THE STORY
Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero in this story, is first introduced to us on the streets defending his sisters’ memorial site. We know from the start that he is an extraordinary individual as he is capable of seeing ghosts and things from the spiritual realms, which others are oblivious to. After a surprise encounter with a soul reaper Ichigo becomes engaged in a battle between the soul society and the netherworld (heaven and hell). The soul reaper, Rukia Kuchiki, gives Ichigo her powers after being injured. Fighting to protect his family Ichigo’s true strength is discovered and he accepts the task of a Soul Reaper. Rukia, now in human form transfers to Ichigo’s school and aids him in battles. Bereft of her powers she assists Ichigo by explaining things and coaching battles. A soul reaper sees to it that all the good souls are sent to soul society and are not devoured by the hollows, bad souls from the netherworlds that have lost their hearts. After accepting the responsibilities of a true soul reaper Ichigo confronts many hollows, and even rescues a soul that was consumed by the hollows and cleanses it for soul society. In this action packed series no one is safe as lives dangle from chains, and hollows lurk around every corner. However this is not just a simple good versus evil battle show, there are many unexpected shifts in the plot. This being the first season there is a lot of exposition, but from what I hear there’s a lot more to look foreword to, and I can’t wait!
PRESENTATION
This really is a great experience in the realm of DVD’s. Each disk has high-resolution images and the Hollows are each individual in characteristics and complexity. Already in the first season I’ve seen the gates of hell and a spirit separate from its body. This is a MUST SEE ANIME. I would love to watch this on a projector. The only thing missing would be to see this in 3-D. The entire box set is beautifully laid out like a book with CD pages, which include a close up of the shows main characters. Somewhere between Naruto and Fruit’s Basket’s Kyo kun we find yet another red headed hero. Similar in style to both animes it is hard to turn this one down. There are thrilling suspenseful battles with great sudden transitions of composition and layout. This would make a great gift for someone.
EXTRAS!!!
Finally someone’s got it right! Not only are there great DVD extras, which include slide shows of production artwork, manga reviews and a music video. This box set is awesome because it includes a chain of fate wallet chain, and a double-sided poster of Ichigo with line sketches on one side and a color picture of Ichigo as a soul reaper on the other. I was so excited to get this uncut box set and find all the extras that I wasn’t sure if I should disturb the pretty packaging. I soon tore it open and I am definitely sporting the wallet chain, which is surprisingly durable.
OVERALL
The story of a soul reaper is quite an enchanting one. Injected with action and complex story lines that involve many characters at a time this is one you need to add to the collection. This is my favorite anime reviewed yet. I’m addicted to this series, and can’t wait for the next one. There’s a lot of buzz in the air from fellow anime fans saying it gets even better! I hope that the extra little perks of buying the box set continues with the next season. I love little keepsakes, and posters!
Overall: 9.0