Black Butler is a dark, suspenseful anime that has gained a dedicated following since its debut in 2008. Based on the manga series by Yana Toboso, the anime tells the story of Ciel Phantomhive. A young aristocrat in Victorian-era England who is bound by a demonic contract to his butler, Sebastian Michaelis. 

Together, they navigate a dangerous world of intrigue, murder, and supernatural forces, all while maintaining the facade of a perfect, proper gentleman’s household.

From its striking visual style to its complex characters and intricate plotlines, Black Butler is a standout anime that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. 

The series blends elements of horror, mystery, and comedy in a way that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It delves into themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of making deals with the devil.

Whether you’re a fan of Gothic fiction, Victorian culture, or just great storytelling, Black Butler is an anime that is sure to captivate you from beginning to end. 

In this anime review, we’ll explore what makes the series so compelling, as well as some of its strengths and weaknesses. So sit back, grab some tea (or perhaps something stronger), and let’s dive into the dark and twisted world of Black Butler.

Black Butler Synopsis

Black Butler, also known as Kuroshitsuji in Japanese, is a dark fantasy anime series that takes place in Victorian-era London. The story follows the young and charismatic Earl Ciel Phantomhive, who is the head of the Phantomhive family and a successful business magnate. 

However, his true identity is that of a powerful demon who made a pact with Ciel to seek revenge on those who wronged him.

Ciel’s parents were killed in a fire, and he was captured and tortured by a mysterious cult known as the “Noah’s Ark Circus.” With the help of his loyal and skilled butler, Sebastian Michaelis, who is also a demon, Ciel sets out to find and defeat the culprits responsible for his parents’ deaths and seeks to regain his family’s honor and fortune.

Together, Ciel and Sebastian investigate various cases and crimes around London, often coming into conflict with other supernatural entities and dark forces. Along the way, they encounter a wide range of colorful characters, including other demons, reapers, witches, and even the Queen of England herself.

As the story progresses, Ciel and Sebastian’s bond deepens, and the true nature of their relationship is revealed. They face many challenges and betrayals along the way, but their unwavering loyalty to each other keeps them going. The story is filled with action, suspense, and drama, as well as humour and a touch of romance.

Overall, Black Butler is a thrilling and engaging anime series that explores the themes of revenge, loyalty, and the price of power. It has a unique and stylish visual aesthetic, a compelling story, and memorable characters that have captured the hearts of many anime fans around the world.

Is Black Butler worth watching?

Is Black Butler worth watching? It seems silly to ask because the answer is definitely a resounding yes!!!

We aren’t sure what it was about Ciel Phantomhive that made us fall in love with him as a person but all we know is that he made Black Butler the fan sensation that it is. And here is a fun fact for you. Did you know that Ciel Phantomhive the Japanese version is actually voiced by a woman? Go women!!!

That aside we bet that at least 90% of you will find Ciel Phantomhive to be a #mood all day the long. The remaining 10% need to see a therapist. In any case let’s get into why this anime deserves to be on a league of its own.

Compelling storyline: 

The Black Butler anime has a fascinating storyline that is both dark and mysterious, featuring a mix of supernatural, fantasy, and historical elements. 

The series follows the story of Ciel Phantomhive, a young earl in Victorian-era England, who makes a pact with a demon named Sebastian Michaelis in order to seek revenge on those who have wronged him.

Strong characters: 

The Black Butler anime has a cast of well-developed and complex characters that viewers can easily become invested in. Ciel and Sebastian are especially popular, with their contrasting personalities and complex relationship driving the story forward.

Beautiful animation:

 The Black Butler anime is visually stunning, with detailed and intricate animation that brings the Victorian-era setting to life. The use of color and lighting in particular is highly praised, creating a moody and atmospheric ambiance that adds to the overall appeal of the series.

Engaging soundtrack: 

The anime features a haunting and beautiful soundtrack, composed by Taku Iwasaki, that complements the dark and brooding tone of the series. Many fans appreciate the way the music heightens the emotions of the story, adding to the overall impact of each scene.

A mix of genres: 

The Black Butler anime seamlessly blends elements of several different genres, including action, horror, mystery, and comedy. This makes it appealing to a wide variety of viewers, as there is something for everyone in the series.

Emotional impact: 

The Black Butler anime has moments that are both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, making it a highly emotional viewing experience. Many fans appreciate the way the series tackles complex themes like loyalty, family, and revenge, and the impact these themes have on the characters and their relationships.

Fan community: 

Finally, the Black Butler anime has a passionate and dedicated fan community, who contribute to the series’ ongoing popularity through fan art, cosplay, and online discussions. For many fans, being part of this community is a significant part of the appeal of the series.

Overall, the Black Butler anime has a lot to offer, from its unique premise and well-written storyline to its intriguing characters and visually stunning art style. It’s no wonder that it has a dedicated fanbase.

Everything that sucks about Black Butler 

While we for the most part loooove Black Butler, like any work of art it is not exempt from criticism. With that said. Here is some criticism that Black Butler has received over the years:

One criticism that Black Butler has received is its portrayal of certain characters and themes. Some viewers have criticized the show for its portrayal of female characters, which they claim are often sexualized and objectified. Others have criticized the show’s use of dark and violent themes, which they argue can be gratuitous and disturbing.

Another criticism of the show is its pacing, particularly in later seasons. Some fans have complained that the plot becomes convoluted and difficult to follow, with too many subplots and twists that don’t always make sense.

Additionally, some viewers have criticized Black Butler for its depiction of certain historical events and figures. The show is set in a fictionalized version of Victorian England, and some fans have accused it of romanticizing and glorifying the era, despite its well-documented social inequalities and injustices.

Finally, some viewers have criticized the show’s ending, which they claim was rushed and unsatisfying. Despite these criticisms, Black Butler remains a popular and beloved anime series, with a devoted fan base.

Final thoughts on Black Butler 

Overall, Black Butler is a well-crafted anime that delivers a satisfying blend of action, drama, and supernatural intrigue. Its unique take on the demon butler trope and its exploration of complex themes make it a standout in the genre. 

Whether you’re a fan of anime or not, Black Butler is a series that is well worth watching.