Can It Be All So Simple

Hey you know everybody's talking about the "good old days."
Everybody! The good old days.
Well, let's talk about the good old days...
— Gladys Knight

Ahh, the good ol' days. Back when Ichigo was still in school and discovering something new every day about his Soul Reaper powers. Back when Rukia was living the simple life...in Ichigo's closet. Back when Kon was running wild inside Ichigo's body. Back when Uryu was sewing frills on shirts (and Kon!). Though I'm really into the current war against the Vandenreich, the "Save Rukia" and "Arrancar" arcs are my top two favorite arcs in Bleach. And lucky for me, I get a chance to revisit them with the recent release of Bleach 3-in-1 volume 7 (covering the original Bleach volumes 19–21).

I think one of the mistakes I often find myself making is believing that Bleach back then was simpler, without the complicated plot twists. And sure, it may seem that way when Ichigo and company are on a quest to rescue their friend Rukia from execution. Sounds simple, right? Break in, find friend, escape.

But along the way, things get a bit out of whack, and the lines between enemy and friend get blurred. By the time we're on the last few chapters of the story arc, we're left wondering who's good and who's bad? Is that really the kindhearted Aizen who faked his own death? And Tosen seems like such a dependable and trustworthy fellow. The only Soul Reaper that I had qualms about in the beginning was obviously Gin, with his evil-looking smirk and snakish eyes. But then again, his relationship with Rangiku sure makes him out to be not so bad after all...

The disillusionment that blankets Soul Society gets ripped off during the climax of this arc and should be required reading for anyone claiming to be a current fan of Weekly Shonen Jump (just say not to manga elitism!). It's got plot twists galore, a hero who redeems himself then finds himself struggling once again, a bit of a teary-eyed goodbye and, when they return back to Karakura Town, KON!

And this part is where I think the 3-in-1 volumes shine. You not only get the ending to one fantastic plotline, you also get the start of a whole new one with the introduction of the Arrancars.

Now that Ichigo's back in his hometown, life must go on. He's still hacking and slashing Hollows, but everything changes when a new kind of Hollow appears. At the same time, a mysterious student joins his class, and he seems to know quite a bit about Ichigo...

Again, I can't stress how much I enjoy these part arcs, and this 3-in-1 format is a great way for new readers to quickly get into the manga and for old fans to relive these great moments.

Bleach 3-in-1 volume 7 is available now!

by John Bae