Turn back the pendulum.
Creative Staff
Writer/Artist: Tite Kubo
Translation: Joe Yamazaki
English Adaptation: Lance Caselman
What They Say
Find out what happened in the Soul Society one hundred years ago. Kisuke Urahara is the new captain of twelfth company – now if only he could get along with his assistant captain. And Soul Reaper captain Shinji Hirako suspects something sinister is going on with his second in command, Aizen.
The Review!
Turning back 110 years into the past, we find a story far removed from that of the modern day. In this time frame far past, we find captain of the fifth company, Shinji Hirako, and his assistant captain Sosuke Aizen. The two soon prepare themselves to attend an important meeting, and run into others along the way such as captain Love Aikawa and assistant captain Hiyori Sarugaki. As it turns out, this meeting is to welcome the newly promoted captain of twelfth company, Kisuke Urahara.
From that point on, our story primarily follows our newly inducted captain. Unfortunately for Kisuke, Hiyori is unwilling to accept him, as she was very close to the former captain. After a little push from Shinji, Kisuke decides to run things his way and begins making big changes in the twelfth company barracks. When Hiyori confronts him, he simply asks her to accompany him to the Maggot’s Nest.
As it turns out, the Maggot’s Nest is where individuals who are considered dangerous to Soul Society are contained. As Soul Reapers are not allowed to resign, and are by definition dangerous elements, Maggot’s Nest is certainly not lacking for prisoners. In his previous post, it was Kisuke’s job to act as warden, and as weapons are not allowed inside, he had to be able to subdue the prisoners with his own two hands. In the bottom of the Maggot’s Nest, the pair discovers the man they were looking for: Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Kisuke asks Mayuri to join him in forming the research and development department, a request Mayuri eventually agrees to.
After a few quick looks at characters we know from the future, nine years pass and a new, troubling incident is endangering Soul Society. Konpaku are disappearing, yet their clothes are being a left behind, a perplexing and seemingly impossible phenomenon, implying they were unable to maintain their living form. Captain Kensei and his assistant captain Mashiro of ninth company are sent out to investigate, but when their spiritual pressures disappear suddenly, the captains of Soul Society are called to an emergency meeting. An elite team is assembled to deal with the incident, consisting of captains Shinji, Rojuro, and Love, assistant captain Lisa, and lieutenant of the kido corp Hachigen. However, even this elite group is unprepared for what they find: a hollowfied Kensei and Mashiro. Though they are able to restrain their hollowfied allies, Aizen and Tosen soon appear, meaning their ordeal is far from over.
In Summary:
This volume is a little difficult to judge, as what it is seems to be almost purely fanservice. Though it is interesting to see a variety of characters in a completely different light, it’s hard to say what this adds to the overall story outside of fleshing out the motivations of a small group. Additionally, a number of scenes serve quite literally no purpose but showing younger versions of the characters we’ve gotten to know. While that can be interesting, it does feel like little more than fluff. If you’re interested in taking a peak into the distant of past of the series, then this volume will be quite enjoyable, but otherwise you may find yourself a little annoyed at getting taken away from the action.
Content Grade: B
Art Grade: B+
Package Rating: B+
Text/Translation Rating: B
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Viz Media
Release Date: September 6th, 2011
MSRP: $9.99
