BLack Butler Vol. 1

Author: Yana Toboso
Illustrator: Yana Toboso
Publishers: Yen Press
Age Group: Older Teen
Genre: Shonen, Josei, Dark Fantasy, Occult
Type: Manga

Content Warnings: Violence, Demons, Trauma

Spoilers ahead

Plot

Just a stone’s throw from London lies the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom and its master, one Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive is a giant in the world of commerce e, Queen Victoria’s faithful servant…and a slip of a twelve-year-old boy. Fortunately, his loyal butler, Sebastian, is ever at his side, ready to carry out the young master’s wishes. And whether Sebastian is called to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London’s underbelly, there is apparently nothing Sebastian cannot do. In fact, one might even say that Sebastian is too good to be true…or at least, too good to be human…

Character Development

Ciel Phantomhive is an overly serious twelve-year-old in charge of a vast toy and sweets commerce empire. Not only that, but he’s the guard dog to England’s underbelly. If the Queen needs a problem fixed, he’s there. He enjoys games, but won’t allow anyone to outwit him. He cannot afford it. Having lost his family and home once already, he’ll do anything to get revenge. 

Sebastian Michaelis is one hell of a butler (kudos to A-1 pictures for that line). He doesn’t complain…not outwardly anyways. He’s good at everything including throwing forks and knives at enemies, fighting Reapers, and gathering information in the blink of an eye. He’s also a demon in service to Ciel until Ciel’s revenge is accomplished. 

There are a variety of other kooky characters surrounding Ciel that makes the story interesting. Everyone from his sniper maid, Mey-Rin, to his tea enthusiast butler, Tanaka. Did I mention the Reapers and his fiance, Elizabeth? Each have their roles to play in Ciel’s life but also add color to the world around him. 

World-building

Victorian England is our setting with the occult mixed in like it’s always been there. The illustrations work fabulously to bring that air of sophistication and backdrop color to the world. The outfits and speech stylings create the world around the audience. 

Themes

Always trust your butler (unless you’re playing Clue). 

Observations & Predictions

While I’ve seen the TV series, my hope is to get context on when everything happens as the series doesn’t put most of the storylines in order. 

I hope to see more of Ciel’s personality and how he handles his trauma. The banter between Sebastian and Ciel is not to be underestimated as well. I hope to see more of Elizabeth growing out of her “everything must be cute” phase so she can Ciel can start a truly deep connection. 

And of course, I want to see Sebastian beat the shit out of everything that comes at Ciel. 

Recommendations

Pandora Hearts
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D.Gray-Man
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The Case Study of Vanitas
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Monochrome Kitan
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Moriarty the Patriot
By: Ryousuke Takeuchi