Directed by: Toshiya Shinohara
Written by: Mari Okada
Licensed by: Madman Entertainment, FUNimation Entertainment, Manga Entertainment
In an anime, I think it’s very important to make a strong first impression, and I have to say, Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) absolutely nailed it! The first thing I noticed was the artwork, which was stunning. The characters and scenery were brilliantly detailed, but the artist threw in some less-serious little scenes where the art was simpler. The next thing I noticed was all the foreshadowing that was thrown into the episode. It had a lot of mystery to it, in both the individual characters and the storyline as a whole. Between the gorgeous artwork, mysterious characters, edgy story, and light humor, I definitely want to continue watching, so naturally… I watched for four or five hours straight.
Personally, I like the whole horror-movie vibe the episode gives off. It starts off calm and maybe even a bit funny, but hints at the darker side of the story that’s coming. You feel the tension surrounding the story about 10 minutes in when the main character, young Ceil Phantomhive, begins to play a rather harsh board game with a swindling business man. In the board game, the man constantly lands on bad spaces that make him “lose a leg” or be “burned at the stake”. Thinking nothing of it, the man laughs it off, but the serious expression on Ciel’s face and the mysteriously amused look on his butler, Sebastian’s, face lets the viewer know there’s something more to the game’s outcomes. The business man, however, seems oblivious to the more serious aspects of the game.
Kuroshitsuji is a great anime for anybody that’s into mystery, demons, and thrill; even the first episode leaves you wondering what happens to the business man until the very end, and I won’t say his fate for the sake of those who haven’t watched, but it sure surprised me! I like a show that’ll keep me guessing. This is definitely something I’m interested in keeping up with; Kuroshitsuji, keep doing what you’re doing.
P.S. A word of advice, don’t watched the dubbed version. The voice acting is just… UGH!
4 out of 5 nerds
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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