Kuroshitsuji is consistently ranked as a top ten selling manga in Japan and has been adapted into in anime for the 2008 fall season. Yana Toboso is the creator of this title, which marks her first manga as a professional artist. The production is handled by A-1 Pictures who also produced Birdy the Mighty Decode. Kuroshitsuji has elements of comedy, horror, mystery and drama. Although the first episode only brushes the canvas with light strokes, you're able to see the bigger picture towards its conclusion. The mystery of how Ciel lost his eye will more than likely deal with Sebastian's having to make a deal with the devil. Additionally, you will learn how the young Phantomhive son was left as the head of the family.
The only hint of Sebastian's demonic nature comes at the beginning of the episode where he willingly makes a deal with a dark figure. Juxtaposed to this intense scene, we see the main character handling his staff of bumbling idiots. This includes Meirin the clumsy maid, complete with a disheveled appearance and broken glasses. Bard, the rugid cook who always hatches ideas with little to no actual thought in its practicality. One of the more interesting characters has to be Tanaka. He's a small gray-haired butler who always has tea in his hand and barely says more than two syllables. The final member of this motely crew of servants is Grell. She or he is the least memorable of the crew and has at least in the first episode, failed to make a lasting impression.
This series is being tauted as the winner in the latest batch of Japanese series by many anime critics. It could be because of its interesting premise, beautiful scenery and innovative camera techniques. Kuroshitsuji successfully counterbalances humor and mystery, shrouding its main characters in darkness. The quirky ancillary characters seem to keep the show from being too drab and serious. Hopefully the rest of the series can present more challenges and plot twists for the viewer. While this the pace might not appeal to fans of more high octane shonen, the rich architecture, Victorian and Hitchcockian setting will put you in the mindset that this isn't your typical demonic butler story.
Director: Toshiya Shinohara (Inuyasha Movies 2,3,4)
Original Creator: Yana Toboso
Character Design: Minako Shiba (Madlax,.Hack//SIGN, Noir)
First Opening Theme: "Kiss of Monochrome" by SID
First Closing Theme: "I'm ALIVE!" by BECCA
First Episode Aired: 10/02/2008
Production House: A-1 Pictures (Kuroshitsuji)
Episode Run: 26
Genre: Action, comedy, mystery, supernatural
