Black Butler has been growing in popularity ever since it began its serialization in Monthly GFantasy in 2006. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the debut of the series’ author Yana Toboso, a special exhibit titled “Black Butler Original Artwork Exhibit: The World of Yana Toboso,” which features her early artwork for the series, was held in the Seibu Gallery on the second floor of the extension of the Seibu Ikebukuro flagship department store in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The exhibit ran from Jan. 15-22.
The manga follows Ciel, who despite being a young boy is the head of the noble Phantomhive family, and his super butler Sebastian as they solve various mysteries. Though he has a cute outward appearance, Ciel is cool and arrogant and Sebastian, in addition to being knowledgeable and cultured, is a master of cooking and fighting with a devilish appeal. The mysterious relationship between these two has captured the hearts of fans.
As of 2014, The manga has been translated and released in over 42 countries and regions, and by becoming a transmedia franchise with animation, stage, film and other adaptations, the amount of fans continues to grow.
In this report, we’ll take a look at the exhibit, which featured the treasured original artwork of the Black Butler franchise, as well as a wealth of special collaborative merchandise.
The Black Butler space housed over 150 pieces of rough drafts, original manga drawings, and colored title page illustrations published in Monthly GFantasy.
The Yana Toboso Studio area displayed detailed design plans, rough sketches, and actual tools used by the artist.
The area for the musical production of Black Butler displayed the actual props and costumes used on stage, as well as the book and other items. Visuals and scripts from the upcoming live action film of Black Butler were also displayed.
The anime and film Black Butler corner displayed numerous valuable materials developed for a variety of media.
Appropriate for the 10th anniversary of her debut, a display of original artwork from Yana Toboso’s earlier work Rust Blaster made for an invaluable look at the path of her career up until now.
Among the numerous valuable pieces on display, drawing an exceptional amount of attention were three illustrations produced by Yana Toboso specifically for this exhibit.
Displayed beside the illustration used as the main visual for the event was a Ciel doll in a faithful reproduction of the outfit worn in the image. The doll uses a ball-jointed Unoa Quluts base and was produced in full partnership with well-known doll enthusiasts FREIE and Mugendou.
The dolls were not the only collaboration; the event also included a special collaboration with YOSHiKO CREATiON, who designed 300 limited edition Black Butler “Tasse Earl Grey” necklaces to be sold exclusively at the event.
Alongside the necklaces, the souvenir shop offered numerous illustrated prints particularly of the official image for the event. A wide array of merchandise exclusive to the exhibit was also available, including tote bags, microfiber cloths, plastic mirrors, and an iPhone 5/5s cover designed by Yana Toboso herself. Other items that were very appropriate for Black Butler also stood out, such as chocolate-flavored tea.
With merchandise, designs and other materials, not to mention illustrations, the exhibit offered a wonderful look into the universe of the ever-fascinating Black Butler.
[Upcoming Exhibit Schedule]
Fukuoka Venue
Tues., April 1 - Tues., April 15, 2014
Hakata Hankyu 8th Floor Event Space
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(Entrance allowed up to 30 minutes before closing. Closing will be at 5:00 p.m. on the final day.)
Osaka Venue
Wed., April 23 - Mon., May 12, 2014
Daimaru Shinsaibashi North Building 14th Floor Event Hall
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(Entrance allowed up to 30 minutes before closing. Closing will be at 6:00 p.m. on the final day.)
Entrance Fee (Same for both Fukuoka and Osaka locations):
General - 700 yen
College/High School Student - 500 yen
Middle School Student - 300 yen (Elementary students and younger are free)
© Yana Toboso / Square Enix
This is a Tokyo Otaku Mode original article written by Megumi Higashiashidani and translated by Sarah Johnston.