Sebastian Michaelis
| Sebastian Michaelis | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Yana Toboso |
| Voiced by | Daisuke Ono |
| Information | |
| Species | Demon |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Butler and Senior Staff Member of the Phantomhive Household |
| Relatives | Ciel Phantomhive (Master) |
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Sebastian Michaelis (Japanese: セバスチャン・ミカエリス, Sebasuchan Mikaerisu) is a fictional character in manga and anime series by Yana Toboso called ‘Black Butler (Japanese: 黒執事, Hepburn: Kuroshitsuji)’. Sebastian is a demon butler of the Phantomhive household. Sebastian has captivated the hearts of the fans with his distinctive blend of charm, wit, and supernatural prowess. This compelling figure, who possesses a devilish secret, has become an iconic and main fundamental of the Black Butler series. Sebastian is well-known for his good looking appearance and his loyalty to his young master Ciel Phantomhive and a senior member of the household.
Throughout the series, Sebastian is shrouded in mystery, often revealing only as much as necessary. One of the main attractions of Sebastain’s character is his true identity as a demon. As a demon butler, Sebastian processes many supernatural powers and an insatiable appetite for souls, acquired through a Faustian contract with Ciel Phantomhive. This contract serves as the foundation plot of the Black Butler series, exploring themes of vengeance, loyalty, and the consequences of making deals with the devil.
With his irresistible charisma and unwavering commitment to his master, Sebastian Michaelis has left an indelible mark on the "Black Butler" series and remains a character that continues to intrigue and captivate audiences around the world.[1]
Creation[edit]
Development[edit]
The character of Sebastian took many inspiration from christianity and demonology. The name Sebastian Michaelis is the name of a famous French demonologist and inquisitor. This is also supported by Sebastian’s ability to speak french. Not only that, Sebastian also shares many similar traits with other mythology demons mostly from Mephistopheles from the Faust Legends, which also inspire the name of the contact that Sebastian and Ciel make during the series which is ‘Faustian Contract’[2]. Furthermore, the connection between the character and Ciel raises the possibility that the character's initial raven-like appearance in the series has been influenced by Edgar Allan Poe's works.
The author and manga artist Yana Tabaso created the character Sebastain to be the butler and personal bodyguard for the main protagonist of the story Ciel Phantomhive. In the story of black butler, Sebastain is a demon the Ciel Phantomhive have made a Faustian contract with[2]. The character appears as a tall handsome male with black hair with his signature reddish brown eyes and black fingernails[3]. At the back of his hand is the place where the Faustian contract symbol is located.
Sebastian usually wears the attire of a butler, featuring black pants, a six-buttoned double-breasted coat, and a gray waistcoat. The Phantomhive emblem can be found on his shirt cuffs and tie. Additionally, he dons white gloves, carries a pocket watch, and sports a silver lapel pin with the Phantomhive crest, a traditional emblem worn by the head butler of the household[4].
During the development of the characters of Black butler, Yana Tabaso like to select the color that suit the character and also rename the color to make it suit with the role of the character, for example in this case, the eye of Sebastian is Reddish Brown which Tabaso called it Tea brown to make it suit with the role of Sebastian as a butler[3]. Another main color that has been part of Sebastain is black color which can be found on his clothing and also some of his body parts. The black color is not only associated with a formal dressing color but also the color of death and demon which reflect on the true identity of the character Sebastian himself.
In the early design of Sebastain, Yana Tabaso stated in the art book that at first, Sebastian will have a dog named ‘Cerberos’ but later change from having and liking a dog into loving a cat instead. Yana gives the reason that she changed the design due to the cat being curious and unexpected which suits the character that is full of mystery and secret like Sebastian.[5][6]
Later in the series, Sebastian transforms into his demonic form. The demonic Sebastian are shown to wear high-heeled stiletto boots, sharp claws, glowing fuchsia irises, slit pupils, and longer, sharper teeth, with dark wings[7][8] combined with multiple eyes.
Personality[edit]
Sebastian's unwavering loyalty is directed towards Ciel Phantomhive. He diligently executes each of Ciel's commands, all the while maintaining the efficient operation of the Phantomhive household in his role as the chief butler. Sleep is not a luxury that demons indulge in, and as a result, he frequently dedicates his nights to fulfilling his responsibilities.[9] At times, he expresses disapproval of his master and his treatment of the staff, however, he has acknowledged that he doesn't mind the challenges that come with the butler lifestyle, despite the daily difficulties it may entail. A distinctive characteristic of his is that he consistently answers Ciel's commands with the phrase "Yes, my lord (御意イエス ご主人様マイロード)."
Sebastian's butler persona is impeccably polished from an objective standpoint. He consistently follows commands, carries out tasks with remarkable skill and poise, and maintains a courteous demeanor. However, in truth, Sebastian is a cruel and sadistic demon. When executing orders from Ciel, he can be merciless, and at times, he deliberately places Ciel in situations that are not life-threatening solely for his own entertainment. In most cases, he exhibits a nonchalant attitude when Ciel seems to be in jeopardy, displaying confidence in his capacity to rescue him. However, he may reveal worry when the circumstances become increasingly precarious. Sebastian is astute and devoid of moral principles, and he doesn't hesitate to use deception, manipulation, and seduction to secure an advantage. He rigorously upholds his demon values and standards, including the principle of not forming multiple contracts, as he considers it to be lacking in refinement. His primary objective is to acquire Ciel's soul.[10]
In an interview, Yana describes Sebastian as “One hell of a butler”[11][12]. Sebastian is captivated by humans and their seemingly unquenchable desires, as they are willing to go to great lengths, even in death, to fulfill their needs. In general, he perceives them as "Difficult Creatures."In an interview, Yana Tabaso shares the perspective of Sebastian toward humans as seeing humans as grasshoppers[13] and doesn't really matter to him. Moreover, he holds a deep mutual aversion toward Grim Reapers.
Sebastian regards money as "worthless" and "materialistic." He possesses fluency in both French and Latin, to the extent that he can teach the latter. Additionally, he is skilled in Deutsch (German) and the East Franconian dialect spoken in Southern Germany. Furthermore, he has a deep affection for cats and once concealed at least thirteen of them in his wardrobe to keep Ciel from discovering them.
Appearances[14][15][16][17][edit]
Sebastian was summoned by Ciel Phantomhive after the sacrifice of Ciel's twin brother in a cult's summoning ritual at a cathedral.[18][19] He persuaded Ciel to form a contract and placed his mark on Ciel’s right eye, agreeing to help fulfill Ciel's personal revenge in exchange for Ciel’s soul. Sebastian chose to take on the role of a butler, believing it to be the most fitting position to serve an Earl. Ciel then bestowed upon him the name "Sebastian," which had previously been the name of Ciel's dog, for the duration of his service as Ciel's butler.[20]
Black Butler Arc (Manga:Chapter1-5/Anime:SS1EP.1-3)[edit]
Sebastian, introduced as the loyal butler to Ciel Phantomhive, adeptly manages the household's affairs, particularly during challenging circumstances.
The first event occurs when Ciel is abducted by a drug dealer, Azzuro Vanel from the Ferro family. Facing serious danger, Ciel steadfastly withholds vital information, prompting a sniper to threaten the lives of Ciel's servants. Sebastian manages to sway the sniper, after extracting information from the attackers, he skillfully kills them by luring them off a cliff. In a decisive confrontation with Azzurro, Sebastian ingeniously employs silverware as weaponry to overcome his defenses. In an impressive display of loyalty, Sebastian rescues Ciel from harm and safely ensures Ciel's return home.
Following the events, Sebastian resumes his butler duties. He organizes tasks for Baldroy, Finnian, and Mey-Rin, then prepares breakfast and tea for Ciel. Ciel requests arrangements for children from Lord Barton's orphanage, Sebastian faces interruptions and discovers the missing chocolate model's head. He suspects Tanaka's involvement. While serving Ciel tea, he finds Ciel asleep in the study, having snuck the chocolate head to eat. Sebastian scolds Ciel for sneaky snacking but reflects that being a butler isn't too bad.
Red Butler Arc (Manga:Chapter6-14/Anime:SS1EP.4-6)[edit]
Ciel got an invitation letter from Queen Victoria. Upon the Queen's orders, Ciel and Sebastian head to London, where they discover a murder scene performed by an unidentified serial killer, named Jack the Ripper. Following their discussion with the Undertaker, they conclude that based on the evidence, the murder must have been carried out by a skilled individual, specifically someone with a deep understanding of anatomy.
Sebastian quickly makes a list of potential suspects and whittles it down to ‘Aleister Chamber’’the Viscount of Druitt. To uncover the truth, they decide to join a party hosted by Aleister. Disguised, with Ciel posing as Angelina's niece and Sebastian as Ciel's tutor. Ciel falls victim to drugging and is spirited away to a hidden chamber within the estate where Aleister holds an auction to sell him. Fortunately, Sebastian came in time to rescue Ciel, resulting in Aleister's subsequent arrest.
Despite their belief that the killer was caught, another murder occurs, unveiling the shocking revelation that Angelina and Grelle are, in fact, Jack the Ripper. Sebastian confronts them, as Angelina tries to harm Ciel, Sebastian momentarily returns to his demon form and makes moves to eliminate her. Ciel commands Sebastian to halt his actions. Ultimately, Grelle ends up killing Angelina when she refuses to harm Ciel.
Indian Butler Arc (Manga:Chapter15-23/Anime:SS1EP.13-15)[edit]
Following the murder cessation, a new issue arises in London: British citizens returning from India are targeted, found hanging outside Indian pubs with letters proclaiming England's imminent divine retribution. Ciel, Sebastian, and Lau investigate, encountering hostility in a poor district. Soma Asman Kadar and Agni assist, seeking Soma's missing servant. In return for their help, they stay at Ciel's manor, revealing Agni's fighting prowess matching Sebastian's. Later, they discover Agni's connection with Lord Harold West Jeb and seek Mina's whereabouts. A conflict between Soma and Agni erupts, resolved by Sebastian's intervention in disguise.
At the manor, Soma's emotional outburst leads to a Haviland tea set's destruction, prompting a discussion about manners and possessions. Ciel reaffirms his determination for revenge, while Sebastian plots a strategy against West. They learn West's intentions to secure a Royal Warrant through a curry competition, with Ciel deciding to enter and Sebastian preparing a unique curry using Funtom Corporation's chocolate. The competition results in a tie, but Queen Victoria declares Sebastian the winner due to his curry's universal appeal. Agni reconciles with Soma and thanks Sebastian, expressing newfound friendship, which surprises Sebastian.
Circus Arc (Manga:Chapter24-37/Anime:Book of Circus-EP.37-46)[edit]
Sebastian and Ciel investigate missing children tied to the Noah's Ark Circus, join the troupe under disguises, and discover a sinister plot. They discover the tragic past of the circus members and engage in a dangerous confrontation. Despite Ciel's health issues, they encounter harrowing situations, leading to a tragic fire. Following a grim encounter and deadly incidents, they leave, and Sebastian questions Ciel's actions. Returning to the manor, an amusing yet awkward fitting for new clothes occurs. Elizabeth questions Ciel's secrecy, and Sebastian hints at Ciel's improved demeanor due to their companionship.
Phantomhive Manor Murders Arc (Manga:Chapter38-50/Anime:Book of Murder)[edit]
Charles Grey and Charles Phipps arrive at the manor, leading to a chain of dramatic events. The Queen requests Ciel to host a banquet for a special guest. As the event progresses, a fight breaks out, causing Sebastian to cleverly diffuse the situation. However, the night takes a grim turn when a murder occurs, leading to suspicion surrounding Ciel. A series of mysterious deaths follow, and the residents are held accountable for the victims. As the case unfolds, it's revealed that Sebastian had orchestrated an elaborate ruse to catch the real culprits. He pretends to be dead, only to later expose the truth behind the murders. Further revelations about Sebastian's true identity and capabilities emerge, surprising those involved. Eventually, Sebastian's supposed death is debunked when his grave's bell rings, indicating he's alive. His return is met with immense relief and joy from the household members. Finally, Sebastian resumes his role as Ciel's butler, reaffirming his commitment to truth and honesty.
Luxury Liner Arc (Manga:Chapter51-66/Anime:Book of Atlantic/Tango on the campania)[edit]
Despite others expressing concerns about his shadowy character, Sebastian welcomes Snake as the new footman in the manor. Ciel orders Sebastian to investigate the suspicious activities at Karnstein Hospital. Sebastian, disguised as a doctor, reveals that the hospital is conducting illegal human experiments and plans to attend a meeting of the secret society Aurora Society, to be held aboard the Blue Star Line's luxury ship Campania.
At the party on the ship, Ciel and Sebastian encounter the Aurora Society. During the meeting, Sebastian and Ciel perform a coded greeting that surprises Ciel. Rian Stoker, the Aurora Society's founder, exhibits a corpse revived through electrical shocks, which turns hostile. A fight breaks out, and Sebastian engages in combat, protecting Ciel and Elizabeth from the animated corpses. The group, assisted by Grim Reapers Ronald Knox and Grelle Sutcliff, works to subdue the threat on the ship.
Undertaker, a Grim Reaper, is revealed as the creator of the corpses, known as Bizarre Dolls. He explains their nature and purpose, leading to a battle between him, Sebastian, and the other Reapers. Sebastian valiantly fights to protect Ciel, sustaining injuries but ultimately saving him from Undertaker. The ship begins to sink, and Sebastian ensures Ciel's safety, tossing him into a lifeboat while he fights off the attacking Bizarre Dolls. Despite being weakened by the Undertaker's blow, Sebastian manages to overcome the dolls and join Ciel in the lifeboat. He becomes seriously injured and coughs up blood, apologizing to Ciel for his condition, but Ciel appreciates his effort. Upon their return, Sebastian assists Ciel in an Easter Egg Hunt organized by Elizabeth. Teaming up with Ciel, Sebastian orchestrates the game, ensuring Ciel's victory. In the end, Ciel wins the prize and presents it to Elizabeth, with Sebastian skillfully supporting him throughout the event
Public School Arc (Manga:Chapter67-85)[edit]
In this multi-part story involving Weston College, Queen Victoria enlists Ciel's help to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding students, including her cousin Derrick Arden, who refuses to return home. Ciel decides to infiltrate the school and enrolls as a student. Sebastian, in disguise as Michaelis, becomes Ciel's dorm supervisor.
Sebastian assists Ciel by gathering information on Derrick and addressing various issues within the school. They work together to uncover secrets and unravel the school's mysteries. Along the way, they discover manipulation and dark deeds happening among students, exposing those responsible.
As the investigation progresses, they encounter challenges and confrontations at the school, ultimately discovering the unsettling involvement of Undertaker, a mysterious figure, in the eerie events. Sebastian and Ciel work together to deal with the situation and protect the students.
The narrative ends with Ciel and Sebastian returning home after resolving the school's issues, focusing on their everyday routines and business affairs. They encounter some surprising discoveries about Undertaker's connection to the Phantomhive family and pursue business opportunities involving Funtom and celebrity endorsements. The story concludes with Sebastian
and Ciel dealing with public relations and using a famous figure to promote their products
Emerald Witch Arc (Manga:Chapter86-107)[edit]
Ciel receives a letter from the Queen, instructing him to investigate mysterious deaths in Germany. Despite his language barrier and reluctance, he embarks on the investigation with Sebastian's help. They head to Germany, encountering difficulties with the local dialect. Their investigation leads them to the Werewolves' Forest, where they meet the young ruler, Sieglinde Sullivan, who reveals information about her family's curse and the forest's dangers. During their stay, Ciel and Sebastian are affected by the forest's curse. Sebastian, surprisingly, exhibits emotions and physical changes, revealing the curse's severity. Sieglinde helps them but requires Sebastian's service as a butler in exchange for Ciel's recovery.
As they discover the truth behind the mysterious deaths—stemming from a chemical factory and the manipulation of villagers—Ciel takes swift action to save Sieglinde and exposes the wrongdoings. Sebastian handles adversaries in a tank battle and aids the Phantomhive household, leading to their safe return to England. Later, Ciel engages in various activities with his household and allies, receives puzzling messages from the Undertaker, and plans for Sieglinde's introduction to high society. Additionally, he confronts Wolfram about his actions and leads them back to London, where he gets help from his contacts and friends for Sieglinde's needs.
Blue Cult Arc (Manga:Chapter108-129)[edit]
Ciel, Sebastian, Sieglinde, and Wolfram discuss their plan outside Buckingham Palace. Ciel instructs Sieglinde to share the mustard gas formula with Queen Victoria for financial support. Sebastian advises Sieglinde to use her intellect for her benefit. Ciel warns her against disclosing the SuLIN gas and encourages her to be cunning.
The following day, outside the palace, Sebastian diverts to dispose of the SuLIN samples as instructed by Ciel. Upon returning, Ciel seems fatigued and shares a moment of contemplation with Sebastian, leaving him puzzled. Later, Sebastian observes Ciel in distress while sleeping and offers him tea. Ciel receives a case from Queen Victoria regarding the Sphere Music Hall case. Edward urgently informs Ciel that Elizabeth has run away to the Sphere Music Hall, revealing his involvement and her fascination with the place.
Ciel orders a carriage prepared to retrieve her. Upon arrival at the music hall, Sebastian and Edward notice Elizabeth's absence and find Sebastian interacting with the patrons. Sebastian's fortune reading by Blavat unnerves the crowd, leading to his ejection. Sebastian encounters a cat and revels in its company. Later, in a tavern, he befriends a prostitute who discloses the purpose of the bracelets seen in the music hall. She reveals that they grant access to exclusive events. Sebastian discovers further information through the women and then reunites with Ciel and Edward at the music hall, leading to an awkward interaction before the women depart.
At Ciel's townhouse, Sebastian serves Ciel and Edward tea while they discuss the Sphere Music Hall event. Sebastian entertains them with a song connected to the hall. Soma, another guest, recognizes the song, leading to the revelation that the music hall's song comes from prostitutes, spread by word of mouth due to low literacy in lower classes. Sebastian reveals a bracelet from the hall and learns about exclusive meetings held for those with different bracelets, hinting that Ciel, protected by Sirius, can attend. He suggests attending but Ciel declines. Sebastian waits outside and talks with a Scotland Yard officer about strange deaths related to the hall.
He discovers a hideaway full of corpses and later attends a meeting at the music hall but is unable to sense Ciel's presence. He converses with Fred from Scotland Yard about the mysterious deaths and the music hall scheme. Sebastian uncovers the music hall's practice of drawing blood from attendees and their deadly experiments. Ciel decides to create a rival music hall to lure the Sphere's audience and expose its dark operations. Sebastian trains and recruits a group, the Phantom Five, to perform at the new Funtom Music Hall. They succeed in drawing an audience away from Sphere.
The story leads to the discovery of a secondary music hall in Bath and the connection to the Sphere's exploitative practices. Sebastian and Ciel chase after Blavat to London, where they confront eerie circumstances and the sudden disappearance of Elizabeth and Agni. Agni is found fatally wounded at Ciel's townhouse, leaving Soma in a distressed state. Later, a shocking development occurs as an impostor posing as Ciel is discovered in Phantomhive Manor.
Blue Memory Arc (Manga:Chapter130-149)[edit]
Sebastian and Ciel encounter an imposter claiming to be the real Ciel Phantomhive. Undertaker, who saved the imposter's body during a fire, appears. He reveals his attachment to the Phantomhive family and his creation of the imposter through trial and error. Grelle and Othello join the scene, leading to a chaotic confrontation.
The battle gets interrupted when Fred, Scotland Yard officers, and others arrive. They believe the real Ciel is the impostor, accusing him of serious crimes. Sebastian confirms that the imposter set Ciel up. Consequently, Ciel gets arrested for multiple charges, including identity theft, and Sebastian is arrested as well. While being transported in a police carriage, Sebastian warns Scotland Yard about dangerous nocturnal activities and then engineers their escape with the help of the Phantomhive servants. They become fugitives, seeking refuge at Funtom Corporation and later finding assistance from Lau and Ran-Mao. They plan to escape by boat but are pursued by Scotland Yard. However, Lau intervenes and takes them to his opium den, offering shelter and aid.
Amidst all the chaos, Ciel asserts his identity, declares his intention to reclaim his title as Earl, and plans to confront the imposter, while Sebastian navigates the complicated and perilous circumstances they face.
Blue Revenge Arc (Manga:Chapter150-N/A)[edit]
Sebastian and Ciel assist at Lau's opium den, where Lau expresses concerns about his business being affected by Ciel's circumstances. Together, they strategize on reclaiming Ciel's rightful title as Earl by investigating and eliminating the imposter's alternative blood sources.
Despite gathering inconclusive evidence, Ciel prompts Sebastian to delve into the Aurora Society's ties, resulting in the identification of four significant locations to investigate, including a new resort hotel in Brighton. The urgency to avoid detection by Arthur leads to their swift departure from the opium den and London. Employing a clever tactic, Lau employs discreet hair ornaments to navigate past the Thames Division monitoring the River Thames and successfully negotiates passage. At Reading Railway Station, the group splits up, with Sebastian and Ciel boarding a train.
Meanwhile, Baldroy experiences a surreal, dreamlike episode involving his family and culinary efforts. Advised by Sebastian to enhance his culinary skills before serving his family, Baldroy ultimately falls into a chasm within the hallucination as Sebastian hesitates to assist, concluding thevivid vision.
References[edit]
- ↑ "Over 12,000 Fans Choose Which Devilish Black Butler Character is the Best". Anime News Network. 2023-12-02. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Toboso, Yana (2012). Black Butler Vol. 9 chapter 39: At noon: The Butler, Startled. Yen Press. p. 17. Search this book on
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "https://twitter.com/toboso_official/status/1628952119561846785". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 2023-12-02. External link in
|title=(help) - ↑ Toboso, Yana. Black Butler Vol.9 chapter 42: At midnight: The Butler, Substituted. p. 13. Search this book on
- ↑ midnight-in-town. "Trivia from the Kuroshitsuji character book". Imaginary World of Blinding Lights. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ "Character Guide". Kuropedia. 2012-02-18. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2011). Black Butler Vol.4 chapter 19: At midnight: The Butler, Superhuman. Yen Press. p. 11. Search this book on
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2010). Black Butler Vol.3 chapter 10: In the morning: The Butler, Reflective. Yen Press. pp. 17–18. Search this book on
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2011). Black Butler Vol.6 chapter 27: At midnight: The Butler, Performs. Yen Press. p. 3. Search this book on
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2019). Black Butler Vol. 27 chapter 138: That Butler, Refining. Yen Press. p. 44. Search this book on
- ↑ "Tumblr". www.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ "Tumblr". www.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ "Tumblr". www.tumblr.com. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ Toboso, Yana. Black Butler Vol.1-33 (English version ed.). Yen Press. Search this book on
- ↑ "List of Black Butler chapters", Wikipedia, 2023-11-19, retrieved 2023-12-02
- ↑ Hitchcock; Kubrick; Medium, while his favorite film writer is Roger Ebert Twitter (2022-09-09). "Black Butler Watch Order: The Complete Guide, Including the Movie and OVAs". Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ "Story arcs". Kuroshitsuji Wiki. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2011). Black Butler Vol.4: The Butler, Superhuman. Yen Press. pp. 10–11. Search this book on
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2019). Black Butler Vol.27: That Butler, Paying A Call. Yen Press. pp. 12–30. Search this book on
- ↑ Toboso, Yana (2013). Black Butler Vol.13: That Butler, Growth. Yen Press. p. 10. Search this book on
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