The Reincarnation of an Ordinary Person With Unparalleled Effort ~If You Work Hard From the Time You Are a Baby, Before You Know It, You Will Be Carrying the Future of Japan on Your Shoulders~

It should come as no surprise that Black Butler has garnered a significant following. The series is brimming with mystery, stylish Victorian-era fashion, themes of death and destruction, and an undeniably charming butler.  

But let's be honest—it's not just about the alluring butler. There's also a 12-year-old boy who fits into this equation in ways that make things... complicated.  

Ah, crap. I've just brought up the elephant in the room.  

Now, typically, I don't go around complaining about fanservice in anime or manga. It's not really my thing, but griping about it feels like talking to a wall. Fanservice is often woven into the narrative fabric, so if it bothers you, you can either look past it or avoid the content altogether. At the end of the day, it's fictional and not worth getting worked up over—even when the fanservice ventures beyond typical panty shots or bouncing bosoms into more unsettling territory.  

Still, with Black Butler, I simply can't overlook it. Not only does the fanservice cater to what some might consider an outwardly uncomfortable fetish (one that seems to resonate with the shotacon demographic), but it frequently overshadows the actual story.  

Have your preferences and kinks—whatever they may be. As long as no one's being harmed in reality, it's none of my business. But when those elements dominate the plot to the point of distraction, I believe it detracts from the overall quality of the story. In the case of Black Butler, the homoerotic dynamic between a young boy and his demon butler isn't just a subplot; it's the foundation of the premise. This makes it feel less like a cohesive narrative and more like a vehicle for the author's personal fetishes.  

And while this doesn't bother me on a moral level—I repeat, do as you wish as long as it remains consensual fiction—I find it jarring and awkward. It disrupts the flow of the story and creates an uneasy atmosphere.  

This discomfort isn't solely due to the numerous scenes where the young protagonist is objectified by the camera's gaze. It's also tied to the frequent use of sexual violence within the narrative.  

I'm not opposed to addressing sexual violence in storytelling. It's a grim reality that deserves exploration without taboos. However, in Black Butler, these instances feel gratuitous.  

The young male lead is constantly subjected to groping and leering, and his backstory includes rape. What's worse, much of this is played for laughs, which is deeply inappropriate. Even when these moments are treated seriously, they lack the weight they deserve because of their earlier trivialization. Furthermore, when the story does take them seriously, the handling feels contrived and cheap.  

Every time the protagonist encounters sexual violence, it seems forced and unnecessary. Whether it's used as a quick fix to heighten drama or stems from the author's personal inclinations, it adds nothing constructive to the narrative. Regardless of my personal unease, these elements clutter the story, making it feel awkward, forced, and lazy.  

These pages could be better utilized to develop the plot, especially since pacing issues already plague the arcs. No wonder the series has been running for so long!  

And we haven't even touched on other recurring criticisms, such as the insensitive portrayal of a transgender female character.  

Again, I'm not here to dictate what you should or shouldn't enjoy, nor am I waving a torch and pitchfork claiming Black Butler is immoral and needs to be censored. It's just a manga, after all. What I *am* saying is that these aspects spoil the experience for me, which is unfortunate. The potential of Black Butler is undeniable, but its execution leaves much to be desired.

Black Butler is a captivating tale that revolves around Ciel Phantomhive, a young earl, and his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis, as they embark on a journey for vengeance.  

Story (9/10)  
The narrative stands out with its uniqueness and execution, progressively unveiling details in each arc.  

Black Butler Arc: This serves as the foundation, introducing characters, setting, and core plot elements. (7/10)  

Red Butler Arc: Here, Ciel and Sebastian pursue Jack the Ripper, and Shinigami are introduced into the story. (8/10)  

Curry/Indian Butler Arc: Prince Soma and his butler Agni join the series, adding new dynamics. (7/10)  

Circus Arc: The story intensifies as Ciel and Sebastian infiltrate Noah's Ark Circus to investigate missing children. This arc features one of the most chilling antagonists in anime. (10/10)  

Book of Murder/Phantomhive Manor Murders Arc: A banquet at Phantomhive Manor leads to mysterious deaths. The Double Charles, Queen's butlers, are introduced, making this a thrilling arc. (9/10)  

Book of the Atlantic/Luxury Liner Arc: Investigating the Aurora Society uncovers illegal human experimentation. This arc transforms a previously unlikable character and delivers some of the best action scenes in Black Butler. The Undertaker's role as a grim reaper is revealed. (10/10)  

Book of Book/Public School Arc: Disguised as a teacher and student, Ciel and Sebastian explore Weston College to address students' refusal to return home. The Undertaker reappears, making this a solid arc. (9/10)  

Greenwitch Arc: Bizarre deaths in southern Germany lead to grotesque transformations. Wolfram and Sieglinde Sullivan are introduced, making this one of the standout arcs. (10/10)  

Art: (10/10) The manga boasts some of the finest art, perfectly aligning with its Victorian and Gothic themes. The quality only improves as the series progresses.  

Characters: (10/10) Ciel and Sebastian shine as compelling protagonists. Ciel's cold, calculating nature contrasts with his protective side, while Sebastian's charming facade hides a manipulative, bloodthirsty demon. Their dynamic enhances each other's depth, making them unforgettable.  

Enjoyment: (10/10) This series ranks among my top 5 favorite mangas, delivering immense enjoyment.  

Overall: (10/10) Black Butler is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise it receives.

Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. The story revolves around Ciel Phantomhive, a thirteen-year-old head of the Phantomhive household, an aristocratic family known as the Queen's Watchdog. Ciel is assigned to solve various crimes within London's underworld. He has made a contract with Sebastian Michaelis to pursue revenge against those who tortured him and killed his parents. Sebastian, a demon disguised as a butler, will, in exchange for his services, eventually consume Ciel's soul.  

In my opinion, the manga is far superior to the anime. Starting from around chapter 61, I believe the plot becomes incredibly engaging. I highly recommend you give this manga a read—it’s truly exceptional. By the way, the art style in chapter 1 might seem outdated, but rest assured, it improves significantly as the chapters progress.

A fair warning to those who've finished the anime before trying the manga: A-1 Pictures didn't do the greatest job adapting the source material. If you found the anime somewhat lackluster and think the manga might be more of the same, I urge you to read this review first before forming any judgments. This review will also be updated periodically after every few chapters.

Kuroshitsuji is available in North America through Yen Press. Both seasons of the anime, the Book of Circus TV series, and the upcoming Book of Murder OVAs are licensed by Funimation Entertainment in North America, Manga Entertainment in the United Kingdom, and Madman Entertainment in Australia.

Feedback is always appreciated, so without further ado, let's dive into this review!

***

It doesn't happen often that I catch up with a manga still ongoing and find myself eagerly anticipating new chapters each month. I typically stick to completed series or long-running ones. Surprisingly, among all the mangas I've caught up with, it turned out to be Kuroshitsuji that captivated me. I started reading while waiting for new episodes of Book of Circus, and before I knew it, I spent days devouring manga chapters because I was thoroughly hooked.

Despite its initial appearance as a bishonen-filled, supernatural slice-of-life comedy set in Victorian England, Yana Toboso proves herself as a skilled writer capable of delivering compelling and addictive stories that leave readers anxiously awaiting the third week of every month for the next chapter. Of course, there are pros and cons, but we'll address that shortly.

The standout strength of Kuroshitsuji lies in its identity as primarily a supernatural mystery drama with a consistently dark and serious tone throughout much of its narrative. Finding a supernatural story that isn't action-driven is rare. While Kuroshitsuji does include elements of action and comedy, these aren't the focal points. The story centers on Ciel Phantomhive and his powerful butler, Sebastian, as they investigate mysteries assigned by the Queen. These assignments begin simply but evolve into darker, more intricate scenarios than expected.

That said, like any mangaka, Yana Toboso experiences dry spells. Over 99 chapters (at the time of writing), only two arcs stood out as underwhelming: the Curry Contest arc and the Public School arc. The Curry Contest arc was dull from the start and lacked depth. The Public School arc began intriguingly but dragged on unnecessarily, feeling like shameless fan service that even Hetalia fan fiction authors might blush at.

However, what makes Kuroshitsuji's arcs unique is Yana Toboso's willingness to experiment with her storytelling style. Although this might seem detrimental due to inconsistency, it ensures the arcs remain unpredictable and formula-free thus far. Moreover, Toboso hasn't repeated past mistakes across 99 chapters, and it's unlikely she will.

One potential barrier for potential readers is that Yana Toboso is a former yaoi mangaka. Why is this significant? Kuroshitsuji has a reputation for catering to yaoi fangirls. The first season amplifies this aspect excessively, and Kuroshitsuji II feels almost like adapted fan fiction. The manga, however, contains minimal such content. The Public School arc might have been Toboso's way of appeasing fans, despite Kuroshitsuji being a shonen series. Thankfully, other arcs avoid this entirely.

Regarding characters, they are significantly more developed in the manga than in the anime. Characters like Lizzie, Ciel's fiancée often deemed annoying by anime fans, reveal surprising depth during the Ship's Voyage arc. Her characterization is handled exceptionally well, making future appearances highly anticipated. Supporting characters like Mey-Rin, Finni, Baldroy, and Tanaka also benefit from similar treatment, especially in the current Green Witch arc.

Ciel shines as a highly capable protagonist. Unlike the anime portrayal of him as a powerless teenager reliant on his demonic butler, the manga shows he can handle himself effectively. Yet, remember, Ciel is a traumatized 13-year-old boy. Moments revealing his inner vulnerability beneath his confident exterior provoke questions about his transformation. Consider this: Ciel was once an innocent child until his home was destroyed, parents murdered, and he endured horrific torture. In desperation, he paid a heavy price—his soul—for survival. When arcs delve into his psyche, it becomes clear he's a victim of circumstance, regardless of his actions. He's no longer innocent, yet his exact nature remains uncertain—a haunting question central to Kuroshitsuji.

Ciel asserts the world consists of victims and exploiters, though distinguishing between them is usually straightforward. However, glimpses of Ciel's vulnerability remind us he may be the ultimate victim. Remember, Sebastian seeks only Ciel's soul and cares little for him personally, contrary to slash fiction depictions. With no family, a traumatic past forcing his current situation, and the knowledge his soul will eventually be consumed, seeing Ciel as a victim is inevitable.

Sebastian, affectionately known as Sebas-chan/Sebby by fans, is undeniably exceptional. Imagining a connection to Alucard from Hellsing seems fitting; Sebastian exudes a similar irresistible aura. Critics argue he's overpowered, forgetting he's a daemon, not human, and operates under different rules. Protecting Ciel is paramount to securing the soul he covets.

Sebastian possesses a certain charm. Instead of merely being a grumbling servant, he enjoys teasing his master to maintain interest. As long as Ciel lives, their contract remains valid, ensuring Sebastian keeps him alive—barely. Additionally, Ciel must carefully consider his orders, as Sebastian adheres strictly to them, exploiting technicalities if necessary. Understanding this reveals Sebastian as more than just an overpowered servant.

Visually, Kuroshitsuji boasts some of the finest artwork in shonen manga. Yana Toboso vividly captures Victorian England's essence, despite minor anachronisms. Settings are intricately detailed, and attire accurately reflects characters' social statuses. One critique regarding the artwork is Toboso's tendency to depict male characters as bishonens, Sebastian being the prime example. If bishies bother you, then this series might not be ideal, but personally, I find it acceptable.

Do I enjoy Kuroshitsuji? If my despair over catching up to the monthly releases isn't evidence enough, I'm unsure what is. Aside from occasional dull moments, I genuinely relish the series. It ranks among the best shonen series I've encountered, and despite its reputation, I proudly admit my fondness. In fact, I'm more inclined to purchase Kuroshitsuji volumes over One Piece. What does that say about my taste? Perhaps it's questionable, but that's irrelevant. My point is, setting aside preconceived notions could lead to loving this manga.

In short? My lord, my lady, I highly recommend reading this manga. It's truly an excellent read.

<p>

I admit, before I started reading it, I was a bit curious after spotting it on Anime-Planet. So, I dipped into a few fanfictions and became hooked on the characters' nuances. Eventually, I headed over to OneManga, and you can imagine my joy at finding it there instead of having to scour Yahoo for it.

The Story deserves a 9/10.
The plot is genuinely engaging. It had me hooked by the second chapter. The first chapter was a tad dull but laced with some good humor. Things really picked up in the second chapter. Once I began reading, I couldn't stop, and whenever I returned online, I eagerly picked up where I left off. This manga's narrative is superb—a gothic blend with a historical vibe and dashes of humor sprinkled throughout.

The Art deserves a 10/10.
I adore Toboso Yana's work. Honestly, after seeing such remarkable art, I wish I could draw like her. The artwork is fantastic, showcasing meticulous details of Victorian attire and life during that era. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've always been fond of the Victorian period, but I hadn't come across a manga that captures it as well as this one. Yana clearly put in a lot of effort, especially when it came to depicting food.

The Characters: 10/10.
Once again, I must say I truly admire her character designs. Ciel and Sebastian stand out particularly. Sebastian is the epitome of a butler, fully devoted to his master. He exudes professionalism while maintaining an air of mischief, and his love for cats adds another layer to his charm. Ciel, a cold, brilliant, somewhat spoiled child earl, is utterly adorable. His icy stare is captivating.

Enjoyment...
Unlike many other manga, I genuinely relish reading this one. It offers a refreshing narrative style that suits my taste perfectly.

Overall.
This story merits a 10 out of 10 rating. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate a compelling plot, a novel storytelling approach, and perhaps a few recipes to try.

If you're a fan of mysteries, I highly recommend this to everyone. While it might be challenging to follow at certain parts of the chapters, it's exceptionally well-written and meticulously thought out. Among all the novel books I've read, this one comes remarkably close to giving you the feeling of reading a novel—just with pictures.  

There are only two drawbacks that I can think of regarding this manga. First, it's not yet complete. Although I usually prefer finished series, I'm willing to wait for this one. Second, some characters, like Elizabeth, can be quite annoying and frustrating, but that's precisely what makes this a true manga experience.  

Overall, I'd give it a rating of 9/10. I would make it a 10, but since it's still ongoing, I'll wait until it's finished. Once it's done, I'll reassess and see if I change my mind.  

Until then, this is Usa-chan man (BunnyMafia) saying goodbye.

To start off, this manga is definitely worth reading, regardless of whether you watch the anime or not. In fact, the anime doesn't even come close to matching the manga.  

Story - This story is incredible and one of a kind. It primarily revolves around mystery and the supernatural, with a hint of romance and humor, all brilliantly woven together. Once you start, you won't be able to put the book down.  

Art - The artwork in the manga is extraordinary. The characters are beautifully illustrated, and the backgrounds are stunning. Yana Toboso perfectly captures the essence of 19th century London on every page. Additionally, the action scenes feel as though they leap right off the page.  

Characters - The characters are fantastic. From their striking appearances to their remarkable personalities, they are truly works of art. You'll instantly fall in love with Ciel, his dashing butler, quirky servants, and charming fiancée.  

Enjoyment - This manga is undoubtedly enjoyable. You'll find yourself wanting to re-read the books over and over again. The story is exceptional, and the humor is side-splitting. Your eyes will be glued to the pages from start to finish.

As a boy, I didn't have a great first impression of Black Butler. Watching fangirls go crazy over Sebastian or other characters, I assumed it was just another visually appealing manga with flawless male characters designed to make fangirls squeal.

I was partially right—it is indeed a visually stunning manga with attractive guys. However, it’s far from boring or monotonous; in fact, it's one of the most thrilling reads I've experienced in years!

Story: 9  
The official description does a good job summarizing the plot, so I won’t rehash it here. I knew it took place during the Victorian era and referenced famous historical events like Jack the Ripper and the Titanic. What surprised me was how well these elements were integrated! The story unfolds in arcs, each leading seamlessly into the next. While it might seem like a series of disconnected adventures, there's much more depth than that. Every arc ties back to Ciel's past, revealing small clues about what truly happened and hinting at future developments. There are incredible twists—unexpected yet meticulously planned throughout. Occasionally, I flip back a few pages to ensure I didn’t miss anything. This manga has an almost gravitational pull, drawing you deeper with every page.

Art: 10/10  
PERFECT. No other word fits the art style of Black Butler. Every detail is breathtaking—the teacups, clothing, furniture, and characters all exude astonishing precision. All those intricate decorations are rendered flawlessly, and the characters' facial expressions clearly convey their emotions. The dresses, hats, stockings, and accessories look impeccable, with no errors in proportion or design. If only I could draw half as well—I’d gladly trade my soul to a demon for such skill!

Characters: 10/10  
Despite its sophisticated setting, this manga doesn't shy away from eccentricity. From Ciel, the epitome of seriousness, to Grell, the flamboyant queen of drama, the cast spans every imaginable personality type. Sebastian, the ever-confident butler, remains steadfast in serving his master, unless distracted by cats. Then there's the enigmatic Undertaker, who provides valuable information if entertained with a good laugh. The quirky traits and peculiar fetishes of this delightful group never fail to elicit laughter. I could write an entire book praising these characters, but that would be a waste of time.

Enjoyment: 9/10  
Classy, gory, tragic, hilarious, addictive, brimming with action, humor, stunning twists, and emotionally charged moments—this manga checks all the boxes for greatness. Not a single chapter felt dull; it's consistently engaging from start to finish, which is rare in my experience. My only complaint? The monthly wait between chapters can be frustrating, especially when cliffhangers interrupt ongoing battles. Still, it's entirely worth the wait.

Overall: 10  
I’ve said everything I wanted to say. Although Black Butler tends to attract more female fans, I believe boys can enjoy it just as much—I certainly did! ;)

This series is celebrated in its anime adaptation, whereas the manga tends to receive less acknowledgment. But why? Is the anime truly superior to the original work? Does it genuinely deserve all the attention it has garnered? I aim to unravel this "mystery." What am I saying? Let's cut straight to the review, shall we?

Kuroshitsuji, or Black Butler as it is popularly known among fans, is a shonen manga with elements of seinen and shojo. But what exactly does that mean? It's challenging to categorize the genre of this series, not only in terms of its narrative structure but also its art style. The manga incorporates numerous clichés, absurd comedy (which can occasionally be amusing), and constant action, classifying it primarily as shonen. However, the concept is dark, filled with grim references, gothic symbolism, and the persistently melancholic aura brought by the main character, which are classic seinen traits. The design of some characters, particularly the males, appears quite gothic, often sporting sadistic expressions and smirks, but let's delve into that later. Additionally, the "female yaoi-loving" background of the author influences the work, making it seem more shojo-like with all its irritating tendencies. However, remember, this isn't necessarily bad; as a heterosexual male, I don't particularly appreciate the yaoi inclinations presented in the manga.

After this extensive explanation about the genre, I will now proceed to discuss the story. Frankly, the plot development in Kuroshitsuji is rather disappointing. It had the potential to be the best story I've ever read, but it was ruined by significant simple flaws that could have been easily fixed. There are inconsistencies in many points across various arcs, ultimately detracting from much of the story. The narrative follows different arcs, mainly involving different crime cases investigated by the protagonist, Ciel Phantomhive, his butler Sebastian Michaelis, and usually more supporting characters who will be mentioned later. The cases are quite inventive for the most part, and one even has historical references. It would be a shame if a manga set in the Victorian Era with a crime-investigation theme didn't include its own version of the infamous Jack the Ripper case. This is one of the best arcs in the manga, with the absolute best "conclusion," delivering a profound message that left me shaken.

The messages are undoubtedly the best aspect of the story. Kuroshitsuji is pessimistic in every way. The treatment of tragic events is remarkable, especially considering it's a shonen manga series. The main character emerges as one of the cruelest protagonists I've encountered in a manga series, and Sebastian only amplifies this cruelty with his demonic nature. It's unfortunate I can't discuss spoilers here. If I could, I would elaborate on the messages and philosophical meanings behind certain arcs, such as the Jack the Ripper and the circus ones, which are, by far, the best.

However, these messages are somewhat overshadowed by other aspects. The story is riddled with stupid and unnecessary "comic relief" characters who suddenly become serious and perverted without warning. This is irksome and annoyed me multiple times. And, of course, this is a shonen manga, so the power of friendship couldn't be absent. Fortunately, due to the protagonist's cold and cruel personality, the messages are easily forgotten, and it's actually entertaining to see how people around Ciel consider him a friend while he merely views them as chess pieces. Still, I wonder if Ciel feels anything for some of the characters.

As we delve deeper into the characters, let's discuss them further. Since I've already commented extensively on the protagonist, Ciel Phantomhive, there's no need to repeat everything. Sebastian, whom I haven't discussed much yet, is one of the finest characters I've encountered in any story. He's well-known among fangirls for his looks, and fans often overlook his true nature and personality. We understand his motives, his true self, and that he isn't playing games. Many people forget just how cruel Sebastian is, but then again, isn't he a demon? Isn't he pure evil? But... aren't humans inherently evil too? Hey, what defines good and evil anyway? This is one of the many questions the manga seems to provoke thought about.

While Ciel and Sebastian form a strong, realistic, and solid duo, the rest of the characters aren't as compelling. Most are created solely for comic relief after fulfilling their primary function in an arc (a prime example being Prince Soma and Agni, the Indian prince and his servant). Some others aren't interesting at all, a few are slightly amusing and charismatic, but they don't significantly impact the story (like Grell Sutcliff, the gay/bi shinigami, and Meylin, Finny, and Bard, the other servants of the Phantomhive Manor). Yet, there are intriguing and well-developed characters who influence the story, such as Ciel's aunt, Madam Red, a very solid and realistic character, and the Undertaker, one of the most fascinating supporting characters, who likely has a greater role in the future as the story expands with numerous events unfolding.

There are also genuinely funny characters like Lau, the Chinese manager of a trading company, and peculiar ones with bizarre charisma, such as Mr. Tanaka, the former butler of the Phantomhive family who knew Ciel from long ago, and Snake, a servant who appears later but possesses an interesting personality and approach to situations.

Kuroshitsuji features some supporting minor characters who appear with equally minor roles in various arcs, and there are those who do nothing from the start. A prime example is Ciel's fiancée, Elizabeth Midford, or Lizzy. She is the most clichéd and unrealistic character for reasons that would be spoilers. But Lizzy is entirely unnecessary for the plot and storyline, making her the most useless major supporting character overall.

Since the series is still ongoing, I hope for more background development for the servants of the Phantomhive Manor, which hasn't happened yet. And, of course, I hope the useless Lizzy accomplishes something that changes the story.

To conclude, the story is good, really good. However, the narrative has flaws, and the author isn't particularly skilled at storytelling. She needs to decide whether her manga should focus on shonen or seinen audiences. And please, drop the yaoi tendencies to appeal to a broader male audience, which I believe should be her target by publishing in a shonen action magazine.

Nevertheless, there are many mysteries left to solve in the plot.

The art in Kuroshitsuji isn't great. I'm baffled by the number of people praising it as perfect and beautiful. It doesn't come close to that. Here's why: The covers and full-color illustrations are stunning and highly detailed. The artist's technique for coloring and composition on these covers and special pages is impressive, and I'm awestruck by each new colored page or double page she creates. However, the actual comic pages are... Well... Blank. The manga aims to immerse readers in the Victorian world, where architecture and fashion were paramount. There's almost no setting in the manga, and they are extremely poor and lack "dirt." For those unfamiliar, "dirt" in drawing refers to the different tones used for various elements or even smaller details like cracks on walls or wall stamps, etc. Kuroshitsuji uses few gray tones and even fewer for such purposes. When I see a building, I want to cry seeing such wasted talent from the artist in poorly drawn structures. Then I encounter a double-page spread. Beautiful drawings and beautiful use of perspective.

I don't know, but in a monthly manga, I expected much more from a series that sometimes spans twenty pages. Especially from an artist who CAN draw beautifully.

The setting is subpar, but how about the characters? Are they well-drawn? Yes, they are. The character design is excellent and suits most of them well. Using examples: we see Ciel, a cold kid. His appearance, often dark with grey tones resembling blue, emphasizes that aspect of his personality. Sebastian; an almost perfect butler. Always impeccably dressed in fancy clothing. But he's also cruel and a demon. His usual smirk and grim eyes alongside his "gothic-ish" hair add to the feeling of darkness. There are varied character designs, but many adult male characters look similar. Sometimes you feel surrounded by Sebastians in the story. Thankfully, hairstyles are distinct and help identify the characters since the clothing of many is uniform.

Though anatomically realistic, there are minor mistakes that can irritate someone who analyzes art strictly like me. For instance, hats that don't match the actual size of the head, and so forth. However, I don't complain much because I like the character design, though they don't fully align with the Victorian Era theme. As most men wear long and elegant hair with long bangs, some reaching their eyes and even extending to the bottom of the chin. Despite this, I enjoy this kind of design and don't feel the need to criticize. It's a stylized manga after all, not a historical movie.

In summary, Kuroshitsuji is a great manga with considerable flaws in art and story. A review of it is somewhat incomplete without spoilers, but I've tried my best to cover everything. I enjoyed the manga thoroughly and have no regrets reading it through. Even though I'm eager to discover what happens next in the story, I'm always wary the author might ruin it. I sense the manga has several arcs before reaching its conclusion, and I anticipate the mystery surrounding Ciel's parents' death to be more intriguing than I initially expected, with revelations from various characters.

I recommend Kuroshitsuji to anyone who can tolerate yaoi tendencies (which DO NOT occur; if they did, I wouldn't have continued reading) and enjoys a bit of philosophy and darker themes. If you're excessively preoccupied with story flaws and art, give it a try, but I assure you it won't be a flawless experience.

Oh! Please avoid watching the anime. Don't subject yourself to that torture.

__________________________

My score: 7.9

I recently finished the anime and thought, "OMG, this is actually a really good anime, but I don't really get the thing with seasons 1, 2, and 3." So, I did a bit of research and understood that it's in a similar situation as Blue Exorcist. The anime had an anime-only ending, then had a completely filler season 2 with a not-so-great ending. But even so, I still fell in love with the series despite its flaws, and I felt bad that it became this extremely underrated series in my opinion. Then, I found out that the manga was still ongoing, and many dedicated fans were praising the manga very highly.  

So, I decided to read it because it seemed as good, if not better than the anime. I read the entire thing so far in one night, and HOLY SHOT, it was worth it!  

The manga has stunning art and provides much more information about the characters than the anime. The arcs are very interesting to follow, and you can't help but root for Ciel in whatever he's doing. It is truly beautiful, and the story is getting deeper and more complicated. The latest arc left me with so many questions, and I just can't stop! I've reread the entire manga so far three times, and all the anime seasons twice. It is truly an amazing story, and I think if it were to come out now, it would absolutely break the internet.  

I recommend it 100%!

Longtime reader, volumes 1-31 review: 4/5  
Black Butler has been one of my guilty pleasures for years. The story begins with Ciel, a young boy in the Victorian era, who suffers unimaginable tragedy—kidnapped, tortured, his family murdered, and his estate destroyed. In a twisted turn of events, when his captors attempt to summon a demon, the demon instead forms a lifelong contract with Ciel. Bound by this pact, the demon agrees to serve Ciel in any way he desires, as long as Ciel remains focused on his path of vengeance. Once Ciel exacts his revenge, his soul will be claimed. Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?  

Over the years, the series has explored numerous arcs, ranging from comedic to deeply serious, with some... questionable content choices sprinkled in (a boy band arc? really? in Victorian England???). But let's face it, many fans stuck around simply because they wanted to see attractive characters doing exciting things. And that promise has consistently been delivered. Moreover, Toboso's art style has evolved significantly, becoming less stylized and more refined, with intricate details in clothing and breathtaking backgrounds that rival the allure of everyone's favorite demon butler.  

Recently, the narrative has taken on a more somber tone and grown increasingly complex (which I absolutely adore!). There may even be an end in sight, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Story (8/10):  
"Kuroshitsuji takes place in Victorian-era London, beginning at the manor of Ciel Phantomhive, the twelve-year-old head of a prestigious noble English family. Assisting this young prodigy is Sebastian Michaelis, the epitome of an ideal butler dedicated to fulfilling his master's every need. You might wonder—what kind of reader am I, marveling at the tale of an aristocrat and a mere butler? However, it’s important to note that Sebastian is far from ordinary. As the story unfolds, we discover there's more to the relationship between Ciel and Sebastian. This exceptional butler isn't serving out of kindness or for wealth; instead, he's bound to Ciel by a dark contract, gradually revealed as the chapters progress. The narrative is fantastic, though some chapters may feel slower and less impactful than others—they remain crucial and enjoyable. The story is unique and captivating, offering laughter and enthusiasm despite occasional lulls."  

Art (10/10):  
"The artwork in Kuroshitsuji is breathtakingly beautiful. From the start, you'll likely be impressed. The backgrounds are stunning, vividly capturing the Victorian era. The intricate details in clothing designs, 19th-century tea sets, and the interior of the Phantomhive manor highlight the artistry. Character designs are exceptional—Sebastian exudes sophistication, complexity, and style, while Ciel radiates superiority, cleverness, and class. The art is undoubtedly one of the manga's strongest aspects."  

Character (10/10):  
"The characters are a standout feature of Kuroshitsuji. Ciel Phantomhive, a twelve-year-old business genius, leads the noble Phantomhive family. He prides himself on maturity, calmness, and a love for winning, whether in deals or games. Ciel views Sebastian as both a pawn and someone willing to endure anything for the Phantomhive name. Then there's Sebastian Michaelis, the unparalleled butler capable of cooking professionally, cleaning immaculately, maintaining gardens, and even fending off enemies with utensils. His perfection is undeniable, yet his true nature becomes increasingly clear as the story advances. Every character, including supporting ones, has a distinct backstory and personality. While the tone can be dark, many characters provide comic relief. Each individual contributes significantly to the overall story."  

Enjoyment (9/10):  
"I'm thoroughly enjoying Kuroshitsuji. Questions naturally arise given it's an ongoing series, but each chapter answers some while raising new ones, fueling my curiosity. It strikes a perfect balance of supernatural action, mystery, and comedy, making it an incredible manga. Additionally, it appeals to female readers with its "hot bishies/shotas."  

Overall (9/10):  
"In conclusion, I highly recommend Kuroshitsuji to anyone seeking a manga with a unique, twisting plot, diverse and compelling characters, and stunning art. I'm deeply engaged, and I hope others will come to love it too."  

I hope this review was helpful! If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing more Kuroshitsuji fans!