I give this arc a 4, assuming rating of 5 is average.
The idea itself appeared to be a retelling of the SS arc. The arc had its highs and lows, of course; but there just weren?t that many highs to make it feel worthwhile. The plot seemed to be missing for the most part which was a real shame for so many chapters. Without Plot, the arc kind of seemed to wander blindly like a child in the dark.
I suppose the best thing that happened was the Ichigo vs. Grimmjow fight and the events that immediately preceded it with Grimmjow knocking the snot out of Moly and Loly. I honestly thought this was one of the best fights in the manga. At least it was when Kubo wasn?t cutting away to show Nel and Orihime rah rah Ichigo from the sideline. Also, I just about jized myself when Kenpachi showed up. I kid you not; I could?ve died right then and died as a happy man. Seeing Chad wtfpwn that former Espada with the afro was most excellent also. In fact, all the former Espada members I saw were pretty cool. Oh, Stark owning the arc (coincidence Stark and arc rhyme, I think not) kicked major ass, too.
The lows were there. Oh, yes they were. Even though none may have been too important to the overall success of the story, they still left me wanting. For example, why did Ichigo cross into Hueco Mundo? To save Orihime To fight To get caged like a dumb animal relying purely on instinct. Really, 70+ chapters just for that? Kubo certainly knows how to make me sad in the pants. Noitra?s rather dismal demise was a major disappointment. I can?t believe a character like Noitra with such an ass-kickin? design had such a weak end. Halibel for some inexplicable reason showed up at the Grimmjow vs. Ichigo fight and then did absolutely nothing at all. She could?ve at least done some jumping up and down for us. Also, there was just too little Stark. Seriously, we had like half-a-dozen panels of the greatest character ever. Why art thou making us endure chaste ala Stark, Kubo?
All in all, I don?t regret reading the Hueco Mundo arc, but I know Kubo could have been done better with it. Well, knowing Kubo, maybe not. Good or bad, it?s now over. Hopefully we can now get back to a story with a little more than just innumerable hack and slash fights. I hold out hope for the Aizen Kicks SS in the Groin arc.