Bleach, Volume 8: The Blade and Me

It was so obvious that he'd become a Soul Reaper... This whole book was practically unnecessary... But still awesome! The dude with the cool striped hat... Great in battle! He was kicking Ichigo's but in this intense moment he finally talks with his sword-thingy and learns it's name! Ice-Cube cool!

Completes the Agent of the Shinigami arc, which began in volume 1. Ichigo completes his training with Kisuke Urahara, regains his Shinigami powers including a new Zanpaku-to, and (with 4 companions) sets off for the Soul Society.

Overall it is more of the same great stuff that I have come to expect from this series. Great eye-catchy artwork. Good mix of humor and drama. There isn't a whole lot of action in this volume, but it is (more or less) the prelude to the Soul Society arc.

This was great. The beginning of Ichigo's true powers. I want to see more of this.

This was great. The beginning of Ichigo's true powers. I want to see more of this.

Ichigo is now being trained to become a soul reaper and is becoming more powrful.He now is entering the gate to soul society and is continue in volume 9.

I really recommend this series. A teenage boy helps direct souls in the afterlife to soul society where they can live peacefully. Only Hollows (corrupted souls) get in the way and even harm innocent souls. Ichigo relies on friends and family to fight for what is right.