▪	RELEASED BY:		VIZ MEDIA
		▪	AUTHOR / ART:		TITE KUBO
		▪	FORMAT:		JAPANESE / B&W
		▪	PAGES:		200
		▪	RATING:		T
		▪	RELEASE DATE:		06/03/2008
		▪	REVIEW DATE:		06/02/2008
		▪	REVIEWED BY:		DAVEY C. JONES

They start with a little down time with the good guys. Buxom Rangiku spends some the night at Orihime’s for a heart to heart and a bosom tight hug. Sweet Orihime is jealous over Rukia and Ichigo’s relationship. And let’s face it, Rukia does rock. But Orihime is so sweet! Which would you choose if you were Ichigo? But the main story, heck, the main event, is the Arrancars. These Hollows are the big bad. They’ve powers that are a match – or better than – the Reapers! Ichigo and his friends are about to be thrown into the fight of their lives when Grimmjow and his Arrancars set out to attack them all in one fell swoop. Anyone of Ichigo’s gang with the slightest iota of spirit power is to be killed. So much for diplomacy!

The rest of the book from there is one awesome battle after another. Rukia goes up against an Arrancar and shows just what she’s capable of now that she has her spirit power back. Wow! Chad has something to prove even though he may be digging his own grave, and Ikkaku the Reaper is having the time of his life battling it out to the death, showing off his mega spirit powers and man, are they amazing!

The big battle though is Grimmjow who ambushes Rukia and Ichigo and it looks like he can actually take them out! All the fights with the Arrancars are wicked cool. It’s Bleach at its best and most brutal. These guys are creepy and tough! I don’t know how Ichigo is going to make it out of this one let alone all his buddies. The artwork is better than ever. I love the creativity of the Arrancars’ designs. And Ikkaku’s powers manifested are too cool!  There’re bonus stories at the end plus the hilarious “Society of Female Soul Reapers’ Conference Hall” story that’s so funny.

IN SUMMARY:
If you love the anime you have got to check out the manga. It’s wicked action and kick ass coolness!