Bleach

Bleach
Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC;
illustrated edition: June 16, 2004

ISBN-13: 978-1591164418

Author Information: Bleach is author Tite Kubo's second title. Kubo made his debut with Zombiepowder, a four-volume series. The series is not yet available in English translation. Please enjoy this interview with him during the 2009 Comicon: http://manga.about.com/od/mangaartistinterviews/a/TiteKubo.htm

Plot Summary: Ichigo Kurosaki sees "dead people," and has since birth. However, something new happens and he sees a Hollow terrorizing his family. At the same time a Shinigami, a rested soul from the Soul Society comes to help protect Ichigo's family. He sees the Hollow and Rukia, the shinigami, which is rare. As she tries to protect his family, she sustains an injury and needs help to defeat the Hollow. She needs to share her powers, but the only way to do so is to kill Ichigo. She stabs him and immediately he takes a great deal of her power, and he defeats the Hollow. Unfortunately he now must avenge the death of his mother. After this occurs in book one, Ichigo rests between earth and the Soul Society as he did not die naturally and is not admitted in. Rukia recouperates her energy and powers, and works with Ichigo to protect humans and avenge his mother.

Critical Analysis: Bleach conveys the theme of honor as Ichigo decides to die, and protect his family. The focus is on the collective rather than the individual. American culture is usually the opposite and it is good for YA readers from our culture to see a new perspective. Rukia also sacrifices to help Ichigo as she shares her powers with him to save his family.

Annotation: Ichigo sees spirits and he sees the Hollow attacking his family as well as the Shinigami sent to protect them. He makes the ultimate sacrifice to save his family and joins the shinigami Rukia and protects the living.

Genre: YA Manga

Curriculum ties: There are no curriculum ties.

Challenge Issues: There are no Challenge issues

Selection Reasons: Bleach is a manga which demonstrates honor and love for ones family. It is a little extreme when Ichigo dies to save his family, but at the same time it is a notion of caring about the collective instead of the individual. The story is also popular and so it is important to provide access to the titles YA want.