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As mentioned in the previous post, Bleach is my current obsession. To say it's brilliant would be an understatement. I think any anime-crazed person out there SHOULD NOT miss Bleach because it's super duper popular, making it an ideal topic of discussion when being with other animaniacs. Just go to any anime site. There's a 95% chance of finding a link dedicated to Bleach and the Bleach link is often the one that gets the most hits.
After watching loads of Bleach episodes at Youtube.com (80 to be exact) , I think I can answer to question that popped into my mind when I first started: Why does Bleach stand out? Here's my opinion: Firstly, it has the basic template of a great show, that is laughs + romance + action + likeable characters. Secondly, the dudes and gurls aren't just 2d characters on the screen. The producers did a wonderful job of injecting distinct personalities in each character (though not every single one of them) , bringing nearly every one to life. For example, Ichigo the main character is clearly a rather fast-talking, cocky guy but with a strong sense of justice and loyalty. Ishida, his friend, is an extreme sense of pride in being a Quincy. Thirdly, it's kinda fun to watch the different relationships among the characters e.g Ichigo and his Dad's is always hilarious.
One thing I haven't figured out though: Why is Bleach so called? I mean, the chemical doesn't come in anywhere in the series. Won't some Bleach expert kindly enlighten me on this? I've got a theory that probably isn't too far off the mark: the Shinigami(Death Gods) in Bleach are always wiping out the dangerous Hollows just as bleach is needed to whiten clothes.
Some random things regarding Bleach (WARNING, SOME SPOILERS!) :
Top 3 favourite guys (in order of preference):
Top 3 favourite girls (in order of preference):
Ultimate favourite character: HITSUGAYA!!!
Favourite couple: Hitsugaya Toushirou and Hinamori Momo
Favourite villian: Ichimaru Gin
Least favourite character: Aizen Sousuke
Weirdest pairing: Zaraki Kenpachi and Kusajishi Yachiru
You gotta watch about 50 episodes to understand my feelings for certain characters.
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Oh yeah, my family and I will be off to Europe on Sunday. We're visiting Italy + Switzerland :D and will be back on Christmas day. Can't wait xD