Reading Black Butler, chapters 5-8

[givemeyourhonor]

-chapter 5

Now we get to see Sebastian’s true character. Underneath the butler competency kink there is a lot of annoyance and I don’t blame him. I also like how Mey-rin really is one of the most sterotypical character archetypes you see in this setting and Sebastian rightfully points out how annoying that is to deal with if. The eccentric cook is also annoying. As is the hapless gardener. I like that he loves cats, the gap moe and apparently pets back in hell are the monsters from alien. Sebestians feelings can be summed up as "these fools are annoying, but I actually enjoy how they keep me on my toes." I can see where the comparisons between him and Jade come from. The idea of a character who enjoys serving and waiting on others more as a challenge and power play than anything else.

-chapter 6

We’re introduced to Madam Red, Ciel’s aunt and another friend, Lau, the branch manager of a Chinese Trading Company. We’re also introduced to Grell who has a much more humble demeanor than I’ve seen in pictures and the discourse around the character. And we’re getting to Jack the Ripper now and I’m kind of spoiled for some of it and not looking forward to it. I find that a lot of manga takes on the crimes kind of suck. I do like that Lau points out that actaully seeing that sort of crime isn’t good for the soul, but Ciel is adamant about doing it for "her." We also meet Undertaker! Ciel knows a lot of people!

And I guess we pay him in jokes? And Sebastian did something so funny it couldn’t be seen? Also Sebastian jumping out of the moving carriage is great. And Sebastian never lies, ever. Except for when he hides how pissed he is at others and backtalks them in his mind. And Sebastian investigated this murder fast!

-Chapter 7

We’re investigating and what’s great about the Ciel in a dress thing is how quickly it became obvious that this was a terrible idea. Lizzie is at the party and if she recognizes him, then not only is it all over, all of high society could find out that Ciel crossdressed to get into a party. And this would be a problem even without Lizzie there. All it would take is one acquaintance seeing Ciel’s face and recognizing him.

The Viscount reminds me of Silver and the Dawn Knight looks wise despite the very different demeanor. Also lmao the dance scene! Really this series is chock full of fanservice. Also Sebastian performing an impromptu magic trick is such quick thinking. I think Lau tried to kill him for real during this little game though.

But things take a bad turn and as expected, Ciel is in peril again. It’s kind of impressive how much he is treated like a female character by the narrative sometimes. Always the damsel.

-Chapter 8

The corset scene is another one of those silly fanservice scenes where I can see why people might dismiss it because it is played for comedy, but it being fanservice isn’t an accident either. It's clearly Taboso having fun with the audience.

Also because of the covenant, Sebastian will always follow Ciel no matter what, even if his motives are selfish.

Convo between Madam Red and Ciel is interesting. Ciel makes it clear that his desire for revenge is not so simple. He wants revenge for himself and to repay the humiliation he suffered.

Also we move on to finding the true killer next chapter.

I’m liking this more now that we’re ramping up into actual plot and getting more of a sense of who Ciel is and what he wants.