View source for Black Butler

{{Short description|Japanese manga series and its franchise}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = Black Butler 1.png
| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover, featuring Sebastian Michaelis
| ja_kanji = 黒執事
| ja_romaji = Kuroshitsuji
| genre = {{ubl|[[Dark comedy]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Aoki|first=Deb|title=50 Essential Manga for Libraries|url=http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/50-Best-Manga-For-Libraries.02.htm|website=[[About.com]]|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912225401/http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/50-Best-Manga-For-Libraries.02.htm|archive-date=September 12, 2010|quote=Gorgeously Goth and sumptuously drawn with just a dash of wicked dark humor, ''Black Butler'' is a fan favorite that consistently appears in the New York Times Graphic Books Manga Top 10 bestseller lists.}}</ref>|[[Dark fantasy]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Cadorniga|first=Carlos|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-05-29/black-butler-10th-anniversary-celebrates-with-new-goodies/.88648|title=Black Butler's 10th Anniversary Celebrates with New Goodies|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 27, 2018|date=May 29, 2015|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310205904/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-05-29/black-butler-10th-anniversary-celebrates-with-new-goodies/.88648|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Supernatural fiction|Supernatural]]<ref name="yen-plus"/>}}<!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
}} 
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Yana Toboso]]
| publisher       = [[Square Enix]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher
| NA  = [[Yen Press]]
}}
| demographic     = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]}}
| imprint              = G Fantasy Comics
| magazine        = [[Monthly GFantasy]]
| magazine_en     = {{English manga magazine
| NA  = [[Yen Plus]]
}}
| first           = September 16, 2006
| volumes         = 34
| volume_list     = List of Black Butler chapters
}}
{{collapsed infobox section begin}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = {{ubl|[[Toshiya Shinohara]] ({{Abbr|S1|Season 1}})|Hirofumi Ogura ({{Abbr|S2|Season 2}})}}
| producer        = {{ubl|Hiroo Maruyama|Hiroyuki Shimizu|Shunsuke Saito|Mikihiro Iwata}}
| writer          = [[Mari Okada]]
| music           = [[Taku Iwasaki]]
| studio          = [[A-1 Pictures]]
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
| AUS = [[Crunchyroll Store Australia|Madman Entertainment]]
| BI  = [[Crunchyroll UK and Ireland|Manga Entertainment]]
| NA  = [[Aniplex of America]]
| SEA = [[Muse Communication]]<ref name="Muse">{{cite web|title=🎬Limited-Time YouTube Upload Announcement🎬|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGbshtvS9t-8CW11W7TooQg/community?lb=UgkxQDof3PyjD0nXLi2wyeWvpLsgx8ol32mL|publisher=[[Muse Communication]]|via=[[YouTube]]|access-date=April 7, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240407054758/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGbshtvS9t-8CW11W7TooQg/community?lb=UgkxQDof3PyjD0nXLi2wyeWvpLsgx8ol32mL|archive-date=April 7, 2024|date=April 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
| network         = [[Mainichi Broadcasting System|MBS]]<!--DO NOT ADD JNN, THE SHOW DIDN'T AIR ON SOME TBS NETWORK STATIONS -->
| network_en      = {{English anime network
| AU  = [[C31 Melbourne|C31]], [[Television Sydney|TVS]]
| US  = [[Funimation Channel]]
| SEA = [[Animax (Asian TV channel)|Animax Asia]]
}}
| first           = October 3, 2008
| last            = September 17, 2010
| episodes        = 36 + 7 OVA
| episode_list    = List of Black Butler episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Black Butler: Book of Circus
| director        = [[Noriyuki Abe]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Yasutaka Kimura|Kozue Kaneniwa|Ryū Hashimoto|Shinobu Satō|Ayako Yokoyama|Katsunori Kubo|Hirotsugu Ogisu}}
| writer          = [[Hiroyuki Yoshino (screenwriter)|Hiroyuki Yoshino]]
| music           = [[Yasunori Mitsuda]]
| studio          = A-1 Pictures
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
| NA  = [[Funimation]]
| AUS = Madman Entertainment
| BI  = [[Anime Limited]]
| SEA = Muse Communication<ref name="Muse"/>
}}
| network         = MBS
| network_en      = {{English anime network|UK=[[Viceland]]}}
| first           = July 10, 2014
| last            = September 12, 2014
| episodes        = 10
| episode_list    = List of Black Butler episodes#Season 3: Book of Circus (2014)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Black Butler: Book of Murder
| director        = Noriyuki Abe
| producer        = {{ubl|Yasutaka Kimura|Kozue Kaneniwa|Ryū Hashimoto|Shinobu Satō|Ayako Yokoyama|Katsunori Kubo|Hirotsugu Ogisu}}
| writer          = Hiroyuki Yoshino
| music           = Yasunori Mitsuda
| studio          = A-1 Pictures
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
| NA  = Funimation
| AUS = Madman Entertainment
}}
| first       = October 25, 2014
| last    = November 15, 2014
| runtime         = 60 minutes (each)
| episodes        = 2
| episode_list    = List of Black Butler episodes#OVA: Book of Murder (2014)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Black Butler: Public School Arc
| director        = [[Kenjirou Okada]]
| producer        = {{ubl|Yasutaka Kimura|Kanako Takahashi|Shizuka Kurosaki|Yuuichi Fukushima}}
| writer          = Hiroyuki Yoshino
| music           = Ryo Kawasaki
| studio          = [[CloverWorks]]
| licensee        = [[Crunchyroll]] {{English anime licensee|[[South Asia|SA]]/[[Southeast Asia|SEA]]|Muse Communication}}
| network         = [[Tokyo MX]], [[Tochigi Television|GYT]], [[Gunma Television|GTV]], [[Nippon BS Broadcasting|BS11]], MBS
| first           = April 13, 2024
| last            = June 22, 2024
| episodes        = 11
| episode_list    = List of Black Butler episodes#Season 4: Public School Arc (2024)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| title           = Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc
| director        = Kenjirou Okada
| producer        = 
| writer          = 
| music           = 
| studio          = CloverWorks
| licensee        = Crunchyroll
| network         = 
| first           = April 2025
| last            = scheduled
| episodes        = 
| episode_list    = 
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Films
| content         =
* ''[[Black Butler (film)|Black Butler]]'' (2014 live-action film)
* ''[[Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic]]'' (2017 anime film)
}}
{{Collapsed infobox section end}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Black Butler'''''|黒執事|Kuroshitsuji|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Yana Toboso]]. It has been serialized in [[Square Enix]]'s [[shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Monthly GFantasy]]'' since September 2006. The series follows Ciel Phantomhive, the 12-year-old [[Peerage of the United Kingdom|Earl]] of Phantomhive serving as the [[Queen Victoria|Queen's]] Watchdog. He is tasked with solving crimes in the underworld of [[19th-century London|Victorian-era London]]. Ciel has formed a [[Pact with the Devil|contract]] with demon Sebastian Michaelis, who disguises himself as his [[butler]], to seek revenge on those who tortured him and murdered his parents. In exchange for his services, Sebastian will be allowed to consume Ciel's soul.

A 24-episode [[anime]] television series adaptation, produced by [[A-1 Pictures]], aired from October 2008 to March 2009. A second 12-episode season aired from July to September 2010; this season features two new main characters and has an anime-original storyline which does not feature manga content. Another series, titled ''Black Butler: Book of Circus'', was broadcast between July and September 2014. A two-part theatrical [[original video animation]] (OVA), titled ''Black Butler: Book of Murder'', screened in Japanese theaters in October and November 2014. A [[live action|live-action]] film adaptation was released in Japan in January 2014. An [[Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic|animated film]], titled ''[[Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic]]'', premiered in Japan in January 2017. A fourth 11-episode season produced by [[CloverWorks]], titled ''Black Butler: Public School Arc'', aired from April to June 2024. A fifth season, titled ''Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc'', is set to premiere in April 2025.

In North America, the series has been licensed by [[Yen Press]]. It was published in ''[[Yen Plus]]'' from August 2009 to July 2010. The anime series was licensed by [[Funimation]]. Funimation lost the rights to the first two seasons, and they were later acquired by [[Aniplex of America]].

By March 2024, the ''Black Butler'' manga had over 35 million copies in circulation, making it one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series]].

==Plot==
{{see also|List of Black Butler characters{{!}}List of ''Black Butler'' characters}}
12-year-old earl Ciel Phantomhive lives in [[Victorian-era]] London. He acquired his title and position after the events of his tenth birthday on December 14, 1885, when the Phantomhive manor was attacked by unidentified perpetrators. Ciel's parents died along with the family dog, Sebastian, and he is taken and sold into slavery. He ends up in the hands of a sadistic, demon-worshipping cult and endures physical, mental and sexual abuse at the hands of his captors. 

One night, during a sacrificial ceremony to summon a demon, the demon arrives but states that he came in response to Ciel's summoning, not the cult's. Ciel sells his soul to the demon and forms a contract to be saved; the demon kills all the cultist members and places the [[Deal with the Devil|Faustian]] contract symbol on Ciel's right eye. As part of the contract, the demon will consume Ciel's soul as payment for helping him achieve his goal; revenge on those who brought down his family and the House of Phantomhive. Ciel names the demon Sebastian Michaelis, after his deceased dog. The duo return to society as Ciel takes over his late father's position as the Queen's Watchdog: someone tasked with investigating cases that Queen Victoria herself deems threatening to England. To assist with this task, Sebastian recruits notable individuals such as the sniper Mey-Rin, the veteran soldier Baldroy and Finnian, a teenager with superhuman strength, who join the Phantomhive estate, disguised as Ciel's servants.

As Ciel and Sebastian resolve several incidents under the Queen's orders, some of them are related to the "Aurora Society", a secret organization performing experiments involving [[undead|reanimated corpses]], led by a [[grim reaper]] with ties to the Phantomhive family known as "Undertaker". Undertaker eventually reveals that his true objective was to reanimate the body of Ciel's older twin brother and the real Ciel Phantomhive, who was the original heir of the Phantomhive estate. It is also revealed that both twins were captured and used in the ritual to summon Sebastian, with the original Ciel being sacrificed in the process and Ciel's younger brother assuming his identity to take revenge for their family. The revived "Ciel" incriminates his brother for the crimes committed by the Aurora Society and assumes control of the Phantomhive estate, forcing Ciel and his subordinates to flee. Branded as fugitives, Ciel, Sebastian and their allies begin investigating the Aurora Society further in order to prove Ciel's innocence and stop Undertaker's plans.

==Media==
===Manga===
{{main|List of Black Butler chapters{{!}}List of ''Black Butler'' chapters}}
Written and illustrated by [[Yana Toboso]], ''Black Butler'' started in [[Square Enix]]'s [[shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Monthly GFantasy]]'' on September 16, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:10月号は｢表紙｣×｢巻頭カラー｣×｢付録｣でカミヨミ特盛り!! 見逃すのはご法度!!|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/next/|website=GFantasy Website|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822202546fw_/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/next/|archive-date=August 22, 2006|language=ja|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:2006年10月号|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/new/2006_10.html|website=GFantasy Website|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003100405fw_/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/new/2006_10.html|archive-date=October 3, 2018|language=ja|url-status=dead }}</ref> In June 2024, it was announced that the manga would enter on hiatus, and that Toboso will be conducting research and making preparations as the series heads toward its climax.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Black Butler Manga Goes on Hiatus Before Heading to Climax|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-17/black-butler-manga-goes-on-hiatus-before-heading-to-climax/.212065|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618013959/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-17/black-butler-manga-goes-on-hiatus-before-heading-to-climax/.212065|archive-date=June 18, 2024|date=June 17, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Square Enix has collected its chapters into individual {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. The first volume was released on February 27, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757519633/|script-title=ja:黒執事 1|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|language=ja|access-date=June 18, 2020|archive-date=September 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925075229/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757519633/|url-status=live}}</ref> As of April 26, 2024, thirty-four volumes have been released.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757591653/|script-title=ja:黒執事（34）|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=March 24, 2024|archive-date=March 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329155319/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757591653/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Yen Press]] licensed the series for an English language release and serialized the manga in ''[[Yen Plus]]''{{'}} August 2009 issue for the magazine's first anniversary.<ref name="yen-plus">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-12/yen-plus-mag-begins-english-run-of-kuroshitsuji-manga|title=Kuroshitsuji Manga Begins English Run in Yen Plus Mag (Updated)|date=July 12, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-12|archive-date=July 13, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090713225852/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-12/yen-plus-mag-begins-english-run-of-kuroshitsuji-manga|url-status=live}}</ref> The publisher released the first volume on January 26, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler, Vol. 1|url=https://yenpress.com/9780316080842/black-butler-vol-1/|publisher=[[Yen Press]]|access-date=June 1, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210601191837/https://yenpress.com/9780316080842/black-butler-vol-1/|archive-date=June 1, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> As of June 18, 2024, 33 volumes have been released.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler, Vol. 33|url=https://yenpress.com/titles/9781975391676-black-butler-vol-33|publisher=[[Yen Press]]|access-date=December 8, 2024|archive-date=July 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240704160411/https://yenpress.com/titles/9781975391676-black-butler-vol-33|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Drama CDs===
On August 10, 2007, a drama CD was released by [[Frontier Works]]. It featured many of the characters appearing in volumes one and two.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ドラマＣＤ 黒執事|url=http://shop.frontierworks.jp/detail.asp?merchcd=FCCC-0065|publisher=[[Frontier Works]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071224134652/http://shop.frontierworks.jp/detail.asp?merchcd=FCCC-0065|archive-date=December 24, 2007|language=ja}}</ref> A second drama CD was released on November 26, 2008, under the [[Aniplex]] label.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事 華麗なるドラマCD|url=https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=SVWC000007596&lay=ANX|publisher=Sony Music Shop|access-date=October 23, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413204750/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?cd=SVWC000007596&lay=ANX|url-status=live| title=SonyMusicShop }}</ref>

===Anime===
{{main|List of Black Butler episodes{{!}}List of ''Black Butler'' episodes}}
In July 2008, it was announced that an [[anime]] adaptation of ''Black Butler'', directed by Toshiya Shinohara and produced by [[A-1 Pictures]]. It premiered in October 2008 and broadcast on [[Mainichi Broadcasting System|MBS]] as well as the [[TBS Television (Japan)|TBS]].<ref name="animeconfirmed">{{cite web|title=Kuroshitsuji Anime Confirmed to Premiere this Fall|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-11/kuroshitsuji-anime-confirmed-to-premiere-this-fall|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2008-08-25|archive-date=July 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080715041808/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-11/kuroshitsuji-anime-confirmed-to-premiere-this-fall|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TVアニメーション 黒執事|url=http://www.kuroshitsuji.tv/|publisher=[[Aniplex]]|language=ja|access-date=2008-08-25|archive-date=July 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130704031338/http://www.kuroshitsuji.tv/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事 :: 作品紹介 :: A-1 Pictures|url=http://www.a1p.jp/works/works_kuroshitsuji.html|publisher=[[A-1 Pictures]]|date=2008|author=Butler' site – スタッフ (Staff)|work=kuroshitsuji.tv|language=ja|access-date=2009-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202122253/http://www.a1p.jp/works/works_kuroshitsuji.html|archive-date=2009-02-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> On an event on June 14, 2009, it was announced that the anime would be returning for a second series. Japanese [[Seiyū|voice actor]] [[Junichi Suwabe]] confirmed this news on his official blog later that day.<ref name="newseasonconfirmed">{{cite web|title=Second Season of Kuroshitsuji confirmed|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-14/kuroshitsuji-anime-second-season-green-lit|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-06-14|archive-date=June 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617063201/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-14/kuroshitsuji-anime-second-season-green-lit|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="secondseasonanimeconfirmedagain">{{cite web|title=Second Season|url=http://ameblo.jp/zenraojisan/entry-10280529882.html|publisher=[[Junichi Suwabe]] Official Blog|access-date=2009-06-14|archive-date=June 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090618162315/http://ameblo.jp/zenraojisan/entry-10280529882.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The second series, {{Nihongo|''Black Butler II''|黒執事 II|Kuroshitsuji Tsū}}, premiered in July and follows a butler, Claude Faustus, and his master, Alois Trancy, as well as Sebastian and Ciel. Both new characters were designed by Toboso.<ref name="ANNarticle">{{cite web|title=Kuroshitsuji II to Debut in July with New Butler, Master|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-01/kuroshitsuji-ii-to-debut-in-july-with-new-butler-master|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 1, 2009|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421061512/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-01/kuroshitsuji-ii-to-debut-in-july-with-new-butler-master|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Aniplex]] released the complete Blu-ray and DVD set of both seasons and their extra OVAs on May 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2014/01/22/aniplex-japan-sets-black-butler-complete-blu-ray-anime-box-set/|title=Aniplex Japan Sets 'Black Butler' Complete Blu-ray Anime Box Set|website=The Fandom Post|date=January 22, 2014|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221002711/https://www.fandompost.com/2014/01/22/aniplex-japan-sets-black-butler-complete-blu-ray-anime-box-set/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 29, 2010, North American anime distributor [[Funimation]] announced on their online FuniCon 3.0 panel that they had licensed ''Black Butler''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-29/funimation-adds-black-butler/kuroshitsuji-tv-anime|title=Funimation Adds Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji TV Anime|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=March 29, 2010|access-date=2010-03-30|archive-date=March 31, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331211521/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-03-29/funimation-adds-black-butler/kuroshitsuji-tv-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Anime Expo]] 2010, Funimation also announced that they would stream the simulcast series, ''Black Butler II''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-02/funi-adds-live-action-moyashimon|title=Funi Adds Live Action Moyashimon Live Action, More|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=2010-07-03|archive-date=July 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704090410/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-02/funi-adds-live-action-moyashimon|url-status=live}}</ref> Funimation announced on their Facebook page that they had fully licensed the second season. Funimation released ''Black Butler'' Combo Pack Blu-ray/DVD first and second season on April 3, 2012. The series made its North American television debut on February 8, 2011, on the [[Funimation Channel]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.funimationchannel.com/schedule/2_e107.htm|title=FUNimation Week 7 of 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206043001/http://www.funimationchannel.com/schedule/2_e107.htm|archive-date=2011-02-06}}</ref> Funimation lost the rights to the series' first season in 2017,<ref>{{cite web|last=Kelly|first=Rai|title=Funimation: Black Butler Season 1 to 'Leave Funimation For Good'|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-05-07/funimation-black-butler-season-1-to-leave-funimation-for-good/.115758|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 16, 2018|date=May 7, 2017|archive-date=November 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117025319/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-05-07/funimation-black-butler-season-1-to-leave-funimation-for-good/.115758|url-status=live}}</ref> and the rights to the second season in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|title=Funimation's Black Butler II License Expires|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-06-08/funimation-black-butler-ii-license-expires/.132646|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 21, 2019|date=June 8, 2018|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221002709/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-06-08/funimation-black-butler-ii-license-expires/.132646|url-status=live}}</ref> The first season is currently licensed by [[Aniplex of America]] and it was released on a Blu-ray Disc box set on January 29, 2019.<ref>{{cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|title=Aniplex USA to Release Black Butler Season 1 on Blu-ray in January|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-11-16/aniplex-usa-to-release-black-butler-season-1-on-blu-ray-in-january/.139552|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 16, 2018|date=November 16, 2018|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116233037/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2018-11-16/aniplex-usa-to-release-black-butler-season-1-on-blu-ray-in-january/.139552|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2019, Funimation re-licensed the first two seasons for its streaming service.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Funimation Relicenses Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Black Butler Anime for Streaming|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-20/funimation-relicenses-fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood-black-butler-anime-for-streaming/.153508|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 20, 2019|date=November 20, 2019|archive-date=February 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221004214/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-11-20/funimation-relicenses-fullmetal-alchemist-brotherhood-black-butler-anime-for-streaming/.153508|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 16, 2014, it was announced that a third ''Black Butler'' anime series was in production.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/new-black-butler-anime-series-green-lit|title=New Black Butler Anime Series Green-Lit|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2014|archive-date=January 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117110749/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/new-black-butler-anime-series-green-lit|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2014/01/16/more-black-butler-anime-coming/|title=More 'Black Butler' Anime Coming?|website=The Fandom Post|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128063630/https://www.fandompost.com/2014/01/16/more-black-butler-anime-coming/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/01/16/new-black-butler-anime-announced|title=New "Black Butler" Anime Announced|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116021018/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/01/16/new-black-butler-anime-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> Titled {{Nihongo|''Black Butler: Book of Circus''|黒執事 Book of Circus|Kuroshitsuji Bukku obu Sākasu}}, the series was a close adaptation of the manga, unlike the previous seasons, adapting the "Noah's Ark Circus" arc.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler Gets 'Book of Murder' Video Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-22/black-butler-gets-book-of-murder-arc-video-anime|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=22 March 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323101723/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-22/black-butler-gets-book-of-murder-arc-video-anime|url-status=live}}</ref>  The series was directed by [[Noriyuki Abe]] at [[A-1 Pictures]], with [[Hiroyuki Yoshino (screenwriter)|Hiroyuki Yoshino]] in charge of scripts, along with Ichiro Okuchi and Yuka Miyata as scriptwriters. The main cast from the previous anime series returned, along with new cast members, and the series aired from July 10, 2014, to September 12, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-29/black-butler-book-of-circus-30-second-commercial-streamed/.75035|title=Black Butler: Book of Circus 30-Second Commercial Streamed|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2014-05-29|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531043231/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-05-29/black-butler-book-of-circus-30-second-commercial-streamed/.75035|url-status=live}}</ref>  In addition, a two-part [[original video animation]] (OVA) titled the ''Book of Murder'', an adaptation of the "Phantomhive Manor Murders" arc, was screened in Japanese theatres on October 25, and November 15, 2014. The OVAs featured returning staff from the previous season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler Gets 'Book of Murder' Arc Video Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-22/black-butler-gets-book-of-murder-arc-video-anime|access-date=November 16, 2014|archive-date=March 23, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323101723/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-03-22/black-butler-gets-book-of-murder-arc-video-anime|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Nelkin|first=Sarah|title=Black Butler: Book of Murder Original Video Anime Previewed in TV Spot|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-10-15/black-butler-book-of-murder-original-video-anime-previewed-in-tv-spot/.79944|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=November 16, 2014|archive-date=November 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106072728/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-10-15/black-butler-book-of-murder-original-video-anime-previewed-in-tv-spot/.79944|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 7, 2014, Funimation announced that they have licensed ''Black Butler: Book of Circus'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Funimation Adds Barakamon, Sengoku Basara Judge End, Black Butler: Book of Circus|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-05/funimation-adds-barakamon-sengoku-basara-judge-end-black-butler-book-of-circus/.76356|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=14 February 2016|archive-date=November 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115072612/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-05/funimation-adds-barakamon-sengoku-basara-judge-end-black-butler-book-of-circus/.76356|url-status=live}}</ref> and have streamed it on their simulcast. Funimation released the series on Blu-ray and DVD on April 19, 2016.<ref name="Anime News Network">{{cite web|title=Funimation Reveals Black Butler: Book of Circus & Book of Murder Anime's Casts, Release Dates|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-02-13/funimation-reveals-black-butler-book-of-circus-and-book-of-murder-anime-casts-release-dates/.98650|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=13 February 2016|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224095115/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-02-13/funimation-reveals-black-butler-book-of-circus-and-book-of-murder-anime-casts-release-dates/.98650|url-status=live}}</ref> Additionally, Funimation has licensed the two-part OVA ''Black Butler: Book of Murder'' and released it on May 17, 2016.<ref name="Anime News Network"/>

At [[Anime Expo]] 2023, [[Crunchyroll]] announced that a fourth season was in production. Titled {{Nihongo|''Black Butler: Public School Arc''|黒執事 -寄宿学校編-|Kuroshitsuji Kishuku Gakkō-hen}}, it was directed by [[Kenjirou Okada]] and produced by [[CloverWorks]], with Hiroyuki Yoshino handling series composition, Yumi Shimizu designing the characters, and Ryo Kawasaki composing the music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler: Public School Arc Anime Reveals Key Visual, Story|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-10/black-butler-public-school-arc-anime-reveals-key-visual-story/.202172|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|date=September 10, 2023|access-date=September 10, 2023|archive-date=September 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910062751/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-10/black-butler-public-school-arc-anime-reveals-key-visual-story/.202172|url-status=live}}</ref> The series was broadcast for eleven episodes from April 13 to June 22, 2024, on [[Tokyo MX]] and other networks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Crunchyroll Licenses The Apothecary Diaries, Goblin Slayer Season 2, Black Butler, More Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-07-03/crunchyroll-licenses-the-apothecary-diaries-goblin-slayer-season-2-black-butler-more-anime/.199938|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=July 3, 2023|access-date=July 3, 2023|archive-date=July 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703235820/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-07-03/crunchyroll-licenses-the-apothecary-diaries-goblin-slayer-season-2-black-butler-more-anime/.199938|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler Anime Returns with New Season on Crunchyroll in 2024|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/announcements/2023/7/3/black-butler-anime-returns-with-new-season-on-crunchyroll-in-2024|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|last=Luster|first=Joseph|date=July 3, 2023|access-date=July 3, 2023|archive-date=July 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703235903/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/announcements/2023/7/3/black-butler-anime-returns-with-new-season-on-crunchyroll-in-2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Black Butler: Public School Arc Anime's Promo Video Reveals P4 Cast, April 13 Premiere|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-15/black-butler-public-school-arc-anime-promo-video-reveals-p4-cast-april-13-premiere/.207644|website=[[Anime News Network]]|last=Mateo|first=Alex|date=February 15, 2024|access-date=February 15, 2024|archive-date=February 15, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215161355/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-15/black-butler-public-school-arc-anime-promo-video-reveals-p4-cast-april-13-premiere/.207644|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事 -寄宿学校編-|url=https://s.mxtv.jp/anime/kuroshitsuji/episode.html|publisher=[[Tokyo MX]]|access-date=June 23, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240623220908/https://s.mxtv.jp/anime/kuroshitsuji/episode.html|archive-date=June 23, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Muse Communication]] licensed the series in Asia-Pacific.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=Muse Asia Licenses Black Butler: Public School Arc Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-27/muse-asia-licenses-black-butler-public-school-arc-anime/.208046|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227084057/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-27/muse-asia-licenses-black-butler-public-school-arc-anime/.208046|archive-date=February 27, 2024|date=February 27, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

At Anime Expo 2024, it was announced that a fifth season, titled {{Nihongo|''Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc''|黒執事 -緑の魔女編-|Kuroshitsuji Midori no Majo-hen}}, is set to premiere in April 2025. Licensed by Crunchyroll, it will be again directed by Kenjirou Okada and produced by CloverWorks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc Anime Premieres in 2025|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-07-06/black-butler-emerald-witch-arc-anime-premieres-in-2025/.212924|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706230646/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-07-06/black-butler-emerald-witch-arc-anime-premieres-in-2025/.212924|archive-date=July 6, 2024|date=July 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cayanan|first=Joanna|title=Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc Anime Reveals 2 New Cast, More Returning Staff, April 2025 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-08/black-butler-emerald-witch-arc-anime-reveals-2-new-cast-more-returning-staff-april-2025-debut/.218743|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=December 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208092255/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-12-08/black-butler-emerald-witch-arc-anime-reveals-2-new-cast-more-returning-staff-april-2025-debut/.218743|archive-date=December 8, 2024|date=December 8, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Musical===
{{nihongo|''That Butler, Friendship''|その執事、友好|Sono Shitsuji, Yūkō}}, a musical adaptation of the manga, had run at the Sunshine Theater in [[Ikebukuro]] between May 28, 2009, and June 7, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eplus.jp/sys/web/s/kuro/index.html|script-title=ja:音楽舞闘会 黒執事 〜その執事、友好〜|publisher=Entertainment Plus Inc.|language=ja|access-date=2009-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090616063652/http://eplus.jp/sys/web/s/kuro/index.html|archive-date=2009-06-16|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Yuya Matsushita]] portrayed Sebastian Michaelis, [[Shougo Sakamoto]] played Ciel Phantomhive and Uehara Takuya as Grell Sutcliff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://eplus.jp/sys/web/s/kuro/cast.html|title=Cast & Staff|publisher=Entertainment Plus Inc.|language=ja|access-date=2009-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090621173817/http://eplus.jp/sys/web/s/kuro/cast.html|archive-date=2009-06-21|url-status=dead}}</ref>

{{nihongo|''Musical Black Butler: The Most Beautiful Death in The World – A Thousand Souls and The Fallen Grim Reaper''|ミュージカル｢黒執事｣〜ザ・モースト・ビューティフル・デス・イン・ザ・ワールド〜千の魂と堕ちた死神|Miūjikaru Kuroshitsuji – Za Mōsuto Byūtifuru Desu in za Wārudo – Sen no Tamashii to Ochita Shinigami}},<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:『ミュージカル「黒執事」-千の魂と堕ちた死神-』|url=http://www.kuroshitsuji-stage.jp/|work=kuroshitsuji-stage.jp|access-date=February 4, 2012|language=ja|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119092111/http://www.kuroshitsuji-stage.jp/|url-status=live}}</ref> the second musical adaptation of the manga, ran at Akasaka Act Theater (1300 seats) in [[Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo|Akasaka]], [[Tokyo]], [[Nagoya]], and [[Osaka]], between May 3 and May 23, 2010. [[Yuya Matsushita]] reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, Yukito Nishii played Ciel Phantomhive, and Uehara Takuya reprised his role as Grell Sutcliff. The other two main characters, Eric Slingby and Alan Humphries, were portrayed by Taisuke Saeki and Shinya Matsumoto, respectively. The musical was written by [[Mari Okada]], directed by Sakurako Fukuyama, with music composed by [[Taku Iwasaki]], and lyrics by [[Yukinojo Mori]]. A second run of ''The Most Beautiful Death in the World'' was announced in December 2012. It ran between May 17 and June 9, 2013, in the Akasaka ACT Theater (Akasaka, Tokyo) again, and the Umeda Arts Theater in Osaka. It was announced in February 2013 that [[Yuya Matsushita]], Uehara Takuya, and Shuhei Izumi would reprise their roles as Sebastian Michaelis, Grell Sutcliff, and the Undertaker, respectively. The rest of the roles were re-cast, with Taketo Tanaka replacing Yukito Nishii as Ciel Phantomhive, and Shinji Rachi and [[Masataka Nakagauchi]] replacing Taisuke Saeki and Matsumoto Shinya in the roles of Eric Slingby and Alan Humphries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.namashitsuji.jp/|script-title=ja:ミュージカル黒執事|language=ja|access-date=2013-02-05|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927114128/http://namashitsuji.jp/|url-status=live}}</ref>

A third musical {{nihongo|''Lycoris that Blazes the Earth''|地に燃えるリコリス|Chi ni Moeru Lycoris}} was performed in September 2014. Most of the cast reprised their roles from the re-run of ''The Most Beautiful Death in the World'' although Fukuzaki Nayuta replaced Taketo Tanaka as Ciel Phantomhive and Yuka Terasaki replaced Saki Matsuda as Mey-Rin. Akane Liv was introduced as Madam Red, Yuusuke Hirose as Charles Phipps, Oota Motohiro as Charles Grey and Araki Hirofumi as Lau.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.namashitsuji.jp/|script-title=ja:ミュージカル黒執事|language=ja|access-date=2014-07-19|archive-date=September 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927114128/http://namashitsuji.jp/|url-status=live}}</ref> A re-run of the third ''Black Butler'' musical "''Lycoris that Blazes the Earth''" was scheduled to perform in November–December 2015.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=Black Butler Musical's New Sebastian Pictured in Costume|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-05-18/black-butler-musical-new-sebastian-pictured-in-costume/.88273|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724032216/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-05-18/black-butler-musical-new-sebastian-pictured-in-costume/.88273|url-status=live}}</ref> It started in Osaka on November 7 then travel to [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]], Tokyo and [[Fukuoka]].<ref name=namaschedule>{{cite web|url=http://www.namashitsuji.jp/schedule.html|title=Schedule|website=Musical Kuroshitsuji|access-date=4 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723022456/http://www.namashitsuji.jp/schedule.html|archive-date=23 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The new run of the third musical was the first oversea tour in China (Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen) in December 2015.<ref name=namaschedule/> [[Yuta Furukawa]] replaced Matsushita as Sebastian Michaelis.<ref name="auto"/> Meanwhile, most of the cast from the third musical reprised their roles.

A fourth ''Black Butler'' musical, based on the Noah's Ark Circus arc of the manga, ran between November–December 2016. Yuta Furukawa reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, with Reo Uchikawa replacing Nayuta Fukuzaki as Ciel. Miura Ryosuke was introduced as Joker, Tano Asami as Beast and Tamaki Yuki as Snake, among others. Notably, Izumi Shuuhei reprised his role as the Undertaker again, making him the only original cast member still performing.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael|title=4th Black Butler Musical's Video Shows Sebastian, Ciel, Joker|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-11-08/4th-black-butler-musical-video-shows-sebastian-ciel-joker/.108572|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 18, 2020|date=November 8, 2016|archive-date=June 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618221550/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-11-08/4th-black-butler-musical-video-shows-sebastian-ciel-joker/.108572|url-status=live}}</ref>

A fifth ''Black Butler'' musical, ''Tango on the Campania'', which was based on the Luxury Liner arc in the manga, ran between December 2017 to February 2018. Yuta Furukawa reprised his role as Sebastian Michaelis, with Reo Uchikawa also reprising his role as Ciel Phantomhive. Mikata Ryosuke was introduced as Ronald Knox, [[Momoko Okazaki]] as Elizabeth Midford, and others. Other actors from previous performers also reprised their roles, such as Uehara Takuya as Grell Sutcliff, Izumi Shuuhei as the Undertaker, and Sasaki Yoshihide as Viscount Druitt.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=5th Black Butler Musical Reveals Main Visual, Cast Visuals|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-06-17/5th-black-butler-musical-reveals-main-visual-cast-visuals/.117619|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 18, 2020|date=June 17, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200620130916/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-06-17/5th-black-butler-musical-reveals-main-visual-cast-visuals/.117619|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|title=5th Black Butler Musical Reveals 2nd Main Visual, More Cast Visuals|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-07-18/5th-black-butler-musical-reveals-2nd-main-visual-more-cast-visuals/.118986|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 18, 2020|date=July 18, 2017|archive-date=June 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200619043706/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-07-18/5th-black-butler-musical-reveals-2nd-main-visual-more-cast-visuals/.118986|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Video game===
A video game for [[Nintendo DS]], called ''Kuroshitsuji Phantom & Ghost'' was developed by [[Square Enix]] and was released on March 19, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kuroshitsuji/|script-title=ja:黒執事 Phantom & Ghost|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|language=ja|access-date=2008-12-24|archive-date=December 21, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221232225/http://www.square-enix.co.jp/kuroshitsuji/|url-status=live}}</ref> The game is sold in two versions, a limited first-press edition with a higher price and numerous extra goods, and a regular edition.

===Print===
The {{nihongo|''Black Butler Character Book "That Butler, Assembles"''|黒執事 キャラクターガイド
｢その執事、集合｣|Kuroshitsuji Character Guide "Sono Shitsuji, Shūgō"}} was released on February 27, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事 キャラクターガイド その執事、集合|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525054/|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415084522/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525054/|url-status=live}}</ref> The book {{nihongo|''TV Animation Black Butler Black Record''|TVアニメーション｢黒執事｣ Black Record}} was released on March 27, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメーション「黒執事」Black Record|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525351/|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415083013/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525351/|url-status=live}}</ref> An official comics anthology, titled {{nihongo|''Rainbow Butler''|虹執事|Nijishitsuji}}, was also released on that date;<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事アンソロジーコミック 虹執事|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525306/|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419062521/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757525306/|url-status=live}}</ref> a second ''Rainbow Butler'' volume was released on August 27, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事アンソロジーコミック 虹執事 2|url=https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757529847/|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|access-date=October 23, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=April 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415090025/https://magazine.jp.square-enix.com/top/comics/detail/9784757529847/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Films===
{{main|Black Butler (film){{!}}''Black Butler'' (film)|Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic{{!}}''Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic''}}
It was announced on January 18, 2013, that the manga would be made into a live-action film starring [[Ayame Goriki]] as Genpou Shiori, [[Hiro Mizushima]] as Sebastian Michaelis. Filming began in April 2013 and the film was released on January 18, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://japanverse.com/2013/04/kuroshitsuji-black-butler-to-get-live-action-adaptation/|title=Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler) To Get Live-Action Adaptation|publisher=Japanverse|access-date=2013-04-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627000633/http://japanverse.com/2013/04/kuroshitsuji-black-butler-to-get-live-action-adaptation/|archive-date=2013-06-27|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/4-live-action-black-butler-character-videos-posted|title=4 Live-Action Black Butler Character Videos Posted|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=January 16, 2014|access-date=January 16, 2020|archive-date=March 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310205901/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-01-16/4-live-action-black-butler-character-videos-posted|url-status=live}}</ref>

On October 10, 2015, it was announced an animated film for the series has been green-lit, and the original anime cast returned to reprise their roles.<ref name="animenewsnetwork.com"/> On February 17, 2016, the film ''Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic'', was confirmed to be an animated adaptation of the {{nihongo|"Luxury Liner"|豪華客船|Gōka Kyakusen}} arc from the original manga. It was released in Japan on January 21, 2017.<ref name="animenewsnetwork.com">{{cite web|title=Black Butler Manga Gets Anime Film With Returning Cast|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-10/black-butler-manga-gets-anime-film-with-returning-cast/.94034|date=October 10, 2015|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 10, 2015|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421061529/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-10/black-butler-manga-gets-anime-film-with-returning-cast/.94034|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FilmDate">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-09/black-butler-book-of-the-atlantic-anime-film-streams-3-short-clips/.112032|title=Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic Anime Film Streams 3 Short Clips|date=February 9, 2017|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=March 10, 2017|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312095240/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-09/black-butler-book-of-the-atlantic-anime-film-streams-3-short-clips/.112032|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 1, 2017, Funimation announced that they have licensed the animated film and would screen it in a limited theatrical release in North America later in the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-01/funimation-licenses-black-butler-book-of-the-atlantic-film-for-screenings-in-theaters-this-year/.114221|title=Funimation Licenses ''Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic'' Film for Screenings in Theaters This Year|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2017-04-01|access-date=2017-04-01|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726140424/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-04-01/funimation-licenses-black-butler-book-of-the-atlantic-film-for-screenings-in-theaters-this-year/.114221|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic'', premiered in Japan on January 21, 2017, and in North America on the selected dates of June 12 and 14, 2017.

==Reception==
By January 2021, the ''Black Butler'' manga had over 30 million copies in circulation worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:4日間限定1～30巻無料『黒執事』待望の電子版配信開始！！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001063.000001227.html|website=PR Times|access-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111220722/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001063.000001227.html|archive-date=January 11, 2021|language=ja|date=January 8, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> By July 2022, the manga had over 32 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:人気漫画「黒執事」の連載 15 周年を記念した展覧会「黒執事展 -Rich Black-」を開催します！|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001518.000025003.html|website=PR Times|access-date=November 23, 2022|language=ja|date=July 12, 2022|archive-date=November 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122164754/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001518.000025003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By July 2023, it had over 34 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:アニメ『黒執事』新シリーズが2024年に放送決定 ティザービジュアルやPVも公開【コメント到着】|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2285598/full/|website=[[Oricon|Oricon News]]|access-date=July 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704140541/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2285598/full/|archive-date=July 4, 2023|language=ja|date=July 4, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> By March 2024, it had over 35 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:黒執事：テレビアニメ新シリーズ「寄宿学校編」　キービジュアルにセバスチャンとシエル　P4も|url=https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240306dog00m200021000c.html|website=Mantan Web|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310081244/https://mantan-web.jp/article/20240306dog00m200021000c.html|archive-date=March 10, 2024|language=ja|date=March 6, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref> Individual volumes have appeared in [[Oricon]]'s weekly chart of best-selling manga, taking several high spots.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-27/japanese-comic-ranking-december-18-24|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, December 18–24|date=December 27, 2007|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=March 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304231221/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-12-27/japanese-comic-ranking-december-18-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-12/japanese-comic-ranking-may-29-june-4|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, June 3–9|date=June 12, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=March 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305145629/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-06-12/japanese-comic-ranking-may-29-june-4|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-24/japanese-comic-ranking-september-16-22|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, September 16–22|date=September 24, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=April 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090412031107/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-09-24/japanese-comic-ranking-september-16-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-01/japanese-comic-ranking-september-23-29|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, September 23–29|date=October 1, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=June 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611142515/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-01/japanese-comic-ranking-september-23-29|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to the volumes, the comics anthology ''Rainbow Butler'' ranked seventeenth during the week of March 31 to April 6 2009, selling 41,083 copies after ranking thirty-third the previous week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-08/japanese-comic-ranking-march-31-april-6|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, March 31 – April 6|date=April 8, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=July 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140702100303/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-08/japanese-comic-ranking-march-31-april-6|url-status=live}}</ref> The fourth and fifth volumes ranked thirty-third and thirty-ninth of the top-selling manga in Japan during 2008, selling 529,210 copies and 468,550 copies respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-21/2008-top-selling-manga-in-japan-no.26-50|title=2008's Top-Selling Manga in Japan, #26–50|date=December 21, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=April 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160406175111/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-21/2008-top-selling-manga-in-japan-no.26-50|url-status=live}}</ref> The sixth volume ranked thirteenth of the top-selling manga in Japan during the first half of 2009, selling 619,501 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume/1st-half-of-2009|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 1st Half of 2009 (Updated)|date=June 15, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=December 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226191302/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-volume/1st-half-of-2009|url-status=live}}</ref> The series itself was ranked tenth of the top-selling manga series in Japan during 2009, selling a total of 1,603,197 estimated copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/1st-half-of-2009|title=Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 1st Half of 2009 (Updated)|date=June 15, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-02|archive-date=December 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201040334/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/top-selling-manga-in-japan-by-series/1st-half-of-2009|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Japanese music distributor Recochoku has created an annual survey of which anime characters that people would like to marry. Sebastian Michaelis ranked ninth in the category "The Character I Want to Be My Groom".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-12/survey/k-on-mio-reborn-hibari-are-no.1-bride-and-groom|title=Survey: K-ON's Mio, Reborn's Hibari are #1 Bride, Groom|date=June 12, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2009-07-17|archive-date=July 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090710013825/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-12/survey/k-on-mio-reborn-hibari-are-no.1-bride-and-groom|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of Gangan Comics manga franchises]]
* ''[[Earl Cain]]'', a similar Victorian-themed Gothic manga from 1991

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Japan|Anime and manga|Fantasy}}
{{Commons category|Black Butler}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|http://www.square-enix.co.jp/magazine/gfantasy/story/kuroshitsuji/}} at Square Enix {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.kuroshitsuji.tv/|Anime official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.kuroshitsuji-movie.com/|Film official website}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Official website|http://www.funimation.com/BlackButler|''Black Butler''}} on [[Funimation]]
* {{IMDb title|qid=Q11678056}}
* {{Anime News Network|manga|10154}}

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