yes, i am completely obsessed with manga now. blame my sister--she got me hooked.
my latest foray into Japanese lit? Black Butler Vol. 1 by Yana Toboso
(synopsis from US version, edited to exclude spoilers)
Just a stone's throw from London lies the manor house of the illustrious Phantomhive earldom and its master, one Ciel Phantomhive. Earl Phantomhive is a giant in the world of commerce, Queen Victoria's faithful servant...and a slip of a twelve-year-old boy. Fortunately, his loyal butler, Sebastian, is ever at his side, ready to carry out the young master's wishes. And whether Sebastian is called to save a dinner party gone awry or probe the dark secrets of London's underbelly, there apparently is nothing Sebastian cannot do. In fact, one might say Sebastian is too good to be true...
i thought the Japanese take on Victorian London was very interesting. once the story picked up (i always have trouble getting starting manga series), i enjoyed it--but the part i enjoyed the most was the ending! it's always sad when i get into the story most right at the end! Vol. 2 will surely find its way to my bookshelves before long.
i wouldn't recommend this manga series to someone who has never read manga before. these Japanese comics can be an acquired taste, and Black Butler isn't my favorite manga so far. however, i would definitely recommend Black Butler if you absolutely love manga.
(4.0)
