Anime DVD Review: Black Butler, Season One

March 11, 2011

According to our new arrival, life is more than mere survival.

He cooks. He cleans. He kills. The debonair Sebastian may not be Mr. Belvedere, but to his young and fragile master Ciel Phantomhive, he is certainly one hell of a butler. For Sebastian’s array of talents are not exactly God-given. Sebastian is an akuma shitsuji: a devil butler.

After his parents were murdered, twelve-year-old Ciel bound himself to the devil Sebastian by a contract, a wish and a sacrifice. This left Ciel with the ultimate evil eye, a mark that claims the little lord’s soul as devil prey while obligating Sebastian to serve and protect his master. Ciel is similarly bound by duty to Queen Victoria. Called the “Queen’s Guard Dog,” Ciel with Sebastian’s aid solves cases around 19^th century England –from Jack the Ripper murders to a small town plagued by a demon dog. However, Ciel’s most important mysteries remain unsolved… who killed his parents and is his own life in danger?

Black Butler, to the relief of many, is not some funky Nippon agenda that would raise NAACP eyebrows. The series is, however, the fangirl’s BL (Boys’ Love) answer to maid fetish anime. While never quite reaching yaoi interaction (at least in Season One, but I remain hopeful), there is plenty of sexual tension and innuendo among characters. Moments between Sebastian and Ciel range from tense to tender, but whatever the situation, the boys are hot. Throw in an often naked demon dog stud and super-flaming grim reaper guy, and you have a series likely to send the straight fanboys running for cover. There are a handful of fight scenes, sometimes involving silverware and chainsaws, but the action is foremost delicious and/or humorous male on male flirting.

Highlights

Preferably watched in order, the series tends to have paired episode story arcs. Black Butler has numerous standout moments (usually of fanservice), rather than episodes, in an anime that is otherwise slow paced a fair amount of the time. I chose the following either for overall story or just such moments.

S01E02 His Butler, Strongest. Sebastian demonstrates his amusing silverware fighting skills while cute little Ciel is tied up with leather belts by his captors. Pretty much sets the tone of the whole series.
S01E04 His Butler, Capricious. Ciel and Sebastian try and get close to the prime suspect in the Jack the Ripper murders, who happens to be a handsome, lascivious viscount. This can only be accomplished by Ciel crossdressing in a ball gown, of course. Fellow fangirls, just watch the scene where Ciel puts on the corset. Yum!
S01E05 His Butler, Chance Encounter. Coolest episode story-wise. SPOILER ALERT! There is a great plot twist here, when the bumbling butler serving Ciel’s aunt turns out to be grim reaper Grell Sutcliff. Together he and Ciel’s aunt, Madam Red, have been responsible for the Jack the Ripper murders. Grell then orders Madam Red to kill her nephew. When she refuses, Grell takes her life instead. Ciel naturally commands Sebastian to avenge Aunt Red. It seems Sebastian is worried more about Grell’s flamboyant advances than his chainsaw scythe.
S01E09 His Butler, Phantom Image. Really simple storyline of Ciel trying to capture a telling photograph of Sebastian. This episode shines for its bishonen cheesecake. Pluto, an adopted demon dog, while in hot human boy form, simply runs around nude, vying for Sebastian’s attention. Sadly, Sebastian’s a cat person …er devil.
S01E11 His Butler, However You Please. This, along with the final episode, sets up the second season nicely. Ciel’s birthday brings flashbacks of his parents’ murder, the return of Grell and introduces the beautiful and creepy, doll-like butler, Drossel Keinz. Drossel has kidnapped Ciel’s betrothed, Elizabeth, turning her into a doll. To rescue her, Ciel and Sebastian face the nightmare house of an unknown puppet master.

Special Features

Nothing terribly special about them, but at least an effort. Commentaries on episodes 1 and 7 and a “Story Thus Far” summary by the English dub cast, none of which are interesting. Textless songs and a profile of BECCA, the musician who sings the closing song, also included. Last are the customary trailers.

Audio

English 5.1 surround and Japanese in stereo. The English dub, apologies to the cast, is unlistenable. Yes, the series takes place outside London, but the British accents are so fake and so grating, it’s like something Mary Poppins threw up. Sebastian sounds asleep half the time, Ciel is clearly girl voiced, Grell is simply ruined and the Phatomhive secondary staff have turned into chimney sweeps. Set your audio to Japanese; you have been warned.

Lively and dramatic opening song “Monochrome Kiss” by visual kei band SID is a pretty fit for the series. Unfortunate any information on them was not included in the DVD special features. BECCA’s closing song “I’m Alive” is a fun, peppy end, matching closing chibi animation of the Black Butler characters.

Video

Eye-candy abounds in Black Butler’s glossy, modern animation by studio A-1 Pictures. The backgrounds and costumes are appropriately intricate and lush for romantic gothic horror, despite the series’ slapstick comedy leanings. Gothic Lolita fashion fans will adore the numerous lace layered dresses, sleek suits and fine detail in each character’s attire. Creator Yana Toboso’s leading men have all the attributes of beloved bishonen design, from their lean builds and delicate features to their flowing hair and enchanting eyes. Where the series occasionally falters in pacing or storyline, the sensual visuals pick up the slack.

Overall

It’s a no-brainer the series is geared toward bishonen-loving fangirls. A wonderful accompaniment to maid fetish anime, hopefully the popularity of Black Butler will open the door for other series of this strange little genre to be brought to the American audience. For those captivated by sexy butlers, hunt down live-action Japanese drama Mei-Chan no Shitsuji, starring the ridiculously hot Hiro Mizushima. Unless comfortable with or amused by male-male flirtation, the straight otaku audience should probably skip these series. That said, Black Butler is a damn fine Boys’ Love anime. Sebastian and Ciel are darling to watch, each interaction a sweet tease for the audience. The pace can get a bit slow at times, but Sebastian’s wicked grin and Ciel’s adorable vulnerability are sure to bind you strong as any devilish pact. Can’t wait for season two!

ComicsOnline gives Black Butler, Season One 4 out of 5 seme swoons!