Narrative-wise, this series is on the weaker side.

On the art department, it's simply splendid. The character designs, buildings, are simply meticulous. A 10/10 from me. If I have the spare change to buy artbooks for this series, I absolutely will. I simply love macabre tones and gothic aesthetics. THE AESTHETICS ARE SIMPLY BRILLIANT.

But my reviews are based on how "fun" I find the series to read, and I will overlook the art skill for the sake of it, and unfortunately, its pitfalls overshine its strengths (to me, anyway). Since this series keep having people glazing it, I kept my expectations high since I'm a fan of many of the themes presented, but it was a mistake on my part.

First, the overarching narrative. It spells the typical revenge mystery thriller plot.

Second, this series deploys lots of mini-arcs. Which is not always a bad thing. The author and their team (editor, whatnot) does a great deal of research for these mini-arcs that tackle issues of the era (since I consider it a periodic drama of some sorts)

My problem is, some of these arcs feel very self-contained, and it might even be better if the main cast are not overly involved in them. I feel like the main cast going into them can overshine the subcasts of that arc, and well, it just leaves me disappointed. Another annoyance, is that sometimes, you feel like that these subplots are just thrusted in "inorganically" to the "main narrative" (the revenge one). If you look at the type of main narrative it is, it sets for a tone of suspense and thriller---but due to the big emphasis there is on the subplots, it feels like the main narrative is always thrusted to the backburner... making the subplots feel like fillers. Not all mini arcs have this problem though, but some do, and it feels jarring when trying to read this... It doesn't feel very cohesive when this happen (other series that do this but more seamlessly: FMA, HxH, etc.)... It feels like the author is milking it to the detriment of diluting the experience of reading this. But what can you do, this series is a cash cow and it makes sense financially doing it. But it leaves a sour taste that this series is gimped and it has the potential to reach higher highs.

Sometimes, you're like, oh what is this character going to provide and add to the story, but they are just COOL... and STYLISH... but then you'd be like even if this character is cut off from the roster, there wouldn't be that much change to the narrative anyway. The author keeps pilling up characters that LOOK COOL and STYLISH, but it becomes shallow if you strip themselves of that STYLISH PRESENTATION. Shame. The characters would have become better if the author spent more time developing them than always trying to frame them as cool. Yes, there are developments, but they mostly seem to happen either in flashbacks/off-screens, and not really in the present narrative---which is why it feels stale. The only "progress" that you truly feel is mostly delegated to the main protagonist, it is his story after all... But even so, having such a large cast and the author still doesn't do much to show of the main protagonist. He is like a pretty flower pot 80% of the time, the sense of agency is low, but oh well IT MAKES HIM LOOK COOLI guess so it's allowed. (THIS SERIES FARMS TOO MUCH THE RULE OF COOL to the detriment of developing the characters more). There's just too many missed opportunities (hence the stringent score---I just want the series to be better!)

If the series gets a rewrite and streamline the fat and fillers it might be better. Maybe if it happens, I can give this series the double score of what I've given to it.

... Last updated on December 21st, 2023, 12:24pm

Hard to believe a woman who used to do nothing but tragic shotacon oneshot mangas could make such a compelling Shounen horror-comedy series.

So some time ago, Toboso just completely stopped doing fanservice. For the girls, the well of gay shipteasing has run dry. For men, the ecchi train has derailed. She has given all the female characters breast reductions, less revealing historically accurate swimsuits, & Mei-Ran is revealed to be canonically indestinguishable from a boy without makeup.

She really takes liberties with that historical accuracy though. I remember this one chapter that involved a NASA-era super computer. A computer in the 1870s. Then there was the time she had a few male chaeacters form an idol boyband instead of a more time-appropriate barbershop quartet. But sometimes it only seems out of place but did actually historupibpcallybexistvat the time, like the WW1 tank & the Hazmat suits.

But she also has some pure gold story archs, like the reimagining of the Titanic incident as a zombie outbreak, or her spin on Harry Potter.

This is one of those series that isn't afraid to kil off important recurring characters, but she does it so seldom that you don't see it coming.

Everyone is going to have seconday characters they despise & adore. I personally find that Toboso makes most of her female characters different degrees of insufferable, especially Nina Hopkins, Lizzy, & the little girl who followed Ciel from Germany.

... Last updated on December 24th, 2020, 7:24am

I really like this manga and I love the art. I didn't give ten ou of ten for the characters because Soma and Elizabeth get on my nerves sometimes but each character here has a unique personality. I'd definitly recomend this manga, true it does get a bit dark at times but it has hints of humor in it as well plus you never know what's going to happen next.

I loved it, at first I didn't want to read it cause I thought it'd be one of those.. Way too action-y mangas, Ciel is the perfect protagonist!

I'd imagine that most readers don't read Kuroshitsuji to drool over Sebastian. The description may seem a bit yaoi-ish, but don't be deterred if you're not into that. If you don't stay for that gorgeous hell of a butler (okay, I'll stop), you'll definitely appreciate the dark aura, fantastic characters, and the action.

Rich with plot twists, dynamic characterizations, and hefty shock factors, Black Butler enthralls with its intricate story. Two years before the current timeline, Ciel Phantomhive hires Sebastian as a butler in the mansion where Ciel lives alone, save the other servants. Ciel is twelve years old, but don't be fooled. Acutely intelligent and mature, Ciel is the most recent Earl of his family line after his predecessor passed away. Though he's only 12 years old, his age is still relevant; in later arcs, Toboso-sensei tragically elucidates the limitations of his age. Ciel is a boy of both strong loyalty and appalling cruelty. Sebastian serves to both mediate and exacerbate these traits. The two act as foils, but both are much more fleshed-out and dynamic than that. It's no surprise that they have a huge fanbase.

I could never forget the supporting cast, who are immensely powerful as well. From Meylin to Lizzie, each character has a tale behind them. Some of these have yet to be revealed, but I doubt Toboso-sensei will disappoint. I read a review calling some characters shallow; all I have to say is that nothing in this manga is exactly as it seems. If you find yourself frustrated with certain people in Kuroshitsuji, I'd advise you to keep reading. Most likely, the circumstances will change.

As said in other reviews, there are some historical inaccuracies in the Gothic setting. But this is a highly fictional work (hence the supernatural tag), so unless you're a huge Anglophile and a stickler for accuracy, the inconsistencies won't even register on your radar. 19th century England really is the perfect place for this manga. Darkness lurks-- but not just in the nighttime streets. The events and inventions of the time period feed much of the action and drive the plot fairly well.

Amongst the arcs that have already been translated, I'd have to say my favorite was the Circus Arc. If you're confused with anything that I said earlier, no other arc will so clearly demonstrate what I mean. This arc was absolutely heart-wrenching, but this was the one that did me in. I fell in love with the manga immediately afterwards (I can't believe I had the first three volumes sitting on my shelf for TWO MONTHS before I started reading.) I'll admit, I'm not too keen on every single arc; one in particular I felt dragged on for way too long. But it's worth it, I promise you that.

At the moment, I'm torn between wanting this manga to end so that I can know the ending(!!!) and hoping that Kuroshitsuji never ends. So far, an ending doesn't appear to be soon approaching-- 20 volumes and going strong. I wish chapters came out with higher frequency, but I'm thankful as is.

... Last updated on January 14th, 2015, 8:17pm

AND IT'S NOT BECAUSE SEBASTIEN IS HOT OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT.[/b]Although he is gorgeous....

I love this story for all its darkness, struggles, and moral ambiance. Honestly, there were many times when I wondered if I would resort to doing some of the inhumane things mentioned because I actually felt like i understood the causes.

Furthermore, Ciel is the one who truly attracts me. He may be a boy, but he is a boy who went through such horror that he managed to gather the resolve to sell his soul to a demon for the sake of revenge. To me, that is one heck of a delicious human.

He also has what it takes to reach the top with the help of a demon. He is intelligent, with the cruelty of a devil. But, at times, a more humane side of him surfaces, and it tears at my heart because it makes me realize that Ciel is, in the end, still a child.

But in truth, Sebastian has a huge fanbase for a reason: He is freaking badass and I'm not exaggerating. He has that dark allure coupled with a twisted version of knight in shiny armor. Plus, he has a thing for cats. He also has a very mysteriously cynical side to him, and he often subtly ridicules Ciel affectionately whenever Ciel shows his humanity. There seems to be a part of him that makes me believe that he won't end up eating Ciel's soul.... but, I think that might just be my desperate wish.

Conclusion: The characters in Black Butler drive the story--they are what made me fall in love with this series over and over again.

... Last updated on July 25th, 2014, 11:23pm

I really love this manga! The art is amazing, and I have always loved gothic manga, especially set in the Victorian era. All the arcs are unique and well thought out, my personal favourite being the 'Ship Voyage' arc, which I won't spoil in case anyone hasn't read it yet! I really love most of the characters as well, especially the Undertaker and Sebastian. Although I adore fight scenes and gothic or horror elements in manga, I want comedy to be there too. In Kuroshitsuji, there is quite a lot of comedy, which I love. I think it had a relatively slow start, but when I read more I couldn't stop!
Definitely worth a read!

Been reading this series since the beginning. Ciel is the perfect protagonist. Although some may think that he's too cruel or heartless, he does have his duties to perform. You can see the hint of his kindness every arc. Together with his elite team of servants, an akuma butler and his quick thinking, I'm always excited to see how he turns around the situation in every arc!

I'd say the only bad thing about this series is the wait for each chapter! It's a monthly magazine, so once you're hooked, you're in deep shit lol! Just like me! Definitely recommended!

I write this review for people like me, who judge this manga for its rumors, covers or beginning chapters. At first, I thought this manga is all about the cool, perfect, devilish and hot butler. He is too cool and perfect that makes every fangirl screams (and dies b/c of nosebleed). Well, that's quite cheap, typical and boring. I stopped around chapter 20, disappointed b/c it was like a shoujo manga with one dreamy (dark) guy and lots of flowers. BUT I was wrong. When I continue to read it again, I found out that it was more interesting. Horror, blood, death, tragedy.. it was brilliant. Ciel's sufferings, his personality are really well described. What I hate about this manga is, like everyone else, Elizabeth. (maybe b/c I'm not good with teenager girls). Furthermore, Ciel is exactly like a girl. He only thinks and lives in his own world, he doesn't have the strength like a man. (maybe Sebastian spoiled him too much, I guess ) Well, there are many things to say about Ciel's girlish personality, but I'm fine with that b/c there is a good reason. Give this manga a try, enjoy ^_^

... Last updated on July 23rd, 2013, 6:29pm