Alternative TitlesEnglish: Black Butler Synonyms: Black Butler, Dark Butler, Kuroshitsuzi, Kuro Shitsuji Japanese: 黒執事
Information
Type: Manga
Volumes: Unknown
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Publishing
Published: Sep 16, 2006 to ?
StatisticsScore: 8.611 (scored by 17622 users)
Ranked: #732
Popularity: #16
Members: 34,477
Favorites: 5,544 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
butler comedy fantasy supernatural |
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 prowess 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 MangaAdaptation: Kuroshitsuji
Reviews
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Ri-chan
255 of 306 people found this review helpful
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41 of ? chapters read
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
8 |
| Art |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
At first this series annoyed me to hell. Not because I'd read it, mind you. But because every time I'm go to check for some freaking updates there would be Kuroshitsuji at the top of the list, taunting me and singing "na-na-na-na you don't read me!". The obvious solution would be to read it but I was stubborn and the title looked like a shounen which i was not in the mood for.
Finally I gave in and clicked the link on onemanga, which gave me the most misleading synopsis I'd ever read. It went:
"To what extent must a housekeeper do things to be acceptable? One of the noble families of England: Phantomhive's butler: Sebastian Michaels has got unquestionably perfect knowledge, manners, talent with materials, martial arts, et cetera: but is also able to serve a 12 year old master. Wearing a grey tailcoat, gracefully brewing the worlds strongest red tea, please read on to see how such a perfect butler copes with such a master..." (directly copy and pasted from onemanga, btw)
I thought "Oh! That sounds funny! A really happy manga!" HAHAHAHA! Yeah RIGHT! This thing ended up being one of the darkest, horrific, deep, and twisted mangas I've ever read! And I STILL loved it!
Even though my initial idea of the manga was totally misconceived I still found enjoyment of the highest degree.
What the story is really about is the pair, Sebastian (the perfect butler) and Ciel (the cold, calculating 12-year-old), living in the underworld of high society. Ciel is an orphan with a fortune, an eyepatch, and a deal with the demon Sebastian. In the manga we don't know the details of this deal (and you do in the anime but I don't trust animes) jut that Sebastian has to protect Ciel at all cost until a certain time at which point Sebastian gets Ciel's soul.
Of course, this is all rather heavy for a twelve-year-old (heck, at the time they made the deal, Ciel was 10!) but Ciel never appears to waver. He is strong, smart, cold, and far from merciful.
At least that's what he tries to be. As the story progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that Ciel is desperate to hide all emotion so as to protect himself from the world. His experiences hardened him and much of the series seems to be about him facing his own innocence and realizing his weaknesses.
But where Ciel is an open book, ready to read by anxious readers, Sebastian is closed off and a mystery. His constant smile and dark manor is menacing and you can't help but suspect he's only caring for Ciel for his tasty, tasty soul. But in the anime there are moments that suggest he may actually care for Ciel.
I would like to note at his time that this series is NOT a shounen ai/yaoi. Since the two main characters are a bishi and a shouta and they have a "unique relationship" it is assumed they are taking part in "inappropriate conduct" (aka they're joining NMBLA). I think this is disgusting. I can't believe people wish to think that. Why must all wholesome reltionships be ruined by people and their filthy minds
The relationship between these two is like a forced trust. Sebastian knows Ciel can't hurt him and Ciel knows Sebastian is bound by a sacred contract that can't be broken. Sebastian is the only person Ciel can trust unconditionally and since Sebastien is so strong he knows that if anyone even tries to cross him, they're dead. It's not love, just a partnership.Now that I'm done with that, I'd like to make note of the story. As opposed to most shoujos this series is divided into lots of mini arcs and stories which usually teach you something knew about these characters. They usually start with Ciel being told by the Queen to go do something for her. Then Ciel has to run off with Sebastian and do her bidding. These stories will usually start of with lots of funny, clever comments partnered with new characters to further the story. Then it plunges into some deep, dark plot line from whence are heroes may never return (they always do anyway).
In a lot of ways this manga reminds me of GodChild. Very dark and set in the same period. The only difference is I actually like the art in Kuroshitsuji. The detail is through the roof with high style, delicious sweets, lovely London town, and wonderful style to boot.
I hope you read this series and enjoy it as much as I do! ^_^ read more
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jazmin_s
109 of 146 people found this review helpful
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28 of ? chapters read
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Art |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
Story (8/10):
“Aku made shitsuji desu / I am a butler to the core”
Kuroshitsuji takes place in Victorian era London and starts us off in the manor house of Ciel Phantomhive, the twelve year old head of the prominent noble English family. Assisting this young capitalist is Sebastian Michaelis, everyone’s ideal butler, who wishes for nothing more than to fulfill his young master’s every need. Now you may ask – what kind of reader am I, to be so easily marveled by an aristocrat and a merely simple butler? Well, I am obliged to highlight the fact that Sebastian is merely no ordinary butler, and as the story progresses, we soon come to realize that there is more to young Ciel and cunning Sebastian’s relationship. This fine butler is not simply serving Ciel out of the goodness of his heart or for any wealth, but instead is bound to the Phantomhive head by a rather dark contract – all of which is gradually being unraveled as each chapter passes. The story is fantastic and although at times it may seem that some chapters were a little slow and did not create as much emphasis as the last – each is important and ultimately fun to read. Consequently, the story itself is quite unique and definitely an interesting read. Moreover, albeit it may at times seem devoid of something, it will surely not displease in making you laugh and enjoying it enthusiastically.
Art (10/10):
The artwork in Kuroshitsuji is in my opinion extremely beautiful. Almost right off the top, I’m sure you will be impressed. The backgrounds when shown are marvelous and portray an excellent image. The artwork in Kuroshitsuji is magnificent in how well it depicts the Victorian era. By this, I draw attention to the intricate clothing designs that are worn by our characters, the nineteenth century tea and china sets, as well as the interior of the Phantomhive manor. Furthermore moving onto the character designs themselves – I must conclude that they are one of the best I have seen. Sebastian’s look floods sophistication, complexity and style; whereas upon taking a glance at Ciel’s character you immediately recognize an air of superiority, cleverness, and class. The art I believe is one of the best aspects of this manga.
Character (10/10):
The characters are a definite plus for Kuroshitsuji. Ciel Phantomhive is a twelve year old business savvy prodigy who is now the head of the noble English Phantomhive family. He prides on being a well-mannered, mature and calm young man and takes pleasure in winning, whether it be in a deal to gain material objects or to gain something of more value – hence forth proving his interest and hard to believe proficiency in playing games. Additionally, Ciel is the master of Sebastian whom he sees as his pawn and someone who is meant to endure anything in the name of Phantomhive.
Thus bringing us to the sly yet remarkable character of Sebastian Michaelis as the butler of young master Ciel. Sebastian is without a doubt, the best butler to ever serve nobility as he shows his ability to cook as a professional chef, clean so well that he leaves not a speck of dust, maintain the garden and indubitably perform many other tasks while still finding the time to make his master some tea and cake. Sebastian’s awesomeness is further proven as he is the first butler to be able to fight and fend off his masters’ adversaries with simple eating utensils. Yes, Sebastian is the true embodiment of perfection. However, as the story progresses – Sebastian’s true character becomes more and more clear.
One thing I must accurately say about the two main characters and of all the other supporting characters as well, is that each person has a unique story to tell. Although backgrounds are being revealed gradually – it’s quite understandable each character has quite a lot to offer. What is more is that although the story is often times meant to be dark; there are many characters that are ready to provide comical relief at any moment. As stated once before, each character has quite a lot to present from their personality to the overall story.
Enjoyment (9/10):
I am undeniably enjoying Kuroshitsuji to its fullest potential. Although many questions have been provoked, that is to be expected of a manga that is still publishing and continuing with high hopes. Additionally, as each chapter is being released, questions are being answered yet more questions are being put forth – therefore peaking my curiosity to a greater extent. Kuroshitsuji is a perfect balance of supernatural action, mystery and comedy that is makes an amazing manga. Furthermore – this is especially appealing to the females as it contains many “hot bishes/shotas” ^_^;;
Overall (9/10):
All in all, I would recommend Kuroshitsuji to anyone who is interested in reading a manga with a unique and twisting plot, great characters all whom differ in their personalities and abilities and with awe-inspiring art. I am thoroughly enjoying it and I hope others will come to love it as well :)
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I hope my first review on MAL was helpful to you and if you have any advice, I would be glad to hear it. Thanks for reading my review and I look forward to many more Kuroshitsuji fans ^__^ read more
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Both of these manga have a master/servant in the front in center. Also both the master and servant are pretty remarkable. There is also the old English feeling and the sense of dark political secrets and a hint of the mystical.
Art style is also similar.
Kuro Shitsuji has a smidge more humor and Godchild has more gore.
Both are set in Victorian era England and feature a nobleman and his butler. Also, both are filled with mysteries that the main characters must solve and the art is beautiful!
Both seem to be set around the same time period. Both main characters' parents died when they were just children, thus making them take on the role of head of their noble family. They are both earls and are taken care of by butlers who have made a promise to always be by their side. Both are very dark and have beautiful artwork. I had read Kuroshtsuji first, and when I read Godchild I thought to myself, "Wow, this has a lot in common to Kuroshitsuji in terms of main characters"
Both are beautifully drawn, with fantastic characters which (most of the time) stay true to the Victorian age. Both have young Earl's, unique butlers, supernatural events and fantastic storylines.
Very similiar atmosphere in both series, and both have crimes and supernatural incidents.
I read the Count Cain/GodChild series first and completed it way before I knew the existence of Kuroshitsuji. However, the storyline for both is very very similar. They both grew up without their parents. They both have amazingly loyal butlers at their side and they also have a girl at their side that they want to protect. They even have a couple of recurring friends who help them out (Oscar in Cain, Lau in Kuroshitsuji). In fact, it's probably faster to list the differences between the two series.
Firstly, there's more (obvious) supernatural themes in Kuroshitsuji than in GodChild. Godchild is also darker than Kuroshitsuji. The latter have some really silly characters and recurring jokes throughout the series. Frankly, I adore the Cain series more than Kuroshitsuji because the former has really solid, well-developed characters. Every character has a fantastic back story that connects them to each other.
Both are based on young men who take over as head of their blue-blood, aristocratic English household. In both, these men are largely without family except for a highly mysterious butler who is by them at all times and who seems to excel at almost everything. The bond between Master and Butler in both series are of highlight because of how deep and unique they are. While Godchild is a bit more darker and gothic than Kuroshitsuji, Kuroshitsuji is also a dark series with a bit more comedy. Additionally, both men are apt at solving crimes that are plaguing England, most of these crimes being especially horrific.
Kuroshitsuji is a bit like Godchild in a lot of ways; mainly both take place in Victorian England, and the protagonist is a somewhat cynical, mysterious noble that serves the Crown. The plot lines also run parallel, as Earl Ciel and Count/Earl Cain are both apparently called on a lot to solve mysterious happenings across Britain while their shady and angsty past is revealed in flashbacks. The main difference is that Ciel has an awesome demon butler to help him in all his endeavors, while Cain has Riff. Both also have a very very select group of friends and servants, with a few living relatives. If you like dark manga with delicious Gothic-type costumes and scenery, Kuroshitsuji is the manga for you.
Both deal with a young master and a personally close butler to them. Each servant does whatever their master tells them to do and are very loyal. both Cain and Ciel sleep with a gun, are very demanding, have marks on their body (and only Riff/Sebastian are allowed see/touch them), have traumatic pasts, etc. Godchild is a bit darker then kuroshitsuji is though. Either way, if you love one of these series, love yaoi, or love ServantxMaster, you're going to love both series. XD
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Both stories have similarity, between the Contractor and the Demon. They also have similar style and era. Characters wear Victorian-dress and Gothic style. The main characters have same deep conflict regarding their past times.
Both stories have a similar dark and creepy atmosphere and have a Victorian setting. The protagonists of each series is a high-ranking nobleman (well, boy) that have made a contract that is probably going shorten their life spans considerably.
Both characters have a contract of somesort with someone/other, are warped, have a dark past, are hunted down for a reason/reasons, ect...
i first read PH than kuroshitsuji, && i can tell that while im rading Kuroshitsuji, i have this same feeling while reading PH too. i mean, it'll give you lots of emotions. you'll laugh, cry & get mad too!creeps & darkness are together. both are great manga. im sure you'll definitely get addicted to both of it.:)
Both series have a sort of fantasy Victorian theme, though Pandora Hearts focuses more on fantasy and Kuroshitsuji on Victorian. Kuroshitsuji is, overall, darker than Pandora Hearts, though Pandora Hearts does have a fair share of horror, but neither are without humor.
Kuroshitrsuji and Pandora Hearts are lot alike. In both stories something tragic has happened in the past. There are supernatural powers and both have a lot of comedy and adventure. both are truly amazing stories with a contract between the two main characters. These two stories will make you laugh, cry, and make you want to punch that one person in your class whom you hate. They both take place in the past around the Victorian Era. While Kuroshitsuji has a gothic style of art and story and Pandora Hearts has a brighter and cheerful aura the two stories will always make you love one of the main characters. Well I know I do.
Both Pandora Hearts and Kuroshitsuji deal with servants and their masters. In both of these, the master is a (in the words of Sharon from Pandora Hearts) "shota" type and the servants are "bishounen". Both of the masters in these series have a dark auras to them at times (although Oz seems nicer than Ciel at first glance) and both of these series involve contracts plus lots of bishounen. These manga both have dark/Gothic atmostpheres to them and both are set in a European setting.
-Both main characters make a contract with an demon being to get out of a nasty situation, are born into the upper class, and will died once the contract is over (Well in Pandora Heart the contractor may as well be dead)
-The demon beings are used for protection and fighting
-Both series have a servant-and-master relationship with the demon being and contractor
-You have no idea what happened in the past traumatic event with both series.
-Both main characters are searching for something but the things are different
--Both are not finished and are a page turner(at least in my opinion) but Pandora Hearts does have several plot twisters
--And finally both have been made into good Animes that start the same way but end up having a different plot then the Mangas
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Related Clubs ♔ The Old, Elegant Story , Black Butler RP, Official Ciel Phantomhive Fan Club, ♥ Wonderland ♥, "I am a butler, and a demon", "Yes My Lord!!", → Angel & Devil 's Club, *~MomoHime125's House of Goodness~*, -Orange & Yellow haired-, .::Sebastian X Claude fan Club::., .:_MisTeOr'S_HiDeOuT_pLaCe_:., akuma de, shitsuji, All Hail Roloko!!!, Anime & Manga ruled by Fashion, Anime Break, Anime Lovers Kingdom, Anime Role Playing Club!, Anti Sebastian/Ciel Club, Anything Maid/Butler/Master Club!, ღ Ğrell Śutcliff ღ, ★Guys with nail polish★, ♔ ~ The Rich Bishounen Club ~ ♔, Bad Romance (SebastianxCiel) Fan Club, Badass Butlers, Be Adopted By An Anime Character, Beautiful Anime Club, Black Butler/Death Note RP, Black Butler: Blood & Romance, Black Hair Fanclub., Boys will be girls!, Braids and Curls club, Butler, Bartender & Garcon [BBG], C.I.C.A.D.A., catch a bishonen!~/punch a character club, Character Love Tea ♥ , Chinese Anime Characters!, Ciel 'Girl' FanClub, Ciel in Wonderland FC, Ciel Phantomhive, Ciel Phantomhive Fanclub, Ciel Phantomhive Manor, Ciel x Sebastian club, Claim A Killer Club, Claim a scarred chara~, Claim a senshi!, Claim one eyed chara, Clarsiso-sama fanclub!!!, Clean Anime, Closed Eyed Characters Fanclub , club psychopathic reaper,psycho and reaper hottie adoption club, Criminal Minds, Curse of Alice (Gothic Rp), Cute Manga Lovers!, Dark Fashion FC, Dripping In Anime, Eiko's SQUAD., English manor Rp, Environment's Friends! =D, Exotic India, Finnian Fan Club, Friend's Anime and Manga Discusion , Gothic club, Grip of Insanity, hero's dark side, Insane Sadists Fanclub, Ka~ Cards Club, Kuroshitsuji (Role Playing), Kuroshitsuji - manga, Kuroshitsuji Central, Kuroshitsuji Central Officers, Kuroshitsuji Chibi, Kuroshitsuji Club, Kuroshitsuji Demon FanClub, Kuroshitsuji F.C, Kuroshitsuji Fan Cub (Ceil and Sebastian Edition), Kuroshitsuji II Central, Kuroshitsuji II Fanclub, Kuroshitsuji II OFFICIAL fan club, Kuroshitsuji Italian club, Kuroshitsuji RP Club, Kuroshitsuji RP {Yaoi}, Kuroshitsuji Servants Fanclub, Kuroshitsuji Shinigami FanClub, Kuroshitsuji Workshop, Long Black/Dark Haired Guys, Lovealchemist's fanclub, Madam Red Fan Club, Maid and Butler Fan Club, Maid, Butler and Master RP Club, Make Believe Shonen Ai / Yaoi Club! <3, MAL anonymous, MAL's Official Sebastian Michaelis Fanclub, MAL's Official Victorian Era Anime & Manga Club, Manga > Anime, Manga Experience, Manga Recommendation, Manga-hasa, manga/animé amours, Mari's Club XD, Marketplace Germany, Marry a Character (M.A.C.), Master/Slave yaoi rps, Men Look Good With A Rose, Mole=Moe, Mono o Kuro, Muraki33's Awesomeness, Neko-Mimi Lovers, Of Swords and Shield Maidens (Girls with Blades), Official Undertaker Fan Club, Ongaku Butoukai Kuroshitsuji [Kuroshitsuji Musical], Otaku Dreams, Overrated or Underrated Animes and Mangas, Oya oya, kufufu, Polski FC Kuroshitsuji, Polski FC mangi Kuroshitsuji, Purple and Blue Haired Characters, Purple Eyes Fanclub, Ranmao Fanclub, Recommendation Club, Red Eyes Fanclub, Sebastian & Hime's Service, Sebastian Michaelis Fanclub, sebastian michaelis fans, Sebastian Michaels Rocks Club, Sebastian x Ciel, Sexy Anime Boys Club <3, Shades Of White Anime Girls And Boys Fan Club, Shinigami Club, Shitsuji & Maid ® Nekompany, Shitsuji, hatsukoi ♥, Silver, White, Gray-Haired Characters Fanclub!, Skinny Boys FC, Square Enix Fans, The BADASSED Club, The Gate of Time, The Masters & Servants Realm, The Official Ciel Phantomhive Alliance ♥, The Official Drocell Cainz Fanclub ♥ , The Official Joker Fanclub, The Ultimate Absolute Ukes (U.A.U), The what kind of club is this??????, Touched By a Shinigami Anime & Manga, Undertaker, Undertaker Fanclub , VOMIC (^o^New Member Badges R UP^o^), We Love Lizzie Club, We Love MASKS!!~, Why you like Anime?, William T Spears , William x Grell Fanclub, Wonderland, Yoru's Dungeon ;), Yuya Matsushita Fanclub, [Facial Hair]Sexy[/Facial Hair], ~ Takai's LEAGUE ~, ~ WATER BOTTLE CLUB ~, ~Kannie's World~ , ~Slit Cat-like Eyes Club~, ~Yaoi Fanfiction! ~
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