Review: Cells at Work (Vol. 3) by Akane Shimizu

Title: Cells at Work: Vol. 3

Series: Cells at Work #3

Previous books in this series: Cells at Work #1 | Cells at Work #2

Author: Akane Shimizu

Genre: YA, manga, science, action

Publication date: March 2017

Published by: Kodansha Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Strep throat! Hay fever! Influenza! The world is a dangerous place for a red blood cell just trying to get her deliveries finished. Fortunately, she’s not alone... she’s got a whole human body’s worth of cells ready to help out! The mysterious white blood cell, the buff and brash killer T cell, the nerdy neuron, even the cute little platelets — everyone’s got to come together if they want to keep you healthy!

My rating: ★★★★★

In this volume of Cells at Work!, we looked at the circulatory system, the common cold, and acquired immunity. As someone who loves medical science, I love this series and the way it describes things!

Review: Cells at Work (Vol. 2) by Akane Shimizu

Title: Cells at Work: Vol. 2

Series: Cells at Work #2

Previous book in this series: Cells at Work #1

Author: Akane Shimizu

Genre: YA, manga, science, action

Publication date: December 2016

Published by: Kodansha Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Strep throat! Hay fever! Influenza! The world is a dangerous place for a red blood cell just trying to get her deliveries finished. Fortunately, she’s not alone... she’s got a whole human body’s worth of cells ready to help out! The mysterious white blood cell, the buff and brash killer T cell, the nerdy neuron, even the cute little platelets — everyone’s got to come together if they want to keep you healthy!

My rating: ★★★★★

This series is so much fun! I have loved the anime for such a long time, and I am really glad to finally be getting into the manga! I love it! It’s just so cute and informative, and it honestly does a relatively decent job of explaining medical things and making them easy to understand using these anthropomorphic cells.

Review: Cells at Work (Vol. 1) by Akane Shimizu

Title: Cells at Work: Vol. 1

Series: Cells at Work #1

Author: Akane Shimizu

Genre: YA, manga, science, action

Publication date: November 2016

Published by: Kodansha Comics

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: A BLOOD-PUMPING JOB

Strep throat! Hay fever! Influenza! The world is a dangerous place for a red blood cell just trying to get her deliveries finished. Fortunately, she's not alone... she's got a whole human body's worth of cells ready to help out! The mysterious white blood cell, the buff and brash killer T cell, the nerdy neuron, even the cute little platelets—everyone's got to come together if they want to keep you healthy!

My rating: ★★★★★

It has been a minute since I last read a manga, but I was very excited to read this one because I loved the anime when I watched it a couple years back. And the manga was just as good!

Review: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation (Vol. 1) by Misaki, Momochi, & Sando

Title: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation: Volume 1

Series: A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation #1

Author: Misaki

Artists: Momochi, Sando

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy, adventure

Publication date: August 2020

Published by: TOKYOPOP

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: When Lizel mysteriously finds himself in a city that bears odd similarities to his own but clearly isn't, he quickly comes to terms with the unlikely truth: this is an entirely different world. Even so, laid-back Lizel isn't the type to panic. He immediately sets out to learn more about this strange place, and to help him do so, hires a seasoned adventurer named Gil as his tour guide and protector.

Until he's able to find a way home, Lizel figures this is a perfect opportunity to explore a new way of life adventuring as part of a guild. After all, he's sure he'll go home eventually... might as well enjoy the otherworldly vacation for now!

My rating: ★★★★☆

This was such a fun manga! I really liked the premise of it! Basically, a nobleman named Lizel unexpectedly finds himself in an alternate universe that closely resembles his own. In this new world, he recruits Gil, an adventurer, to be his tour guide/bodyguard of sorts, and with his help, he explores this new world.

Review: Battle Field Burning (Bleach #73) by Tite Kubo

Title: Battle Field Burning

Series: Bleach #73

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2018

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Facing a powerful opponent, the mysterious Kisuke Urahara is forced to reveal his Bankai for the first time. Meanwhile, Ichigo finally makes it to Yhwach’s throne room, but what can he do against an enemy whose power is omnipotence?!

My rating: ★★★★★

First of all, I was SUPER excited to read this one cause omg the cover is gorgeous! I ADORE Renji! He is my absolute favorite! And while I enjoyed the volume overall, there was a minimum amount of Renji in this book and I was totally not okay with that! 😩 You put Renji on the cover and I’m gonna expect a volume dedicated to him, but nooOOOooo 😭

Review: My Last Words (Bleach #72) by Tite Kubo

Title: My Last Words

Series: Bleach #72

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: March 2018

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: As the war between the Soul Reapers and Quincies heads for a climactic ending, Kyoraku and Nanao battle against a bizarre enemy calling himself a god. And as Ichigo heads for Yhwach's fortress, he'll need the help of his friends if he hopes to succeed.

My rating: ★★★★★

We start off the volume with the end of Nano’s fight, which was incredible! I loved it! It was so great to see her finally use her zanpakuto.

Review: Baby, Hold Your Hand (Bleach #71) by Tite Kubo

Title: Baby, Hold Your Hand

Series: Bleach #71

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2017

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: As Mayuri struggles against the monstrosity that is Pernida, his daughter Nemu joins the battle. For the first time, Nemu disobeys Mayuri's orders and acts on her own. But will it be her final act? Meanwhile, Kyoraku faces his own demons...

My rating: ★★★★★

And we are continuing right on with a bit more Nemu in this one! She is just great! I love her! Her fight in this volume... she gave it all she had and it was awesome! It was such a cool fight!

Review: Friend (Bleach #70) by Tite Kubo

Title: Friend

Series: Bleach #70

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2017

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Jugo and Bazz spent their childhood together, but their paths diverged once they met Yhwach. They now stand against each other as enemies, but what's truly in their hearts? Meanwhile, Kenpachi and Mayuri face off against the weirdest Quincy yet!

My rating: ★★★★★

In the last volume we saw some flashbacks from Haschwalth and Bazz-B, and in this one we get a bit more of that. We see them and their friendship and how they joined Yhwach. But now, in the present, these friends are fighting. In the flashbacks, Bazz-B was kind of a dick friend, but even then, seeing these two friends fight in the present was kind of sad. Which is something I never thought I would say, seeing as how they're the enemies and all. Lol.

Review: Against the Judgement (Bleach #69) by Tite Kubo

Title: Against the Judgement

Series: Bleach #69

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: March 2017

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: The Soul Reapers are shocked by the sudden return of Aizen, but does he hold the key to victory against the Quincies? Ichigo heads to Reiokyu to face Yhwach once again but waiting to slow him down is an old foe...

My rating: ★★★★★

Things are bad, guys. They are SO bad!

No shit. Lol. But while the last volume made me cry, I found that this one was more on the fun side, which I appreciated after that sacrifice 😩

Review: The Ordinary Peace (Bleach #68) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Ordinary Peace

Series: Bleach #68

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2016

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: The Quincy invaders, led by Yhwach, continue their march through the Soul Society's royal palace. Yhwach's goal is to take down the Soul King and destroy the Soul Society once and for all. But Ichigo and his allies have a secret weapon that could turn the battle in their favor.

My rating: ★★★★★

So... Reio is Yhwach’s father apparently 😲 Reio is the Soul King and his life is tied to all the other worlds we’ve seen in this series (the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and even the real world). So Ichigo is racing to the palace to protect this guy, and when he gets there he finally faces Yhwach, and things go down. No, really. Everything goes to hell and the world is falling apart 😬 Uruyu also appears and it’s heartbreaking how he’s fighting his friends. I still believe there’s an ulterior motive to him being on the side of the Quincys, but I just don’t see it yet.

Review: Sorry I Am Strong (Bleach #66) by Tite Kubo

Title: Sorry I Am Strong

Series: Bleach #66

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: March 2016

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Hitsugaya and Mayuri join the action as the war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues. Meanwhile, Yhwach enters Reiokyu and faces off against the royal palace's defenders, Squad Zero!

My rating: ★★★★☆

SPOILER WARNING for the last volume!

After the awful cliffhanger in the last volume, I was very excited to dive into this one. And yep, Toshiro is a freaking zombie 😭 I love this character, so this hurt my soul. But Kurotsuchi might have something up his sleeve to help. He’s a crazy scientist but I don't even care as long as Toshiro gets better 😭 The thing he does is very interesting, but promising. So I guess we’ll see.

Review: Marching Out the Zombies (Bleach #65) by Tite Kubo

Title: Marching Out the Zombies

Series: Bleach #65

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Library book

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Synopsis: The war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues as an injured Kenpachi faces off against more Stern Ritters. Can Ichigo arrive in time to save the day again?!

My rating: ★★★★☆

In this volume we get more fights against the Quincies, of course. We get back to Ichigo who finally face off against Ururyu 😬 I still don’t know what Uruyu’s deal is, but it’s very upsetting that he’s on that side of the war 😩

Review: Color Bleach+ by Tite Kubo

Title: Color Bleach+

Series: Bleach

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: August 2010

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Purchased paperback

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Synopsis: The Soul Reaper's Handbook

This indispensable guide takes you behind the scenes of the shadowy world of the Soul Reapers! Read all about the illustrious Thirteen Court Guard Companies, study for the grueling entrance examination, get fighting tips from a master, take the personality quiz and much, much more! This book includes 66 pages of full-color manga spun off from the original Bleach.

My rating: ★★★★★

I watched the Bleach anime nearly 2 years ago and I was immediately hooked! When I finished the anime we still didn’t know that they were going to adapt the last arc of the manga, so I just went ahead and read it. But I needed more, and that’s where this book comes in! It’s this sort of supplemental read with a lot of information on the characters and other fun little things. Suffice to say, I loved it!

Review: Death in Vision (Bleach #64) by Tite Kubo

Title: Death in Vision

Series: Bleach #64

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: July 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Library book

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Synopsis: The war between the Soul Reapers and the Quincies continues as Ichigo makes his way towards the Soul Society. Can the remaining Soul Reaper captains hang on enough for Ichigo to arrive before it's too late?!

My rating: ★★★★★

In this volume we encounter another Quincy, another creeper (not as horrifying as the last guy though), but one with an interesting power. Isane and Yachiru team up for this fight. From what I remember of the anime, I don’t think we’ve ever seen Yachiru really fight, so it was really cool seeing her in action. We also got to see her sword and what it can do, plus her shikai! Which was super cute, just like her. Lol. I love her! She is another of my favorite characters!

Review: Hear, Fear, Here (Bleach #63) by Tite Kubo

Title: Hear, Fear, Here

Series: Bleach #63

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: February 2015

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Mask De Masculine’s onslaught continues as he takes on multiple Soul Reaper captains at once. However, he may have met his match when Renji makes his appearance. Meanwhile, the secrets behind the Quincy king’s power may finally be revealed.

My rating: ★★★★★
This volume was absolutely amazing! It was actually very horrifying, very graphic, and quite brutal and violent... I was not expecting that, but I absolutely loved it!

Review: Heart of the Wolf (Bleach #62) by Tite Kubo

Title: Heart of the Wolf

Series: Bleach #62

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: November 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: Unable to use their Bankai special abilities, the Soul Reaper captains are at a severe disadvantage against the invading Quincy army. Urahara has a plan to turn the tide of battle, but will it be enough as the Quincies continue their onslaught?!

My rating: ★★★★☆
With the Soul Reapers having lost their Bankai, Urahara has been working on a way to get them back. He actually found something really interesting regarding the Quincies and Hollows that might help them fight back against the Quincies. It actually makes sense, and this advantage is really shaking up the Quincies!

Review: The Last 9 Days (Bleach #61) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Last 9 Days

Series: Bleach #61

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: August 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis: With the true identity of his sword finally revealed, how will Ichigo take the next step forward? Will his new Zanpaku-to be enough to stop the invading Quincies? And just where does Uryu stand in all of this...?

My rating: ★★★★☆
Major spoiler alert for last volume! Proceed with caution 😉

The last volume was absolute insanity! But basically Zangetsu is not Zangetsu. He was actually Yhwach and he is the source of Ichigo’s power... his Quincy power. And apparently this somehow means that Ichigo is not a Soul Reaper, which I'm not sure how that works? But anyway, Yhwach sucks and I don’t like him. And speaking of Ichigo’s former Zanpakuto, his new one is pretty cool!

Review: Everything But The Rain (Bleach #60) by Tite Kubo

Title: Everything But The Rain

Series: Bleach #60

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: April 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from Library

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Synopsis: As the rain falls in Karakura Town, Isshin faces off against a mysterious Black Hollow. But when a familiar face joins the fight, Isshin will need all the help he can get. Ichigo's dark past is revealed, but can he recover from the shock of finally learning the truth?!

My rating: ★★★★★
It’s been a hot minute since I last reviewed one of these volumes, so I think I should mention that since then, it has been announced that this last arc of Bleach IS being adapted into an anime! 🤗 I am so happy! It’s actually been some years since the last season was released, but I am glad that we will be able to watch this arc on TV because I really enjoyed it!

Review: The Battle (Bleach #59) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Battle

Series: Bleach #59

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: February 2014

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

After the defeat of the Soul Reapers by the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Ichigo heads to the royal palace to heal his wounds. With that accomplished, it’s time to get stronger! But does Ichigo have what it takes to survive some super-intense training?!

My rating: ★★★★★
This book started off amazingly with Renji and Ichigo arguing. Lol.

Review: The Fire (Bleach #58) by Tite Kubo

Title: The Fire

Series: Bleach #58

Author: Tite Kubo

Genre: YA, manga, fantasy

Publication date: October 2013

Published by: VIZ Media

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

As the Soul Society struggles against the mysterious group of warriors calling themselves the Vandenreich, Captain General Yamamoto joins the battle. With his Bankai finally revealed, Yamamoto takes down the Vandenreich’s king. But is the battle really over...?

My rating: ★★★★★
This volume of Bleach was very much Head Captain-centric, and it was really interesting because we got to see some cool stuff from him. We also learn a bit more about the Big Bad, Yhwach. We kinda find out where he comes from and that was also really interesting. And while I sort of get why the Quincies hate the Soul Reapers and want revenge... I mean, the reapers basically slaughtered them! But it’s just not cool, dude! I do not like! Lol. Even though the whole slaughter thing may have been an overreaction on the Soul Reapers part 🤷‍♀️