The newest Bleach chapter is out and it's a departure from the norm. So let's talk about it!
Spoilers and ruminations after the cut.
In manga, fights are nice. But why do I really read Bleach and other manga like it? To go deeper into the story, into the world that the mangaka has created. In chapter 565, we finally get a glimpse into Bach's motivation (including how his name is actually what appears to be something unpronounceable).
There isn't any action and there's a lot of talking. Flashbacks play a part as well, telling the story of how a powerless, defenseless infant becomes the man that is the enemy of all shinigami.
Frankly, after the last couple of battles that had nothing to do with anything that I care about, I found this chapter to be incredible. It's nothing like what we've seen since maybe the start of this arc way back in chapter 547. Things have come a long way since September, but it's only now that we know what Bach is doing.
Is there more to the story? Undoubtedly. Kubo is not a mangaka who reveals his entire hand at once (if ever). So I expect more revelations about Bach and his past to come out piecemeal.
I think it's an interesting conceit that Bach is someone who gives, whereas the rest of the Quincy take what they need from the environment around them. It may not be a believable conceit; Bach as an infant seems too pathetic to live, really. But it sets up an intriguing finish to an arc that has lacked drama. In fact, before this chapter, there really wasn't much for us to hang our hats on, other than fights between characters that not many people care about.
Even if the fighting returns next week, it should be fine. A chapter like this that shows the broader motivation behind the action is enough to keep my interest for at least a couple months. Of course, the sooner Ichigo gets back into action, the better, but as it's going right now, it's not too bad.
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