Black Butler: The Complete Chronological Guide for Anime Fans

Welcome to the World of Black Butler: A Journey into Darkness and Elegance

In the heart of Victorian England, a young boy named Ciel Phantomhive bears the weight of a tragic past.

Orphaned and left for dead, he makes a pact with a powerful demon, Sebastian Michaelis, to exact revenge on those who wronged him.

Sebastian, the epitome of an accomplished butler, fulfills Ciel’s every need with impeccable grace and precision.

However, beneath his impeccable service lies a hidden agenda – to claim Ciel’s soul in exchange for his otherworldly assistance.

Within the lavish Phantomhive Manor, a cast of captivating characters unfolds, each harboring their own secrets and desires.

As Ciel navigates the treacherous world of politics, business, and the supernatural, he must confront his own inner demons while unraveling a web of conspiracies that threaten to engulf him.

Embark on a captivating journey into the realm of Black Butler, where elegance meets darkness and every encounter is fraught with intrigue.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricate world of Black Butler, encompassing the anime series, films, and OVAs.

We will explore the intricate plotlines, uncover hidden details, and introduce you to the unforgettable characters that bring this gothic masterpiece to life.

Whether you are a seasoned Black Butler fan or a newcomer to this captivating world, this guide will serve as your indispensable companion.

Prepare to be enthralled by the tale of a young lord, his loyal demon butler, and the extraordinary adventures that await them in the shadows of Victorian England.

Black Butler Series Chronological Order

Here’s a quick look at the entire “Black Butler” series in chronological order:

Order	Title	Release Year	Storyline
1	Black Butler	2008	Volumes 1-4 + Original
2	Black Butler II	2010	Original Story
3	Black Butler: Book of Circus	2014	Volumes 4-8
4	Black Butler: Book of Murder	2015	Volumes 9-11
5	Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic	2017	Volumes 12-14
6	Black Butler: Boarding School Arc	2024	Volumes 14-18

introduction to the main characters of “Black Butler”

Ciel Phantomhive

Ciel Phantomhive, the young Earl of the Phantomhive family, is also known as the “Queen’s Watchdog,” tasked with managing the underworld of England on behalf of the Queen.

He is a 12-year-old boy who is both intelligent and composed, holding a high sense of pride. Despite his stoic exterior, he tends to get easily caught up in situations around him.

After surviving a traumatic kidnapping and ritual sacrifice attempt by a cult, Ciel forms a contract with the demon butler Sebastian, exchanging his soul for vengeance against those who wronged him. His voice is portrayed by Maaya Sakamoto in the anime.

Sebastian Michaelis

Sebastian Michaelis is the perfect butler of the Phantomhive household, known for his impeccable skills in knowledge, manners, cooking, and combat.

As a demon bound by a contract to Ciel, he serves his young master with unyielding loyalty until Ciel’s revenge is complete.

He is often seen saying, “Because I am a devil of a butler.” Sebastian is voiced by Daisuke Ono in the anime.

Undertaker

The Undertaker is a former Grim Reaper and now an information broker who has a peculiar hobby of examining corpses before they are placed in coffins.

He is known for his eccentric personality, serving tea in beakers and storing cookies in urns.

His true identity as a Grim Reaper adds a layer of mystery and complexity to his character, especially since he still possesses his Death Scythe despite having left the Reaper Dispatch Association 50 years ago.

The Undertaker’s character is anticipated to play a significant role in future story developments.

Phantomhive Household Servants

Mey-Rin: A 23-year-old Chinese housemaid who is extremely clumsy in her duties, often breaking dishes and vases. Despite her appearance, Mey-Rin is a highly skilled sniper with exceptional vision, capable of taking down enemies without hesitation in times of crisis.
Baldroy (Baldo): The Phantomhive family chef, known for his rough and rugged appearance with a cigarette always in his mouth. Despite his terrible cooking skills, Baldroy is a former soldier from America and is highly competent in combat, often leading the servants during battles.
Finnian (Finny): A 16-year-old gardener who was once a test subject for human experimentation in Germany, giving him extraordinary strength and agility. Although he is generally cheerful and naive, his abilities make him a formidable ally in battle.

Madame Red (Angelina Dalles)

Madame Red is Ciel’s aunt and a prominent character in the series. Known for her striking red hair and preference for red clothing,

she is a beautiful doctor deeply involved in a certain incident, adding to the dark and intricate plot of “Black Butler.” She is voiced by Romi Park in the anime．

Detailed Breakdown of Each Series

Black Butler (Season 1)

Release Year: 2008
Storyline: Covers volumes 1-4 of the manga, with additional original episodes. It centers on Ciel Phantomhive and his demonic butler Sebastian. After the tragic murder of his parents and his own abduction, Ciel makes a pact with Sebastian to seek revenge.
Highlights: The introduction of Ciel and Sebastian, the beautiful Victorian London setting, and the mysterious character development.

Black Butler II (Season 2)

Release Year: 2010
Storyline: An entirely original plot introducing new characters Claude Faustus and Alois Trancy. This season explores different perspectives and new dynamics in the story.
Highlights: The complex relationship between Claude and Alois, lavish settings, and detailed character contrasts with Ciel and Sebastian.

Black Butler: Book of Circus (Season 3)

Release Year: 2014
Storyline: Adaptation of the Noah’s Ark Circus arc (volumes 4-8). Ciel and Sebastian infiltrate a circus to uncover the truth behind a series of disappearances.
Highlights: Unique circus characters, intense story progression, and thrilling action scenes within the circus setting.

Black Butler: Book of Murder (OVA)

Release Year: 2015
Storyline: Adaptation of the Phantomhive Manor Murders arc (volumes 9-11). This OVA delves into a murder mystery at Ciel’s mansion.
Highlights: Strong mystery elements, guest characters, and intricate plot twists.

Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic (Movie)

Release Year: 2017
Storyline: Adaptation of the Luxury Liner arc (volumes 12-14). Ciel and Sebastian find themselves entangled in a sinister plot aboard a luxury liner.
Highlights: Exciting maritime action, stunning oceanic visuals, and high production values typical of a feature film.

Black Butler: Boarding School Arc (Season 4)

Release Year: 2024
Storyline: Adaptation of the Weston College arc (volumes 14-18). Ciel goes undercover at a prestigious boarding school to investigate a series of mysterious events.
Highlights: Detailed school setting, new challenges for Ciel and Sebastian, and a deeply engaging mystery.

Where to Watch

Here are some major streaming services where you can watch the “Black Butler” series:

Netflix

Overview: Available globally. Major series such as the first season, “Black Butler II,” “Book of Circus,” “Book of Murder,” and “Book of the Atlantic” are all available.

Crunchyroll

Overview: Specializes in anime streaming. You can watch “Black Butler” (Season 1), “Black Butler II,” “Book of Circus,” and “Book of Murder.”

Funimation

Overview: Focuses on anime with both subbed and dubbed options. Provides access to “Black Butler” (Season 1), “Black Butler II,” “Book of Circus,” “Book of Murder,” and “Book of the Atlantic.”

Hulu

Overview: Primarily available in the US. Offers “Black Butler” (Season 1), “Book of Circus,” “Book of Murder,” and “Book of the Atlantic.”

Amazon Prime Video

Overview: Available in many countries. You can find “Black Butler” (Season 1), “Black Butler II,” “Book of Circus,” and “Book of Murder.”

Summary

Watching the “Black Butler” series in chronological order allows you to follow the story’s flow and character development more deeply.

Each series has its own unique appeal, providing various thrilling and captivating moments that enhance the “Black Butler” experience.

We hope this guide helps you enjoy the “Black Butler” series to its fullest, whether you’re starting for the first time or revisiting as a long-time fan. Happy viewing!