Black Butler: Book of Circus Review
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The Duo of Darkness are back again this time to figure out the mystery of children disappearing as soon as a circus comes into town. Can Ciel and Sebastian find out the truth before it's too late? Or is the children not the only souls that need saving?
My Thoughts: This season of Black Butler is dark. Darker than the first series and maybe more graphic than pervious seasons. I am a fan of the series in general and this installment of the series is no different. The first two seasons of Black Butler, for me, had more light-hearted moments than serious moments, even though the subject matter was heavy. I think because this season is centered around children, it hits a place for me, especially with the last three episodes. What also gets me is the backstory of the main circus performers that the investigation starts with. Their story is heart-wrenching and it makes me question Ciel's side of things. I understand that Ciel is the Queen's Guard Dog and the implications and moral standing that he has to go through at such a young age. When he undertakes this assignment and how he reacts, I don't know about Ciel and his reasoning's. No spoilers here about what has been happening but I worry about if Ciel can take anymore trauma...
The shows pace was really good. The season is about 13 episodes and the episodes pack a lot in with the limited running time. Even though this is technically Season 3, they treat this set of episodes like its Season 2. There is exposition that takes place within the series that mention certain events that happened in Season 1 in case anybody skipped to watch this season instead. In my opinion, it seems that they disregarded that the second season existed (maybe because some people did not like the second season and the ending that occurred at the end of that season) ;) .
Voice Acting: I can't get enough with the voice acting. Brina Palencia and J Micheal Tatum was exceptionial as always and everyone, old and new voices that I have heard, did a great job. The one voice actor that blew me away was Matthew Mercer as Joker. His performance was so spot on and I almost cried when I saw a certain scene towards the end of the series and I believed every word, every emotion that he conveyed. It was a brilliant performance. Plus seeing Matthew being a DM on Critical Role using many accents, made him a perfect fit for Joker.
Music/Graphics: The music is beautiful as always, and sets the mood for the show very well. I love the opening and closing themes of the show since it also fits what the show is about. The graphics are beautiful even though most of the show is filled with dark colors. And of course the animation is great. The scenes with the circus were awesome and it made me feel like I was an audience member myself.
Grade: 4.5 out of 5- I love the story of the season I just wish it was longer and that the subject matter was lighter. There is some comic relief within the episodes but for me, I knew that it wouldn't last. It did help with the aesthetic but I do suggest people to watch the first season before one. Overall I enjoyed the series and any Black Butler fan would be very happy with this installment.
Anime Rules!!!!!
