Title: Black Butler, Volume 3
Author: Yana Toboso
Series: Black Butler
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: 10/26/2010
Length: 192 pages
Format: Paperback
Genres: Manga, Shonen
Challenges: N/A
Source: Library
Purchase: Paperback

Terrorizing its populace, Jack the Ripper has shaken Lodon to its very core. But when Sebastian Michaelis, singular butler of the Phantomhive house, lays bare the madman’s true identity, all that is left for him to do is eliminate the perpetrator in the name of the Queen and Phantomhive. But inhumanly efficient skills don’t guarantee victory when the opponent is just as supernaturally gifted! And though Sebastian may be able to save Ciel from physical harm in the the battle that ensues, will the youg earl ever recover from the emotional scars it will leave on his heart?

It starts right where the last one left off. Most of the manga is Madame Red’s story. It’s a sad story, but let’s face it: that woman is crazy. Fabulous, but crazy. She’s the only character I’ve see that would actually make for good cosplay. I have examples! I mean, how cool is that. The angular bangs and everything. Ciel is fashionable and everything, but I have to say I love Madame Red’s style. And kudos to whoever put together that cosplay. It’s perfect.

Back to the manga! One of the reasons this manga is quickly becoming a favorite is the art. Most mangas I’ve read are subtle, with sometimes undefined lines (expecially with hair). The drawing isn’t always clear, and it’s not because they’re bad. It’s all about style. The art in Black Butler is all angles and definition. It works really well for the series. It’s appropriate for this kind of storyline. I just love it. And the anime is wonderful. Seeing everything in color makes me so happy!

This manga is rated Older Teen by Yen Press.

A new favorite!

Previous volumes in this series:
Volume 1
Volume 2

Title: Black Butler, Volume 2
Author: Yana Toboso
Series: Black Butler
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: 5/18/2010
Length: 192 pages
Format: Paperback
Genres: Manga, Shonen
Challenges: N/A
Source: Library
Purchase: Paperback

As high society’s social calender opens up and the Season draws to a close, London is gripped by fear. Someone has take to stalking women of the night and painting the tow red… in their blood. But while the name on everyone’s lips is “Jack the Ripper,” the name on Queen Victoria’s lips is Phantomhive. Summoned to London to clean up the mess created by this madman, young earl Ciel Phantomhive arrives with his extraordinary butler Sebastian, at his side to pour him tea, polish his silver, and… investigate a serial killer!

This volume was one of the stranger ones. Normally, when reading manga I attribute the strange things to culture difference, but I have to ask: What is it with dressing boys up like girls? I mean, it’s funny. It’s especially funny in this situation, but I’ve read numerous mangas where this occurs. It’s kind of weird.

This volume was entertaining, and the beginning to a pretty epic story. The whole deal with the viscount was pretty much funny. And, of course, Sebastian got to show off how bad ass he is. However, the true identity of Jack the Ripper is something I figured out pretty quickly. Long before Ciel and Sebastian did. When they finally figure out who the killer is, things get really interesting. And that’s where this volume ends and the next begins.

This manga is rated Older Teen by Yen Press

A new favorite!

Previous volumes in this series:
Volume 1

Title: Black Butler, Volume 1
Author: Yana Toboso
Series: Black Butler
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: 1/26/2010
Length: 192 pages
Format: Paperback
Genres: Manga, Shonen
Challenges: N/A
Source: Library
Purchase: Paperback

Just a stone’s throw from London lies the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom and its master, one Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive is a giant in the world of commerce, Queen Victoria’s faithful servant… and a slip of a twelve-year-old boy. Fortunately, his loyal butler, Sebastian, is ever at his side, ready to carry out the young master’s wishes. And whether Sebastian is called to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London’s underbelly, there apparently is nothing Sebastian cannot do. In fact, one might ever say Sebastian is too good to be true… or at least, too good to be human…

This manga was so much fun. I love the style. Sebastian and Ciel are awesome and so interesting. I’m eager to read more about how Ciel got to this point. He takes making a deal with the devil to a pretty literal level. The gothic theme of the plot and style is really eye-catching. Some of the images are just gorgeous. When it comes down to it, Sebastian is just bad ass. He does his best to keep Ciel safe in different ways. The question is, what exactly is the price Ciel has to pay? I’m eager for more. I’m waiting for my reserved copy of volume two to come in at the library. Now I’m off to watch the first episode of the anime!

Just a heads up: you’ll probably see a lot more manga in the next year. I joined an event in a Goodreads group called a year of manga, where I try to read a volume of manga a day. This is the first volume that will count toward that.

This manga is rated Older Teen by Yen Press.

A new favorite!