pisses me off.
This turns out to be a rather disappointing arc despite its potential. I think the main problem is the addition of the silly Shinigami character that does not add much to the overall story apart from some unnecessary humour. The problem is, he's not even that funny. In fact, other regular comic characters like Isshin and Kon do much better job in providing comic relief in comparison to this lame Shinigami whose name I can't even bother to remember. The worst thing about his addition, however, is the fact that he ruins the tension as well as the general melancholic mood that these two episodes supposed to have. While watching these episodes, I keep thinking how much tighter and well-paced this arc would have been had this guy does not exist.
November 17, 2004 | 6 Comments
I'm too tired and lazy to think up and write non-spoilery comment. So I'll just say Kon is King! Long live Kon!! Also, please be aware that the following paragraphs are very spoilery for someone who has not read the manga.
November 10, 2004 | 7 Comments
Yay! They didn't botch this episode after all. In fact, this is probably the one episode apart from the 3rd episode that have really impressed me. I actually noticed a few things here that I didn't notice before when I was reading the manga, such as the shot of Rukia's trembling hand at the start of the show. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but I think this is Kubo Tite inserting hints of the upcoming 'Soul Society' arc into the current storyline. Speaking of Kubo, that man does a good job as a voice actor as he does as a manga artist. Kon sounds as cool and funny as I expected him to be. Having said that, I wonder why they decide to make Kon a bit more violent and powerful here. Edited to add: sorry guys, the voice of Kon/temporary Ichigo in this one is not Kubo. See comment for explanation.
November 4, 2004 | 71 Comments
Bleach ED Theme
Performed by Rie Fu
Kana/Kanji version
Nobody knows who I really am
I never felt this empty before
And if I ever need someone to come along
Who's gonna comfort me and keep me strong
We are all rowing the boat of fate
The waves keep on comin' and we can't escape
But if we ever get lost on our way
The waves would guide you thru another day
遠くで息をしてる 透明になったみたい
暗闇に思えたけど 目隠しされてただけ
祈りをささげて 新しい日を待つ
鮮やかに 光る海 その果てまで
Nobody knows who I really am
Maybe they just don't give a damn
But if I ever need someone to come along
I know you would follow me, and keep me strong
人の心はうつりゆく 抜け出したくなる
つきはまた新しい周期で 舟を連れてく
And every time I see your face,
The oceans heave up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars,
And soon I can see the shore
Oh, I can see the shore
When will I.... can see the shore?
I want you to know who I really am
I never thought I'd feel this way towards you
And if you ever need someone to come along
I will follow you, and keep you strong
旅はまだ続いてく 穏やかな日も
つきはまた新しい周期で 舟を照らし出す
祈りをささげて 新しい日を待つ
鮮やかに 光る海 その果てまで
And every time I see your face,
The oceans heave up to my heart
You make me wanna strain at the oars,
And soon I can see the shore
運命の船を漕ぎ
波は次から次へと
私たちを襲うけど
それも素敵な旅ね
どれも素敵な旅ね
Just as I suspected, I don't like this episode. The colors are all washed out and blurry most of the time since the majority of the story revolves around a Hollow fight. I tried my best to focus on the rather exciting fight scenes but failed miserably because I can't help but thinking how washed out the colors are in some of the scenes. Even the Rukia and Chad comedy show doesn't help much in diverting my attention from the horrible colors. Although I do wish that I'll get to see more of these two interacting in the future. The other saving grace of this episode is the horrific story that the serial killer recounts about his previous victim. But other than that, I am quite disappointed with this episode. Ichigo's cheesy re-appearance to help Rukia does not help either.
This is an okay episode in my opinion. I'm not particularly impressed with the storyline but then again, I wasn't either when I read this part of the manga. Anyway, just like the previous episode, there are some minor modifications made to the story. Thankfully, none of the changes are as serious as Orihime brother's reason for turning into a Hollow. Animation-wise, I think this episode looks much better in comparison to episode 3. This probably has more to do with the fact that I didn't have to endure the highly contrasted world of the Hollow for longer than 2 or 3 minutes. However, I am kind of dreading next week's episode because the majority part of that episode will be a Hollow fight scene. I abhor the idea of watching the entire episode in that kind of color. And I actually like that particular fight scene so I'm kind of hoping that the animators will tone down the color saturation a little bit.
Well, this is more like it. I can't believe how powerful this episode turned out to be. Don't get me wrong, I still suffered from those washed-out color palettes but if the story is this good, I think I'd be able to endure it. In fact, I think there was a tear or two at one point in my eyes and then at the end, I was laughing out loud because of Rukia's antics. However, I have to attribute most of it to Orihime's VA, Matsuoka Yuki, who manages to show Orihime's true personality underneath that spaced out expression of hers. I've always wonder if Orihime's happy personality is actually a facade to hide her true emotions because if one looks at her past, she hasn't always been the happy girl that she is now. This is definitely the episode that I'd recommend to anyone who wants to start watching this series.
October 14, 2004 | 10 Comments
If you haven't done so already, then I'd recommend that you read David's, Ten's, Kawaii's, BlueWacky's, and Sea Slugs' blog for a different perspective about this series. As for me, unfortunately I still don't like those washed-out effect that the animators use during encounters with Hollows. I think they make the animation looks cheap and nasty. I think the duotone, almost black and white look that they used during the encounter with Grand Fisher is a much better 'effect' for the Hollow world. Character-design wise, I'm quite happy to see Orihime looking as good as her manga counterpart. In fact, in comparison to her stick-figure classmates, she looks nicely proportional here. I've also come to like the ending theme a little bit more now. I think while storyline-wise it's far too early to use that kind of song, once the series get to the 'Soul Society' arc, this song can't be more appropriate.
Hmm, there are many elements which I don't think work well in this adaptation. To begin with, I am not too keen with the opening theme, * (Asterisk), but then again I was never an Orange Range fan. The ending theme, Life is Like a Boat, is a bit better. It's one of those songs that sounds better with each play. I didn't like it at first but I am starting to like it as I hear more of it and especially now I get the visual to go with it. Speaking of the visual, I think the animation looks uneven and the Hollows design look a bit colorful and cartoony. Thankfully, the voice actors do a good job here. I think Morita Masakazu (Tidus VA in Final Fantasy X) sounds good as Ichigo despite the fact that his voice often reminds me of Tidus. Rukia's VA is also quite good here. Orikasa Fumiko succeeds in making Rukia sounds as tomboyish as I imagined her. I can't wait until Kon appears in the series since Kubo Tite himself voices the character.
September 16, 2004 | 18 Comments
Judging from the different Japanese anime magazines, it seems that most animation houses with a major autumn series have decided to promote their series by sending a different anime illustration to a different Japanese animation magazines. Well, Pierrot studio seems to be the exception to this. Now, maybe they are still reeling after having to work on that Naruto movie or maybe they're too tired after designing those 3 new original but boring-looking characters for Naruto filler episodes. But either way, it seems they decided that they didn't have the time to draw a new anime illustration to promote Bleach. As a result, once again we're stuck with the same old image of Ichigo and Rukia as a 'promotional image'. Update: Thankfully that is no longer the case now (November 2004). I find an image of Ichigo in one of the magazines.