"Once one enters Soul Society and is enlightened by the Order, eyes can't be closed, ears can not be blocked"

Volume 16 Highlights

Ichigo and the others have returned from the Soul Society and are beginning a new term in school. Everything seems to be going well then Orihime disappears. Renji lets Ichigo know something is up and the run into a strange little girl and two friends that took Orihime through some sort of dimensional gate. They are contacted the next day and are joined by Chad and Uryu. Let the fun and games begin. The new advisories make the group go through some games and tests to tease them. Along the way others disappear and the states begin to get very high. During this time there seems to be something going on in the Soul Society. They are keeping watch on what is happening in the Human world, but it does not seem to be what Ichigo and Friends are dealing with.

Overall

There are several great moments in this group of episodes. The relationship between Ichigo and Renji is played up and is the source of much of the comic relief. This is the beginning of the fourth season and the story begins to unfold more information about some of the main characters. All of the basic character outlines have been established, but there is still more to be discovered about our heros. The fun part of this volume is that you begin to see how this group of friends will soon begin to understand each other and create bonds that will sustain them throughout the entire series.

Of course I am a big Bleach fan, and have no problem picking up with Bleach at any point. For those of you that are not that familiar with Bleach and fear you would be confused if you picked up this Volume, you would be wrong. This happens to be one of the best points to jump into the series. A long running story line has just finished and this begins a new saga. You might be a little lost at first, but once you understand what the premiss of the show is you would be in great shape.

ComicsOnline gives Bleach: Volume 16, 4.5 out of 5 Hippies with big Swords.