bleach finale

Awww, but it was just starting to get good!

Below we present a look back on Bleach by one of our Japanese writers, Seiji, who was, as you’ll see, quite the fan of the series. 

In 2001, Weekly Shounen Jump debuted a new manga that rocketed to the top of everyone’s must-read lists: Bleach. I can still recall the almost nervous excitement I felt upon hearing the news that the author of Zombie Powder, Kubo Noriaki AKA Kubo Tite, was set to release a new work. Personally, I had really enjoyed Zombie Powder, especially the artwork, and was full of anticipation for what was to come.

Even now, the words of the Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, strike deep into my heart: “What does it mean to be ‘cool’?” So you can imagine how devastated I was when the news that the manga that grown up with me was finally coming to an end. I’m not ready for this!

I set out at once to procure a copy of the August 22nd Weekly Shounen Jump. On the cover, in the upper right hand corner next to Ichigo’s face, the magazine rightly proclaimed “the legend comes to an end”. As with all legends though, Bleach has given us much that will live on way beyond the conclusion of the tale.

bleach cover

Primary amongst those things is the wisdom that was shared:  “Don’t use such strong words; they only make you look weak.” Also, the words of resolve and ambition: “I will be the one to stand in the heavens.”  And especially the incredible poems that set the tone at the beginning for each volume.  My favorite happens to be the one from volume 5: “If I don’t hold onto the sword, I can’t protect you. If I keep holding onto the sword, I can’t hold onto you.”

Of course, I’m not alone in all this lamenting and reminiscing. Bleach fans are sharing their own thoughts all over the internet.

“It’s over….Bleach is over….”
“So sad to see it go like this.”
“I’ve been reading Bleach since I was in school…yikes, I can really feel how much time has gone by.”
“Just when Ichigo’s fighting skills were at their peak…”
“This manga was still going???”

Ok, I guess some people weren’t that sad.

Nonetheless, gratitude and thanks to Kubo-sensei for 15 years of hard work!

Images: ©RocketNews24
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