Manga Review: Black Butler, Volume 14, by Yana Toboso

Rating (Out of 5): ~4-4.5

Publisher: Yen Press

Publish Date: July, 2013

Volumes: 17+

Spoilers?: Very Minor.

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Goodreads Synopsis:

The veil of mystery cast over the Aurora Society’s “absolute salvation” is torn away, and the true mastermind behind the scheme steps forward at long last. In the ensuing battle, Earl Ciel Phantomhive looks on in horror as Sebastian, his infallible manservant, is struck down by the death scythe of an unforeseen combatant. Devil though he may be, even Sebastian is not immune to the blade of a reaper’s scythe. As Sebastian’s cinematic record spills forth, the tale of how a devil became a butler to a little lost lord flickers to life in shades of sepia, blood, and ash…

Review:

The ship and zombie plot concludes in this volume. It’s very intense and titanic-y. The first chapter is a continuation of when Ciel and Sebastian first started their agreement, and it’s awesome. Then we get back to the present, and Sebastian is all intense, saving his master, and that’s awesome. It’s such a new side to him, since he’s usually so calm. And there’s a scene where Ciel commands something of him and he turns all dark.

Sebastian has never been my favorite character, although I’ve always liked him, but I love seeing his calm demeanor ruined. Like by getting flustered saving Ciel, or killing with vigor. Or, back during the Circus plot, when he was being seductive and suave. I want to see more of him, get inside his mind more. And it seems like Toboso is exploring his character more, and I'm enjoying it a lot.

Anyway, there’s battle and blood and death, fighting all over the place, Ciel coughing. Then things calm down, somewhat, for an Easter chapter. A little reprieve for Elizabeth to throw a party. Only, we get to see that she’s worried about Ciel, and about their relationship. And concerned and curious about what happened to him while he was gone (back before he showed up with Sebastian). It’s a very funny chapter, and I love seeing Ciel working hard to do something nice, to take care of, Elizabeth. I really want to see their relationship develop, to see him be honest and open with her, and her to become a bigger, closer part of his life. I’m assuming that’ll take a while, though.

Especially since the last chapter of the volume starts off with a new plotline. Ciel is going undercover at some private school. We haven’t learned much yet, but it’s obvious something is going on with the students, and the prefects of each dorm. That will be fun. Plus, Sebastian is going undercover as a teacher, so that’s sure to be interesting.

Good things ahead, and I’m excited!