Black Butler (黒執事, Kuroshitsuji) is a manga written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. Since its debut on September 16, 2006, it has been serialized in Square Enix's shōnen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy. The series follows Sebastian Michaelis, a demonic butler who is obligated to serve Ciel Phantomhive, the twelve-year-old head of the Phantomhive noble family, due to a contract he made with Ciel. The series has been licensed for an English release by Yen Press and will be published in Yen Plus' August 2009 issue for the magazine's first anniversary
Plot
In a manor house on the outskirts of Victorian era London, butler Sebastian Michaelis serves Ciel Phantomhive, the twelve-year-old head of an English noble family and a toy and candy empire, who serves directly under the Queen. Sebastian carries out any task required by his master while solving the problems plaguing England with ease and perfection, because of his demonic lineage and Faustian contract with his master.
Main Characters
Sebastian Michaelis
Sebastian Michaelis (セバスチャン・ミカエリス, Sebasuchan Mikaerisu?) is the series' antihero. He is the butler of the Phantomhive household and acts as Ciel's bodyguard, two jobs he is completely devoted to. However, he is not overly concerned about Ciel's well-being as he insults and even harms Ciel to see his reaction. Sebastian often describes himself through the phrase "Because I am one hell of a butler" (わたしはあくまで執事ですから, Aku made shitsuji desu kara?). The phrase plays on the word "demon" (あくま, akuma?) and the phrase "to the end" (あくまで, aku made?). It can also translate to "I am a demon and a butler". He is highly skilled in any area and handles every task, no matter how impossible it is, as well as any problem that arises from the errors of the other staff with ease, stating it is only natural as the butler to the Phantomhive family. This is due to the fact he is a demon bound by a Faustian contract to abide by Ciel's will. A sign similar to the one marking Ciel's right eye can be found on Sebastian's left hand, which has been used on one occasion to twist the arm of a kidnapper without touching him. The name Sebastian is in fact a temporary name given to him by Ciel and was previously held by Ciel's dog. He bears a slight resemblance to Ciel's father. In the anime adaption, Sebastian can take the form of a crow or a cat. Sebastian's true demonic form has not been fully revealed. However, a depiction of sharper teeth, high-heeled boots, and elongated nails have been given. In the manga adaptation, Sebastian appears to Ciel in his true form, while in the anime version, he appears as a crow.
Ciel Phantomhive
Earl Ciel Phantomhive (シエル・ファントムハイヴ, Shieru Fantomuhaibu?) is the business-savvy, twelve-year-old head of the English Phantomhive noble family, taking over after the deaths of his parents, Lord Vincent and Lady Rachel Phantomhive. He also runs Funtom Company, which manufactures toys and sweets, and later adds a food branch after winning a Royal Warrant. His right eye, which is usually covered with a black eyepatch, bears a pentacle sign of the Faustian contract which binds the demon Sebastian Michaelis to his will. Prior to meeting Sebastian, he was a slave. During this time, a mark was burned into his back, although in the anime adaption it is found on the left side of his chest. He does not want anyone to see this mark. He is portrayed as emotionless, but he does express occasional concern for the well-being of the few close to him. He does show some concern for Sebastian's well-being, however, he ultimately looks at Sebastian as a pawn, sometimes even wishing for Sebastian to fail a task or request, for humor's sake. He is close to his cousin and fiancée Elizabeth, seeing her as an important friend and someone he needs to protect. It is noted that his parents were killed and his mansion set ablaze on his birthday, a reason why he does not like to celebrate the occassion. This tragedy causes him to not want to lose anyone important again.
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*info from Wikipedia
