Black Butler: Darkly Enchanting

Update: Finished the first season and I was swept away. The final episode was chilling, dark and beautiful, just like the rest of the episodes. Sebastian and Ciel are likely my most favourite pair in anime.

My next anime/manga addiction: Black Butler.

I was harbouring doubts when I first read the manga many months ago. After the first few chapters became a tedious read, I was led to believe that the story-line would contain the usual fluff that most mangas are notoriously irritating for: The dashing male lead, probably too good to be true, and possible yaoi between him and the other male protagonist (a 12-year-old jailbait). However, I found out via the internet that Black Butler was serialized by the one and only, ever reputable Square Enix, so I was obliged to read a more descriptive synopsis of the series.

And am I EVER glad. *dougies*

Granted that the beginning was a drag, but there’s thankfully a dark twist to the butler and the entire Phantomhive household itself, which necessitated a thorough perusal of each volume. I’m now caught up on the manga and have gleefully proceeded to watch the anime.

The storyline is original with copious amounts of thrilling, gory action illuminated by a deeply haunting music score – still, there continues to be enough room for several comedic moments from its engaging characters. Not to mention it’s also a gorgeous visual display of animation with the clothes and settings drawn exquisitely.

Though the main protagonist, (Earl) Ciel Phantomhive, carries the stereotypical disposition of an emo-looking, haughty brat, the relationship he has with the butler, Sebastian Michaelis, is nothing short of fascinating. Under his guise as a eerily charming butler, Sebastian is a formidable demon with a selective taste for powerful souls. Ciel, having been left alone from his parents’ brutal murders, prompts Sebastian to sign a contract sealed by a sacrifice of his own, enforcing the demon to serve him until his vendetta is achieved. In exchange, Sebastian is permitted to kill Ciel and consume his soul.

This effectively shrouds the audience in the dark regarding both the characters’ true feelings, making Sebastian’s charms a dangerous trait. He is an elusive darkness, disturbingly flawless and beautiful, clipped to Ciel’s conscious and soul. Despite the show already exploring their love/hate complexity from the get-go, it becomes even more intriguing to note whether their twisted, dynamic relationship is simply one out of ‘good business’. Perhaps it is something more, nothing less, or possibly another thing entirely sinister. In other words, it’s a show you HAVE to watch to discover the truth.

Move out the way, Tuxedo Mask, cus Sebastian Michaelis is the shit.