I rather like this series. Admittedly, the original reason I started reading this series was because my friend said that Sebastian looked like Hyde from L'Arc~en~Ciel and his master's name is Ciel...but I do like what I'm seeing so far.

I haven't read Hayate no Gotoku, so I can't really comment on that one, but I do agree that this series does share some similarities with Count Cain. They're both rather dark series, they've got some of the gothic-lolita style going on, and there is an angst element that you sense looming in the shadows.

But I did notice that Square Enix picked up Kuroshitsuji. I think that Count Cain was done by Hana to Yume, which leads me to suspect that Kuroshitsuji might be moving into a darker direction (keep in mind Ciel did make a contract with the devil), perhaps not your average shoujo manga??

Also, I know it must sound odd, but I think that the food is done superbly in this series. It's very pretty and aesthetically pleasing considering this is not a food-centric manga.

The characters…can I just say that I love some of the characters that the author has created for this series? I like that in the midst of the dark story line, there are lots of funny moments and characters that are clearly there for comedic relief. Case in point, the Undertaker, who is pretty creepy looking, but has a weakness for Japanese comedy acts?!!

Anyway, to each his own. The Japanese in this series is very expressive. I liked the kooky one liners: Sebastian, “aku made shitsuji desu kara” and of course the shinigami, “kore demo shitsuji DEATH (desu)”, but Sebastian, his choice of words when he taunts even Ciel….*shivers* he is very…kakkoii…. In my book, I give this series two thumbs up d(^___^)b

Duchess Cain: You and the others are absolutely correct. Kuroshitsuji is absolutely NOTHING like Hayate. It's really annoying that anyone could make such unbelievable comparisons between the two and believe me, I've read both. Hayate features a young boy whose parents were such selfish irresponsible gamblers that they left their own son to pay off their debt to the yakuza, but instead Hayate in a moment of complete lack of sanity decides to kidnap a girl that's only slightly younger than he himself is... on his bike. She turns out to be some rich kid and is kidnapped by two thugs (from him) and he decides to kidnap her back and does. And he ends up being hired as her butler. That's basically just the beginning... don't wanna spoil for those who want to read it.

Kuroshitsuji is about a young master named Ciel and his perfect butler, Sebastian. Sebastian's so perfect, he leaves the rest of Ciel's staff in awe and he can fight off enemies in even the most seemingly impossible of situations. At first glance it seems a bit fishy and you're right... there's a dark secret that basically holds the answer to the question of Sebastian's powers.

That said, I loved it when that was revealed and I think it's quite interesting. However, the plot sometimes got stale for me... I didn't really enjoy the parts where Sebastian was pulling off his amazing feats for Ciel's guests and it only gets more interesting later as the series progresses. I also hated Ciel's fiance. Don't get me wrong... the girl's obsession with "cute" was funny. Her making Sebastian "cute" was also funny (especially after you learn the truth about him and go back and read that part. Do it. Do it.). But she just got on my nerves with her attitude and the excessive obsession and she wasn't really that cute/pretty imo (but that's just me). I don't know how Ciel could stand her, but I guess she gets better a bit.

It's not near to being a favorite on any level, but it's also not bad and it has its interesting points. It is, however, much better than Hayate (which I found to be not really all that fun to read and more of an annoyance, really). The art in both are below my standards. Yes, I have higher standards than most. Kuroshitsuji's still the better one art-wise, but I'm just picky. I doubt the art of Kuroshitsuji would bother most people at all.

I personally loved it (no shonen-ai or shota people sorry -_-;). I like the artwork, and I like where the series is going. I am also very happy Yana Toboso used 'Jack The Ripper' for this, she seems to have done her homework and I recommend this manga (soon to be anime) to anyone who needs some NEW sort of series for their collections.

@zetsuie: ripoff? how is it a ripoff? have you read through the whole series yet? are you one of those ignorants who justs looks at the cover and reads the summary before judging a manga? what were you expecting? Naruto or something? if you don't like it then don't bother commenting here, though it's called 'freedom of speech' you don't have to call it a ripoff and not give us FULL details.

kya~~!
i love this series
my friend owns all the books
its really good, and funny
ahaha sebastian looks like mukuro, from reborn
but i dont like murkuro <3

... Last updated on May 14th, 2008, 7:02pm

not exactly shounen-ai, but the artwork is awesome -- eyecandy, has potential, etc. plot-wise, not that interesting.i'm willing to see how this story progresses though.

Shounen Ai? I wish. Although there's enough hints for me to work with, I'd hardly categorize it as shounen ai from what I've seen so far (including raws up to vol3). Great art. Great Action Very promising storyline. HOT HOT HOT butler (check out the cover for volume 3. *drools*) What more can I say.

... Last updated on March 4th, 2008, 12:54am

Though it's a relatively new series, what's been released so far has been very enjoyable to read. The art is clean and beautiful, and the story has potential, with all of the mystery surrounding the various characters and their motives.
And in response to the accusation below saying that this series is a ripoff, I would like to point out that the only thing this series has in common with Hayate No Gotuku is that it features a butler taking care of a young noble. The series itself is dark, violent, and bloody, with a feeling and setting more reminiscent of a series along the lines of Count Cain than anything as cheerful as Hayate.

... Last updated on February 29th, 2008, 9:08pm

The art is eyecandy, has potential.
And to the retard below that says it's a rip off of Hayate No Gotoku: It's not. The plot is completely different and I don't understand how he thought it was a ripoff. The butler, to begin with, isn't even in debt.

hmm a butler who serves a twelve year old it seems like i have read this before .......... oh thats right its the exact same plot as Hayate No Gotuku

come on

DECANTING AT THAT ANGLE