A review by theautumnalreader
Bleach, Vol. 7: The Broken Coda by Tite Kubo

adventurous emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Spoiler

There are so many layers to volume 7 that I've been trying to wrap my head around. While on the surface the impotent/dick jokes when it comes to zanpakto were prevalent, I think there was a lot of insight into the future of Ichigo and the series. This volume had a host of funny moments from Urahara to Ururu, but there was so much meaning, too. The action and art were compelling but two things really stood out in this volume for me.

First, I was caught by the rain that is ever present with struggles and strife for Ichigo. Seeing Ichigo, and Uryu, too, lying face down in a rain puddle after being defeated and stripped of power by Byakuya shows the defeat that changes Ichigo's future. I found it both beautiful and compelling that Urahara, in all of his mystery, holds an umbrella over Ichigo and Ichigo realizes that "the rain has stopped." Urahara as a guide but also a teacher to unlock his true power and quest to save Rukia shines as the guide who literally and metaphorically will lead to the rain stopping.

Finally, I was really taken by Orihime and Ichigo's dynamic in Volume 7. Orihime alone recognizes Ichigo's mission for Rukia and confronts him with his inner doubts and resolves in a playful and subtle way. I'm interested in seeing how Orihime aids Ichigo's resolve moving forward, as the panel with him balling his fist and thanking her feels like foreshadowing for the future. Similarly, the doubts and resolve Orihime finds in herself to "not let" anything happen to Ichigo versus just hoping he'd be safe like she first mentioned shows how Ichigo strengthens her resolve, too.