Kuroshitsuji

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Alternative Titles

English: Black Butler

Synonyms: Dark Butler, Kuro Shitsuji

Japanese: 黒執事

Information

Type: Manga

Volumes: Unknown

Chapters: Unknown

Status: Publishing

Published: Sep 16, 2006 to ?

Genres: Action, Demons, Mystery, Fantasy, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural

Authors: Toboso, Yana (Story & Art)

Serialization: GFantasy

Statistics

Score: 8.53¹ (scored by 44091 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score. Please note that 'Not yet published' titles are excluded.

Ranked: #119²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #25

Members: 100,318

Favorites: 14,199

8.53

Ranked #119Popularity #25Members 100,318

MangaGFantasyToboso, Yana (Story & Art)

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Synopsis

Tucked away in the English countryside lies the ominous manor of the Phantomhives, a family which has established itself as the cold and ruthless "Queen's Watchdog" as well as the head of London's criminal underground. After a tragedy leaves the Earl and his wife dead, many are shocked when their son, a young boy named Ciel, claims his place as the new Earl of the Phantomhive house. At first, many perceive him only as a child surrounded by a few eccentric servants. But they soon begin to realize that it is foolish to meddle with Ciel and his demonic butler Sebastian.

Taking place at the end of the 19th century, Kuroshitsuji follows these two as they face countless mysteries and dangers that plague England and threaten the Queen, uncovering the truth about what really happened to Ciel's parents in the process.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Kuroshitsuji has been adapted into three anime series—one of which is an original which aired in 2010; multiple OVAs; drama CDs released on August 10, 2007 and November 26, 2008; games; a musical titled Kuroshitsuji: The Most Beautiful DEATH in The World held from May 3 to 23, 2010; and a live-action film on January 18, 2014.

The series has been published in English as Black Butler by Yen Press since January 26, 2010 and digitally since April 8, 2014, and has appeared multiple times in New York best selling ranking. It is also published in French by Kana since November 2009, in German by Carlsen Comics, in Italian by Panini Comics, in Polish by Waneko since February 2011, in Spanish by Norma Editorial since November 2011, in Finnish by Punainen jättiläinen since July 2012, and in Brazilian Portuguese by Panini Comics since July 2012.

In 2014, it was announced via the official Twitter that Kuroshitsuji has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide.

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Related Manga

Other:	Kuroshitsuji Anthology Comic: Nijishitsuji
Adaptation:	Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus, Kuroshitsuji, Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder, Kuroshitsuji Movie: Book of the Atlantic

More characters
Characters

Michaelis, Sebastian

Main

Phantomhive, Ciel

Main

Sutcliff, Grell

Supporting

Undertaker

Supporting

Finnian

Supporting

Midford, Elizabeth

Supporting

Mey-Rin

Supporting

Snake

Supporting

Joker

Supporting

Spears, William T.

Supporting

More reviewsReviews

Feb 14, 2010

41 of ? chapters read

Overall Rating: 10

Ri-chan (All reviews)

471 people found this review helpful

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! ^_^

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Jan 5, 2009

28 of ? chapters read

Overall Rating: 9

jazmin_s (All reviews)

148 people found this review helpful

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 :)

---------
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 ^__^

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Mar 24, 2012

67 of ? chapters read

Overall Rating: 7

SilverDemon (All reviews)

61 people found this review helpful

After seeing how many 10 and 9 ratings this manga is getting I decided to write my own review. Don't get me wrong, I love Kuroshitsuji, but I think this manga needs more objective and honest reviews, because let's face it, just because you enjoy something doesn't necessarily mean it's fantastic.

Story: 5
Kusoshitsuji has a pretty interesting concept: A young boy (10 at the time) makes a deal with a demon in order to get revenge on the people who destroyed his family. I love dark, twisted plotlines alot, so this manga instantly stood out to me for that reason. However, the way it lays out the story is detrimental to the overall value. Toboso is not a good storyteller. The main story is told in bits and pieces through individual arcs whose subplots have little to do with the main characters and their objective. And lately it seems that these sub plots are getting more and more cliched. It honestly seems like the author is running out of inspiration. For someone like me, who is dying to find out more about Ciel and Sebastian, it's fairly frustrating to be fed only tidbits each arc. So while I love the main story, it's presentation weighs the score down.

Art: 10
The art in Kuroshitsuji is simply gorgeous. It's very detailed and the artist is good at blending beauty with the macabre. The style is very gothic and suits the setting and atmosphere of the story well. The character designs are all rather interesting and with the amount of bishies to be found, it's every fangirl's dream.

Character: 7
I love morally ambiguous characters. And this series is full of them, Ciel being the prime example. He's a horrible person. He's cold, uncaring, manipulative, and does some pretty despicable things. However, you can't help but sympathize with him, since it's not really his fault. His current personality was shaped by the cruel events that led him to make a contract with a demon. At the age of 12, he took up the duty of leader of the Phantomhive family, and struggles to appear as an adult despite his young age and small stature. And throughout the story, he seems to struggle between his humanity and his objective. Sebastian is a rather flat character, but we don't know much about him and his motivations. Lizzy, whom I initially hated with a passion and still rather dislike, is revealed to have a lot more depth than previously suspected. And many of the side characters have a lot of depth to them as well, although there are those that are flat, such as the servants, which seems to exist for the sole purpose of comic relief and to showcase the extent of Ciel's ability to manipulate people.

Enjoyment: 8
I really love reading this series. Even though the slow pace can be incredibly frustrating, the individual arcs are interesting for the most part. And there are plenty of bishies, so that's an added bonus for the fangirls. Kuroshitsuji is a pretty entertaining read.

Overall, this gets a 7 from me.

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Nov 30, 2014

100 of ? chapters read

Overall Rating: 8

phs_togusa (All reviews)

60 people found this review helpful

A fair notice to those of you who've completed the anime before ever giving the manga a read: A-1 Pictures hasn't done the best job adapting the manga. If you found the anime rather lacklustre and consider the manga to be more of the same, I encourage you to read through this review first before making any judgements. This review will also be periodically updated every few chapters.

Kuroshitsuji is published in North America by 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 read more

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