OVA Ciel in Wonderland Part 1

One day, Phantomhive Mansion, Ciel’s room. Ciel was bored reading the reports then he caught sight of Sebastian with bunny ears. Sebastian was muttering to himself “I'm late, I'm late” while running off, Ciel tried to follow him and fell down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world!?

あくまで執事ですから！
Akuma de shitsuji desu kara!
あくまで旅人ですから！
Akuma de traveller desu kara!
あくまで白ウサギですから！
Akuma de white rabbit desu kara! xDDD lmao

Funny sketches from Yana's Blog Link1 Link2

Characters:

Ciel Phantomhive (Alice)
Sebastian Michaelis (The White Rabbit)
Elizabeth (The Mouse)
Paula (The Dodo)
Baldroy (The Fish Footman)
Finnian (The Frog Footman)
Mey-Rin (The Flamingo)
Tanaka (The Hedgehog)
Viscount Druitt (The Mock Turtle)
Soma Asman Kadar (The Duchess)
Agni (The Cook)
Grell Sutcliff (The Cheshire Cat)

Source: http://www.kuroshitsuji.tv/dvdcd/index.html

Yana-sensei’s blog 31/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana Toboso’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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DVD情報もろもろ解禁です
The original entry can be found here.
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"Sebastian and sleeping Ciel and the trunk!"

The cover illustration for DVD1 is out on the anime official website.
I was a bit surprised as I didn’t expect them to put it up like that on the front page. (smile)

The colour spread in this month’s issue is a hollow image of Sebastian, and on the DVD cover a hollow Ciel.

Aniplex specified the theme “Sebastian and sleeping Ciel and the trunk!” so I worked on it.
It’s interesting to think about how to demonstrate it with a given theme.
It’s not appealing as an image if I simply stuffed Ciel into a trunk, so I aimed to demonstrate a dancing sense (pose?).
I can’t go into the details, but in season 2 these two will often find themselves dancing to Claude&Alois’ tune… (bitter smile)
Probably because Claude danced in ep1 or because of the PV, I tend to associate season 2 with a “dancing” image.
Nice isn’t it, dancing in tailcoat!!! (exciting)

My Kuroshitsuji Manga Set

Sebastian: This is my cat, I'm not sharing!

Ooh OK, I’m not touching your girlfriend, just let me have the book. o.O

lol I have finally received the Character Guide today so I’m feeling like showing off just once in a while. xD

Yana-sensei’s blog 30/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana Toboso’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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死神さんからお手紙きた
The original entry can be found here.
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On the picture:

Grell: もーだめ
I can't take any more.

Ronald: あぢー
So hot! [I think he means あつい]

(right) この真面目さを彼らに見習わせたいものです…まったく。
They [Grell and Ronald] should follow his [William] example of being serious… Enough is enough.

(top left)
William: 生執事で私を演じた永岡卓也氏は「ジョーカー　許されざる捜査官」轟泰樹役でレギュラー出演中…ですか。
Takuya Nagaoka, who played me in the musical, will be playing regularly as Yasuki Todoroki in TV drama “Joker: Yurusarezaru Sousakan”, it seems.

(below)
火曜日は必ず定時に上がるとしましょう
The show will be aired on every Tuesday.

(Arrow pointing to the letter)
暑中お見舞い
a summer greeting card

Yana-sensei’s blog 27/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana Toboso’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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スーツって難しい
The original entry can be found here.
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Suit is William and William is Difficult xD

Nah, this picture is completely irrelevant and I stole it from black asylum.

Spacecat scanned the cover too but somehow I prefer this flyer to the actual cover.
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[Sketches of Sebastian]

I’m practising drawing Sebastian.
The coming October issue (to be published in September) will mark the 4th year of this series and yet you’re still practising... I’m well prepared if that’s your reaction.
Consider this month the warm-up period in order to fill the 6-month gap. (lol)

Still I’m wondering if someone can do a pose collection featuring tailcoat? (Smile)
I do recall some Maid Pose Collection being released in the past…
I want a pose collection in tailcoat, say, serving at dinner, putting on the master’s shoes, polishing silver tableware, bowing, riding a horse etc.
What’s the proper way to handle the armholes? What to do with the reverse of tails!?
(In English, tailcoat means a coat with tails. I think it’s adorable to say “with tails”. Over here we always call the tails “Sebastian’s tails”.)

I bought quite a few men’s fashion magazines for reference but all of them are front view. Of course, it’s a tailcoat, if you go for a different approach the front panel and tails would become a problem, especially the front panel.
The short jacket can make the person look big or fat when bending over or picturing from a diagonal angle.
On top of that, since the model will be posing you’d want a more graceful posture!
We often talk about this and I think it’s definitely more difficult to picture a person standing at attention than an impressive pose.
Everyone agrees “In fact, a person in straight standing position is the most difficult to draw. It’s not attractive at all!”
Nonetheless I’d really love to take photos of a person standing at attention from all angles. (lol)
I’m sure anyone with experience in drawing knows, it’s a lot easier to get away (lol) with some strange poses than doing a precise front or side view of a person in standing position.

So in a corner of Kanagawa I’ll be waiting for pose collection of men in suit or tailcoat with my mouth open.
Please someone by all means I’m counting on you.
How I wish I could have a Maid Pose Collection or Butler Pose Collection supervised by Kaoru Mori sensei ポワーン.

Umm. I feel like I’m writing a love letter at midnight.
I’m blogging too much.
I might regret posting this tomorrow.

Yana-sensei’s blog 25/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana Toboso’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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駒鳥フィギュア
The original entry can be found here.
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Somehow everyone knows already. (I have just read the announcement on twitter.)
In addition to the previously released Static Art Sebastian and Ciel, we will have a new version this time.

It’s called “Static Art Ciel Robin Ver.”

So you know it’s going to be Ciel in that dress!!!!!!!!
It has finally come to this… Robin Ciel…

You can take a look at the picture here:
http://www.amiami.jp/shop/ProductInfo/product_id/173157
This is not Square Enix’s website but the mail-order company amiami’s HP. Please don’t enquire about the specs.
(They have a lot of photos so you can take a look. You can also order it from amazon or other retailers whichever that’s convenient for you. I think SE Shop will have it for sale too.)
(I have not been told the details regarding distribution methods so I can’t tell you about that. Sorry.)

Anyway when I was first told about it,

“Although I’m drawing this type of manga, actually I have quite a collection of bishoujo figures. From high quality figures such as アル●ーさん, グッス●さん to the Queen's Blade series, I do have an eye for bishoujo (in fact male) figure. Is that all right?”

Despite my initial intention to turn them down, SE decided to do it my way, so I jumped at it.

The prototype looked even more delicately cute than the picture. So for those who love Ciel, or like cross-dressing boys, or simply think this girl is cute as you can’t tell the difference anyway, this figure will make a nice piece for display at home.
The quality is so good I’d like to deliver it to Druitt!

Last time I drew Ciel’s dress sketch, this time I did the pose sketch too.
The inside story will be included in postscript.

If you don’t mind the topic of Bishoujo Figures (although Ciel’s a boy) please read on.

Yana-sensei’s blog 24/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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本日TBSで4話放映です！
The original entry can be found here.
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The episode will start in about 10 minutes. (Smile)
There’s so much work to do today I didn’t draw any sketch sorry.
I’ll do it after the episode airs together with spoilers! (><)

I have to say the highlight of this episode will be Sebastian’s super-butlering!
My ideal Sebastian is there!! Like this! This is the ideal Sebastian. (emphasize)
Well just watch it! Then you will know that Sebastian isn’t just about smug face! I feel like running around with a loud voice.
Claude has this super-glasses-move, so Sebastian…super-strength-move perhaps…with his bare hands. (lol)
It’s slightly awkward but despite Sebastian’s feeble look he can get basically everything done in the manga with his bare hands, so you may consider him the “fist-fight type” often seen in long-running anime series.
There is no doubt that he’s very confident when it comes to blows.★

The animation director responsible for this episode is Sakazaki-san. As introduced in the OP, He’s the “key animator” in S2 who brings the butlers to life in the anime.
Hence the action and everything in episode 4 is beautifully done~~~~~
From the hair to finger tips everything moves perfectly.
The scene on the coals with the back view of flapping tailcoat is my personal favourite. It’s so nice.
I can’t remember how many times I have watched ep4, just like the first episode, even though I haven’t had them for long. (lol)
Moreover it’s heart-tugging to see a himedakko scene with my own manga characters for the first time. Ahhh, Sebastian is so hot I can’t help thinking if Ciel were a girl love would flourish between them!
Unfortunately Sebastian is Sebastian handling luggage, Ciel is a boy so doesn’t give a damn about it.

A 30 minutes episode filled with the charm of anime that you will never get to experience in the manga so be sure not to miss it.

It’s going to start in 5 minutes!

This week I’ll tweet from time to time too, so please everyone in the Kantou region let’s watch it together.
See you then! (Dash towards the TV)

Yana-sensei’s blog 22/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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DIE・炎上・DEATH！（3話アバンの字幕）
The original entry can be found here.
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Last week I said “I’d post spoilers after each episode aired” and mentioned a certain scene of Grell’s. Here I’m coming to tell you about it.
I was reminded by someone on Twitter asking “isn’t it about time?”…
Growing old is no excuse for forgetting things!

But still the rough is hardly worth looking at it’s hard to believe a manga artist drew this.
I can see many of you start wondering “Your roughs always look like this?”

The director is a very kind person to pick up such a silly idea.

I think this episode has finished airing in all parts of the country, but for those who haven’t watched it, I’ll hide the spoiler below.

Yana-sensei’s blog 19/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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お耽美
The original entry can be found here.
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(Textless pic, Thanks to BA team: spacecat, ann-chan, 

juunana, the evil noblemen, solitaire, emoloz and nayama)

She used the word “tanbi”, which I think also means aesthetics. In order to differentiate between tanbi and Sebastian’s bigaku, I’ll use the alternative spelling “esthetics” for tanbi.
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During the Original Art Exhibition, I heard people saying “the drawings are very big”, so I think I’ll post a section of the colour spread from this month’s issue in its original size.
The data file is actually this big.
It’s about 8 times the analogue size.
I’m obsessed with adding things to the draft and I can’t stop myself once I started. I keep telling myself “I’ll definitely not enlarge it beyond this!” but keep breaking my own rules. (lol)

I also attempted a slightly different technique again in painting the colour pages.
A hollow and entrancing image of Sebastian’s corpse. I have always wanted to do this ever since Sebastian died so I thought I’d take this opportunity…this is my last chance. (Smile)
No matter, there is always some subtle difference in style and the editor keeps saying “which is your basic style I don’t understand”. (lol)
In pursuit of esthetics I tried to do a more realistic portrait, but received half-delightful and half-embarrassing comments from the assistant and family members who came to my workshop to take a peep.
“Scary!!!”
“Too beautiful almost feel like a curse”
「森の忘れ物系」
“Mori no wasuremono kei”
[Literally it means the forest’s lost things, or maybe lost lineage of the forest??]
Ahh you guys are so cruel.★
I intended to show details even the faint veins on the skin, but then I realised that “most people wouldn’t find it moe” so I finished it rather half-heartedly.
But in the end the texture turned out looking like veins. (Smile)
It’s summer so it’s nice to cool down a bit. (Horror Special?)

Speaking of Sebastian there must be roses! I think many people hold this view. But in fact I don’t often do the combination of Sebas and red roses.
There are quite a few scenes with roses in the anime but in the manga he isn’t associated with roses all that much.
More often than not I tend to draw roses and lilies with Ciel as a set.
However manga readers also associate Sebas with red roses, so I think it might be due to the association between England and roses.
I like roses too. For viewing.
Whilst in actual drawing it’s very difficult to get the balance right with this type of flowers. Not as difficult as lilies though.
Nonetheless in this picture the red roses overflowing from Sebastian’s clothes do not represent the flowers, but (beep) Ooops, being censored…

To put it simple, blood in itself doesn’t give a good impression in a colour image so generally it’s better to use petals and maybe ribbons instead.
Look, sometimes I’m told by the editor and some friends, my mind is old, I lack understanding in shoujo manga, I have no emotion, things like that, but in fact I have a fairly good sense of esthetics don’t you think? Look at this! (Elated)

Yana-sensei’s blog 17/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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CMみて思い出した
The original entry can be found here.
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Included in this month’s issue, you will receive a poster and a double-sided colour pencilboard as extras.
The pattern on the pencilboard is as advertised; the poster is the first part of a 4 parts set that will be released in the coming months.
Claude goes first.
You can assemble 4 posters into a large poster!

As for the cover, for some reason people already guess it, it’s a present image of the flashback scene in vol.8.
Because many were saying “I want to see it in full colour!” so I took this opportunity to do it.
The anime has come to season 2, Ciel/Sebastian’s relationship as master-butler has matured over 3 years time, with such image in mind.
Until now I have not done any so-called “rework” art. But being the most popular Sebastian/Ciel two-shot, I guess I may as well try it once.
It’s not like I’m trying to cut corners. (lol)
But to tell the truth, I think about mature images too much that even Ciel’s face becomes too mature looking. (sweating lol)
How I wish I can draw old men and kids in a consistent manner. Still lack in experience.

Sebastian and Ciel don’t like each other much so the composition of the picture is a challenge as it has always been.
To have them stick intimately together, what would that be like… Basically I avoid touching, but the cover size is fixed and I couldn’t find a composition layout pattern that they could possibly avoid touching each other.
At any rate I have been drawing this pair for about 4 years so I often feel like “I have done this before”.
I’m struggling to avoid it.
Besides it’s such a headache to place these two in the same picture due to their difference in height! No way I can do a front view with them side by side.
Because it’s for commercial use I have often been told to do a front view of characters in standing position, but more often than not I can’t seem to achieve it.
(Come to think of it, I heard the same thing from anime staff during Season 1. I guess it’s more so because the tv screen is wide.)
But lately I have started thinking maybe I should do more touching scenes.
They don’t like each other much that’s for sure, but as master and servant there’re possibilities in composition I should explore.
I have always drawn Alois and Claude touching each other. That piece in Black Tabloid is no different.
The director has said so too, Alois is the touchy feely type of person whilst Ciel is the type to push others away.
I tried to demonstrate a slight sense of distance with their expressions in this illustration, but it’s not possible for me. orz
Still a long journey ahead.

Yana-sensei’s blog 16/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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仲魔ってやつだね
The original entry can be found here.
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The text on the picture reads “Bocchan’s Stand or Persona”
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GF should be out tomorrow, a bit early this month.
You can easily spot the cover with these two on it!
Last month it was Alois/Claude from anime S2, this month it’s Ciel/Sebastian’s turn.

When I was drawing this cover,
the editor said “Sebastian is turning into a stand”
and the assistant said “looks like a persona”.

I went “Huh? Sebas is designed as a Ciel-guarding demon right from the start, equipped with built-in Human Interface and Genocide System. As for Persona a butler like Yamaoka is fine but I think Yamaoka should be Tanaka!”, and was told “don’t know what you’re talking about speak Japanese please”.
Such being the case I’m having a persona standing behind encircling its master, unable to calm down without holding, a lonely Otaku Toboso. Good day everyone!

In this month’s GF there are 38 pages from opening plus the cover. Please support it.
I also designed the hair band that’s offered as all-service extra. Girl’s series #2 from Funtom Co.
Gold x Navy is righteousness! Royal colour is the best! It’s quite a cute design using pile fabrics with embroidery.
I think it’s essential for girls. For males you may also use it in the morning while washing your face (lol) …a bit cute with the attached ribbon.
I don’t think males use things like hair band but it can be quite handy.
Say while shaping the eyebrows not to mention face washing. (lol)
For gentlemen personal appearance is important too.

Regarding the colour page the editor said “Because of the colour, there’s this huge difference in tension from last month that makes me wonder if the writer has lost her mind. You’d think it’s YAS.” [???]
That’s the editor’s reaction. So in case it startles you I’m sorry. (Smile)
But my mind is extremely sound and stable DEATH.
A doctor told me before, “You’ll never get depressed, because you’re the type to recover even before acknowledging the depression.”
Sorry I sound like a female gorilla.
I can’t talk about the chapter that would be spoiler so let’s wait until next time. （＾＾）

Ah, episode 3 is going to air today on TBS!
As seen in the preview that red guy will make his appearance tonight.
It seems the number of drawings has exceeded Yukichi-sama [Yukichi Fukuzawa is on 10,000 yen banknote]. What is this all about?
Don’t you think the anime favours that guy too much? (lol)
However to make up for his lack of appearance in the manga, anime staff love him and allow him more screen time in the anime. I’m glad and grateful for that.
That red lad in the anime is too cute and slowly I’m starting to think maybe it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t appear in the manga. This is a secret.
It’s midnight, and ギュンギュン唸ります, so please adjust the volume and enjoy the Red and Black bouncing around on the cramped screen.
Ciel will be running too.
This is really wonderful… The number of drawings has exceeded Yukichi. And as good as certain AB! [Angel Beats] or ナイトレイ… Umm, my eyes are filled with tears I can’t see clearly…
Besides, there are quite a few important lines too. So don’t get distracted too much by the Red and miss the dialogues.
In anime-kuroshitsuji, it might look like a filler but every single episode is serious so prick up your ears. This is a standard requirement.
This week’s preview caused quite a stir at my house too so be sure not to miss it either.
Okada-san and Ono-san are awesome as always…without hesitation! (lol)

And another thing, I came up with the idea for a pose in a certain scene for that red guy, and Director Ogura, who’s famous for his transcendent gags having a sweet tooth being jack-of-all-trades and currently in charge of the storyboard of the animation, said “We didn’t think of that one. ww Let’s do it ww” and adopted it. I will tell you which one after it’s finished airing.
I even drew a sketch to show them. To tell the truth this is the first time.
I’m not sure why I picked that scene in particular but I know I was feeling strange at that time.

An exciting episode 3, I hope you all enjoy!
I have received an order saying Go and tweet inside stories on twitter too, so I think maybe we can do a live coverage there no spoilers of course.
Please support it everyone（＾＾）let’s enjoy the episode together.

Yana-sensei’s blog 14/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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奈々様のアルバム購入記念
The original entry can be found here.
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Today I bought Nana Mizuki’s new album. She is the voice actress for Alois.
Personally I’d definitely recommend Mysterion.
The PV is exceptionally cute!!!
You can watch it on websites such as GYAO so be sure to check it out.

The work is done for now, so I did the sketch that I’d always wanted to do.
It’s something to do with the seiyuu or so-called the person inside.

That’s right, I think you can already guess what kind of picture it is based on things I said above. (lol)
For those thinking “Oh no, neta is not for me”, please do not tried to take a peek.

I have wanted to draw this ever since the PV was out I couldn’t help it!!! (lol)
I didn’t do it earlier only because I was too busy!

Anyway for those of you saying “anything is ok” please read on.

Yana-sensei’s blog 11/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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マメなセバス
The original entry can be found here.
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Mame [sincere, conscientious, hardworking] Sebastian
She used the word “mame” in several occations, I’d rather not to spoil the meaning so I’ll just leave them untouched.
……………………………

This is Toboso, I didn’t manage to watch KS2 on TBS in real-time. orz
Couldn’t get my work done…I haven’t felt such despair in a long time… (What a shock!)

After the work is done, I watched it with tension built up from staying up all night.
Although I had received the white-box (DVD with Timeline?) in advance, it’s impressive in a different way to watch it on TV.
So everyone around the country is watching this, this thought in itself is quite amazing and at the same time makes me happy.
Always working on the manga by myself (the editor and assistant are with me of course), it’s not like I never feel down and suddenly start wondering “this thing..I’m trying so hard to write right now, who’s going to read it by the end of the day” when I’m overwhelmed by work (but quickly pull myself together lol). Take a peep at Twitter and seeing everyone is relaying information about the anime in real-time like during World Cup time, it really cheers me up.
You can’t have fun like this with comic.
So is niconico. I also watched the first episode on niconico the other day!
Claude’s super-glasses-play though it was has generated much excitement and I’ve been told of some new sayings from viewers.
That last scene, you can describe it like this.
Claude: ＼（｀д´）ゝ{Pfft！
“無駄に洗練された無駄のない無駄な動き”…か。考えた人は天才だな！
“Muda ni senrensareta muda no nai muda na ugoki”? Whoever invented this is a genius!
[Some fans made a crack about Claude’s move which keeps repeating the word “muda” that generally means useless or pointless. The whole sentence might be roughly translated as “Pointlessly refined without any wasted effort but useless move”, the translation itself is pointless however. -_-;;;]
Ok, let’s keep our cool here!

And move onto another subject. I have received something extraordinary from Sebashita-san [Sebastian’s Sebas + Matsushita’s shita], nah, Yuya Matsushita, the singer of anime ED-theme song and the actor who plays Sebastian in the Musical.
Editor K (Country MA’AM) brought gifts with message, and told me “there’s something even better for you”. I was wondering what kind of candies would that be, and it turned out to be something different, and awesome.

Stuff that can only be seen on a TV documentary program…That’s right! …A video letter.

Whaaaaaaat!!!???
I was really surprised when I received it!! (lol)
H..how come this TV celebrity is talking to me!? The feeling was terrific, somehow…
I was so tense that I was sweating. (lol)

What’s going on! I thought, then I realised that it’s a message of congratulations for winning The Best Shounen Manga award at Japan Expo.
Thank you very much! This is wonderful! You are too mame Matsushita-san…! (and Epic Studio’s Staff too)
Hey! You sure are popular…This 20-something! (Excuse me, I’m so happy thank you so much)

Despite his busy schedule, with the utmost mame he shows that he is a really caring person.
I’m merely a manga writer, but he still went out of his way to send me a video letter…I’m overjoyed by your kindness. Thank you very much!
Keep receiving things that I guess I will never receive again in my lifetime. (lol)
The musicals are live performances, each time is unique, so each time is a “once in a lifetime” experience. To have the actors and singers perform in person is so touching and that’s a truly unique experience.

This Sebashita, nah, Matsushita-san, seems like he’s on a nationwide tour!
I have got reports from KS fans saying “He received flowers from Sebas”.
Darn him! Doing these things behind my back! (lol)
He also has his name on the staff list of the second season. Well done.
To brazenly send red roses as a token of congratulations to the slightly younger 3-dimensions Sebas, I guess that guy is a mame man as well. (lol)
Matsushita-san said “when I said goodbye to Sebas it was like saying goodbye to friends I felt sad”. So from Sebastian’s point of view, it has to be a parting gift to a young friend who’s going to pursue his career across the country and to wish Matsushita-san a successful tour.
Right up until the day before his 20th birthday, he was a demon, Sebashita…no, Matsushita-san. (Stubborn)
To be so successful at the age of 20, together with Sebas I will quietly give him our support. Maybe sometime I shall go to his live show and watch him dance. （＾＾）

By the way, I posted anime spoilers today on Twitter and got scolded Don’t spoiler with Hashtags! (Sweating)
Ohh…Sorry…
Hmm, but this is a difficult issue.
Actually the airing dates for KS2 vary dramatically.
When one episode is finished airing across the country, the next episode has already started airing in some places.
This means we can’t talk about it at all. Hmm. Twitter is a tool to talk about “what’s happening right now!” and it’s strange to say “come to think of it, two weeks ago in episode #…”
Websites such as the Official HP usually update after it’s finished airing on TBS, maybe I can do the same.

It’s difficult for all plot-heavy animes, but it’s particularly so for Kuroshitsuji II.
“When Alois shows up during that scene thinking that, it may lead you to image that, but if you see it in the anime it’s actually that (Toboso)” It’s bound to end up with some meaningless muttering like this.
Actually when I secretly visited a certain restaurant anime’s twitter and a certain animated comic’s original author’s twitter trying to figure out the best way to post (Kmura-san from SQEX told me “Sensei, you’re taking this a bit too seriously”. But an official Twitter is new to me! lol) I like reading inside stories and thoughts from the authors while the anime is airing, so I thought I’d try to do the same…was told off…
Ha What if people say “I don’t want to hear what you have to say” then what shall I do!? (Sweating)

But the Twitter, for better or worse, is a tool that messages show up as they come in so you can’t hide certain posts like on a blog, it’s difficult.

Hmm. Just stick to 140 words with no spoilers then? So those who already watched it can enjoy and those who haven’t can also enjoy.
Is there any better option?
Then many are saying what about just posting on the blog and hide it? [So people can decide whether they want to read it or not]
But Official Twitter is there and people keep saying “Come on Sensei!” so I think I shall try it! (lol)
Such being the case, I think I’ll just follow the lead of the Official HP and might occasionally post spoilers after TBS’s finished airing. Thank you in advance for your understanding.（＞＜）

Ahh, anime magazines are out on the 10th.
Animedia has “Two Black Butlers” on the cover!
And the article in Animage is quite interesting.
Shakespeare?…Profound.
But I read Shakespeare’s poem anthology when drawing Grelle. He was talking so much about women and his love affairs that I couldn’t help thinking “Isn’t this guy just a skirt chaser?”. So even if everybody says “Shakespeare is the master of tragedy” I’m not really convinced (lol).[Credit goes to Nayama for the last sentence.]

Yana-sensei’s blog 08/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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旅人の荷物。
The original entry can be found here.
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Finally the first episode has finished airing in all parts of Japan.
Seems like the website has received lots of visits and it’s hard to access the website/blog at times. Sorry. (sweating)
I must say I’m somewhat astonished by the responses.
It’s not like I’m special, I think all the staff and authors feel the same no matter which anime or comic.
The most important thing is to entertain the viewers and the readers.
So I’ll strive to improve my work to your liking and look forward to your continued support.

The second episode will be airing on MBS tonight!! I hope everyone will be watching!
I’m in TBS region so it’s tomorrow for me.
The preview in episode 1 brought back memories (but everyone is fine in the manga) of all those good old characters.
How will the second episode turn out? Please see for yourself.
That guy is elated as always in the preview.
I love it when Sebastian got carried away and said something different from the scripts.
I like the scene with hands holdy-tighty in the OP (I don’t know how to put it any other way), and Hannah’s beautiful receding figure, also when Tonchinkan suddenly turn to face the screen, and Claude's super-closeup. (That’s pretty much the whole OP…)
Actually I like the hands scene so much that I climbed onto the picture and missed the credit of my name.
Naturally a carnivore (in personality), so even though the field of vision is narrow, the eyes can see through a knothole.
Editor asked “How did you manage to miss that?”
So I took a second look indeed it’s on screen in large font. Thank you very much.

By the way, I’m sure you all have seen Claude’s Super Glasses Play in episode 1? (LOL)
No matter how many times I watch it, I still burst into laugh after that tap-dancing.
No one can keep a straight face to ask what happened. It’s surrealism!!! Too much! I’m shaking!
Shall we take that as warm-up exercises in Claude’s style, Director? (LOL)
It’s not in the scenario, but a scene added by the director during animation, hats off to the director’s taste.
Also there’s this rumour saying that during dubbing a certain traveller said “Claude’s awesome! This is unfair! Even I don’t have that!” with envy.
Maybe it’d be nice to allow that traveller to do it someday, tap-dance, carpet-pulling etc…(Smile)

The first episode will be distributed on niconico video from 8th July, for those not within airing region, or forgot to record the show, or just feel like watching it, you can all watch it on niconico.
So get along and watch it.
I’ll also be waiting for HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD.
This is the series I have been looking forward to the most but somehow missed it…No.1 Shock lately. orz

Speaking of niconico, did you watch the NicoLive program?
I was touched by some of the things Editor K said during the broadcast.
He was supposed to comment on Traveller-themed anime (lol), but he made a comment on the traveller’s trunk instead.

Editor K “This traveller can’t go on a journey without this luggage.”

…Good Job!!! (LOL) I’m impressed!

This reminds me of what the main scriptwriter Okada-san used to say, although in this series “most of the characters have no interest in others”, there is this structure of character dependency,
“If this character doesn’t exist, then that character won’t exist either”.
Sebastian is the main character, but he can’t exist without Ciel.
Without Sebastian Ciel can’t continue to exist either.
If Sebastian and Ciel don’t come together, the servants can’t live…so on and so forth.
The Shinigamis are quite independent however.

I think this applies to Claude/Alois and Sebastian/Ciel in the second season too. This is just my personal view.

Because you (Season 1 Ciel/Sebastian) exist, I (Season 2 Alois/Claude) exist.
Then when it comes to Season 2,
Because you (Season 2 Alois/Claude) exist, I (Season 1 Ciel/Sebastian) exist.
The meaning is deep…

After hearing Editor K’s words, I was impressed when they showed me the plot in scripts.
The Claude/Alois pair, who never appeared in the comic, and have only made their entrance in the first episode, have made a great impact!
Their debut in the OP, which is of superb taste and stunning visual effect, really is more awesome than any comic character! This is unfair!!! (lol)
These characters are specially created for the anime, so I hope they will be loved by anime fans.

Personally, Alois hit my spot. That sort of unprecedented character, I like him a lot.
Typical Okada brand of characters I think. (Smile)
I feel some sort of attachment to all the anime original characters, still he’s my favourite among them.
Super easy to draw! Ah, can’t wait to see the scene when he finally comes to talk to Ciel.

Then there is the manga. There are many characters that only appear in the comic, I hope you would support those comic-only characters too. (Smile)
Mainly those comic-only characters appeared in and after Circus Arc.
Comparing to the number of characters made into the anime, I guess more didn’t!? (Smile)

Ah! One more thing!
Kuroshitsuji has been voted The Best Shounen Manga at Japan Expo in France.
Thank you very much. I’m glad it’s archived international recognition as a Shounen Manga. It seems the projection of the first episode attracted a large crowd of people too.
I’d like to thank everyone who voted for Kuroshitsuji and all the staff too. Thank you very much! Merci！！（＾＾）ﾉｼ

Yana-sensei’s blog 03/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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すべてはあの方のために
The original entry can be found here.
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Before you read my crap, The Mighty Nayama has posted a much better translation here

....................

Yana-sensei’s blog 02/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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踊るぜ、タンゴだ！ The original entry can be found here.
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Dance! Tango!

The first episode has finished airing on MBS.
In fact I joined the all night event for a brief moment, I was so moved by the thunderous cheers and applause, I couldn’t hold my tears, even though I kept telling myself not to cry until the end…(as in MOTHER2)
With their impressive debut, Claude and Alois will continue to play a significant part! Please look forward to their performance!
Kuroshitsuji II veiled in mystery. We look forward to your continued support through the season.

The next will be TBS, 1:55 in the morning.
Please support it! It’s coming to Kantou region!!!

Yana-sensei’s blog 01/07/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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会いたかったよ
The original entry can be found here.
***********************************

On the picture:

二人共生まれてから半年間がんばったね、黒執事IIをよろしくね
You two have been working really hard over the past 6 months since you were born. I’ll leave Kuroshitsuji II in your hands.

こっからが本番っしょ、泣くの早いよ
The real work starts here. It’s too early for tears.

There isn’t anything new, so I’ll just do a brief summary.

At last Kuroshitsuji II is about to be aired on MBS. It’s been half a year since the announcement on 31/01, and 1 year and 3 months since the end of Season 1. Sorry to have kept you waiting. Must feel like a long time, especially for those looking forward to season 2. The new characters, Claude and Alois, I’ll be glad if everyone could watch over them fondly.

Anyway, the plot will start rolling at a breathtaking pace right from the start. Don’t take your eyes off the screen! Animate also has a radio program in which Sakurai-san will be talking about the significant scenes in the first episode.

Thank you all the anime staff for your hard work. Thank you very much. For those who will be joining the all night event, it’s late so be careful. Hope you enjoy the night and be safe on your way home.

Yana-sensei’s blog 28/06/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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執事ったー Butler Diagnosis
The original entry can be found here.
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This is trivial but interesting so I’ll share with you.

There are rumors going on KS2Twitter saying Claude’s Chara-houkai [means illustration collapse, OOC] is intensifying lately (General Animation Director Shiba-san’s drawings are there too! ), but among them there’s something interesting in this world called “執事ったー”, a test of some sort to find the butler that’s right for you.

Some friends told me about it, I thought “that sounds interesting, why not…” so I did it.

The result is as follow.

“Yana-sama’s butler,

‘He is a gorgeous butler with black hair and red eyes. 31 years old, but in fact he’s childish’

”

…Hmm, what’s this…

I think I have seen this butler before somewhere..
So he is in fact childish?…come to think of it…maybe that’s true…
How shall I put it, my feeling was like it’s you again huh.
Very well then, let’s get along.

I always draw this certain butler with the idea, he hasn’t turned 30 yet in visual age, in mind. (Smile)
What to do with a male protagonist that looks over 30 in a teen magazine!?
Having fun with such trivial pastime, Toboso is feeling good today too.

Yana-sensei’s blog 26/06/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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デュララブ!!!
The original entry can be found here.
***********************************

This is a rough translation/summary.
I skipped all the DURARARA details as I know nothing of DRRR!! Sorry.
…………………………

Just finished watching the last episode of DURARARA!! I felt like crying…
She talked about how she felt about the series and some discussions in the chat room made her cry.
Then she mentioned that both GFS DURARARA!x2 and DRRR Anthology will go on sale tomorrow, and congratulated Satorigi-sensei, Narita-sensei and editor K for the release.
And to celebrate the release of DURARARA!!x2 and Kuroshitsuji Vol.9, she had been invited to do a joint pop art with Satorigi-sensei.
A joint POP art, The strongest of England x The strongest of Ikebukuro.
Because of the different scales used in drawing, it took them a lot of effort to put things together. But anyway, the POP turned out pretty good, so be sure to take a look if you get the chance.

At last Kuroshitsuji II is coming in one week’s time. I’m starting to get excited. Gasping!
The Red Valentine Event DVD has arrived too. I’ll take my time to enjoy it once I finished my work.
There is also a Red Valentine DVD and Kuroshitsuji Vol.9 joint campaign, with picture drama illustrations signed by seiyuus as presents. Please come and participate!

Season 2 anime is about to start, Kuroshitsuji will have the cover next month, Rainbow Butler will be out in August, and comic Vol.10 in September. Looks like a busy hot summer for the original work too!
I’m working hard while making sure not to burn out from overheat.
Not yet…it’s not yet finished. (in various senses)

Yana-sensei’s blog 18/06/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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本日発売
The original entry can be found here.
***********************************

On the picture:
Ranmao: Big brother is on the cover.
Ranmao: Kuroshitsuji Vol.9 and G Fantasy have gone on sale today.
Ciel: And Kuroshitsuji II Black Tabloid too..Why do I have to pair with her…
Yana-sensei: cos I like it !!

Today
-Kuroshitsuji Vol.9 (New Arc Starts! Editor K already posted this on his blog, it’s ok to start reading from here)
-G Fantasy July Issue (cover + 34 pages start from opening!)
-TV anime Kuroshitsuji II Black Tabloid (novel illustration + spread illustration + comment article)
-GanGan Sen-IXA- Summer Camp (cover page)
-Warabe no Kusa by Ryu Miyanaga (book strip art)
Go on Sale!

Besides,
-Kuroshitsuji II Shinjuku Marui One Linked Campaign “Kuroshitsuji Collaboration 2010″
-Kuroshitsuji Show in Namco NamjaTown (Kuroshitsuji Curry bread back on Sale!)
Events Start !!

A raging week of Kuroshitsuji here begins!
Come on, Everyone, Follow me (Smile)

Kuroshitsuji, the series I used to work on alone all by myself, has become so popular, and is now surrounded by so many people, running a terrific campaign..
The comic has also reached vol.9. Allow me to say that I am deeply moved…
By the way, to be honest I never thought the day for Lau to take to the cover would come so soon.
He didn’t do anything that deserves special mention in the original work, but simply walked over and took the seat on the cover, “You…surely are shrewd and cunning!!!” has hit the topic at various places.
Regarding the content, this time as advertised…Sebastian, the Star of Kuroshitsuji, has finally met his “death”.
Joined with the new character Arthur, the Queen’s butler W.Charles and some others, the remaining members of the Phantomhive household are going to face all sorts of challenges after Sebastian’s death. Please read for yourselves.
We received a lot of feedback from GF magazine readers saying I can’t believe Sebastian died!
Indeed……me too. (Smile)
The highlight of Vol.9 is Sebastian’s splendid death and eye shadow. I put a lot of effort into it.
Also an over-acting Ciel maybe. I won’t tell you which part tho! (Smile)
I’m working non-stop on Vol.10 so please be patient.
It’ll be out very soon this time.

Ahh, there is also important news on the cover strip, be sure not to miss it.
You know that one…seems like Vol.2 is coming out?

Also, I signed all the picture drama illustrations put on display in Marui One and Namja Town.
Well, at that time, I didn’t know why but I thought other casts and staffs were also going to sign…
So I did very small signatures and drew mini-characters, please look closer.
All those mini-chars are of different kinds with different dialogues. Ciel’s also there although he wasn’t in the picture drama.
Please look for them and take a closer look!
My personal favorites are Sebastian and William. Sebas is chibi but I drew Sebas with devilish-eyes.
William is like Ogya-ogya.. (Those who know will know..)
Then there was this rather tricky topic, and Finny even said something close..w
[I have completely no idea what yana-sensei's talking about here, so I have absolutely no idea what i'm typing here either.]
For Ono-san to improvise like that…I didn’t mean it (Smile)
Anyway if you’re going please be sure to check out my small signatures.
Sorry they’re tiny…if there is next time I will draw massive ones!!!

And another thing, from now on pictures will also be dropped on KS2 Twitter.
That’s all for today’s news!
Kuroshitsuji + Kuroshitsuji 2 Campaign, We look forward to you joining us.

Yana-sensei’s blog 18/06/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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先月号の間違いのお詫び
The original entry can be found here.
She explained why she made the change from father/priest to pastor.
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Apologies for last month’s mistake

I forgot to mention yesterday, in last month’s GF Arthur and Ciel both addressed the new character Jeremy as “Father”. But in England, Catholic has been replaced by Protestant since the 16th century, so the official title should be “Pastor” instead of “Father”.
Please accept my apology for the mistake.
The Church of England is somewhat different. It’s almost Catholic in both structure and deliberation, but at the top is not the pope but the King (in this case Queen Victoria)…so it’s somewhere between Catholic and Protestant.

To some extent “Father” and orthodox Catholic Churches, which “Father” belong to, still exist, but they’re considered the minority.
Although Catholic Churches do exist, and the title “Father” is also in use in England, in most cases they’re Pastors…Therefore, Jeremy will be referred to as “Pastor” from now on.
I apologize profoundly for the confusion caused.
Actually I once asked Murakami-san, the research assistant for 2nd season anime, about this type of things, but still, I made the mistake.
At that time, because the scriptwriter used “Father” in scenario I was told “either is fine, but generally speaking…”, I remembered my reaction was like “oh”.
The Church of England is seen as Protestant from the outside, but it’s mostly Catholic inside.
The Church of England doesn’t belong to either side…but instead it’s called Christianity. It’s complicated.
It’s embarrassing to be fully exposed as a novice getting things wrong.
To avoid such mistake in the future, I’ll be sure to conduct research properly.
Of course the comic will be corrected.
Please accept my sincere apologies.

Yana-sensei's Blog 20/06/10

Disclaimer: This is my personal attempt at translating Yana-sensei’s blog entries. Due to my limited skills and understanding, the translation might not be very accurate. In fact it can be plain incorrect at times. So read at your own risk. You’re welcome to correct me if I'm wrong and any input will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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我が臈たし悪の華　※追記
The original entry can be found here.
It's Father's Day, so it's Vincent's Day for KS, has to be...
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This is the first time I listened to ALI PROJECT in a long time, just feeling like Papa-mood.
This person is also difficult for me to draw..w [refer to Vincent]
Generally speaking, all “Mild-mannered delicate gentlemen” are difficult.
Sebas is all smooth and right in place in devil mode, but in butler mode, my hand stops…w
It’s just difficult to get the parameter right between evil and good…Don’t know what to do!
When I met Okada, the scriptwriter of Kuroshitsuji TV in Osaka, she said “The original version of Sebas is like reptile, with low body temperature and erotic.”
Okada-san is brilliant to make a direct connection between low body temperature and eroticism.★
I’m not sure whether it’s a compliment to describe a butler as erotic but I’m taking it as a compliment. (Smile)

As for papa, Ciel’s papa just happened to appear in the latest volume, but Ciel’s papa is from the recollection of memories so I have to remember to change the angle he’s portrayed. (I don’t know if I can achieve this though.)

Madam – a gentleman she wanted to forget
Ciel – an affectionate father
Baron Kelvin – a mild-mannered evil man
Tanaka – Earl Phantomhive
…Something like that.

Lately I was asked by Ashi-chan “Ciel’s papa, he seems super evil so is he the last boss!?”
and I answered “but he is Ciel’s father…”
“Ahhh…(got it)”

(Smile) A good-hearted man can’t give birth to such a wicked child!
Wait a second; Ciel might appear like a normal child up to 10 years old, but the potential was there…in the blood (Smile)
Then for 3 years he was thoroughly educated by Sebas to be a seamless ドS, which caused the evil blood to finally and fully awake. [ It just dawned on me, ＤＯ★Ｓ means ドS, S as apposed to M, well...]
But Vincent could be brought up by Tanaka, so if you put it this way,… no, better not to think about it.

For those who have only seen the nice father in anime, Vincent might appear like a different person in this volume.
Hopefully Papa will show up more in the future. ..nah, well, even when I say show up it’s in fact flashback.
Together with Diederich and Mama.

Anyway I was half way doing the colouring but just felt like drawing something★so I drew this. [referring to Vincent’s picture]
If it makes no sense, sorry. (Smile)
Back to work, this is not the time to play…

This is a test

I guess it might be a good idea to start a blog so it comes to this...o.O