Will a fresh set of reinforcements be enough for our heroes to combat the power of the Espada?
Creative Staff
Story: Tite Kubo
Art: Tite Kubo
Translation/Adaptation: Joe Yamazaki and Lance Caselman
What They Say
To Ichigo’s surprise, his childlike friend Nel Tu reverts to her true form to shield her human protectors. And yet, an unforeseen turn of events leaves Nel and everyone at the mercy of the enemy, who is a heartbeat away from exterminating them. What hope is there for Ichigo and his friends now?
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
At the start of the volume, things our looking up for our heroes, as Nel in her adult form proves to be powerful enough to push Nnoitora back. Meanwhile, Pesche and Dondochakka unleash their true powers against Szayelaporro in an impressive display. However, the respective battles each take an unfortunate turn for the worse, as Nel suddenly reverts back to her child form, and Szayelaporro emerges unscathed from Pesche and Dondochakka’s ultimate attack, as he was apparently prepared for them. With Nnoitora’s fraccion pounding Ichigo into a pulp, and another Espada by the name of Zommari Rureaux preparing to finish off the critically wounded Rukia, things are looking bad.
Luckily, reinforcements appear from soul society just in the nick of time. Kenpachi moves in on the Nnoitora fight, Mayuri takes on Szayelaporro, Byakuya confronts Zommari, and Unohana goes to heal Chad and his opponent. With his massive speed, as well as the ability to take control over objects and body parts with each of the many eyes on his body, Zommari proves a difficult opponent. However, with the help of his considerable abilities, Byakuya is able to come out on top.
The rest of the volume is spent on the dueling scientists, Mayuri and Szayelaporro. Though he continues to pull out numerous crafty tricks, Szayelaporro proves unable to even faze Mayuri. The battle comes to a climax as Mayuri’s Bankai devours Szayelaporro, only for him to burst forth from the previously wounded Nemu, perfectly reborn. However, as it turns out, Mayuri had laced Nemu’s body with drugs, one of which enters into Szayelaporro during the exchange. This drug gives superhuman perceptions, but leaves Szayelaporro’s body at normal levels, meaning that each second feels like a hundred years for him, allowing Mayuri to easily and eerily dispatch him.
In Summary
This volume is a nice one, moving one fight a few steps forward, finishing up another that has been going on for quite a while, and both starting and finishing a third. It’s also cool to finally see the captains fight once again, and the battles seem to do a good job of displaying their characters. Hopefully the next few volumes will keep up the pace displayed here and keep things moving, as does feel great to see these fights come to a conclusion.
Content Grade: B+
Art Grade: B+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: March 1st, 2011
MSRP: $9.99
