I have loved Ciel Phantomhive from Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji, 2006) since I was in 7th grade c. 2012. He is a character I see myself in and, although I disagree with the direction his character has been forced into taking in the manga throughout the last few years, his symbolism of trauma, both in its detriment and strength, is something that I deeply empathize with and relate to. He is the definition of a phoenix and a misunderstood sufferer. While he is for sure a sharp-tongued bastard, he is also a young lord who needs grace and love. I adore him and always say he is my favorite character of all time. I could go on and on and I plan to here, just give me time to set this page up < 3

I am quite the hater of Black Butler season 1 and 2. Season 1 has its pluses (that being the material they took from the manga) but season 2 downright pisses me off! It literally isn't Black Butler -_- Book of Circus is my favorite manga arc and favorite animated adaptation; I am so utterly obsessed with it!!! It is one of my favorite pieces of art of all time and I resonate with the story very much. It's so real, terrible, cathartic, and existential. It's such a grounded arc that accurately portrays the most horrid of dark underbellies of society. The way Ciel's character and past is handled is absolutely compelling and daring. It is bold without holding back in the depiction of its dark themes. I will never forget reading this arc for the first time and being overcome with so much enamore and heartbreak. Witnessing Ciel crack under the weight of his traumas and present burden that is too much for a child, it's absolute art and incredibly underrated in its realistic depiction of trauma, the avoidance and coldness it causes, and in showing the horrid darkside of society.