Review of Black Butler: Book of Circus
Kurushitsuji 3: Book of circus(Black Butler 3) is a continuation of about halfway through the first season of Kurushitsuji. It follows the manga and is a rather important piece in the main character's life(Ciel phantomhive) as it explored and identifies some main points of his past. The story, with the exception of the first episode(which is there to reintroduce the characters) is well thought out and since it is directly from the manga, any qualms with the story will come down to weather or not you like the manga or think that that arc was particularly good or bad. The plot is basically this: Atraveling circus, known as Noah's ark circus, comes to London. However, they are notorious for leaving behind missing children in every place they have visited so the Queen tasks Ciel with finding out if there are any truths to the rumors and if so, end the circus once and for all. The plot in general is well done given its series length of ten episodes, which you may or may not like. Objectively, it seems that ten episodes was a bit to short to truly capture everything but from what i have read from the Manga, it was "word for word" and therefore, done perfectly. (Though the end will leave you wanting more, and basically leaving you with the statement: "I feel like there should be more")
The art is well, if not slightly better than the first series, and I can't think of a single bad frame.
As for the sound, the opening and ending really fit the series well, and though I can't say I enjoyed the ending, I actually do like the opening(& have even downloaded the song to my phone). Along with the original OST used for black butler, they have added some new medley, which is good and fits the series well, specifically the times it is used.
The characters are mostly ok, and we get some great development in Ciel's character. The antagonists of the series are ok as well, and rather interesting as well, given their personalities conflict with their duty; the things they must do. There are a few characters that are not really developed enough, and despite their importance, seem almost disposable. (Though whether this was done on purpose or if it was just like the manga i cannot say). The only qualm I have(If you can call it that) is the misleading opening, which identifies the reapers(along with a new one). Though they are in the series, with Will being the most prominent, their role is rather ambiguous(Specifically will's) and they don't contribute at all to the series other than for an amusing couple of scenes.
It all comes down to if you enjoy Black butler(Which I do; & I am a straight male). The series was much better than the second season in story and enjoyment and only falls short of the first(Due to the fact the first season has many arcs and more episodes while book of circus had 10 episodes and 1 arc).
As a footnote, I understand its appeal and sort of directness at female audiences, but the show, just like all the seasons, have complicated ideals, emotions and some interesting personal philosophies. Of course, the humour and relationships(like the one Grell has for Sebastian) are a bit over the top, I still find it a rather enjoyable series, and found Book of Circus to be a favorite arc of mine. (And if you don't like it, I Imagine there will be many more seasons to come)