Black Butler

Victorian England spreads its angelic wings, there is a mysterious atmosphere in the Phantomhive household, and Ciel, along with his faithful Sebastian, sets out to investigate some vile wrongdoing in a Sherlockian manner. I was hooked after a few minutes, and excited after the first episode. Black Butler combines subtle mystique with mythological characters of diverse origins, and the atmosphere of constrained yet corrupted Britain is a perfectly fitting setting. When various styles of humor are added by the supporting characters (Tanaka is clearly the standout for me), the series becomes an inconspicuous gem of anime. (21/07/2023)

At first, I was afraid that the new stories would be narrated from the perspective of an impulsive newcomer, but as soon as Sebastian's familiar voice sounded and the familiar eye patch flashed, it was clear. The second season of Kuroshitsuji is darker, more complex, and much more focused on the bond between the servant and the master. And although Claude didn't particularly grow on me (not to mention sadistic Alois), I still have to praise it. The brave ending of the story, which doesn't deviate from the originally intended goal and still gives fans the feeling that it couldn't have turned out any other way, simply deserves praise. After all, I'm just an ordinary fan. (12/09/2011)

I had been missing the unmistakable atmosphere that accompanies the queen's dog and his faithful servant for those few years since the end of the second season, and I enthusiastically welcomed at least one more short return to familiar grounds. Though this time around we spend considerably less time at the main family's residence, it is definitely not some insignificant quick story. With luck everyone who managed to captivate us in the original series will show up, there will be a significant dose of new characters, and over time, some devilishly nourishing open ends will appear. The fundamental problem of the entire Book of Circus remains the question of how the viewer will approach the uncompromising conclusion. In some moments, the relentlessly ruthless performance unfolds so chillingly that I almost refused to believe it for a while. It is only due to doubts about whether the entire spectacle had to end like this that I'm giving it only an above-average rating this time. Thanks to its stable quality, it was just a whisker away. For fans of Ciel and Sebastian, an absolute must. (18/11/2014)