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Or otherwise known as Black Butler. Created by Yana Toboso.
The 13 year old Ciel, Earl Phantomhive, has offered up his soul to the demon, Sebastian, on completion of Ciel's tasks, including revenge on the ones who murdered his family. The two have entered into a contract that Sebastion will give power and protect the Earl until he finishes his tasks and in exchange Ciel has freely given up his soul to be devoured. Sebastion has become Ciel's butler and never leaves his side as he protects his 'soul' from premature death. To add to the tension, the Earl is also Queen Victoria's Watch Dog (or a dark nobleman)-- a position given to the Phantomhives to deal/ eradicate those who trouble normal society and the underground. So the young Ciel has many enemies wanting to do away with him, not least the ones who killed him and his family. He has a great need for protection.
I've become obsessed with this manga. I read it in one week! Watched the anime in the same time.
Over that time I decided I liked the manga over the anime. I must say the anime has some worthy moments, but reading the manga concurrently I discovered the anime lacked something, including the art. The facial expressions and the thought pov from the characters is missing in the anime for me. The anime story was completely different in the 2nd half of the 1st season too(and is more like fanfiction). Although I did LOVE the ending of the 1st season. I wish it had ended with that. Then I, with some trepidation, watched the 2nd season - after reading the synposis. I felt some concern because I was satisfied with the end of the 1st season - so I wondered what on earth could happen now. Also I'm more than satisfied with the direction of the manga and felt no need to add another storyline to my experience. I liked the story in the 2nd season but HATED the ending. More on that at another time
The premise for this story is amazing. I'm love with the concept - and then add dynamic dark characters - it's like magic. It's so complex and intense that the story threads haunt my thoughts. The tension between these two leading characters is perfection -- exquisite. Oh how I wish I could capture this type of tension in my own stories. The balance between them is superb, as they push and pull on each other, testing the boundaries, reaffirming the contract, and really start to stand firm and rely on it as well. There's a tantazlizing love/hate thing going on between them.
I feel the manga captures this alot better than the anime - In the manga Sebastian's thoughts are more prevalent albeit they are brief - yet there is enough to allude to what he may be thinking. The facial espressions are so well done you think you are looking at a photo --- Yana Toboso is expert at crafting eyes I'm in awe of her skill - that the eyes can reveal more than any words could say. Of course the eyes say it all - don't they.
All the details are specific ie clothing, accessories, the food! furniture, the scenery. She has researched this time period well, and we are benefiting from that. Such an indulgent story, art included. The romantic theme is present but not in the way people might assume (from the art). There is no yaoi in this story - nor should there be in relation to the character's motivation. I feel it would be the last thing on Ciel's mind! Even so, I ADORE the romantic art - all the sumptous attire and gorgeous effeminate characters.
but the art IS romantic as is their twisted relationship. Romance has different interpretations. In this case I personally don't feel it has anything to do with sex, although there is a physicality about it -- It is something deeper - something better. Ciel depends on Sebastion -- he has no one else who understands where he is coming from or where he is going. He can stand no one else to touch him, but Sebastian only - I rather think that is because of the physical abuse he suffered in that 'month' - but perhaps it is also because Sebastion owns his soul. Not only does Sebastian protect Ciel's body, but I'm sensing that Sebastian is trying to protect Ciel's soul on a deeper level - his goodness. I also think Sebastian is on a journey, 'learning' about humans.
Well, there's much I could say about this. Suffice to say, it is well worth reading.
