BLEACH Ch. 604 Review

The Zero Squad may have underestimated the abilities of Yhwach and the tenacity of those who follow him.

The Good

At least they tried.

I feel really bad that Oh-etsu has suffered such a massive defeat. For as obnoxious as I originally found the guy, his personality has really grown on me. However, the turn around is as important to shonen as the drop in dubstep. It's a defining characteristic. There's no one who can stand and say that they're honestly surprised by this outcome.

It's not as if there is a vast cast of characters for Ichigo and pals to battle with when they arrive. The Zero Squad has been on a solid roll that I immensely enjoyed. It was just about time for the enemy to start making them self a threat once again. Otherwise the closing battles of BLEACH would just seem lackluster. Having these Quincy push back on the Zero Squad certainly raises their villainy stock.

Strangely enough, I find myself sort of happy to see Bazz-B, Giselle, and Liltotto hanging in there. I just wonder what part they'll play if they survive having their life energy sucked away? They sort of lack any motivation to fight for their king now.

The Bad

Couldn't be bothered to at least think up a name for this "power" stuff?

For a series that over explains a LOT, I'm not entirely satisfied with the explanation given for the Stern Ritterelite revival. I don't have a problem with the concept of bringing them back. I just wish Kubo had a better premise than, it's not reishi but "power". That's such a generic term that makes it seem far less impressive. If anything, it makes it sound more like something that was pulled out of a hat.

Which isn't the case. This is the same thing he used that got Ichigo's mother killed. I just don't see why a better name wasn't given to the energy he drains away. Anything would have been better. Who knows. Maybe it's more a translation issue, but the official version has been spot on for most everything with this series.

Verdict 3/5

Kubo was in kind of a tough position here. He absolutely couldn't make this fight go either way. The Zero Squad had to at some point show what they're capable of doing. They couldn't be all reputation and no skill. At the same time, the protagonists need someone to battle. It is a battle shonen series. This whole event serves as tool to show the audience what our heroes have to face on their arrival. I doubt anyone wants to see Sado, Orihime, and Yoruichi sitting on their hands and watching in awe at Ichigo's fight with Yhwach. Anyone who can give the Zero Squad this much trouble is a certifiable threat.

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About the Author

Kristoffer Remmell (FoxxFireArt) is a freelance graphic artist, writer, and over all mystery geek. Follow for news updates:@AnimeVicers /@FoxxFireArt / http://ift.tt/1hmMpg1

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