This volume begins with Sebastian, butler extraordinaire, whipping together impressive preparations for a charity function with very little notice while simultaneously dealing with disasters caused by the other (incompetent) members of the household staff. From there, Ciel’s investigatory skills are called upon by Queen Victoria and the action relocates to London, where Jack the Ripper is causing quite a stir. Ciel ends up getting captured by a skeevy viscount, Sebastian rescues him, and then the two of them discover the killer’s real identity.
If you’re thinking, “Gee, that sounds just like volume one,” you would be correct! Thankfully, though the overall outline is very similar, the details offer enough variety to forestall boredom. I enjoyed the London setting, for example, as well as learning more about Ciel’s family, Sebastian’s love of cats (pets exist in his world but “leave much to be desired”), and how the contract between them works.
Ultimately, though there are still things about Black Butler that I’m not too keen on, I still find it to be an entertaining read. It took my mind off my troubles for a while, and that’s good enough for me.
Review copy provided by the publisher. Review originally published at Manga Recon.
I know that Black Butler isn’t the greatest thing on earth but I really, really enjoy each new volume. I didn’t even mind the repetitive elements (i.e. structure) that carried over from volume 1 (after all who reads Black Butler for plot structure?). I just wish it would come out a little more often but I don’t think too many volumes are out in Japan anyway…
I probably wouldn’t have noticed the repeated structure, honestly, if I hadn’t been thinking, “Ugh, here we go again!” with the unfunny antics of the other staffers. I’m not sure why they bother me so much, but I just really don’t like them. 🙂 At least this time Sebastian was thinking mean thoughts about them while smiling pleasantly. 🙂
I’d like it to come out more often, too. I think there are 8 volumes in Japan so far, so probably Yen is being wise not to rush things.