Being touted as the biggest anime sensation since Naruto, Bleach certainly has a devoted and enthusiastic fan base - you only have to read a sprinkling of the IMDb user comments to realise just how devoted. Launched in 2004, it's already 6 series in and is finally due to arrive on UK DVD in November. Empire called it 'hip, flashy, [and] funkily fragmented' and Anime News Network hailed it as 'clearly the next big anime.' What's it all about? Glad you asked.

Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary 15-year-old high school student who, for as long as he can remember, has been able to see and communicate with the spirits of the recently departed. His day-to-day life has remained largely unaffected by his uncanny ability, but his fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a female Soul Reaper and emissary of the Soul Society. A race of supernatural beings normally invisible to humans, Soul Reapers have two main tasks: firstly, to lead normal spirits, or Wholes, to the peaceful hereafter of the Soul Society; and secondly, to seek out and exorcise evil spirits known as Hollows, who feed on the souls of both the living and the dead.

When a Hollow attacks Ichigo's two sisters, Rukia is instinctively drawn to Ichigo's high level of spiritual energy and steps in to help. During the clash Rukia is injured by the Hollow and, unable to fight on, attempts to transfer a portion of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo so that he can defeat the demon on her behalf. However, having underestimated Ichigo's innate supernatural strength, she accidentally releases all her power and transforms him into a complete Soul Reaper. Now, having finally discovered his true calling, Ichigo teams up with Rukia and pledges to protect the living and the dead from evil no matter what the cost.

With its deft blend of supernatural horror, sword-swinging combat action and frequent moments of appealing teen comedy, Bleach is destined to find a loyal audience of followers among the fans of similarly impressive anime series such as Tactics, Tokko and Naruto.

Bleach - Series 1, Part 1 will be released on UK DVD on 5th November by Manga.as a 3 disc set containing the first 12 episodes of series 1. Both Japanese and English Dolby 2.0 soundtracks are included, with textless opening and closing sequences, production art galleries and trailers for extra features. There are, of course, optional English subtitles. Bleach - Series 1, Part 1 will be priced at £24.99.