Publisher: VIZ Media | Writer: Tite Kubo | Artist: Tite Kubo | Release Date: 2009
In chapters 341-349, Ichigo battles Ulquiorra alone, leading to tragedy—until Orihime’s desperate cries awaken a shocking transformation. Meanwhile, Uryū and Yammy clash over Orihime, and tensions explode atop Las Noches.
Writing
Bleach Volume 40 marks a turning point in the Hueco Mundo arc, delivering emotional intensity, brutal action, and escalating stakes. The volume is centered around Ichigo’s desperate battle with Ulquiorra—an encounter that grows increasingly one-sided until it becomes outright tragic. Tite Kubo’s pacing strikes a balance between high-octane action and the emotional breakdown of Orihime, who finally steps beyond her usual passive role. Her horror at Ichigo’s apparent death is a moment of genuine heartbreak, and the scream that triggers Ichigo’s terrifying transformation is one of the arc’s most unforgettable beats.
The writing here effectively raises the emotional and physical stakes but also plays with power dynamics—Ichigo insists on fighting alone, which leads to devastating consequences, while Uryū’s loyalty and courage are highlighted as he risks everything to protect Orihime. Even the brief interjections with Loly and Menoly serve to add tension and a sense of danger for Orihime, though their subplot feels more like filler compared to the main confrontation.
Ulquiorra’s monologues explore his growing fascination with human emotion, adding depth to his character and giving the battle a philosophical undertone. The volume ends on a cliffhanger with Ichigo undergoing a monstrous transformation, which leaves the reader both shocked and compelled to continue.
Characterization continues to be one of Bleach’s strong suits here—Ichigo’s determination, Orihime’s inner turmoil, Ulquiorra’s calm nihilism, and Uryū’s unwavering loyalty all shine in their respective moments. Kubo excels at conveying drama through minimal dialogue, opting for emotional beats and visual storytelling that speak volumes.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Tite Kubo’s artwork in Bleach Volume 40 remains some of his finest. The action sequences are dynamic and fluid, with heavy emphasis on contrast, speed lines, and cinematic paneling that heighten the energy of every clash. The fight between Ichigo and Ulquiorra dominates the volume, and it’s drawn with exceptional care—from sweeping sword arcs to close-ups of emotionally intense expressions.
Kubo’s use of negative space is strategic. The sparsely detailed backgrounds allow characters and their powers to stand out dramatically, especially when Ulquiorra unveils his Resurrección: Segunda Etapa. This form, more demonic and fearsome than any previous transformation in the series, is one of the visual highlights and reinforces Ulquiorra’s alien menace.
The volume’s emotional weight is carried just as much through its visuals as through the dialogue. Orihime’s breakdown is rendered with palpable despair—her facial expressions and body language convey helplessness and emotional collapse in a way that dialogue alone couldn’t. Similarly, Uryū’s calm resolve is illustrated through his tight posture and firm gaze, even as he is clearly outmatched.
Color would have added even more power to these moments, but Kubo’s high-contrast black-and-white linework still brings clarity and intensity to the narrative. Yammy’s brief appearance is full of raw aggression, and his massive scale and strength are emphasized in bold, chaotic panels. The transformation at the end—Ichigo’s Vasto Lorde form—is haunting, minimalist, and terrifying, and its design promises something more than just a power-up: a descent into something unknown.
Rating: 3 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Bleach Volume 40 is a dark, emotionally-charged volume that highlights Tite Kubo’s strengths in both visual storytelling and character-driven conflict. While the arc between Ichigo, Ulquiorra, Orihime, and Uryū is compelling, the emotional fallout and the shocking cliffhanger make this volume a standout. A must-read for Bleach fans, especially those invested in the psychological consequences of battle. Bleach Volume 40 marks the moment when things truly get personal earning itself 3 out of 5.
Comments
Post a Comment