First Impressions and Theories about Bleach! 

Kubology is in session… so glad to be a part of this journey!! 🎉

I can’t wait for someone smart and sensible to give bleach an honest read. So much discourse good/bad just not giving bleach its flowers. Good luck and hope you enjoy the rest

So this is a weird piece of advice I want to give, but it feels important to know. When you reach the final arc of Bleach I would highly recommend Checking out its currently ongoing anime adaptation. Not necessarily instead of reading it, but because for many reasons that going into isn't particularly relevant the manga was cut short and ended much faster than Tite Kubo wanted leaving the pacing of the final chapters feeling very rushed. Kubo has been heavily involved in the anime adaptation of this final arc, adding new things and reworking aspects that didn't get the time that it needed. Its almost more a director's cut than an adaptation. I won't say one way or another weather it should be considered the definitive version of the arc, as its not finished yet, and that should always really be up to the individual veiwer. But it is definitely worth checking out when you reach that point.

Yep Bleach just instantly hooks you in visually. I can’t wait for you to see the evolution of the artwork

It's so nice to see a levelheaded guy appreciating Orihime's emotional maturity and supportiveness. Not enough manga readers/anime viewers appreciate those traits, probably because a lot of them lack emotional maturity themselves.

You will never, in your life, be able to guess how Kubo's wild ride goes. Buckle up, you're gonna feel the train.

God you really understand Kubo‘s writing, loved listening to this. So many don’t understand Kubo‘s subtle writing and it’s a shame honestly. Bleach really not for everyone.

I’m glad you appreciate Bleach’s poetic and mood tone set by the manga. It only works in manga form and black and white because it was made for it and uses that media to specifically express itself. I’m glad you notice this because a lot of people who just watch the anime miss this huge part of the series and find the first arc a bit bland without it

You just gonna love Bleach Being a Togashi/sorachi fan your gonna love kubos writing and characters for ichigo and gintoki are very similar in why they want power. Its not to help them but for other's ichigo wants to protect those smiles...like gintoki there no ultermovites. What you see is whay you get with ichigo's desire

I'm glad you're managing to pick up on many of the subtleties of Bleach, since it's a series that tends to be quite subtle about things. It's a very enjoyable ride if you can dig past the surface layer

Currently reading Bleach for the first time also (at Volume 7 atm) and really like it a lot so far. I have heard that it goes into completly different directions down the line but i really loved the Urban Fantasy aspect so far. It does remind me a lot of YYH but it also has such a unique, chill but creepy vibe going for it. Also Kubo is a master at writing and designing characters. Legit the only issues i have with it so far are a few minor nitpicks. Am really excited to see more, not just from the manga but also from you.

I love that Kubo doesn’t spoon feed things for readers. You really gotta learn to read in between the lines to grasp the greater sense of the themes. It’s beautifully profound in the same way poems are

you will love Captain Kyoraku...

FANTASTIC 1st arc? Glad you're enjoying Tite Kubo's finest work so much off the bat given how some people seem to struggle getting into it early on. The streams have been very enjoyable and I hope the rest of the journey is just as much of a good time as this if not better, especially since I am in the majority who consider this to be the weakest arc, even if it's rly good especially in hindsight

So glad you strated bleach. While it's certainly not without its issues, bleach is definitely my favorite of the big three and has lodged itself deep into my heart. While many people say that the series gets better in soul society, I am glad you gave the first arc the love it deserves, the first arc is absolutely beautiful and not enough people talk about it!

I always enjoy your videos a lot bc of how obvious your enjoyment is. I see a lot of videos analyzing or criticizing a series and it feels like they only watched the series to complain or find something to dislike. They don’t put the dots together like you do, and it’s always a good time seeing you extrapolate your thoughts

Bleach is one of the most thematically beautiful stories i have ever witnessed. The manga is a masterpiece.

i know radman is rubbing his hands LMAO

I love Bleach so much, can't wait for you to react to the soul society arc ❤

LET'S GOOOO, PLEASE KEEP THIS UP.

Crazy how after years of being a bleach fan, this guy just jumps in and has a better analysis than most years long fans have.

If the chat isn't already doing it I recommend looking into what everyone's/everything's names mean. Names and Symbolism is very important in Bleach.

Update he is finishing up Fake Karakura Town arc and he loves the series yall should check out his twitch vods he understands the series so well and does great break downs of Kubo’s work

You are so incredibly perceptive. I can't wait for you to see where the story goes!

I love all these thing about early Bleach, and specially the imagery that Kubo uses to support these themes throughout the story. Specially the sideway buildings in Ichigo's inner world and what that could mean for him. You already have a very good read on Zangetsu and Ichigo. It does lack focus, though, like many other long shonen stories, and the minimalistic storytelling doesn't work as well with everything Kubo seems to be saying.

thank you, algorithm, for reccing this. thanks, alex, for reminding me of the wonder that was early bleach. i really lived it then way back mid-2000s. it was the overly long hueco mundo arc that made me turn against it, but the the start.. the early chapters were a real treat

I think it goes without saying, that Bleach is amazing. Out of the Orihime-Tatsuki, Uryu-Ichigo and Chad-Karin mini arcs in the 30-50s, I can't even choose which I prefer. It's so good.

I'm excited for you to get into Bleach. I think it's one of those manga where everyone who reads it will appreciate different aspects of it. It uses one of my favourite world-building techniques where you're given little bits of information, but every character understands things a little differently, so it's hard to tell if they're correct. There's a lot more depth than just being the edgiest member of the Big 3.

Love this video. Explains bleach so well.

i truly can’t wait till you read Tokyo ghoul. your analysis will be something ima look forward to

By far the best of the Big Three

Thank you so much for picking up this series! Definitely looking forward to more of your thoughts on Bleach!

I've been loving every stream so far. It's so nice to see you enjoying all the little bits and pieces of the story and truly taking it all in. I'm super excited to see how you'll enjoy the rest! With you all the way king 🫴👑✨

Damn that tumbnail is goated

Your shirt is AMAZING! Thanks for the great video as always man

on your comment on it's humor. I don't know if these are based on manga panels but in the Anime at the end of episodes there are these humorous side stories that crack me up. Specifically one with Byakuya and his Flash Step technique.

Love your enthusiasm for Bleach, can't wait to see what your top 5 character list will look like down the line, judging by this video, it think I might have an idea 😉

I'm wholly confident that Bleach will end up as another one of your favorite stories in anime and manga alongside One Piece and Naruto (and maybe fiction, in general). There's very little like Bleach out there, and the way that it's written and illustrated is so up your alley that it's insane. Prepare for nothing but peak from now on.

Wow, this is some amazing analysis from someone after JUST watching the first arc. Subscribed.

I feel like Bleach came out at wrong time... This story expects readers to be more mature to understand the subtext that's scattered throughout instead of just being spoon-fed... It demands the readers to give it the respect that it gives them... Back when Naruto and One Piece were all the hype(still are) people just didn't give Bleach the attention(While reading, not popularity) it deserved... And now I see more and more people who grew up, giving Bleach another chance and understand what the story was trying to say... With themes related to death, life, stagnation, progress, self acceptance(one of the best mc character arcs) and much more... Bleach just needed its audience to mature.... ... While Naruto also has themes that are deep like loneliness and gaining recognition through efforts and One-Piece also literally deals with slavery and gaining freedom through sheer will-power... Bleach feels more personal... the story takes a character that is filled with self loathing(blames himself throughout the story) and slowly progresses into the best version of himself through self acceptance..."..is me"....

Bleach is genuinely one of the most profound shonen manga out there and there's little comparison to it. Most people don't even start to understand why it's so good.

Its happening, the Bleach video came

always happy to see someone new to bleach enjoying the early arcs, even better someone appreciating orihime as a character. she is very underrated and misunderstood i think

AYo, this is a great surprise. Thank you for making a video

From listening to the excitement you have in your theories I'm sure you're going to have a good time with Bleach. There's a lot of depth in the series and I'm hoping you can get the most out of it. I know a lot of subtle moments flew over my head the first time I went through the story because my teenage brain was locked more into the action than anything else.

While each of the Big 3 all left their mark on the world, it is not an exaggeration to say Bleach is the most influential of the Big 3. Demon Slayer's sword wielding demon hunting Hashira are explicitly inspired by the 13 Captains. You even have an ice dragon, a clear reference to one of those 13 Captains. Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most obvious. But you also have Black Clover being a love letter to Bleach and Berserk. Chainsaw Man is another example, up to and including having the main hero being a half monster (or half devil in this case). Hell's Paradise has the most thematic parallels with Bleach because of the way the characters all wrestle with being in between life and death. Bleach was the most mocked and roasted of the Big 3, and yet it has the most impact of the three just from how many series actively want to be seen as its spiritual successors. Kubology at work

I think the first arc of bleach is actually great, will watch again since I ain’t watched it since I was a kid

Oh nice, glad you are reading this! It’s a good series. Suggestion: when you get to the final arc, check out the anime as well. Since the final arc was rushed, the anime actually adds some stuff in that kubo had to cut

Let's freakin go.. I feel like Bleach is pretty great, if it didn't have the usual shonen problems and limits, it could have been an absolute masterpiece. It has amazing art, artstyle and action and Kubo's poetic writing is amazing.

Bruh I love bleach so much!! Hope you love the series!!!

Mannn, can't believe you picked up on so much so early, I'm getting hyped thinking about your reactions to future revelations

The wise Recon when watching Mono for the first time compared Bakemonogatari to the Substitute Shinigami in its episodic mundane tone and its inflation the dimension of the character’s interiors into the forefront. I never would’ve thought u would compare ichigo & Rukia to Shinobu & Araragi tho, but looking back at them there share a few stuff even if I don’t share the sentiment.

The Arrancar Arc my dude will blow you away the Grimjow & Ulquiorra Fights are the best in the entire bleach universe thus far

currently tripping on lsd was just talking with my buddy about bleach you're in for a treat man this shit goes deep

Yea we need those Tokyo ghoul live reads whenever u catch up on one piece

Please do monthly summaries of your experience like you do for OP. Bleach is my favorite shonen series and id love to hear your thoughts, but i neither have the time nor time zone to watch your twitch readings. I've been enjoying your breakdowns of OP a lot and ive been a fan of your essays for years and years, so keep up the great content

idk if you know him but you kinda look like Jack Antonoff

Instant like for this great Bleach content!

Can’t wait to hear your take on this series

YESSSS, HE MADE A VIDEO. Been waiting on your thoughts.

Ty for this review ! That was amazing 🔥

Man is finally catching up to the Big 3! So cool.

Without a doubt my favorite of the Big 3.

I love the big 3 and Bleach is my favorite amongst them

Really hope you can completely avoid spoilers. This shit is fire.

Im not gonna give specifics to avoid spoilers but i really like the theme(s) that exists between the differing power systems in the world

Early Bleach and the much later Fullbring arc are the peak of writing, because it's got that down-to-earth, smaller scale stuff that Kubo does really well. The rest still has the best art of the big 3, and arguably the best character deisign. I'd offer more thoughts but they'd get into spoiler territory, and that feels like enough for this early on.

You're lucky i love you Aleczandxr, not many people can say, bleach is the most mundane style without having me pick up my pitch fork but you saved it haha. As someone who's top 4 favourite anime are Bleach, Gurren lagann, Cowboy Bebop and Hunter x Hunter who loves your analysis I'm sure you'll love it.

Really glad you're enjoying Bleach! Much like One Piece and Naruto it's always interesting to see your perspective as someone who is getting into the Big 3 after most of the discourse has settled. It really plagued all three series as they were releasing together lol

Great video, some of these insights are really fun to hear, while having the full knowledge of the story.

Bleach is a cool manga, hopefully the anime adaptation of the final arc fixes the ending

I was always wondering when you were gonna resd bleach...peak is about to be read

Finding the meaning in the negative/ empty space is what Bleach is all about!

Bleach as a Manga captures you in a way that's far different from the anime, which is all I've seen of the series until you started reading it and I could compare the two mediums, it's a fantastic read

You should try reading usogui(of course if you have the time). Its basically a manga centred around gambling like kaiji, but it differs in that it combines fighting and insane tactical and elaborate mindgames which makes it super engaging. It also has extremely good art, especially in the later chapters. The author also likes to foreshadow a lot of events similar to one piece. But sometimes I feel the foreshadowing in usogui is even better.

Something you might also enjoy is maybe noticing alot, and I mean ALOT of references and inspirations shonen of today have taken from Bleach

Bleach is going to become so gripping at times, you'll see A! Once Hueco Mundo is put on the scene you'll be sweating and crying at points, such a great arc 🙂‍↕️

Can we see Toji analysis like you made on Akashi Seijuro? Thank you.

We’ll see how he feels 300 chapters down the road.

Dude I remember you 😭 the first video I watched in your channel is the HXH religious references, and I finally found a video talking about it because I've been telling people that the phantom troupe is the best villain group of anime to represent Jesus and his 12 disciples. Also i remember you had like 1.7k subscribers at that time and now you're at 300k! You're so lucky that you get to talk about anime and get paid at the same time

Alec try not to have the best taste in fiction possible & 11th dimensional media literacy challenge (impossible):

He’s going in blind. I legit cant wait to see him react to the Soul Society arc or ‘Everything but the Rain’.

I have to say there's some moments I think you should revisit in the anime after reading the chapter. The way it hits with the music just elevates.

Considering how much you like Haikyuu, I wholeheartedly recommend Slam Dunk. The art is top tier, but the story is does not stay behind at all. Great comedy and a lot of emotions. Idk if you have like the Naruto/Sasuke rivalry (specially in Naruto OG), but I personally feel like a lot of it is inspired in Sakuragi/Rukawa's dynamic. :)

Thanks for this. I'll just say one thing about Bleach, or rather Kubo. His commitment to _"Show, don't tell"_ is historic and infamous; most people literally go the whole anime without stopping to question assumptions about basic world mechanics, like combat damage, but if you take some time, look at what you're shown, things make sense. Also, #JoshGroban. That always has to be said when talking about Bleach.

Another amazing manga/anime series worth checking out is Bungo Stray Dogs! It’s a severely underrated series that centers around different groups of characters with powers who are all based on a famous writer or poet. There are so many complex characters and themes in this series that deserve more analysis videos on them. I highly recommend checking it out!! Love your videos!!!

So excited for the next arcs!

I really need to go back and reread Bleach, because he's picking up on things that I didn't notice that ended up paying off way later.

Oh shit, the day has finally come

Love your content 😊😊😊❤❤

I'd love a supercut of your streams by someone!

Imma have to tune in for these streams

I hope you enjoy the series. In spite of its flaws this was my favorite of the "big 3" when that was still a thing. Maybe you'll help me appreciate it more like you helped me understand One Piece better.

Bleach has its ups and downs just like all series but due to its reputations and it less conventional writings compared to its contemporaries a lot of its brilliance and nuance are lost to its audience. I think you'll have a great time with this series and can't wait till you get the chance to do a breakdown the characters and themes!

Been watching the twitch streams, hope you enjoy Bleach!

Sad you wpnt keep making those as im really amazed already by what you took from this arc, specially your comments over Ichigo's character but i understand the time and effrot it would take, anyways im really excited to see you journey through this fantastic manga

15:44 WTF, you too good at reading this, this early on.

Remember that bleach have nice novels as well :)

Just trust me when I say this, it was made for you

This is first time I’ve seen your face. You sort of remind me of Markiplier.