Story: 7/10
If this show had stopped after the Soul Society ark I would have rated the plot as a 9 or 10, but after that the plot has only gone downhill. The begining of the series did a god job of balancing humor and action while explaining the way Bleach's world works, as well as introducing a HUGE cast of characters in a way that was fun and engading. All the way through the Soul Society ark it was felt like Kudo Tite had a clear plan for where his story was going, the problem is that by the time he got there the series popularity was at it's peek and he was left scrambling for ideas, drawing the series out with constant battles with flat uninteresting characters while he tries to figure out what the hell to do with the runaway train that is Bleach. That's not even taking into acount the nessicary evil to any long series, filler. The current ark is still watchable, but not up to the standard of the earlier plot ark.
Art: 7/10
When Bleach's art is good, it's fantastic. One thing I love about Kubo's work is that as the series went on and his style evolved, everyone got ridiculously hot. My God some of the art is downright droolworthly at times! Unfortunately when Bleach's art is bad, it's horrible. The beginning of the series was so over contrasted I don't quite know what they were thinking, but fortunately they tone it down as time goes on. Some of the filler ark's animation is clearly sub par and dissapointing compared to the quality expected by the time the series gets that far. Overall the artwork inconsistant, but fair.
Sound: 9/10
The 9 is for the original Japanese dub, we'll get to the English in a moment. I enjoy pretty much all the Seiyuu (Paku Romi!!!) and can't think of any complaints I have about it. The music is fun and oddly appropriate. "Number One" which often plays in Ichigo's moments of triumph cracks me up, just awesome. I also enjoy the fact that more Spanish sounding music is worked in as the Arrancar are introduced.
As for the English dub, first note that I am by no means a dub hater, but I must say that Bleach is one of the more dissapointing dubs out there for me. I have never been a huge fan of Viz, and this series did nothing to endear me to them. With a cast so huge, there are bound to be people I like, such as Ichigo (done by Johnny Yong Bosch) who sounds incredibly appropriate. Hanataro, Orihime, Mayuri, Urahara and (oddly enough) Gin are also some of my English dub favorites. On the other hand I absolutely cannot stand Renji, Byakuya, Ishida, Shunsui, Kira, Hitsugaya and Matsumoto to name a few. Add on top of that the horrendous pronunciation of half the names and places and it's enough to make me want to pull my hair out. To someone who has never seen the Japanese it's probably quite palatable, but I have been spoiled.
Characters: 10/10
I'd say this is/was Bleach's strong suit. There is such a fun, fascinating and massive cast of characters that there's sure to be someone you'll like. I tend to only really latch onto an anime (or any story) if I care about the supporting characters, of which Bleach has no shortage. The only downside to such a large cast is that if your favorite is anyone other than Ichigo, chances are you won't see them all that often, and only after other side characters have had their time in the sun as well. Luckily so many of the characters are interesting and unique that no matter who pops up it's typically not dissapointing. As the series goes on the characters seem to have less of a personality (the Arrancar are prime examples), but are still often pretty, and usually entertaining in some way. The great characters in Bleach is probably the main thing that keeps me watching.
Enjoyment: 7/10
Though the plot evenually becomes an endless stream of fighting with little point, that's really what Shounen is all about I suppose, and the fights are fairly well done at least. The humor is good (even the filler stuff is mostly acceptable) and the general mood is pretty fun.
Overall: 7/10
I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone through the Soul Society ark, then tell them to not bother with the rest and let it end on a good note. But if your anything like me, by the time the Soul Society ark is over you want MORE, because this show and it's characters is Goddamn catchy and addictive. So even if you can't pull away when it's peek has passed, you will still likely enjoy the ride as you go down with the ship. When looking for a Shounen anime to pass the time, you really can't go wrong with Bleach.
