Bleach: Uncut Set 14 by Viz Media

Editorial Review

The “Past Arc” section of Bleach (episodes 206 through 212) is set 110 years earlier than the main continuity of the popular fantasy-adventure. Kisuke Urahara, whom viewers know as the eccentric “Hat and Clogs Guy,” is surprised to find himself promoted to Captain of Squad 12 of the Soul Society. His oddball ways irritate some of his underlings, especially the loudmouth Hiyori, but he's shrewd enough to commission the reptilian Mayuri to run his newly established research and development lab. Urahara proves to be a formidable opponent when Aizen's murderous treachery is revealed, especially when he's allied with Tessai and Yoruichi (who later joined him in exile in the World of the Living). The narrative shifts tone abruptly when Urahara turns Kon into a spoof of superheroes, in an outfit that looks like a cross between the costumes in Science Ninja Team Gatchaman and Viewtiful Joe. Although Kon and a hastily recruited group of Ichigo's school friends manage to destroy a Hollow fortress, the two episodes play like a spoof of Bleach, rather than a part of it. Ichigo makes a somewhat tardy arrival when he attacks the Los Noces Towers in the Hueco Mundo, just in time to save Orihime from Espada Ulquiorra Cifer, who resembles a green-eyed version of Johnny Depp in Edward Scissorhands. Meanwhile, in the World of the Living, the Captains of the Soul Society begin the battle with Aizen and his creatures over the fate of Ichigo's hometown of Karakura City. The special Bankai attacks grow more flamboyant with each duel, and the strange-looking warriors of the Soul Society are eclipsed by the increasingly bizarre Arrancars, Fraccións, and Números. In short, it's exactly what Bleach fans love and expect from the hit series. (Rated Teen; suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, risqué humor, brief nudity, ethnic and sexual stereotypes) –Charles Solomon

(206. The Past Chapter Begins! The Truth from 110 Years Ago, 207. 12th Division's New Captain, Urahara Kisuke, 208. Aizen and the Boy Genius, 209. Muguruma 9th Division Moves Out, 210. Hiyori Dies? The Beginning of Tragedy, 211. Betrayal! Aizen's Secret Maneuvers, 212. Rescue Hirako! Aizen vs. Urahara, 213. The Soul Burial Detective, Karakuraizer Is Born, 214. Karakuraizer's Last Day, 215. Defend Karakura Town! Entire Appearance of the Shinigami, 216. Elite! The Four Shinigami, 217. Beautiful Little Devil Charlotte)