Manga Review – Black Butler Vol 8 by Yana Toboso (5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Teen+
Genre: Manga/Paranormal
Length: 176 pages
Publisher: Yen Press
Release Date: January 24, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0316189651
Stand Alone or Series: 8th book in the Black Butler series
Source: Bought
Rating: 5/5 stars

This is the eighth volume in the Black Butler series. This has been an absolutely fantastic manga series and this book was just as wonderful and entertaining as all the previous books.

When the troops from Noah’s Ark Circus arrive at the Phantomhive Mansion they are in for a surprise. The Phantomhive staff may be incompetent at their day jobs but they are all kickass fighters in their own right and it was awesome to see them in action. This book ties up the Noah’s Ark Circus story arc and ends on a lighter note with a crazy tailor who is prepping the crew for new Easter clothing.

The beginning and middle of this installment is pretty dark. We see a twisted viciousness and darkness to Ciel’s character that we haven’t seen before. We also get to see what kind of destruction Sebastian is truly capable of.

The book ends on a more light-hearted note that had me laughing out loud some.

All in all this was an incredibly entertaining read that was a bit of a rollercoaster of a ride. I loved seeing the Phantomhive staff in action, I loved the addition of a new Reaper, and continue to adore all of the other characters as well (Ciel and Sebastian I am talking about you!).

The manga is beautifully illustrated and just so well balanced and amazingly fun.

Overall I loved this installment of the Black Butler series. I have loved this series from the beginning and it just keeps getting better and better. Highly recommended to those who enjoy paranormal and/or historical fantasy stories. I can’t wait to read the next one, I am seriously addicted to this manga. I don’t go all fan girl over very many things…but this manga is one of them.

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Graphic Novel Reading Challenge
– You Read How Many Books? Reading Challenge