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Black Butler (Japanese: 黒執事Hepburn: Kuroshitsuji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. Since its debut on September 16, 2006, it has been serialized in Gangan Comics' shōnen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy. The series follows Ciel Phantomhive, a thirteen-year-old boy head of the Phantomhive household, an aristocratic family known as the Queen's Guarddog. He is tasked with solving crimes in London's underworld. Ciel has formed a contract with Sebastian Michaelis to seek revenge against those who tortured him and murdered his parents. Sebastian is a demon who has taken on the disguise of a butler, and in exchange for his services, he will be allowed to consume Ciel's soul. The series has been licensed by Yen Press in North America and published in Yen Press' August 2009 issue for the magazine's first anniversary.

A 24-episode anime adaption, with 3 seasons, directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by A-1 Pictures, aired from October 2008 to March 2009. The second season, Kuroshitsuji II, aired in 2010 spanning 12 episodes with two new main characters, Alois Trancy and Claude Faustus, following the aftermath of the first season. This series had an original storyline and did not feature manga content. A live action film adaptation was released in Japan on January 18, 2014. A third anime series, titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Circus, was broadcast between July 10 and September 12, 2014.^[3] A two-part theatrical OVA titled Kuroshitsuji: Book of Murder screened in Japanese theaters on October 25, and November 15, 2014.^[4][5] An animated film for the series, titled Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic, premiered in Japan on January 21, 2017 and in America on the selected dates of June 12th and 14th of 2017.^[6][7]

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Plot[edit]

In Victorian-era London lives a thirteen-year-old earl named Ciel Phantomhive, who acquired this position after the events of December 14th, 1885 (Ciel's birthday), when the Phantomhive manor was attacked by unidentified perpetrators and was set ablaze. Ciel, amidst of the chaos, discovers his parents, Vincent and Rachel Phantomhive, to be dead along with the family dog, Sebastian. The same night he is kidnapped by the attackers and then sold into slavery, where he ends up in the hands of a sadistic, demon-worshipping cult. Ciel then endures endless physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of his captors. Ciel was also heat branded with a mark referred to as the 'mark of the beast'. One night, during a sacrificial ceremony to summon a demon, instead of forming a contract with the cult members, the demon states that he was summoned by Ciel, therefore he only agrees to form a contract with him, killing all the cultist members in the process. To show a contract was formed, the demon places a contract symbol referred to as the Faustian contract symbol on Ciel's right eye, giving it a purple hue, and his iris and pupil now showcase the symbol of the convent. After the formation of the contract, the demon reveals he will consume Ciel's soul as payment for helping him achieve his goal; revenge on those who brought down the House of Phantomhive. Afterwards Ciel names the demon Sebastian Michaelis, after his deceased pet. The duo then return to society as Ciel takes over his now late father's previous position as the queen's watchdog, a very high-profile individual who is tasked with investigating cases that Queen Victoria herself deems especially important or threatening to England and the crown.

Media[edit]

Manga[edit]

Written and drawn by Yana Toboso, the chapters of Black Butler have been serialized in the shōnen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy since its debut in the October 2006 issue.^[8] The chapters are also published in collected volumes by Square Enix. The first volume was released on February 27, 2007 and as of July 27, 2018, twenty-seven volumes have been released.^[9]Yen Press licensed the series for an English language release and serialized the manga in Yen Plus' August 2009 issue for the magazine's first anniversary.^[10] The publisher released the first volume in January 2010.^[11] The second volume was released in May 2010.^[12] French publisher Kana licensed the series in under the Dark Kana imprint as Black Butler. The publisher released the first volume in November 2009.^[13]Carlsen Comics has licensed the series in Germany as Black Butler, the same title used for the French and English releases. Black Butler have been also published in Italy by Panini Comics.^[14] In Poland, Waneko is publishing the manga as original Kuroshitsuji with subtitle Mroczny kamerdyner – as of February 2013, nine volumes have been released.^[15] The series has been published in Finland under the original Japanese name Kuroshitsuji by Punainen jättiläinen since July 2012. In Spain, the series has been published in Norma Editorial since November 2011 under the title Black Butler.^[16]

Drama CD[edit]

On August 10, 2007, a drama CD was released by Frontier Works. It featured many of the characters appearing in volumes one and two.^[17] A second drama CD was released on November 26, 2008 under the Aniplex label.^[18]

Anime[edit]

In July 2008, it was announced that an anime adaption of Black Butler, directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by A-1 Pictures, was expected. It premiered in October 2008 and broadcast on MBS as well as the TBS.^[19][20][21] On January 1, 2009, a limited edition DVD containing the first episode was released by Aniplex.^[22] The next three episodes were released on another DVD on February 25, 2009. On an event on June 14, 2009, it was announced that the anime would be returning for a second series. Japanese voice actorJunichi Suwabe confirmed this news on his official blog later that day.^[23][24] The second series, Kuroshitsuji II, premiered in July and follows a butler, Claude Faustus, and his master, Alois Trancy, as well as Sebastian and Ciel. Both new characters were designed by Toboso.^[25]

On March 29, 2010, North American anime distributor Funimation announced on their online FuniCon 3.0 panel that they had licensed Black Butler.^[26] At Anime Expo 2010, Funimation also announced that they would stream the simulcast series, Black Butler II.^[27] Funimation announced on their Facebook page that they had fully licensed the second season. Funimation released Black Butler Combo Pack Blu-ray/DVD first and second season on April 3, 2012. The series made its North American television debut on February 8, 2011 on the Funimation Channel.^[28] Funimation lost the rights to the series in 2017.^[29] The first season is currently licensed by Aniplex of America and it will be released on a Blu-ray Disc box set on January 29, 2019.^[30]

On January 16, 2014, it was announced that Black Butler had been green-lit for another anime adaptation.^[31] Unlike most of the previous seasons, the third series was a close adaptation of the original manga storyline, adapting the Noah's Ark Circus arc and titled Kuroshitsuji Book of Circus.^[32] The series was directed by Noriyuki Abe at A-1 Pictures, with Hiroyuki Yoshino in charge of scripts, along with Ichiro Okuchi and Yuka Miyata as scriptwriters. The main cast from the previous anime series returned, along with new cast members, and the series aired from July 10, 2014, to September 12, 2014. In addition, a two-part OVA titled the Book of Murder, an adaptation of the Phantomhive Manor Murders arc, was screened in Japanese theatres on October 25, and November 15, 2014. The OVAs featured returning staff from the previous season.^[5]

On August 7, 2014, Funimation announced that they have licensed the third season of the series, Black Butler: Book of Circus, which is based on chapters 24-37 in the manga,^[33] and have streamed it on their simulcast. Funimation released the series on Blu-ray and DVD on April 19, 2016.^[34] Additionally, Funimation has licensed a two-part OVA titled Black Butler: Book of Murder, which is based on chapters 38-50 of the manga, and released it on May 17, 2016.^[34]

Musical[edit]

True Blood Season 3 Episode 1

That Butler, Friendship (その執事、友好Sono Shitsuji, Yūkō), a musical adaptation of the manga, had run at the Sunshine Theater in Ikebukuro between May 28, 2009 and June 7, 2009.^[35]Yuya Matsushita portrayed Sebastian Michaelis, Shougo Sakamoto played Ciel Phantomhive and Uehara Takuya as Grell Sutcliff.^[36]

Musical Black Butler: The Most Beautiful Death in The World – A Thousand Souls and The Fallen Grim Reaper (ミュージカル｢黒執事｣〜ザ・モースト・ビューティフル・デス・イン・ザ・ワールド〜千の魂と堕ちた死神Miūjikaru Kuroshitsuji – Za Mōsuto Byūtifuru Desu in za Wārudo – Sen no Tamashii to Ochita Shinigami),^[37] the second musical adaptation of the manga, ran at Akasaka Act Theater (1300 seats) in Akasaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, between May 3 and May 23, 2010. Yuya Matsushita reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, Yukito Nishii played Ciel Phantomhive, and Uehara Takuya reprised his role as Grell Sutcliff. The other two main characters, Eric Slingby and Alan Humphries, were portrayed by Taisuke Saeki and Matsumoto Shinya, respectively. The musical was written by Mari Okada, directed by Sakurako Fukuyama, with music composed by Taku Iwasaki, and lyrics by Yukinojo Mori.

A second run of The Most Beautiful Death in the World was announced in December 2012. It ran between May 17 and June 9, 2013 in the Akasaka ACT Theater (Akasaka, Tokyo) again, and the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka. It was announced in February 2013 that Yuya Matsushita, Uehara Takuya, and Shuhei Izumi would reprise their roles as Sebastian Michaelis, Grell Sutcliff, and the Undertaker, respectively. The rest of the roles were re-cast, with Taketo Tanaka replacing Yukito Nishii as Ciel Phantomhive, and Shinji Rachi and Masataka Nakagauchi replacing Taisuke Saeki and Matsumoto Shinya in the roles of Eric Slingby and Alan Humphries.^[38]

A third musical Lycoris that Blazes the Earth (地に燃えるリコリスChi ni Moeru Lycoris) was performed in September 2014. Most of the cast reprised their roles from the re-run of The Most Beautiful Death in the World although Fukuzaki Nayuta replaced Taketo Tanaka as Ciel Phantomhive and Yuka Terasaki replaced Saki Matsuda as Mey-Rin. Akane Liv was introduced as Madam Red, Yuusuke Hirose as Charles Phipps, Oota Motohiro as Charles Grey and Araki Hirofumi as Lau.^[39]

A re-run of the third Black Butler musical 'Lycoris that Blazes the Earth' was scheduled to perform in November–December 2015.^[40] It will premiere in Osaka in November 7 then travel to Miyagi, Tokyo and Fukuoka.^[41] The new run of the third musical will also make its first oversea tour in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen) in December 2015.^[41] Yuta Furukawa is replacing Yuya Matsushita as Sebastian Michaelis, who had been playing Sebastian since the first musical.^[40] Meanwhile, most of the cast from the third musical reprise their roles.

A fourth Black Butler musical, based on the Noah's Ark Circus arc of the manga, ran between November–December 2016. Yuta Furukawa reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, with Reo Uchikawa replacing Nayuta Fukuzaki as Ciel. Miura Ryosuke was introduced as Joker, Tano Asami as Beast and Tamaki Yuki as Snake, among others. Notably, Izumi Shuuhei reprised his role as the Undertaker again, making him the only original cast member still performing.^[42]

A fifth Black Butler musical, Tango on the Campania, which was based on the Luxury Liner arc in the manga, ran between December of 2017 to February of 2018. Yuta Furukawa reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, with Reo Uchikawa also reprising his role as Ciel Phantomhive. Mikata Ryosuke was introduced as Ronald Knox, Okazaki Momoko as Elizabeth Midford, and others. Other actors from previous performers also reprised their roles, such as Uehara Takuya as Grell Sutcliff, Izumi Shuuhei as the Undertaker, and Sasaki Yoshihide as Viscount Druitt.

Video game[edit]

Heroes Season 3 Episode 1

A video game for Nintendo DS, called Kuroshitsuji Phantom & Ghost was developed by Square Enix and was released on March 19, 2009.^[43] The game is sold in two versions, a limited first-press edition with a higher price and numerous extra goods, and a regular edition.

Print[edit]

On February 27, 2009, the Black Butler Character Book 'That Butler, Assembles' (黒執事 キャラクターガイド｢その執事、集合｣Kuroshitsuji Character Guide 'Sono Shitsuji, Shūgō') was released.^[44] The TV Animation Black Butler Black Record (TVアニメーション｢黒執事｣ Black Record) was released on March 27, 2009.^[45] An official comics anthology Rainbow Butler (虹執事Nijishitsuji) was also released on that date.^[46]

Films[edit]

It was announced in January 18, 2013 that the manga would be made into a live-action film starring Ayame Goriki as Genpou Shiori, Hiro Mizushima as Sebastian Michaelis. Filming began in April 2013 and the film was released on January 18, 2014.^[47] However, upon its release, it was met with negative reviews.

On October 10, 2015, it was announced an animated film for the series has been green-lit, and the original anime cast will return to reprise their roles.^[6] On February 17, 2016, the film, now titled Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic, was confirmed to be an animated adaptation of the Luxury Liner (豪華客船Gōka Kyakusen) arc from the original manga. It was released in Japan on January 21, 2017.^[7] On April 1, 2017, Funimation announced that they have licensed the animated film and would screen it in a limited theatrical release in North America later in the year.^[48] Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic, which was based on Chapters 51-66 in the manga, premiered in Japan on January 21st, 2017, and in North America on the selected dates of June 12th and 14th, 2017.

Reception[edit]

Black Butler has sold over 24 million copies worldwide, 6 million outside Japan.^[49] Individual volumes alone have done well in weekly polls in Japan, taking several high spots.^{[50][51][52][53]} Black Butler has a large fan base that is very supportive. Some fans say Ciel Phantomhive is the Archangel Azrael partly because 'Azur' was one of the names Yana was going to use for Ciel, and the shows relation to death, as revealed by prophet Lord Kalki Ravi, with all the grim reapers, ghosts, and murder. The main themes in Black Butler reflect that. In addition to the volumes, the comics anthology Rainbow Butler ranked seventeenth during the week of March 31 to April 6 selling 41,083 copies after ranking thirty-third the previous week.^[54] The fourth and fifth volumes ranked thirty-third and thirty-ninth of the top-selling manga in Japan during 2008, selling 529,210 copies and 468,550 copies respectively.^[55] The sixth volume ranked thirteenth of the top-selling manga in Japan during the first half of 2009, selling 619,501 copies.^[56] The series itself was ranked tenth of the top-selling manga series in Japan during 2009, selling a total of 1,603,197 estimated copies. The series is also quite popular in other countries.^[57]

The Japanese music distributor Recochoku has created an annual survey of which anime characters that people would like to marry. Sebastian Michaelis ranked ninth in the category 'The Character I Want to Be My Groom'.^[58]

By 2 February, the film had grossed ¥479,554,245 (US$4,687,163) at the Japanese box office.^[59]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^Cadorniga, Carlos (May 29, 2015). 'Black Butler's 10th Anniversary Celebrates with New Goodies'. Anime News Network. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
2. ^'Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji) Season 1 Collection (Blu-Ray)'. Madman Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 16, 2018. Retrieved January 20, 2018.
3. ^'Black Butler: Book of Circus 30-Second Commercial Streamed'. Anime News Network. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
4. ^'Black Butler Gets 'Book of Murder' Arc Video Anime'. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
5. ^ ^ab'Black Butler: Book of Murder Original Video Anime Previewed in TV Spot'. animenewsnetwork. Retrieved November 16, 2014.
6. ^ ^ab'Black Butler Manga Gets Anime Film With Returning Cast'. Anime News Network. October 10, 2015. Retrieved October 10, 2015.
7. ^ ^ab'Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Anime Film Streams 3 Short Clips'. Anime News Network. February 9, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017.
8. ^':::: GFantasy Website :::: -月刊Gファンタジーオフィシャルサイト' (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
9. ^黒執事（23） (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
10. ^'Kuroshitsuji Manga Begins English Run in Yen Plus Mag (Updated)'. Anime News Network. July 12, 2009. Retrieved July 12, 2009.
11. ^'Served up on a Silver Platter!'. Yen Press. July 14, 2009. Retrieved August 7, 2009.
12. ^'Black Butler Volume 2'. Yen Press. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
13. ^'Black Butler Tome 1' (in French). Kana. November 6, 2009. Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved March 2, 2010.
14. ^'Black Butler 1' (in Italian). Panini Comics. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
15. ^Melmothia (January 6, 2012). 'Kuroshitsuji tom 2'. Tanuki.pl (in Polish). Małgorzata Kaczarowska. 2318. Retrieved February 4, 2012.
16. ^'Descubre… Black Butler' [Discover ... Black Butler] (in Spanish). Norma Editorial. November 4, 2011.
17. ^'ドラマCD 黒執事: イメージ・アルバム, セバスチャン・ミカエリス(森川智之), シエル・ファントムハイヴ(沢城みゆき), タナカ(麦人), バルド(小山力也), メイリン(折笠富美子), フィニ(高城元気), エリザベス(斎藤千和), アズーロ(平田広明), クラウス(染田清之), マダム・レッド(勝生真沙子), 森川智之, 沢城みゆき, 勝生真沙子, 遊佐浩二, 麦人: 音楽' (in Japanese). Amazon.com. Retrieved September 1, 2008.
18. ^'黒執事 華麗なるドラマCD: ドラマ, 小野大輔, 福山潤, 坂本真綾: 音楽' (in Japanese). Amazon.com. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
19. ^'Kuroshitsuji Anime Confirmed to Premiere this Fall'. Anime News Network. Retrieved August 25, 2008.
20. ^'TVアニメーション 黒執事' (in Japanese). Aniplex. Retrieved August 25, 2008.
21. ^Butler' site – スタッフ (Staff) (2008). '黒執事 :: 作品紹介 :: A-1 Pictures'. kuroshitsuji.tv (in Japanese). A-1 Pictures. Archived from the original on February 2, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
22. ^'黒執事 I 【完全生産限定版】: 篠原俊哉, 小野大輔, 坂本真綾: Amazon.co.jp: DVD' (in Japanese). Amazon.com. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
23. ^'Second Season of Kuroshitsuji confirmed'. Anime News Network. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
24. ^'Second Season'. Junichi Suwabe Official Blog. Retrieved June 14, 2009.
25. ^'Kuroshitsuji II to Debut in July with New Butler, Master'. Anime News Network. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
26. ^'Funimation Adds Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji TV Anime'. Anime News Network. March 29, 2010. Retrieved March 30, 2010.
27. ^'Funi Adds Live Action Moyashimon Live Action, More'. Anime News Network. July 2, 2010. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
28. ^'FUNimation Week 7 of 2011'. Archived from the original on February 6, 2011.
29. ^Kelly, Rai (May 7, 2017). 'Funimation: Black Butler Season 1 to 'Leave Funimation For Good''. Anime News Network. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
30. ^Ressler, Karen (November 16, 2018). 'Aniplex USA to Release Black Butler Season 1 on Blu-ray in January'. Anime News Network. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
31. ^'New Black Butler Anime Series Green-Lit'. Anime News Network. January 16, 2014.
32. ^'Black Butler Gets 'Book of Murder' Video Anime'. Anime News Network. Retrieved March 22, 2014.
33. ^'Funimation Adds Barakamon, Sengoku Basara Judge End, Black Butler: Book of Circus'. Anime News Network. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
34. ^ ^ab'Funimation Reveals Black Butler: Book of Circus & Book of Murder Anime's Casts, Release Dates'. Anime News Network. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
35. ^'Archived copy' 音楽舞闘会 黒執事 〜その執事、友好〜 (in Japanese). Entertainment Plus Inc. Archived from the original on June 16, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
36. ^'Cast & Staff' (in Japanese). Entertainment Plus Inc. Archived from the original on June 21, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
37. ^『ミュージカル「黒執事」-千の魂と堕ちた死神-』. kuroshitsuji-stage.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved February 4, 2012.
38. ^ミュージカル黒執事 (in Japanese). Retrieved February 5, 2013.
39. ^ミュージカル黒執事 (in Japanese). Retrieved July 19, 2014.
40. ^ ^ab'Black Butler Musical's New Sebastian Pictured in Costume'. Anime News Network. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
41. ^ ^ab'Schedule'. Musical Kuroshitsuji. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
42. ^{http://www.namashitsuji.jp/}^{[permanent dead link]}
43. ^'黒執事 Phantom & Ghost' (in Japanese). Square Enix. Retrieved December 24, 2008.
44. ^黒執事 キャラクターガイド その執事、集合: スクウェア・エニックス: 本 (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. ASIN4757525052.
45. ^TVアニメーション｢黒執事｣ Black Record: スクウェア・エニックス: 本 (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. ASIN4757525354.
46. ^黒執事アンソロジーコミック 虹執事 (Gファンタジーコミックス): スクウェア・エニックス: 本 (in Japanese). Amazon.co.jp. ASIN4757525303.
47. ^'Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) To Get Live-Action Adaptation'. Japanverse. Archived from the original on June 27, 2013. Retrieved April 4, 2013.
48. ^'Funimation Licenses Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Film for Screenings in Theaters This Year'. Anime News Network. April 1, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
49. ^'Businesses'. Square Enix. July 21, 2016. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
50. ^'Japanese Comic Ranking, December 18–24'. Anime News Network. December 27, 2007. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
51. ^'Japanese Comic Ranking, June 3–9'. Anime News Network. June 12, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
52. ^'Japanese Comic Ranking, September 16–22'. Anime News Network. September 24, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
53. ^'Japanese Comic Ranking, September 23–29'. Anime News Network. October 1, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
54. ^'Japanese Comic Ranking, March 31 – April 6'. Anime News Network. April 8, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
55. ^'2008's Top-Selling Manga in Japan, #26–50'. Anime News Network. December 21, 2008. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
56. ^'Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 1st Half of 2009 (Updated)'. Anime News Network. June 15, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
57. ^'Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 1st Half of 2009 (Updated)'. Anime News Network. June 15, 2009. Retrieved July 2, 2009.
58. ^'Survey: K-ON's Mio, Reborn's Hibari are #1 Bride, Groom'. Anime News Network. June 12, 2009. Retrieved July 17, 2009.
59. ^'Japanese Box Office, February 1–2'. Anime News Network. February 9, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2014.

External links[edit]

• Official website at Square Enix (in Japanese)
• Anime official website(in Japanese)
• Film official website(in Japanese)
• Black Butler at Funimation
• Black Butler (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Black Butler at the Internet Movie Database

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