Alternative TitlesEnglish: Black Butler Synonyms: Kuro Shitsuji, Kuroshitsuzi, Black Butler Japanese: 黒執事
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 24
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Oct 2, 2008 to Mar 26, 2009
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
PG-13 - Teens 13 or older
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.381 (scored by 16736 users)
Ranked: #1212
Popularity: #73
Members: 32,270
Favorites: 2,243 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
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SynopsisIn Victorian-era Europe, a young boy loses everything he once held near and dear to a vicious plot. In his moment of death, he strikes a deal with a demon: his soul, in exchange for revenge. Ciel Phantomhive is now the head of the Phantomhive corporation, handling all business affairs as well as the underground work for the Queen of England. His new partner is a demon butler, Sebastian Michaelis, whose powers as a butler is only surpassed by his strength as a demon.
The story follows the two along with their other servants, as they work to unravel the plot behind Ciel's parents' murder, and the horrendous tragedies that befell Ciel in the month directly after. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Kuroshitsuji
Summary: Kuroshitsuji - Tanaka no Narration de Kurikaeru Zenhan Digest
Sequel: Kuroshitsuji 2
Side story: Kuroshitsuji Special
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
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Shinohara, Toshiya
Director |
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SID
Theme Song Performance, Theme Song Lyrics, Theme Song Composition, Theme Song Arrangement |
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Kajiura, Yuki
Theme Song Composition, Theme Song Lyrics, Theme Song Arrangement |
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BECCA
Theme Song Performance |
Reviews
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duonoaikouka
111 of 154 people found this review helpful
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24 of 24 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Holy flippin' A!!! Where to even begin with this anime?! There is so much here that I look for in an anime; I even added it to my favorites list before I was even done watching. It's got beautiful and THICK plot, hidden meanings, a GORGEOUS musical score, wonderful and zany characters, and enough emotional hitting power to make me keep a tissue box handy for those sad and happy tears. This would be my first review to be an absolute 10 in score if there weren't just a few unanswered questions and assumed understanding after everything was said and done. Even with those there, though, this anime is one of the best things I've seen in a while, even better than Hikaru no Go which had be so wrapped up spring break. I'm sad to see it end 'cause I want more of this world, but, on the other hand, I'm glad it's got a definitive ending and isn't really leaving us cliff-hanging.
STORY - 9
The story of this show is something else. There's just so much depth, and it's so cerebral. I'll definitely have to do some re-watching to get all the little nuances and plot points down. I wouldn't recommend this show if you're just looking for some simple anime that would kill an afternoon. This is a thinking anime that touches on a ton of dark and deep issues. You'll also need to be paying close attention to all the plot twists! These little suckers come out of NOWHERE and twist the story into a completely different direction that one would expect. I was left gasping like fish more than once here. For me, that's one of the best aspects of this story is those little plot twists. I never know what I'm going to see when watching something like this. Now that I've mentioned the good, let's talk about why I couldn't give this aspect a perfect 10. After watching the ending, I was left with some unanswered questions regarding some of the details here. While these details didn't sour the complete story for me (hence the 9), they might sour it for someone else. One detail that they didn't address did leave me a bit peeved, but my mind made a connection with another story aspect that I could guess was the answer. If everything had been addressed here, this would have been a DEFINITE perfect 10.
ART - 10
A simple word here. BEAUTIFUL!!!! The animation flows so gorgeously in this anime. From the fight scenes to humorous antics to zany parties to heart-wrenching death scenes, absolutely everything here is flows so smoothly and sweetly. An aspect I noticed a lot in this anime was lighting. I don't see that a lot in anime and found it very appropriate for this title. If the characters were experiencing a dark and horrific scene, shadows and reds played big parts. If they were experiencing light-hearted birthday parties or servant antics, colors were bright, vibrant, and day-filled. Besides just the lighting, the art conveyed the atmosphere so much. It almost seemed to reflect character emotions and fates/destinies as well as set the mood for the anime. You will not be disappointed here! Just a slight warning, though, this anime doesn't shirk from blood. Not that it's gratuitous, every scene with it almost requires it and the blood adds to the atmosphere. But do be warned; I wouldn't let kids watch this.
SOUND - 10
This is the crowning glory in my opinion. Every single piece of music adds to the atmosphere of this anime and leaves a person breathless. It's so haunting...... It's full of fast consistent beats for the fighting, chants and drones for the dark, plot-filled moments, sad female-filled melodies for the gut-wrenchingly sad parts, and a soft operatic finish for the final anime finale. There was use throughout the anime of a really fast beat chanting/droning thing used towards some combat and many plot-revealing scenes that I found particularly innovative and unusual. It added something really unique to an already beautiful track of music. The opening and ending themes fit the anime to a tee; the 2nd ending, Lacrimosa by Kalafina, especially fits the ominous ending the anime is barreling towards when this ending comes in. It's haunting, lyrical, and so emotion-filled. Just beautiful!! Besides the glorious musical score, this anime exhibits very good character voices. I especially loved Sebastian's dark and low voice. I could imagine my demon butler having that voice. *shiver* I can't think of any misplaced vocals at all. Everyone was distinct and complete unto themselves.
CHARACTERS - 9
There were so many hidden depths to most of these characters that absolutely no one seems two-dimensional. Everyone is fleshed out to some degree with emotional back stories and plot twists. Oh the plot twists!! There were a lot where it came to character development. I only wish that there had been equal attention to all characters. For some of them, the viewers were left wishing fervently for more. I personally wished the back stories of the servants at Phantomhive were fleshed out more. We are given some back hints in a few episodes and one episode almost completely devoted to the four of them, but not really a lot and I was curious! Oh well. The gradual building of Ciel's character and his relationship with Sebastian is more than enough to make up for it. There were some characters who I thought I had pegged when something radical happens and their intents and motivations turn in a completely different direction. Again, oh those plot twists!! Gotta love 'em!!
ENJOYMENT - 10
I thoroughly enjoyed this title, unanswered questions and all. My mind can find connections between points where there may be no connection and so I can answer those questions in my own little mind. It was a beautiful and haunting ride that took me on an emotional rollercoaster and through a thorough mind-wringing. There was so much content here, from plot to wacky humor. I loved every bit of it. And the music!! Ack!! I'm going to be haunting ebay and the net in general looking for this OST ASAP!!
OVERALL - 10
I think I pretty much summed it up in the enjoyment section. Everything just came together beautifully and created an anime that has made it to my favorites and re-watchable list. I absolutely adore it and wish there was more!!
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Yammin
47 of 75 people found this review helpful
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24 of 24 episodes seen
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| Overall |
6 |
| Story |
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| Animation |
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| Character |
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Now 6/10 isn’t a bad score; it equates to 3/5 stars so I do recommend people to try it out.
So, Kuroshitsuji is an anime that is labelled “shounen” but I don’t really know why - it’s filled with bishounens, pretty clothes and the fancy Victorian age backdrop with massive shounen ai and shota undertones. Oh, and the obvious gay shinigami who keeps trying to kiss the butler.
The story: the 10 year old child exchanging his soul for a demon butler who will help exact his revenge. Two/three years later they are still together; Ciel Phantomhive the 12 (later 13) year old Earl also the head of his house and company and Sebastian Michaelis, the demon butler who could do anything and together working for the Queen to solve mysteries and at the same time learning about Ciel’s past.
It would have been a great story. If not for the amount of filler episodes that had been injected in due to the lack of material that had come out from the manga and the confusion in later episodes that still left me with many, many questions.
The first and second episodes was indeed spectacular. I got the anti hero vibes and I do love anti-heroes. Instantly you could tell this isn’t going to be a fluffy anime and it isn’t - it is dark and mysterious throughout the entire series. Even up to episode 6 it was still good. However, after that it just started to get a little tiring with all the missions they have to carry out. Boring in fact. It does pick up with the story though and some of the other episodes that has nothing to do with the story were still interesting.
When I first heard Sebastian’s and Ciel’s names I literally lol’d. ‘Sebastian’ as the butler’s name, that was so cliché and Ciel ‘Phantomhive’ - now that didn’t sound conspicuous at all did it? Well it certainly did humour me with these obvious names, but the characters themselves aren’t ones that you can laugh at. Sebastian is seriously one badass butler, the anti hero of our story; he can do anything and I mean ANYTHING. After episode 17 when he SEDUCES A NUN to get information he certainly got my respect - I never thought he would use those tactics. And Ciel… well he is bratty. And he certainly does talk a lot of bull when it comes to why he is doing all this and such. He also seemed like a doll since he practically modelled fashion wear of the 19th century. However both characters seemed to lack in personality - Sebastian does whatever Ciel says without a second thought, all he has going for him is that he’s cool - which isn’t a personality trait in my opinion. Ciel is bent on revenge and spoilt so I guess that is a personality…sort of. Both characters are too bland and 2-dimensional, there’s no realistic streak in either of them.
Sound wasn’t entirely special, apart from the opening and ending I’ve forgotten all the other soundtracks used so forgettable it is. Art and animation was impeccable. In the few action scenes they had there was no blurred lines anywhere - every action or move was clear and distinct.
The most enjoyable part of this anime was the London/Victorian age setting. I was actually quite impressed with how well they displayed and used London and its history, like how they made Bethnal Green the base where all the drug dealers were from or the fact that there used to be fairs on the Thames during the winter when the water turned to ice. The producers did use the London card to the max - playing with different versions of “London Bridge”, using the Jack the Ripper character and displaying the fashion of the time. And of course since it’s set in England there is some engrish, but the best one is Sebastian’s “Yes, My Lord” - makes me smile every time. The setting practically made this anime; I mean if you replaced the setting to a modern time, different place this anime would have immediately failed.
This series was just ‘okay’ to me, it wasn’t particularly special and it’s quite tedious. I have had many unanswered questions formed in my mind and quite a few qualms about it. For those of you who actually read manga I suggest reading the manga first or instead of this since it just contains the main story.
Will I be watching the second series? Well, yes for numerous reasons. I liked the manga enough to want to see it animated. I want to see if my questions will finally be answered. And most of all I want to find out WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED after the end of the last episode. read more
Recommendations
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Similar setting: rich, somewhat arrogant noble kids, older (and hotter) servants, Gothic styles. Both try to present a fantasy world that resembles a historical European setting to various degrees, but with the critical aspect of the story based on a supernatural twist. In Kuroshitsuji, it is the concept of demons and angels. In Pandora Hearts, it is the "Abyss," a dimension where time is warped. Both protagonists have been bestowed with a sort of life-binding curse that they view as a punishment, yet ironically neither seem to value their lives very much.
Kuroshitsuji is much darker in tone than Pandora Hearts, however. It is quite heavily Gothic, while PH adheres to more typical anime conventions.
the main characters made a contract towards a demon (Kuroshitsuji) and a chain (pandora hearts).....
Both of theses anime have dark aspects and the main characters seem to have similar personalities. Both main characters are somewhat bratty and come from a rich family with maids and butlers.
both have a gothic feeling to them, and the main characters are 'cursed'
They both take place in London and have a dark atmosphere. Very good char designs aswell.
Both include someone who made a contract with someone else in order to save themselves. Also, both have a similar dark Gothic theme and have characters from rich families.
Both anime have a mix of comedy and the supernatural, with quite a few action scenes too.
They both have a dark plot. Super-natural setting. As in Sebastian and B-Rabbit or Raven (Gil). The main character (Ceil and Oz) are both rich, and somewhat snoby / brats. But they are different in both animes , Oz is more happy compared to Ceil. Pandora Hearts has more comic relief in it compared to Kuroshitsuji. Both have amazing music to compliment the scene in the animes. Both are emotional too. So be sure to have a tissue box at hand! ;)
Both of these series have similar protagonists. Ciel and Oz are wealthy children from prestigious families living in historical London, and they both have a close relationship with their servants. Both boys have entered into a contract with an otherworldly creature and both their servants (Sebastian and Gilbert) have dark and mysterious personalities, and even look a little similar.
Both stories could be considered dark, but they're both lightened with a little humor and eccentric characters. Also in both series Dolls are used as a symbol for madness and some characters are not as they appear.
Also, and this is something I feel I have to include, there is a little fanservice and suggestive scenes between Young Master and servant to attract shonen-ai fan viewers. However, it's not so heavy in either that it should turn off people who are not so fond of shonen-ai.
This is probably the best reccomendation to anyone who loves Kuroshitsuji. They have the same close relationships between the characters and each character has their own mysterious past and story to tell. Oz is somewhat like the optimistic version of Ceil. There is a lot that will keep you guessing and the music and art work are brilliant in both. If you like one I can promise you'll like the other. Where Pandora Hearts is a little more light-hearted it still has an ominous feel to it and like Kuroshitsuji it keeps you guessing who the bad guys really are.
Both are about Brittish kids. Action in the same time, animation is very similar, kids of the same father (the same studio)
Dark atmosphere is present from both series. The art and animation were really good. Also, both protagonists have a master-servant relationship and came from rich families.
Rich boy and his faithful butler in city like 19th century London, mysterious contract and of course a lot of Bishonens^^
Kuroshitsuji is mainly about the young Phantomhive master whom has a butler named Sebastian Michaelis.... One "hell" of a butler. The young master takes on a series of cases for the queen, and in the process becomes aware of a certain group with questionable intent.
Pandora Hearts revolves around a young duke who has just come of age. After being sentenced to the prison known as abyss, he makes a contract with a being known as a "chain" in order to escape.
If you're into demonic contracts, shinigami, and those darkened themes... you're sure to love both of these amazing works.
Both take place in the 1800's
Both have lots of master-servant relationships
There are quite a few similar characters
Both have awkward endings
Anime similar to the atmosphere, appearance and nature of the characters and action takes place in one period.
Both animes have similar dymanics in the relations between main characters: an older, stronger servant who protects a weaker, younger master. Also, the topic of hell/Abyss that threatens one of the characters is kind of similar. Both animes are very nice in the visual aspect, dramatic but with some humor to lighten the mood.
Ambos os animes tem um clima misterioso em epocas passadas, e existem grandes semelhanças entre alguns personagens, como por exemplo os protagonistas Oz e Ciel. XD
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In both there are demons, which serve humans. Sebastian looks like Alucard, especially when he is in his "fighting mode" and Ciel looks like Integra in her childhood. Phantomhive family serves the Queen and executes her orders, and Ciel is the young successor of this family. So it looks pretty similar to Hellsing, and even if they have different atmosphere, if you enjoy one you will like the other too.
Ciel's character is similar to Integra's one. They are both very strict, demanding and they will do everything to achieve the goal. What is more, they are perfect examples of "being master" attitude.
Alucard and Sebastian are similar because of their fighting abilities, hidden (not every time) dark side and good look ;)
Both anime ale pretty dark with a lot of blood and supernatural things included.
Kuroshitsuji is like a less serious, less violent version of Hellsing. Both have to do with demons/vampires working for a human and serving them. They just both have the same sort of feel.
Character: Sebastian & Alucard - Akuma (monster) serving a master (ciel = sir hellsing)
Story: style & plot kinda different..but similiar monster genre..
Both are superhuman beings (Sebastian and Alucard) under contract to english nobility (Ciel and Integra). Even though the main aim of the two animes are different, (revenge vs elimination of vampires), they are almost cut from the same cloth! However, Hellsing tends to be darker and more bloody.
Both animes have strong anti-heroes as main characters, who have a human master. Stacking genres: Action, Supernatural
In both animes there's a evil creature (demon/vampire) who have to protect a human master. On the other hands their masters are so serious and never smile......almoust.
So if you like master-servent relationship (and england atmosphere) you will love both animes
If you enjoyed the Integra/Alucard dynamic then the Ceil/Sebastian relationship will seem very familiar. They both enjoy a dark element (Hellsing having violent characters and Kuroshitsuji having twisted characters). Side characters provide much of the comic relief in both with Kuroshisuji enjoying much more comedy than Hellsing.
The biggest similarity is Alucard and Sebastian. They seem cut from nearly the same mold in terms of character. If you liked one you will for sure like the other. They both chain themselves to humans who clearly need them. They are both very manipulative (even manipulating their masters). And just as it starts to appear they might really have some soul in them they remind you they aren't human they are vampire/demon.
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Opening Theme"Kiss of Monochrome" by SID
Ending Theme#01: "I'm ALIVE!" by BECCA (eps 1-13)
#02: "Lacrimosa" by Kalafina (eps 14-24)
Fansubbing Groups
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SubTnT [SubTnT] (Brazilian Portuguese)
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