Bleach, Volume 1: The Substitute (Episodes 1-4)
Orange-haired high school student Ichigo Kurosaki, the hero of the fantasy-adventureBleach(2004) has the unsettling ability to see the spirits of the dead, at least the ones who are unable to rest in peace. Mysterious explosions in his neighborhood lead Ichigo to Rukia, a Soul Reaper whose job consists of destroying Hollows (soul-eating monsters) and ensuring the deceased find safe repose with the Soul Society. When she's injured in a battle with one of the mask-faced Hollows, Rukia transfers her sword and much of her power to Ichigo. The spiritual energy that enabled him to see spirits makes him a formidable substitute Soul Reaper, but he's not sure he wants the job: too many risks and moral dilemmas. A winning combination of supernatural adventure, well-executed sword fights, and fractious comedy (Ichigo and Rukia bicker constantly),Bleachscored a big hit in Japan: the series ran for more than 100 episodes, and was followed by two OVAs and a theatrical feature. It should find an equally enthusiastic audience in the U.S. (Unrated, suitable for ages 13  and older: violence, grotesque imagery)--Charles Solomon