The First M3 Big 3 Recap

I'm now introducing a segment I'm calling the Matrix's Media Machina Big 3 Recap. I'll be analyzing the week's newest Big 3 Shounen Jump series: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. (Yeah, I still think Bleach belongs in the Big 3) This entry will be on last week's chapters since I was too busy to write this back then and SJ is on break this week. So then...

WARNING: SPOILERS AHOY FOR ONE PIECE, NARUTO, AND BLEACH!!!!!

*BLEACH 522: Love it*

A few weeks ago, Bleach finally introduced Squad 0 with Kubo revealing that each member essentially built the foundations for the shinigami and Soul Society. It's an interesting concept that presents the origins for some of the most important aspects of Bleach like the zanpakutou and artificial souls.

Unfortunately, it feels like padding. I understand the need for a lull in the action especially with how the Seireitei was nearly leveled a few chapters ago. That was a pretty big deal and all, but now we have to go to each individual domain to meet these new characters and have Ichigo and Renji go through "trials" to meet the Soul King. I feel like it could be done a lot faster. The Squad 0 members are interesting, but it's just adding a bunch of new characters on top of the ones we already have, further cluttering the already immense character roster.

Kubo's really been emphasizing the humor in these chapters, which is something we haven't seen in ages. It feels a little inappropriate due to the Vandenreich fairly recently razing Seireitei, but it does bring some much needed levity. The creator of zanpakutous, Yoroshiku, reminds me of Don Kanonji a little with his obnoxious behavior, but at least he has the credibility to back it up.

Kubo introduced physical manifestations of zanpakutous (a first for the manga), though they were basically used for fanservice. It reminds me a little of the anime-only Amagai arc's gimick of giving characters' zanpakutous human-like forms, but I feel like it's even more under-utilized this time.

And now Ichigo and Renji have to fight the hatred from their zanpakutous? Really? Their zanpakutous hate them now? It's not like they're breaking them on purpose like a bunch of yanki punks. Ichigo has met with Zangetsu and his many incarnations multiple times and they seem to have a mutual respect for each other. Hopefully, Kubo will clarify it more next week. I really don't want to see Ichigo fighting Zangetsu for the umpteenth time again...

*NARUTO 615: Unbreakable Bonds*

Naruto has some of the same problems as Bleach with its many characters who need to have something significant to do in the big final battle. But, at least, Naruto's characters were developed beforehand.
That's why Kishimoto was really clever writing Neji's death. Neji was probably the first serious opponent that Naruto had to handle on his own (Kiba doesn't count) and probably the first that he significantly changed for the better. It's appropriate that he would sacrifice his own life for both Hinata and Naruto. It really shows how far he's come. I still think it kind of happened out of nowhere, but I can see why it had to be him.

The other effect is that it makes Naruto realize that a lot of characters are dying, despite his desire to protect everyone, thus causing him to despair. Kishimoto could have killed off any major character to achieve this, but Neji is linked closely to both Naruto and Hinata so he was probably the best candidate.

This chapter had some of the first signs of the Naruto x Hinata relationship actually happening. She brought Naruto out of his depression and they were actually holding hands at the end of the chapter with Naruto seemingly reciprocating her feelings for the first goddamn time. I've been frustrated by how Kishimoto seems to refuse to allow Naruto to even acknowledge Hinata's love confession since the Nagato fight. I've always shipped the two, so here's hoping Kishimoto doesn't kill her off again and stick Naruto with Sakura again.

Another highlight was Killer Bee shooting a Tailed Beast Ball (I hate that name) into the Jyuubi's mouth, inflicting the first major damage on the Jyuubi. The series is really a blast when Bee takes center stage.

This whole time, though, I've been wondering where the hell is Sasuke? At this rate, Sasuke and Naruto will team up to fight the Jyuubi, so I imagine he will show up if Hinata dies or gets incapacitated. I really doubt Kishimoto would leave him out of the final battle.

*ONE PIECE 694: The Most Dangerous Man*

Doflamingo entering the picture is really exciting. We still have very few hints on his Devil Fruit ability and now it looks like he's going to actually take on the Strawhats directly. This will be the first legitimate challenge to Luffy and co, taking on a Shichibukai that seems far above his peers.

Doflamingo's crew is also very interesting, especially Baby 5. I bet Oda's been planning that character for awhile with just how many weapon forms she transforms into. Coupled with her forms always emphasizing her legs, she just has this perfect femme fatale look. I also like the dark humor Oda uses in showing us her really bizarre relationship with her boss. One minute she's trying to kill him, the next she's following his orders. The fight between her and Franky is just perfect: human weapon vs. human weapon. I just love how the Hazard Punk arc has spilled into a direct battle between the Strawhats and Doflamingo's crew!

Meanwhile, it looks like Kinemon may be revived. Oda usually puts more time into a protagonist's death so hopefully this won't be the end for him especially with how Momonosuke's discovery of his father was played off more for laughs than tears. (It looked like that to me, at least)

The highlight of the chapter was definitely Law outsmarting Caesar. I love how Oda can pull out these twists and not make them look forced. It's just so appropriate that just when you think Doflamingo and Monet have won, all of a sudden, Law's planning results in a total reversal! That was such a great scene!

I remember when Trafalgar Law had such a huge fan following when he was first introduced when he really didn't do all that much. Now, I think he really deserves all that hype. He's really clever and knows how to get a few steps ahead of his opponent. I really liked how Luffy automatically agreed to ally with him. Even though the alliance won't last for long, it's still been a pleasure to see them working together. Law and Smoker are definitely my favorite characters of the series and it was great to see them teaming up against Vergo.

Luffy Vs Doflamingo should be a blast.

Anyway, let me know what you guys think about the M3 Big 3 Recap. Leave comments if you want to offer any suggestions!