Title: Bleach

Genre: Horror

Creator/Studio: Tite Kubo/Pierrot

DVD Info: 70+ episodes

Company: Viz

Summary: Rukia, a Soul Reaper, meets 15-year-old Ichigo Kurosawa, who can see ghosts. When she realizes the spirit (or "Wholes" as the anime calls them)-eating Hollows are after him, she passes on her powers and title to him. Now it is his job to protect the souls of the dead from the Hollows.

The Good: I love the anime's ending theme. The animation looks good. Johnny Yong Bosch does a great job as Ichigo. Rukia's relationship with Ichigo is well-developed and I like how she has trouble adjusting to having a solid body.

The Bad: I can do without Rukia's childish drawings she uses to explain things. I really hate the ambiguity of the show's title.

Offensive Material: Bleach is filled with occult themes and its view of the afterlife clashes with Christianity's views. However its themes do coincide with Christianity, primarily our view that we must find peace.

Overall: I'd only recommend this title to those with a strong faith and who are not easily offended by pagan views of the afterlife. Despite its ambiguous, I find the show entertaining.

My Review: 3.5 Category: C

Comment: Viz also published the manga. Tite Kubo also created Zombie Powder. Other Pierrot titles include Yu Yu Hakusho, Naruto, and Saiyuki.