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: 8.351 (scored by 8337 users)
Ranked: #1182
Popularity: #113
Members: 18,297
Favorites: 1,161 1 indicates a weighted score
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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 prowress 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 Ceil's parents' murder, and the horrendous tragedies that befell Ceil in the month directly after. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Kuroshitsuji
Summary: Kuroshitsuji - Tanaka no Narration de Kurikaeru Zenhan Digest
Sequel: Kuroshitsuji 2
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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duonoaikouka
47 of 65 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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SilentMuse
46 of 74 people found this review helpful
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10 of 24 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
A butler is commonly defined as a male servant who takes charge of providing service to his master and keeping everything proper and organized in the household. Yana Toboso presents a devious twist to the meaning of a Butler, giving the audience on hell of a good show. Excuse the pun.
~[S T O R Y]~ [9]
Viewers have seen it all: servants and masters working as partners in crime, so to speak. The master is devious, and the servant is obedient in general Japanimation. We've seen older men be served by seniors or young children. Yet there is a sense of originality captured in Kuroshitsuji. Never before have we ever seen not only a professional and sophisticated demon butler, but a butler that can definitely outshine the common traits of a servant. Kuroshitsuji displays a series of mysteries inside and outside the Phantomhive household, spurring great thought into the audience as to who is involved, what is going on, and of course: WHY. Not only that, but Toboso knocks us out with twists never to be expected. There are dark themes weaved into the plot, but Toboso attempts to calm us down by providing us a nice handful of humour in between episodes - especially the antics of Finny, Meilin, Bard, and our little old tea-drinking butler Tanaka whom Sebastian respects surprisingly so. Although the series is still running anime and manga-wise, the plot gradually grows stronger along with our mental and visual appetite for knowing more on the backgrounds of Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis.
~[A R T]~ [9]
London during the Victorian era is where Kuroshitsuji is set. The art is done well enough for the viewer to realize that it is during the nineteenth century London without being informed of its setting. The artists aside from Toboso who have designed the characters and sets have presented a nice taste to the Victorian era, such as the historical city streets, the enchanting landscape of Phantomhive manor, and the eerie scenes of reveries and places where Ciel and his team are compelled to go - such as cemeteries, haunting passageways and of course the base where our beloved Undertaker resides. The opening animation theme gives us a sense of experimental art: consisting of a sense of grunge followed by dark, elegant art that is weaved into the story's style. The reason why I had not marked the art category a 10 is due to the ending animation theme. The cute scrolling cartoon that separates itself from the general art of the anime leaves the audience wondering whether they are attempting to add random humour to the end or not. Were the ending to be just as beautiful as the beginning theme along with the rest of the animation in the series, the art would've recieved a perfect score.
~[S O U N D]~ [9]
Normally in an anime such as Kuroshitsuji, one would expect the musical scores to consist of classical music and gregorian chants. Nonetheless, the series goes slightly beyond the music that would stereotypically match the setting where the anime takes place. The classical music and gregorian chants capture the essence of a dark, dramatic anime. The rock music flowing at the ending theme of the show gives the anime a connection to a modern age of rock and roll. The lyrics to the beginning and ending themes match the anime almost close enough, as though the musical artists created their songs just for the show's sake. The background music in random scenes gives us a sense of what to expect: epiphanies, a comedic episode, dark and nostalgic reminiscence, et cetera. Yet the music is not too obvious. The sounds are not cheesy unlike other animes set around the nineteenth century. They relax us emotionally yet drive our minds wild out of raging curiousity.
~[C H A R A C T E R]~ [9]
Daisuke Ono gives Sebastian Michaelis his signature smooth, demonic voice that no other seiyuu could ever match. Sebastian is the pure personification of a demon butler, what with his eloquent nature and satirical humour. Demons are often looked upon as ravenous creatures who are hideous inside and out. Yet Sebastian gives a whole new definition to the name of a demon. He is the subject of pure sin, provoking all seven of the sins [more in the manga than the anime] to humans or even observing them in the human world. He does not give into temptation and turns into an angel like other stereotypical animes. He keeps up his sinful guard, making the anime a more interesting watch. He is mysterious, smooth, and attractive enough to make him appear more like a talented, demonic angel than a regular demon in disguise. Moreover, Ciel Phantomhive is not your typical 12 year old. The murder of his parents followed by the destruction of his home and childhood brought forth a dramatic transition no one would ever expect of the boy. He is more mature than his age, seeing as he is the proud owner of a toy company along with playing his role as the Queen's underdog. Together, the two make a fantastic, brilliant team that leaves no stone unturned and no mystery left folded. The other characters seem slightly minor earlier in the series. But as time progresses, their ranks incline and make us wonder more about them. How did Finny become so strong? What dwells in the mind of Elizabeth Middleford? How is Tanaka able to change heights from a short old man to a tall sophisticate? Ignorance definitely is bliss when watching this anime.
~[E N J O Y M E N T & O V E R A L L]~ [9]
Overall, the series is worth enjoying. The anime is yet to be complete, and the manga seems far from over. We are filled with a sensational tension to know the answers behind the questions, know the solutions to the mystery, and understand how our world and the world in the Victorian era are not that different. Both worlds share their moments of profound mystery, moments of drama and laughter, moments of sin versus virtue... I am definitely looking forward to what other tricks Yana Toboso has left up the sleeve. And if you were an individual who prefers tricks and treats, then allow the black butler to serve you. :] read more
Recommendations
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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)
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They have similar main characters--Sebastian is a demon butler while Neuro is a demon detective. Both anime have a slightly creepy and mysterious mood, and the main characters are both extremely clever and skilled.
There are Demons in both shows. They're both funny too! They are also Detectives.
Kuroshitsuji is about a demon butler, Sebastian, while Majin Tantei is about a demon detective, Neuro. Slightly different, but very similar characters. The shows both contain a similar atmosphere as well.
These anime are incredibly similiar. They have the same dark, mysterious mood; they’re both about a character who serves/helps the protagonist; and, most of all, Neuro and Sebastian are the same type of character. Clever, skilled, cold, human in appearance but not in fact, smiling but then being creepy and evil any minute. Neuro=demon detective, Sebastian=demon butler. They also repeat their “symbol sentences” (I already feel this mistery under my palate [Neuro]/I am a butler and a demon [Sebastian]) several times.
Parent/parents murdered, and the main character has help from a demon to solve mysteries leading up to the main mystery of who killed their parent.
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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)
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SubTnT [SubTnT] (Brazilian Portuguese)
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