Black Butler, Vol. 1: Volume 1 Paperback – Illustrated, 31 Dec. 2013

Gorgeous artwork that flows effortlessly from panel to panel, and a great mix of action, horror and comedy. The story is engaging, with characters that really draw you into the plot, with the titular demonic butler being the obvious standout, and his relationship with Master Ciel Phantomhive one of the primary plot hooks (Sebastian, the butler, is in a contract with Ciel, acting as his subservient butler until the time comes that he can devour his soul).I've read this on my iPad via kindle, which is a fantastic way to experience the manga, zooming on on any smaller details you may miss when reading in paperback, and viewing pages full screen in portrait is great, although there are a couple of double splash pages you need to rotate back to landscape to fully appreciate.Looking toward to the following volumes (already have volumes 2 and 3 downloaded and ready to go).

I have always been fascinated with this series whether it be the anime or manga. I have always wanted to read this. I ordered this not knowing what to expect and truthfully this is one hell of a manga! The art is beautiful and sophisticated, the character's Ciel and Sebastian are so good looking. The first volume is not boring at all.The delivery time respected the expected delivery time. I ordered this on the 12th October and it came on the 17th October- I chose standard delivery. The packaging was neat and protected the product well. It came with no scratches or tears. The pages inside are of good quality, not too thin not too thick.Overall I would recommend this manga to anyone as the story plot is amazing (no spoilers from me unfortunately you go buy it for yourself!) and it is well worth the price!

I've been waiting for this manga to be serialized for so long. First of all, if you're not into the gothic horror genre, or are looking for something happy and bright... click the back button. You're looking in the wrong place.There are so many things about this manga that make it one of the best josei going; the art is beautiful, yet doesn't take away from the dark undertones of the story. There are no good guys, nothing cliche, and right from the get go, the reader is rooting for the bad guy to conquer. One of the story arcs is the author's own unique take on the Jack the Ripper history, and doesn't disappoint.All these things make this a must-read, but I have to say, the thing I love most about this series is the main character, Ciel Phantomhive. Now, from the description given of the manga on this page, you'd expect some angsty little brat, right? Well, wrong (maybe not on the brat front, if Sebastian was given a say). He's got the obligatory dark past, yet unlike most manga characters like that, he doesn't spend all his time angsting over it. He's doing something about it. Plus, he's twisted and jaded against humanity, and he's on a clock. These things only make him a more interesting and unbelievably deep character.Little warning though; depending on who you ask, some would say that this manga has some shounen-ai undertones. It's more a case of if you choose to interpret it that way though.Oh, and for anyone who likes the manga, there is an anime, though it's not as good. Still a fun watch though, if you've got time to kill.If you liked Pandora Hearts and 07-Ghost, you'll love Black Butler!

I feel like everyone who starts this series at this point already knows what it's about. I know I did before I read it. So imagine my surprise when I read 2 and a half chapters of what felt like a sitcom set in Victorian era high society before even Ciel's status as the "Queen's Watchdog" came into play. I can't help feeling amused at the idea that people read this serialised, got though 2 and a half chapters of wacky comedy, then got thrown for a loop when Ciel was kidnapped by the Italian mafia. And that's got nothing on Sebastian's devilish reveal. This was a really fun and unexpected way to start the series. I'm particularly fond of Ciel's other servants; their antics are so amusing. I look forward to picking up the next volume and seeing where this series goes.

I have been a fan of The black Butler anime for a few years now, so thought I would give the Manga a try (I am one of those annoying people who compares books to films).The storyline of the series is absolutely fantastic, the characters are rich and varied, and tackles subjects of all natures.I will say, if I hadn't of watched the anime first and only read this first book in the series, I might have given up on it as not a lot actually happens in this one. Although it is the first one, we are not introduced to the main storyline, there is no back story, and I only knew what was going on because I watched the anime. BUT GUYS seriously, read this and every after book after that will have you hooked, it's one of those that explain more as you go along and you are given the story a bit at a time.

Brilliant, gorgeous manga with an great storylineIt’s my favourite .Every page is so pretty and well drawn and the characters and story line are brilliant .... it’s simply one hell of a manga !

I wasn't able to watch the anime so I decided to read the manga instead. It is amazingly good. It doesn't explain too much why ceil is the way he is but I'm guessing that's explained more somewhere else (I already kinda know why) YOU SHOULD BUY THIS!!P.s the book does come a little scratched at the ends but either way, it's good quality.

i well say one thing these books are Japanese translated into English you have to read then from the back of the book and from the bottom of the page upwards where as English books start at the front downwards i thought I'd point this it itv anyone it's thinking of buying these manga Japanese books thanks for reading they are brilliant books full of adventure