And now that we’ve revealed the tagline and catchphrase of the series, I am still quite confident in assuring you that this not-so-meager offering is multifaceted and enjoyable on all levels. Far from the moe/yaoi tone I expected, this series is actually a careful balance between Victorian household daily life and an era-flavored X-Files. The title character, Sebastian, is a far cry from being defined merely by his…ahem…unearthly origins, but is actually delightfully understated in his role as butler extraordinaire/superhuman protector to his human master. Even Ciel, spoiled though he may appear, has hidden depths that span from his role as the Queen’s guard dog in investigative matters, to a surprisingly caring friend (despite his disillusioned and uninterested manner). Throughout these first 12 episodes, we encounter all the trials and tribulations of Jack the Ripper, an unwelcome birthday party, a ‘Baskerville hound’ (Of sorts, with a very surprising ending.) and “Why You Should Never Attempt to Pull the Wool Over the Eyes of a Very Intelligent Child Who Wears and Eyepatch.” (Sersiously. I could tell you that, and I’ve never met one. Besides, Eyepatch equals “badass” in most anime/films that I’ve seen.)
Intriguingly, the series does NOT focus entirely on Sebastian’s plane of origin, nor the hinted-at contract that binds him into Ciel’s service for a heavy price, or even the purpose for which the contract was undertaken. Instead, we are given tantalizing hints, well-placed within existing storylines that suggest a grand revenge is being planned, and any cost was worth the benefits of having “one Hell of a butler” on one’s side.
With interesting character concepts, and an enjoyable dance between proper aristocratic pastimes and creepy metaphysical mysteries, this series is a new favorite of mine. I will state that I prefer viewing the series in Japanese, as the English Dub definitely adds some flavors to the characters of the other household staff that I can happily live without. (No offense to the many, many people in reality who speak with a distinctive vowel pronounciation and phrase mannerisms identified as Cockney English, but in this case it seems the female staff of the Phantomhive household is more ‘Clumsy Eliza Doolittle” and less authentic and otherwise intelligent house maid.
Still, unasked-for memories of ‘My Fair Lady” aside, the series is a treat, and visually appealing, from the stately grandeur of the mansion, to the intricate (and historically inaccurate, of course) details of Ciel’s costume. Unless I miss my guess, this popular offering should be gracing our shelves and dvd players for many more seasons.