Review of Black Butler: Book of Circus

I feel like many people see Black Butler as generally a light-hearted show that caters to a more female audience. Having only watched the first season minus the filler episodes toward the end, Book of Circus served as a shocking realization of just how brutal and dark a franchise Black Butler can be. Story: 9 One of the most compelling story arcs in the series, Book of Circus will leave you feeling chilled down to your bone marrow. After the light-hearted fanfare of season 1, I never expected Book of Circus to be quite so dark and despairing. The end of the arc left a particularly strongimpression on me, and I've never forgotten how cold and unfeeling the narrative was in dealing with the tragedies in this arc. I don't have the words to properly express how I felt in those moments beyond a grimace and strong feeling of "Oof." I want to say more, but for fear of spoiling I'll just leave it at that, and hope my words so far are endorsement enough.

Art: 7

*Inserts infamous scene where Ciel has an asthma attack* This is probably one of the best moments of animation in the show. I'd say it was serviceable all around, but not stellar, even if it was better than season 1. Then again, I haven't watched it in quite some time so maybe my opinion is moot. I would like to give props to the staff for creating great atmosphere depending on the scene, whether it be colorful or bleak.

Sound: 6

I can't remember anything but the opening, but it's been too long since I've watched it so there might be some gems in there. Black Butler isn't a series I'd praise for its soundtrack regardless. I watched the dub and I quite enjoyed it, so I wouldn't give it the same score for sound though I'll list it in this category regardless.

Character: 9

It's easy to forget just how damaged Ciel truly is by his past. It's also easy to forget that Sebastian, beneath the polished facade he dons as a butler, is truly demonic. The villain I found to be frightening and deranged, with the members of the circus not necessarily being outstanding in my mind but at the same time definitely compelling within this arc. The returning supporting characters also gain some more depth and are part of the reason I credit this arc with single-handedly throwing away all the preconceived notions I had about the characters and world of Black Butler. Absolutely stellar.

Enjoyment: 10

It's been a few years since I've watched Book of Circus, but I don't think I'll ever forget the impact it had on me when I watched it. It's a dark experience, but an incredible one nonetheless. Maybe if I went back I wouldn't enjoy it as much, but I sincerely doubt that.

Overall: 8

Book of Circus is an arc that will change your perceptions on Black Butler up until this point, and honestly made me enough of a fan to go out and buy the next volumes of the manga. I don't think it's the best series in the world, but I would be remiss if I didn't give credit where it's due.