I don't generally read shounen--in fact I've only read six series that aren't shoujo--but I really like this one. I love the art (well, the art in later chapters; I'm not that fond of the art at the beginning, though it is neat to see how KT has improved from chapter 1 to chapter 339), the plot (how incredibly intricate it is--and if you don't think it's intricate, you haven't been reading properly), and the characterization. Every single character has some sort of depth (obviously some are more developed than others; Ichigo & co. are more developed than the newer/secondary and tertiary characters). It's rare to come across something that doesn't have a single clichéd or stereotyped character (Orihime is not a stereotype; she may have started that way, but recent arcs have revealed her depth). I'm just in love with this series!
(1/3/08) To edit my comment, I'd like to expand on my view on the intricacy of the plot (along with updating the number of non-shoujo manga I've read...my tastes seem to be expanding).
As has been mentioned in other comments, part of the plot seems to be increasingly strong enemies along with the increasing strength of the main characters. That's what I'm going to call the "simple plot"; that is, the obvious plot that anybody with even a modicum of intelligence can see. There is, however, a more complex plot that, apparently, most seem to miss.
The more complex plot, which isn't really a subplot, though it is somewhat hidden, is what I'd like to call a "master plot"; that is, the massive and subtle plot to which all other plots aspire. Of course, there are also subplots. Each character has one--even the secondary and tertiary characters--which, to me, says a lot about KT and how he seems to want his readers to truly understand his characters and the universe of Bleach while not creating hollow characters. And each subplot, as well as the simple plot, ties into the master plot in some way (even though that way may or may not have been revealed yet).
The master plot has yet to be fully revealed, but
if you think about how Aizen has been manipulating each character and situation--while Urahara (and others) try to counter-manipulate those same characters and situations--then it becomes apparent that there's something more going on than initially meets the eye. The "Turn Back the Pendulum" arc was invaluable in the way it expanded on this master plot. Knowing the origins of the Vizards and the catalyst for Urahara's (and others') exile adds to any theorizing one might do.
For example, prior to the "Turn Back the Pendulum" arc, it was only vaguely suggested that Aizen had a master plan that he'd been working on for many years. The problem was, we didn't know how many years (although, technically, we still don't; we just have a better idea of how many years) or just how much he'd done to set that master plan in motion.
Basically, the master plot is the lengths to which Aizen has gone to manipulate everyone around him in order to further his own dasterdly plans. To understand the master plot, one would have to figure out where exactly he's going (because you know he's not doing only what he says he's going to do; he's much smarter than your average supervillan) with his plan and how he's going to accomplish that plan, but KT hasn't yet revealed enough information about that plan (and the aspects of the plan) for us to have the whole picture--and the whole picture is what some seem to want up front, shoved in their faces with the subtlty of a falling anvil.
So, I will say, that if you're reading a series only for the surface, obvious, things (plots, characterization, etc.), you probably won't like Bleach. But if you love intricate plots and deep characterization of all characters (main to minor), Bleach is most definitely for you.
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