From the back cover:
The long-awaited showdown between Ichigo and Byakuya Kuchiki has finally begun. Has Ichigo succeeded in mastering bankai, the highest level of power that a Soul Reaper can attain, to face Byakuya as an equal?
Review:
After a slow first chapter, this volume kicked some butt!
I vastly enjoyed the multi-chapter battle between Ichigo and Byakuya, which was full of nifty moves and engendered much excitement. The art was especially great in this section. When Ichigo displayed some new mastery of his sword (Zangetsu), his cape fluttered in a very Zangestu fashion. Throughout he looked more cool and in control than previously. And the surprise twist at the end of chapter 165 and throughout 166 was simply awesome.
As a bonus, it looks like the Soul Reaper plot is ramping up and will be concluding soon. Plus, Ichigo’s companions finally returned to the scene. Good stuff.
[…] Reviews: Start here: Carlo Santos has a new Right Turn Only!! column up at ANN, with short reviews of the first volume of Gakuen Alice, the last volume of Genshiken, and more. At Slightly Biased Manga, Connie is confused by vol. 1 of Flock of Angels. Erica Friedman reveiws vol. 4 of Strawberry Marshmallow at Okazu. Nick has some brief comments on vol. 1 of The Wallflower at Hobotaku. Michelle continues her Bleachathon with a look at vol. 19 of Bleach at Soloquy in Blue. At Active Anime, Christopher Seaman reviews vol. 5 of O-Parts Hunter and Holly Ellingwood checks out vol. 1 of Kurohime and vol. 9 of Kamui. Tom Spurgeon enjoys the Azumanga Daioh Omnibus at The Comics Reporter. Charles Yoakum reviews vol. 9 of Genshiken at Ink Destroyed My Brush (via Journalista). Julie checks out vol. 15 of Fullmetal Alchemist at the Manga Maniac Cafe. Dan Polley reviews vol. 15 of Tsubasa at Manga Life. And the Broccoli Blog catches some recent reviews of their titles that we missed: Comics Alliance on Disgaea and Disgaea 2, Elisa Rolle on Delivery Cupid, Boys on Boys on Film on Pet on Duty, and The Anime Blog on My Dearest Devil Princess. […]