Bleach Season 12 Part 3: Zanpakuto: An Alternate Tale DVD Review

Director: Noriyuki Abe

Starring: Yuki Matsuoka, Johnny Yong Bosch, Fumiko Orikasa, Michelle Ruff,

 Running Time: 275 minutes

Certificate: 12

The third and final part of the saga that rudely interprupted the show’s main plot. That’s the thing with anime, the word ‘hiatus’ isn’t a common one, so when the show caught up with the manga, it was time to make stuff up. The collection even puts heavy comical emphasis on such a break by using the “next week” segments to have characters question where the scripts are and when things can get back to normal. Ironically though, this story of the spirits of the swords rebelling and joining the physical world has been far more engrossing and focused. BLEACH has suffered from becoming overly complicated, while not furthering the characters.

This storyline, as filler as it may be, has actually captured  a lot of what was great about the show when it first started. With the rebellion fully explained and laid to rest, characters are able to return to their hometown, which is a place that allows for some respite from the constant onslaught of supernatural locales.

It’s also great to see the show rely on a more episodic structure. That’s not something I’d usually encourage, but having individual stories provides a decent mix of humorous tales, as well at getting to the core of certain characters. As the Zanpakuto who are left masterless wonder the earth, they soon begin to lose control. This escalates into a tragic storyline which forces out some complex emotions and difficult decisions.

Best of all though, there is a sense of finality to the events portrayed in the last three collections on DVD. BLEACH has been going on for so long with storylines that seem never-ending, that it’s hard to continue giving it your full attention. BLEACH is now impenetrable to anyone who hasn’t remained loyal from the outset, but the Zanpakuto arc is a lot easier to get into and enjoy for its merits.

Hopefully things will settle down soon, as it is also very hard to distinguish characters and arrange events chronologically at the moment. Those who enjoy the fast and furious action, but don’t mind pausing for exposition, as well as consistent visuals that still hint towards creativity, will no doubt enjoy what BLEACH has to offer, but I’m a bit sad to see this story end.

[usr=3]BLEACH Season 12 Part 3: Zanpakuto: An Alternate Tale is released on DVD on 17th February via Manga Entertainment.

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