Despite there being some successful anime-only content, Black Butler is proof that if a studio is going to adapt a manga, they should probably stick to the source material.The cover of the first DVD compilation released by Aniplex the characters featured are Sebastian Michaelis (left) and Ciel Phantomhive (right)īlack Butler is an anime series adapted from the manga series of the same title by Yana Toboso.

While the series did somewhat redeem itself by adapting the next few arcs of the manga, adding a third season, two OVAs and a movie can quickly cause confusion. The second season felt inferior to the first, and even more so to every continuation of Black Butler that has followed the manga by doing nothing except cancelling out everything that the first season built up to.

This anthology has been a far better way to continue the story by building upon the story and character development of beloved characters. To clarify, the order to follow is Book of Circus, Book of Murder and then Book of Atlantic, all adapting arcs from the manga and taking place within the confines of season 1. Finally, the movie, Book of Atlantic, occurs next. Afterwards, there are 2 OVAs titled Book of Murder that is a direct continuation as it adapts the next arc. While the established characters did make a return, all of their character development was botched for the sake of continuing what felt like someone else's story.īook of Circus is a new arc taking place right after Season 1, Episode 15, where the anime had originally strayed away from the manga. In comparison, these new characters lack the same depth and weren't nearly as entertaining to watch as Sebastian and Ciel. In regards to their demon butlers, Sebastian is charming, yet intimidating whereas Claude lacks the same charm and appears much more stoic.

On the other hand, Alois does cruel things for no reason other than shock value and to mark him as the season's antagonist. Despite Ciel's methods, there is a level of understanding as the audience recognizes his anger through pain and trauma, seeking out vengeance, but leaving innocent people alone. Ciel is smart and cunning, a conflicted anti-hero on his quest for retribution while Alois is a spoiled, obnoxious child who loves to cruelly bully his maid, Hannah. After building up the characters of Sebastian and Ciel over an entire 24 episode season, fans came to love and cheer for them, but unfortunately, these new characters are not so lovable, and yet are often found in the spotlight.

Black butler season 2