Naruto Shippuden: Never-Ending Fillers

Although it is unconfirmed, it is said that Naruto Shippuden fillers will end anywhere from the end of December to mid January. The Five Kage Summit Arc should initiate shortly after, putting Anime fans in a more calm mood. I suppose Tenten fans were relieved to see she got dedicated airtime in episode 184, even though it was among a series of pointless fillers. While fillers might be the only means to separate Anime from the Manga, having an episode dedicated to a talking Ostrich is where they should draw the line.

It's likely Bleach will enter fillers as Naruto Shippuden exits the phase (possibly in late January). As it's getting extremely close to the Manga, it's clear that the Anime team wants to finish the arc up quickly. After all, the fact that Isshin has already appeared is considered old news now (not to mention the cliffhanger with Urahara Appearing at the end of episode 297).

Stay tuned for more updates on Naruto Shippuden fillers.

Bleach Forthcoming: Episode Titles Updated

Take a glance at the next four upcoming Bleach episode titles:

297.) "The Extending Blade?! Ichigo vs. Gin!"
"Nobiru ha!? Ichigo VS Gin!" (映画だ！祭りだ！死神映画祭！)
298.) "Film! Festival! Shinigami Film Festival!"
(映画だ！祭りだ！死神映画祭！)
299.) "Theatre Opening Commemoration! Hell Chapter・Prologue"
(劇場公開記念！地獄編・序章)
300.) "Urahara Appears! Stop Aizen!"
(浦原登場！藍染を阻止せよ！)

After next week's episode, the next two will be fillers. However, episode 299 seems to be a promotional one in that it features the new Bleach Movie 4: "Hell Chapter" (scheduled for release in Japan on December 4, 2010). It's possible that 298 might be similar to the promo, and if not, a filler.

The 300th episode of Bleach should be a memorable one, since Kisuke Urahara will finally make his entrance in the battle against Aizen. Anime fans who are not following the Manga will certainly get their hopes met, as they have been wondering what the former captain of squad 12 has been up to. Isshin has already appeared in the preview for Tomorrow's episode, which is amazing as it is!

Bleach Episode 295: Ichigo's Past Battles

It's not surprising that today's episode of Bleach was mostly a flashback. It was expected sooner or later since the Anime's pacing lately has been 2 to 3 manga chapters per episode. Aizen's famous "x was a part of my plan" speech was delivered and flashbacks from Ichigo's past battles were shown. Interestingly, footage of Aizen & Gin watching Ichigo's progress was shown as well (similar to the Dr. Gero scenario from Dragon Ball Z).

More importantly, Isshin will be making his appearance next week! Round 2 will start off between Ichigo & Gin as well. Today's episode only showed flashbacks up to the end of Soul Society, so let's hope they don't attempt to show the remaining ones from Hueco Mundo next week (i.e., battles with Grimmjow and Ulquiorra). Stay tuned!