The Black Butler anime series is set to continue with the highly anticipated Emerald Witch Arc, scheduled to debut in April 2025. Based on Yana Toboso’s popular manga, this new arc promises a thrilling addition to the Kuroshitsuji saga, delving into dark secrets and supernatural mysteries in Victorian England.
Unveiling the Emerald Witch Arc
The Emerald Witch Arc adapts chapters 86-107 of the Black Butler manga. Ciel Phantomhive, the Queen’s Watchdog, and his demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis, are thrust into a new investigation when ordered by the Queen to investigate mysterious deaths in Germany. Their investigation leads them to a cursed forest, the “Werewolf Forest,” where anyone who enters is said to meet a terrifying end.
The Werewolf Forest and a Terrifying Curse
As Sebastian and Ciel venture into the depths of the Werewolf Forest, they encounter a terrifying curse that threatens to consume them. They must unravel the truth behind the forest’s dark secrets and the mysterious deaths plaguing the area, all while confronting the supernatural forces at play.
New Characters and Cast Additions
The Emerald Witch Arc introduces new characters to the Black Butler universe, expanding the already rich cast.
- Sieglinde Sullivan: Rie Kugimiya (Kagura in Gintama) joins the cast as the enigmatic Sieglinde Sullivan.
- Wolfram Gelzer: Chikahiro Kobayashi (Legoshi in BEASTARS) will voice Wolfram Gelzer.
Maaya Sakamoto and Daisuke Ono reprise their roles as Ciel Phantomhive and Sebastian Michaelis, respectively.
Production Team and Studio
CloverWorks is producing the Emerald Witch Arc, with Kenjiro Okada (March comes in like a lion) returning to direct. The series composition is handled by Hiroyuki Yoshino (World Trigger), character designs by Yumi Shimizu (Horimiya), and music composed by Ryo Kawasaki.
Where to Watch
Crunchyroll will stream the Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc, making it accessible to fans worldwide.
What Makes the Emerald Witch Arc Special?
- Faithful Adaptation: The anime aims to stay true to Yana Toboso’s original manga.
- Intriguing Storyline: The Emerald Witch Arc delves into mysterious cases involving supernatural occurrences and dark secrets.
- Stellar Production: The anime features top-tier animation and talented voice actors.
Black Butler: A Brief Overview
Black Butler (Japanese: Kuroshitsuji) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso. It has been serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly GFantasy magazine since September 2006. The series follows Ciel Phantomhive, the 12-year-old Earl of Phantomhive, who serves as the Queen’s Watchdog, solving crimes in Victorian-era London. Ciel has formed a contract with the 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 Dark and Supernatural World
Set in Victorian-era England, Black Butler blends dark comedy, dark fantasy, and supernatural elements. The series has garnered a significant following for its intricate plot, compelling characters, and gothic aesthetic.
Adaptations and Popularity
The Black Butler manga has spawned various adaptations, including:
- An anime television series
- Animated films (Black Butler: Book of the Atlantic)
- OVAs (Black Butler: Book of Murder)
- Live-action film
- Musicals
- Video games
The manga series has over 35 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series.