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Black Butler

Black Butler (Japanese: 黒執事, Hepburn: Kuroshitsuji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Black Butler (Japanese: 黒執事, Hepburn: Kuroshitsuji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. Set in Victorian-era London, it follows Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler Sebastian Michaelis as they solve crimes and pursue revenge. The series has also been adapted into anime, film, and other media.

Premise

Black Butler is set in an alternate Victorian England and follows Ciel Phantomhive, a teenage noble who investigates crimes for the Queen. His butler Sebastian Michaelis is actually a demon bound to Ciel by contract.

Publication

The manga is written and illustrated by Yana Toboso and has been serialized in Monthly GFantasy since September 2006. It is collected by Square Enix in tankōbon volumes. By late 2025, 35 tankōbon volumes had been released in Japan.

Anime adaptation

The first anime adaptation aired in 2008–2009 and was produced by A-1 Pictures. A second season aired in 2010 with an anime-original plot, and later entries expanded the franchise further.

Other media

Black Butler has also inspired additional media, including radio drama releases, video games, and a live-action film released in Japan in 2014.

Key facts

  • The story centers on Ciel Phantomhive, the young head of the Phantomhive family and the Queen's Watchdog.
  • Sebastian Michaelis is a demon who serves Ciel under a supernatural contract.
  • The manga began serialization in Square Enix's Monthly GFantasy in September 2006.
  • A 24-episode anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures aired from October 2008 to March 2009.
  • The series has expanded into other media, including a 2014 live-action film.
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Canadian context

Black Butler has been widely available in English-language editions and anime releases in Canada through North American licensing and distribution, making it familiar to Canadian manga and anime audiences.[5][2]

Frequently asked questions

What is Black Butler?
Black Butler is a Japanese manga series by Yana Toboso about Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler Sebastian Michaelis.
When did Black Butler begin serialization?
It began serialization in Monthly GFantasy on September 16, 2006.
Who created Black Butler?
The series was created by manga artist Yana Toboso.
What is the setting of Black Butler?
The story is set in Victorian-era London in an alternate version of England.
Has Black Butler been adapted into anime?
Yes. A 24-episode anime aired from October 2008 to March 2009, followed by a 12-episode second season in 2010.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Butler
    Supports: Core series identification, creator, publication start date, premise, anime adaptation, and volume count.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Black_Butler_chapters
    Supports: Serialization details, tankōbon release information, and English licensing notes.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Butler_(film)
    Supports: 2014 live-action film adaptation.
  4. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Butler
    Supports: Basic premise, anime adaptation, and English-language release context.