Guys, re-read the first 70 chapters of Bleach again. It's a very slow slog through Ichigo developing his friend group that is immediately usurped one arc later in importance.
Up until Ichigo takes on Ikakku, roughly chapter 100, Bleach really isn't that good. The Soul Society is a fantastic arc that would be an instant hit today. There's too much foreplay before that though—The Shiba House, Rukongai, the training arc to go to Soul Society. It's endless and that's even after the previous Substitute Shinigami arc.