Bleach, Volume 3: The Substitute (Episodes 9-12)
Director Noriyuke Abe ably juggles battles, emotional scenes, and slapstick as the popular comedy-adventureBleachcontinues. In a rare, gentle moment, Ichigo's father tells him he shouldn't blame himself for his mother's death, but should honor her memory by living in ways that would make her proud. Although his father's advice buoys his spirits, Ichigo vows to avenge his mother by slaying the Grand Fisher, the powerful Hollow that killed her. Ichigo and Rukia face a more immediate challenge at school. Uryu Ishida, the top student in their class, is a "Quincy:" a descendant of a clan of Hollow-hunters who despise their rival Soul Reapers. The icy Uryu challenges Ichigo to see who can kill more Hollows, and releases a potion that attracts the hideous creatures.When a Hollow threatens Ichigo's sister Karin, his muscular friend Chad unleashes his latent monster-fighting powers to save her. It's everythingBleachfans love and expect. (Rated "Teen," suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery)--Charles Solomon