

Black Butler: Public School Arc
黒執事 -寄宿学校編-
At the request of Queen Victoria, Earl Ciel Phantomhive goes to Weston College—a prestigious public academy for boys, known for its traditions and outstanding curriculum—to search for a relative of hers who has not returned home in months. Thanks to his noble status, the 13-year-old Ciel is swiftly able to enroll as a student, while his devilish butler Sebastian Michaelis assumes a teaching position at the school. Ciel does not anticipate being unable to locate the Queen's relative on campus. To make matters worse, he cannot request a meeting with the headmaster of the college, who may be the only person that knows anything pertaining to the disappearance. The only ones in frequent contact with the headmaster are the heads of the college dormitories, known as the Prefect 4 (P4): Edgar Redmond, Lawrence Bluewer, Herman Greenhill, and Gregory Violet. Ciel must concoct a plan to get in the P4's good graces if he wants to use their connections to succeed in his mission. But the distinguished college and its students hide much that is unseen, making this task more improbable than he could imagine. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
At the request of Queen Victoria, Earl Ciel Phantomhive goes to Weston College—a prestigious public academy for boys, known for its traditions and outstanding curriculum—to search for a relative of hers who has not returned home in months. Thanks to his noble status, the 13-year-old Ciel is swiftly able to enroll as a student, while his devilish butler Sebastian Michaelis assumes a teaching position at the school. Ciel does not anticipate being unable to locate the Queen's relative on campus. To make matters worse, he cannot request a meeting with the headmaster of the college, who may be the only person that knows anything pertaining to the disappearance. The only ones in frequent contact with the headmaster are the heads of the college dormitories, known as the Prefect 4 (P4): Edgar Redmond, Lawrence Bluewer, Herman Greenhill, and Gregory Violet. Ciel must concoct a plan to get in the P4's good graces if he wants to use their connections to succeed in his mission. But the distinguished college and its students hide much that is unseen, making this task more improbable than he could imagine. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
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Shin18
June 22, 2024
After 7 whole years, Black Butler has finally gotten an anime sequel that a lot of fans, including myself, have been waiting for. Ever since Book of Atlantic came out, we've asked ourselves about what's next in store for us, anticipating what's coming next. And now that the continuation is here, one question remains: Was the wait worth it? In my opinion, it is, in fact, worth the wait. Not only being an amazing adaptation of the manga, but also being a very solid arc overall. As we know, this season's Black Butler was adapted by a different studio, and while some people were excited, somewere worried too. But now that it has finished, I can definitely say that there wasn't anything to be concerned about. It is without a doubt as great as previous seasons, specifically Book of Circus, Murder, and Atlantic. There were, however, some dislikes among people about the anime's new artstyle in particular. Saying that the Public School arc's art is not only more colorful and about how Sebastian's design is worse, but also that the overall tone and vibe are not darker than previous seasons. For the latter, it is clearly not the case. While there were more comedic scenes and less tension at the beginning, slowly but surely, it builds up as it usually goes with Black Butler, reminding us that it is overall a dark fantasy and mystery. As for the former, there's not much to say other than the fact that, at the end, it all comes down to preference. Personally, both are good in their own perspective ways. However, regarding Sebastian, some people have judged too quickly, I won't go into too many details, but all that needs to be said is that it didn't need to be a concern after all. All in all, CloverWorks has done an overall good job with this adaptation. Now, as for the plot itself, after the whole event at Book of the Atlantic, Ciel and Sebastian entering a public school to investigate the disappearances of students may seem underwhelming at first, but the start's similar for the majority of the arcs adapted already. This arc itself could simply be considered a build-up for the series' overarching story, or, in other words, the calm before the storm. Even taking into account the subtle foreshadowings and mysteries revealed. This has always been one of Black Butler's biggest charms. To sum it up, even with A-1 Pictures being out of the picture, this season has managed to retain the qualities of the previous seasons, even with a studio and art style change. and overall, worth waiting for a long time. As of writing this, there hasn't been any announcement of a sequel, aside from a post-credit scene indicating of Emerald Witch, Black Butler's next arc. But again, even if it takes weeks, months, or even years, it wouldn't be a problem as long as it remains to receive good treatments.
Chanoyu
June 22, 2024
So, it's finished. After some years and after getting a new studio to adapt school arc, those results are really promising. First of all I have to point to graphics probably. Those arts and animations are just amazing. From the overall graphic of characters to really well-made details as Ciel's eyes or reflection and movement of the water in cup of the tea. It's really something what will catch your eye in the first seconds. Of course some art and animations are not the most important here. Despite many people being worried about story adaptation and design of characters, I would say it ended up pretty well.School arc was interesting one, with a lot of twists and details as much as funny situations. My personal issue lies simply in ending, it feels kinda "meh". Some longer conversation with main antagonist here or a bit better final episode would make just an honor to this piece. Also it's amazing even after years we have same voice actors for the main characters. It definitely brings some nostalgia after years. I don't agree with some opinions that the entire feeling or aura around Ciel and/or Sebastian has been changed. I am pretty sure some people have been watching previous seasons much younger and simply created some fake reasons for themselves to like it or to hate it. While I would agree that Sebastian's aura couldn't be seen that much in this arc as there have been some plot-wise limitations, I still seriously think he maintained his picture, behavior and feeling. And this applies to Ciel as well. I especially love how they maintained through years and different studios his small facial expressions and his overall mood and thus they basically kept his aura as well. In the end it has been a great season and I hope we will get another one, as we could see in post-credit scene some hint for the next arc. Good quality stuff for Kuroshitsuji fans as this season brought good things from previous ones and discarded the bad ones.
SacredArrow2000
June 23, 2024
An unexpected renewal of a beloved anime classic. An enjoyable, while slightly disappointing experience. This 'Public School Arc' was created for the fandom to embrace nostalgia. Listening to the original English dubbed cast bring our favourite characters back to life, while ushering in a new era for Black Butler franchise. With exquisite animation, a solid rock-based OST (That reminds audiences of the original series), and positive character-development behind the two male protagonists. It was refreshing seeing Ceil and Sebastien work alongside one another so effortlessly, while simultaneously not being dependent on one another. Both are able to act alone to move the plot forward. This madethe two appear as equals for the first time, not only as master and servant, nor as demon and prey. It should be stated that this season is a pale comparison to the original plot line. Not having the same menacing undertones as the previous three seasons, it didn't shake the audience with unforeseen twists or create a void of despair (as the demon butler Sebastien craved) after the affects of Lord Phantomhive's orders. No, this was a far more lighthearted and predictable story. We see Ceil masquerading as a young student in high society and excelling among his peers, never neglecting the heartlessness of his true nature, but presenting a relatable side to his usual arrogance. Likeable side-characters, with unfortunately underwhelming motivations. The concept of old English traditions, social edict and shameless brainwashing was present, but also exhaustingly drilled. The humour and wacky actions to move the plot were delightfully placed throughout the season, making each episode enjoyable (though, lacked real impact). One large benefit to this adaptation was that it able to create ties between 'The Book of Murder' OVA and 'The Book of The Atlantic' Film. Relinquishing their tags as meagre cash-grabs. Regardless, this is still a recommended watch. With an open ending after the 11th episode, audiences are excitedly awaiting a follow up season. Hopes are high that we may see the ruthlessness and sheer devastation of the original, since it's obviously laying down the foundation for something much bigger to come.
maya_kotori
January 6, 2026
Kuroshitsuji is one of those anime that completely pulls you into its world before you even realize what’s happening. It was only my third anime ever, and somehow I got totally lost in it in the best possible way. I watched it together with my sister, and that alone made the experience even more special. There’s something about sharing all the twists, the humor, the dark moments, and the absolute chaos of this series with someone else that makes it unforgettable. The atmosphere of Kuroshitsuji is unlike anything else. It mixes elegance, mystery, gothic aesthetics, and dark humor so perfectly that every episode feels likestepping into a beautifully twisted Victorian fairy tale. And of course, Sebastian and Ciel are such iconic characters. Their dynamic is intense, clever, emotional, and sometimes even heartbreaking. Watching their story unfold is addictive, and it’s impossible not to get attached. What I love most is how the series constantly surprises you. One moment you’re laughing at the absurdity of the Phantomhive household, and the next you’re hit with a dramatic plot twist that leaves you staring at the screen. It’s that blend of tones that makes Kuroshitsuji so unique and so easy to fall in love with. For me, Kuroshitsuji isn’t just an anime, it’s one of those series that stays with you, long after you’ve watched it.
Shiboness
August 4, 2024
They need to make these seasons longer again. Some of the best Black Butler content is them milling about, getting involved in random shenanigans and stumbling upon mysteries. The finale was a great reminder of this. Public School has some great arcs and plot development but it rushes to a messy and hasty conclusion. Brings in a lot of expository elements and callbacks to quickly wrap up a story that should’ve gone way deeper and at least another 5 or so episodes. That said I love this show, they have something inexplicable with Ciel, Sebastian, the Victorian setting, the balance between humor and drama. Ilove watching it through its ups and downs.
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