This is one of those series I've heard so much about but put off diving into mainly due to the first few pages I always read in the store never snagging my interest enough but I took the plunge anyways and I am glad I did. The story is about high school students and it is targeted at high school students so for me to complain about the story and characters being juvenile would be useless but I'll do it anyways. I grew tired of Rukia constantly calling Ichigo a fool and I am not a fan of the big-boobed-sweet-and-innocent-girl tactic. Yet the story still sucked me in and once Ichigo had some time to grow on me (and decrease in annoyance) I was devouring the final pages and wondering how long until I can get my hands on Volume 2.

Ichigo can see ghosts and after inadvertently stealing the powers of Rukia, he becomes a reluctant Soul Reaper. Even during the short length of this first volume, Ichigo grew immensely as a character and that is the main reason why I wish to continue the story. I am excited to see how he progresses. The writing is also good, with exceptional pacing and a wonderful build in plot with each chapter. I have the feeling that jumping into this series out of order would be a bad idea. I am not sure how long the series is (I'm guessing it is one of those never ending publications) but this will more than do for now while I await my favorite (grown-up) Vagabond. The two are not even comparable but this was fun down time. 3 1/2 stars.

Admittedly, I am reading this for a boy. Because I am stupid. But this is good so far. Of course the first volume is going to start a little slow, but it still kept my attention. So far, I love orihime. She is my baby girl.

Good start. Brings back memories from watching the anime so many years ago!