Kuro Shitsuji

The dark worlds of Poe, Shelley and Stoker are invoked in new horror anime Kuro Shitsuji. However it's not all spine-chilling tension, thanks to the goofy antics of the supporting cast that offset the more ghoulish aspects.

The anime is based on a six-chapter manga written and illustrated by Yana Toboso, whose previous works include RustBlaster. Handling the animation production is A-1 Pictures Inc, part of Sony's Animation division Aniplex. They have produced shows like Kannagi and Okiku Furikabutte.

Set in Victorian England, the story follows the adventures of 12-year-old aristocrat Ciel Phantomhive and his butler/bodyguard Sebastian Michaelis. They live in a beautiful manor house on the outskirts of London. Ciel is an orphan and, despite his age, he is very business savvy and owns a very profitable toy and confectionary company.

The Phantomhive Manor is staffed by very few servants including Bard the cook, who burns everything with his flamethrower, and chambermaid Maylene, a clumsy, bespectacled girl who has a huge crush on Sebastian. All of the major household duties are performed by Sebastian who, besides being an exceptional manservant, is also a gourmet chef, impeccable housekeeper and expert on tea.

Sebastian is admired by the other staff - but they don't know his dark secret. Sebastian is a demon who has been contracted to serve Ciel in return for an immortal soul. But the young master isn't without his own secrets.

To find out why Ciel would sell his soul and what lies ahead, keep an eye an the Animax channel.