New Bleach chapter out
I knew it was coming, but even so....Bleach has become a terribly depressing manga these days.
I knew Yama-jii was dead the minute I saw the color page. What surprised me in this case was the brutality of the death, and the juxtaposition of it with little Shunsui. :( He and Ukitake had the closest relationship to the soutaichou of anyone, so it makes sense, but it felt heartwrenching. Plus, the death itself was brutal. Jesus. And the separated sword hand still wanting to fight? Good god.
Bitterer still, I think, was Juha's speech - which was an interesting glimpse into the history of the Gotei 13. He claims they started off as "merciless thugs" with a relentless Yama-jii as their leader; it was only later after the massacre of the Quincy that they became, I guess, what we know them to be now. And he points out - quite accurately, I think - that Yama-jii's biggest problem has always been his inability to accept help from humans. Which is even sadder. The whole thing was just painful and sad.
Juha seems to know the Zero Squad is coming; he tells his men to wait and, at chapter's end, finds himself surprised by some kind of flash/explosion in the sky. I suppose it's too much to hope that Ichigo somehow got out of his cage; I wonder if Yama-jii had a contingency plan of some kind? Maybe Ishida's about to get involved? (Where is Ishida, anyway? And Ryuuken, and Isshin, and Yoruichi?)
I hope we get some kind of a palate-cleanser after this; something that turns the tide if only a little. Or changes the scenery. I'd be happy with any of the above as options. Or Shirosaki, who I imagine is chomping at the bit.
But sigh. I want to hug Shunsui. Sad chapter is sad.
I knew Yama-jii was dead the minute I saw the color page. What surprised me in this case was the brutality of the death, and the juxtaposition of it with little Shunsui. :( He and Ukitake had the closest relationship to the soutaichou of anyone, so it makes sense, but it felt heartwrenching. Plus, the death itself was brutal. Jesus. And the separated sword hand still wanting to fight? Good god.
Bitterer still, I think, was Juha's speech - which was an interesting glimpse into the history of the Gotei 13. He claims they started off as "merciless thugs" with a relentless Yama-jii as their leader; it was only later after the massacre of the Quincy that they became, I guess, what we know them to be now. And he points out - quite accurately, I think - that Yama-jii's biggest problem has always been his inability to accept help from humans. Which is even sadder. The whole thing was just painful and sad.
Juha seems to know the Zero Squad is coming; he tells his men to wait and, at chapter's end, finds himself surprised by some kind of flash/explosion in the sky. I suppose it's too much to hope that Ichigo somehow got out of his cage; I wonder if Yama-jii had a contingency plan of some kind? Maybe Ishida's about to get involved? (Where is Ishida, anyway? And Ryuuken, and Isshin, and Yoruichi?)
I hope we get some kind of a palate-cleanser after this; something that turns the tide if only a little. Or changes the scenery. I'd be happy with any of the above as options. Or Shirosaki, who I imagine is chomping at the bit.
But sigh. I want to hug Shunsui. Sad chapter is sad.