Unveiling the Dark Secrets: Black Butler’s Emerald Witch Arc is Here!

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Summary

  • CloverWorks’ revival of Black Butler returns with the long-awaited adaptation of a beloved arc.
  • The arc introduces fan-favorite characters and more exciting moments with Ciel and Sebastian.
  • Director Okada and his team are bringing strong visual storytelling experience to the series, along with new music by Ryo Kawasaki.
Title Black Butler: Emerald Witch Arc
Director Keniro Okada
Studio CloverWorks
Premiere Date 04/05/2025

17 years have passed since the start of the “Black Butler” anime, and even though it has had its ups and downs over the years, the fact that CloverWorks is continuing the story still gets me excited. In the new “Emerald Witch Arc,” Sebastian and Ciel are tasked by the Queen to travel to Germany to uncover the truth behind a string of baffling deaths in the supposedly cursed “Werewolves’ Forest.

Instead of A-1 Pictures’ well-loved adaptation from 2006, director Kenjiro Okada’s revival appears to offer a more uniform storyline progression. The “Public School Arc” made its debut only last year, resuming the narrative from where the 2017’s “Book of Atlantic” concluded, and fans are already enjoying the latest arc this spring.

The Mystery of the Witch’s Curse

The Emerald Witch Saga is one of the most cherished story arcs by long-term fans, appearing as the eighth instalment in the manga series. Similar to its teaser trailer from last year, it concludes the previous season with a new beginning. Two aristocrats, on a hunt for a fox, stray into woods whispered about as cursed. Disregarding such tales, they encounter what appears to be a werewolf. Panicking and attempting to escape, they become ensnared by the curse, showing signs of bleeding and swelling.

At Ciel Phantomhive’s manor, along with his faithful butler, Sebastian Michaelis, they receive a mysterious task that requires their attention. This case, unlike any other in the narrative, takes Ciel’s duties for the Queen beyond Great Britain, excluding the Luxury Liner storyline. The young earl is reluctant to depart from his usual headquarters. However, he concludes it’s necessary and embarks on a journey to Germany, accompanied by Sebastian and their entourage of servants.

What Makes This Arc Special?

In this narrative, we encounter two beloved characters: Sieglinde Sullivan, known as the “Emerald Witch,” and her assistant Wolfram Gelzer. The protagonist, Ciel, along with his companions, are led by an investigation that transports them to Wolfsschlucht, a female-dominated town, with Wolfram being the sole exception. This town is governed by the young Sieglinde. As they strive to unravel the mystery of the forest’s curse, they rely on this “witch” and her assistant for assistance.

You’ll quickly understand why this arc is highly cherished, as it broadens the world and offers numerous thrilling character interactions that make extensive use of the growing ensemble cast. What makes it even more captivating is that the initial events place Ciel in precarious situations that challenge his resilience, leading to intriguing encounters between him and Sebastian that are particularly noteworthy.

The Staff Behind The Emerald Witch Arc

Director Okada held the position of series director for the critically-acclaimed drama, “March Comes in Like a Lion,” which is among Shaft’s greatest works.

Back in the day, I had the privilege to work with Studio Shaft, and my resume definitely shines due to that experience! I’ve been involved as an episode director and animator for the Monogatari Series, starting from Nekomonogatari way back in 2012, all the way up to Zoku Owarimonogatari in 2019. But what really sets me apart is that I was the series director for March Comes in Like a Lion – one of Shaft’s most celebrated dramas!

Studio Shaft has a knack for bringing in directors with a powerful visual narrative style, which is crucial for a series like Black Butler. The Emerald Witch Arc is being scripted by Hioryuki Yoshino, who’s been the screenwriter for Black Butler since its debut in 2008, except for Season 2, which was penned by Mari Okada. Apart from Black Butler, Yoshino has also written scripts for Magi, World Trigger, Guilty Crown, and Seikon no Qwaser adaptations.

The Animation and Art

For this new season, we have five animation directors who are back from the previous one, including Yumi Shimizu. In addition to being an AD, she’s also our character designer, just like in the last arc. Previously, she worked as an assistant AD on “Revue Starlight: The Movie” and has been involved in projects such as “March Comes in Like a Lion,” “Monogatari,” “Horimiya,” and others. Our second animation director is Akira Takata; he too contributes to the character art, with past work including “Blue Exorcist,” “Durarara,” and “Yozakura Quartet.

Following Mio Inoguchi, a renowned animator/AD whose artistry graces not just the screens of Black Butler but also those of Sword Art Online, Tsuritama, Blue Exorcist, and Black Lagoon. After that, we have Yuusuke Shimizu, an animator whose latest creations can be found in Jujutsu Kaisen, Great Pretender, Vinland Saga, and Chainsaw Man. Lastly, Ayumi Samukawa, who started as an in-between animator on productions such as Samurai Champloo, and has since contributed to projects like Fate, Psycho-Pass, Akame ga Kill and others.

The Music of the Emerald Witch Arc

Among the various adjustments to the Black Butler anime following the studio switch, the most thrilling might just be the appointment of its composer. Ryo Kawasaki’s work on To Your Eternity serves as a testament to his mastery of sound and its power to enhance narratives. It’s not surprising that Wit Studio selected him for their upcoming Netflix Original, Moonrise, given his talent. The harmonious fusion of Kawasaki’s music with Black Butler’s dark Victorian ambiance promises an enchanting combination.

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2025-03-14 15:24