Bleach by Tite Kubo

Tite Kubo's Bleach is an entertaining action manga currently consisting of 22 volumes with more on the way. It may seem like a lot, but the series actually reads quickly and is, at times, very suspenseful.


The main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, appears to be a normal high school boy, but he has the ability to see and talk to spirits. One night, in search of a corrupt soul called a Hollow, Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami (soul reaper), enters Ichigo's home. Moments later, Ichigo's family is attacked by a Hollow intending to devour Ichigo's soul for its strength. Rukia becomes injured because of Ichigo's refusal to stay out of the fight and is unable to battle. Turning her power as a shinigami over to Ichigo, who slays the Hollow, she starts the series on its way as Ichigo seeks to protect the ones he loves and grows stronger in the process.


This series is definitely one of my favorites. Its fast and fun, with colorful characters and surprising plot twists. If You've read Buso Renkin, you may notice some similar ideas. For example, both Ichigo and Kazuki get their power from a strong female lead and both have similar reasons for wanting to be stronger.


I recommend this series for anyone 13 and up. It might be just a bit too violent for anyone younger, otherwise; I strongly recommend this title for all manga lovers. This is also another great series to try if you have never read manga before.


Please feel free to email us at info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and volume number that you would like to order along with your library card number and we will place a hold for you. Remember, we can only place holds for patrons who are members of a Clevnet library. Please also feel free to comment if you have read the series. We would be happy to hear from you.

For more information on this series visit Amazon.com.

Buso Renkin by Nobuhiro Watsuki

This action manga (japanese comic book) series comes from the author of Ruroni Kenshin, a fantastic series about an ex-samurai warrior. Buso Renkin is rated for teen readers, but adults will certainly enjoy it too. I found this series to be a quick and enjoyable read with only ten volumes to tell the complete story.


Kazuki Muto, high school student, sees a girl in an abandoned factory being attacked by a monster. He pushes her out of the way and is killed in the process. The girl, Tokiko, uses a Kakugane (an alchemic item) to replace Kazuki's heart and restore him to life. Kazuki soon learns that he wants to help the girl in her battles and finds that, with the kakugane, he can summon a lance to fight the monsters, called Homonculi. As Kazuki fights, he gets stronger, impressing Tokiko and her captain. Then one day, his kakugane is shattered during a battle against a foe of unimaginable power giving him only a little time to remain human. Can Kazuki find the cure or will he have to be executed by his comrades before he becomes a threat?


Buso Renkin mixes action, humor, suspense and a little romance. A great series for readers who have not yet experienced manga and also for those who enjoy it already.


If you've already read it and would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to comment.Or, is you'd like to begin reading the series, email info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and library card number and I will be happy to place the hold for you. If you've already read some of the series, be sure to let me know what volume you would like to read. We can only place holds for patrons of the Clevnet library system.

For more information and reviews, visit Amazon.com.