Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen [Season 1 Episode 1]

“Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen” Episode 1 Review – A Gothic Return to Form

The long-awaited return of Black Butler has finally arrived with Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen (Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc), and fans couldn’t be more thrilled. The first episode, titled “His Butler, Doing Fieldwork,” wastes no time plunging us back into the dark, gothic world of Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler, Sebastian. With a mix of eerie atmosphere, stylish visuals, and the signature blend of mystery and dark humor, this premiere sets the stage for what promises to be another captivating arc.

A Haunting Introduction

The episode opens with Ciel and Sebastian arriving in Germany under the Queen’s orders to investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to a cursed forest. The setting is immediately striking—misty woods, ominous warnings from a local crone, and whispers of werewolves lurking in the shadows. The show’s ability to craft a chilling atmosphere is on full display here, drawing viewers into its gothic horror aesthetic effortlessly.

Fans on MyAnimeList and other forums have praised the episode’s ability to balance suspense with the series’ trademark wit. One user noted, “The gothic vibe is back in full force—that forest in Germany was the perfect choice to set a creepy atmosphere without overdoing it.” Another added, “Sebastian is still the king of dark charisma, and Ciel, as always, is wrapped up in a mystery that already feels bigger than it seems.”

New Faces and Familiar Charms

The introduction of Sieglinde Sullivan, the eccentric young girl who seems to hold sway over the village, has already sparked intrigue among fans. Voiced by the legendary Rie Kugimiya (known for her tsundere roles like Taiga from Toradora!), Sieglinde’s quirky personality and mysterious aura have left viewers eager to see how she’ll interact with Ciel and Sebastian. “Sieglinde’s debut was so good—I love her. She’s cute and already feels like a wildcard,” one fan gushed.

Meanwhile, the Phantomhive household staff—Finnian, Mey-Rin, and Baldroy—make a welcome return, adding their usual comedic flair to the otherwise grim narrative. Their presence lightens the mood, ensuring the show doesn’t lose its playful edge. “I love that Ciel and Sebastian’s journey this time includes all the Phantomhive servants. It feels like a proper adventure,” commented another viewer.

Visual and Musical Brilliance

One of the standout aspects of this episode is its stunning animation and music. CloverWorks, the studio behind this season, has outdone itself with the opening and ending sequences. The OP, with its rich color palette and gothic horror motifs, has been hailed as one of the best in the series. “The OP is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The visuals and music fit the Kuroshitsuji vibe perfectly,” raved a fan. The ED, meanwhile, is a melancholic yet visually striking piece that hints at deeper themes to come.

The attention to detail extends to the backgrounds and character designs, which maintain the series’ high standards. From the intricate Victorian-era costumes to the eerie forest landscapes, every frame feels meticulously crafted. “CloverWorks really put all their heart into bringing this anime back. The animation is fantastic,” remarked another enthusiast.

A Touch of German Flair

A unique twist in this arc is the use of German language and culture, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the setting. While some fans found the spoken German a bit rough around the edges (“The background voices were a lot better than the main cast, lmao”), others appreciated the effort. “I’m just so happy they had the cast actually speaking German for the most part. It’s not perfect, but I love it when they try,” one user admitted. The inclusion of German subtitles on platforms like Crunchyroll even led to some hilarious moments, with one German fan joking, “My stomach hurts from laughing so hard at the deep Franconian dialect they used in the subtitles!”

Setting the Stage

As an introductory episode, “His Butler, Doing Fieldwork” focuses on world-building and setting up the arc’s central mystery. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the eerie atmosphere to sink in while teasing future developments. Some fans noted that the slower start was necessary (“The episode was mostly introductory, focused on setting up the new arc, so the pacing was slower—but it worked”), while others are already hyped for what’s next. “The foreshadowing goes hard in this one!! I’m bawling—so happy my favorite arc is finally airing in anime form,” shared a manga reader.

Final Thoughts

Kuroshitsuji: Midori no Majo-hen Episode 1 is a strong return for the franchise, blending gothic horror, dark humor, and stunning visuals into a compelling package. While it’s early days, the setup promises an arc filled with intrigue, supernatural elements, and the dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian that fans adore. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “This episode has fulfilled all my expectations. It’s gorgeous.”

With its haunting atmosphere, memorable new characters, and CloverWorks’ impeccable production, this season of Black Butler is off to a fantastic start. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is one anime you won’t want to miss.

Rating: 9/10 – A near-perfect premiere that leaves us hungry for more.

What did you think of the episode? Share your thoughts in the comments!