The two hundred twenty-second movie: Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo
Yeah, I watched plenty of these before and have been tracking them.
I know enough of my biblical history to understand a lot of what was going on. That unfortunately was the downside as well. While the familiar bits were nice in places, a lot of it dragged on - in part because you knew what'd happen, in part because, well, religious text doesn't necessarily make for interesting happening.
Enriching, sure, but not enthralling, we got distracted during this.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
What's with the constant reliance on honour? Several times now, I've seen characters fight on their own, with others either waiting in the wings or intentionally holding off. They get beaten up, either win in the end or have someone else step in. I get that sometimes, the others are beaten up, but even so any distraction should often help, surely? Flanking and all that.
It's a bit annoying, as it makes some of the battles (and Bleach has a lot of them) frustrating. They can drag on a bit anyway - breaking up the story - but it feels padded when it so much feels like they're intentionally holding off.
Three quarters of the way through, now to an extended flashback. Joy!
Friday to Tuesday at Lake Bled.
Most amazing sights (most beautiful place I've ever been), great walks (even if my feet are regretting it now and my knees keep hurting) and a wonderful time overall.
And yes, I read some more Bleach during my downtime
The first comic: #788 Bleach
I'm not sure how far to go with spoilers here. We've spent quite some time in the spirit world now, looking to rescue Rukia.
The size of the cast has increased with it, introducing loads of captains, vice captains and other shinigami in the area.
Still pretty engaging though, even if it's a bit slow at times. It feels like I've been here forever.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Stakes are raised, we actually see more of the shinigami world and taking it out of the immediate surroundings. It's what I've been waiting for for a while - hoping to see more of the bigger world. Looking forward to see that continue.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Further in, the story feels like it's starting to kick off. Ichigo's main goal is clear, more people are being involved in hollow hunting.
I'm a tenth of the way through the goal Peter set. I'll see how it goes.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Just realised something: first episode, family dies, high stakes. Second, oh, they are suddenly alive. Cop out because they liked writing for them?
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Two volumes on, thanks to a start on my commute, Kurosaki-san is learning what it means to be a shinigami.
With this being the first comic, there isn't much to compare against (although I've read some, so I feel I can make some judgements). The story is appealing so far. Even a few volumes in, it feels like the story is only barely starting, not going anywhere yet. Compelling, but slow. Tomorrow has more time though, that should help.
One other thing that stands out is how Japanese it is. Yeah, it's manga and it's set there, but the translation clearly goes for it and assumes you know quite a bit already. Interesting to experience now, at least.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Started on the first volume - something to do while my laptop was becoming responsive. Chosen based on Peter's recommendation - he has read it, said I should as the first manga, so here we are. It'll take a while. Strong start though, became quite compelling early on with an intriguing world that so far has only really been hinted at. Lots of spirits around.
On a reading front, I had to train myself to read it the proper way - right-to-left. The first few pages were more difficult to comprehend without that realisation.
More later, I hope!
Coming up:
- 1001 Comics you must read before you die
- 1001 Books you must read before you die
Brief comments only as I get them in. Considering others if I'm up for it. It's not full Before I Kick material, but seeing what I get to.