"Black Butler": One Hell Of An Anime About "One Hell Of A Butler!"

After checking out a few episodes of "Black Butler" via the Funimation Channel, I decided to add it to my Anime Wish List.  I was happy when my Hubby was able to find it in the Dealer's Room at Otakon 2011!  I spent most of a rainy Saturday watching the first season on DVD!  It was very entertaining, in spite of the fact that I found myself comparing it to "Hell Girl," an anime that received a less-than-favorable review from me.  (See the post "Is Hell Girl A Hell No?")  "Black Butler" tells the story of Ciel Phantomhive.  The most powerful boy in all of England, he bears the scars of unspeakable suffering. Forced to watch as his beloved parents were brutally murdered, Ciel was subsequently abducted and violently tortured. Desperate to end his suffering, the boy traded his own soul for a chance at vengeance, casting his lot with the one person on whom he could depend: Sebastian, a demon Butler summoned from the very pits of Hell. Together, they'll prowl the darkest alleys of London on a mission to snuff out those who would do evil. They're a rare sight, these two: the Butler who dismembers with dazzling cutlery,  and the Young Master who carries the devil's marking. Rest assured that wherever they may be headed, it'll be one Hell of a ride!   I liked Sebastian, the demon butler.  I especially liked the way he protectd Ciel.  Yes, I know he was contractually obligated to do so, but it was still interesting to watch.  All in all, this dark anime was thrilling to watch, and I will probably pull it out again!  However, it probably won't be anytime soon, as I still have more anime to finish before I attend Anime USA in search of new anime!!!!!