Second favorite anime as my 25th review? That works.
Plot Summary
In Victorian England, Ciel Phantomhive, after witnessing his parents being killed in a fire and being captured and tortured, he makes a contract with a demon and returns to his newly rebuilt manor and reigns as the Earl Phantomhive. With the help of new his highly capable demon butler, Sebastian, and the other servants in his manor, he helps solve crimes for the Queen - and searches to avenge those who killed his parents.
Story
The story here is incredible. It keeps a pretty good pacing, not revealing too much while still keeping you interested. Most of the plot twists are small, but some of them are known to be huge and unexpected. It maintains a great atmosphere throughout the entire anime, whether it's light-hearted or emotional. The last 6 episodes are so intense they can be called nothing short of a masterpiece.
The only concern some might have is how it can switch the tone from humorous to extremely dark back to humorous in the space of one episode.
8.6
Characters
The amount of character development is also really good. Almost all characters play a part, and most have some sort of development. The development is done wonderfully and each character has their own identity.
9.5
Animation
The animation is done fairly well. The details and designs really showcase the time period and add a colorful spark. It plays a major part in creating the atmosphere throughout the anime.
The only concern is that the animation can sometimes change to add to the humour aspect, contributing to the jarring changes in style.
9.3
Music
The music is done by who is probably my favorite anime composer at this point - Taku Iwasaki. The background tracks can be dramatic and emotional, or they can be playful and light-hearted, depending what is needed. The music fits seamlessly with the story and style of animation, only adding to the beautiful atmosphere in this anime.
The opening, both first and second, are from the same incredible song, but with different verses. The switching of only verses helps keep a steady sense of continuation throughout the anime, while keeping it interesting. Not to mention the great animation that accompanies both openings.
The first closing felt too light-hearted and takes away from the atmosphere that the episode itself created. The second closing, however, composed by the great Yuki Kajiura, was beautiful and added, rather than subtracted, from the anime.
9.1
Overall
Kuroshitsuji does a great job of creating atmosphere, whether it be playful or emotional. The story and characters are detailed and great, while the music and animation is done beautifully. The only complaint one might have is the fast switching from tones throughout the anime.
Full Moon
9.13
Other
Seriously, this anime actually follows the Victorian times pretty closely. Trust me, I've checked. The only major difference is, obviously, there was no huge London fire and the Queen didn't die.
Favorite character? Ciel. It used to be Grell (I considered him to be a lot like me), but the second time I watched I realized that, sadly enough, he is mostly useless in this anime. His main purpose is to explain things about the Shinigami world. Ciel's development is so complex and subtle, you do have to be paying attention to completely get it.
And, though some may consider him pointless, I really do love Tanaka.
Dang I love this anime.
