I’m finally getting to see all of the Captains
Assuming that my calculations are correct, the Bleach series consists of 74 volumes. At first, it seems like an overwhelming number. However, once you've completed the 10th volume, you realize that you're already over 1/8th of the way through. VIZ began releasing this series in 2004, and the last volume is set to be released next week. (I didn't deliberately align my reading of the series with VIZ's release schedule, but I'm definitely glad that the final volume will be available when I need it.)
It almost feels disrespectful to breeze through something that Tite Kubo spent fifteen years creating at a pace that could potentially have me finish the entire series in about 7 months, if I maintain an average of ten volumes per month as I did for the first ten. But in reality, my pace might actually slow down. I've been reading a volume and then watching the anime series. So far, the anime has had between two to three episodes per volume, but I suspect that they'll increase the number of episodes per volume, especially as we approach some of the key battles. Volume 10 concludes with the start of our first real battles against the Soul Reapers.
Pros: The first appearances of some of my favorite Captains like Hitsugaya, Kurotsuchi, and Kyouraku. Also, things start to feel more significant, as if this is the real Bleach and not just the setup. And let's not forget Kukaku Shiba's headwrap.
Cons: I still can't stand Ganju. Additionally, the first half of this volume is a bit tiresome, with more focus on planning and training rather than action.