Black Butler Volume II (2) (2009) (SM1)

About this deal

The "(SM1)" designation is ambiguous -- it could refer to a specific DVD volume release identifier -- but I cannot confirm exact specs for that particular disc release. The 2009 date and "Volume II" most plausibly point to the anime DVD release (the anime aired 2008-2009), as the manga Volume 2 was not published in English until 2010. I will describe what can be corroborated, noting the anime context, without inventing unverified disc specs. Black Butler (known in Japanese as Kuroshitsuji) is a manga series written and illustrated by Yana Toboso, serialised in Square Enix's shonen magazine Monthly GFantasy since 2006. A 24-episode anime television series adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, aired from October 2008 to March 2009. The story follows Ciel Phantomhive, the 12-year-old Earl of Phantomhive serving as the Queen's Watchdog, tasked with solving crimes in the underworld of Victorian-era London. Ciel has formed a contract with demon Sebastian Michaelis, who disguises himself as his butler in order to seek revenge on those who tortured him and murdered his parents -- with Sebastian permitted to consume Ciel's soul in exchange for his services. This DVD volume is well suited to fans of dark fantasy, Victorian gothic settings, and supernatural mystery. Special features on the DVD release include commentaries, textless songs, and trailers.