Female mangaka like Hiromu Arakawa (Fullmetal Alchemist) and Rumiko Takahashi (Inuyasha) have often received praise not just for their story but female characters. I’m not saying men can’t write well-received girls and ladies in their manga, but a lot of the women manga creators have found ways to include cast members that are more than just “the token chick” or “the damsel-in-distress”. Toboso has also been grouped together with Arakawa and Takahashi in this regard, and volume 31 features several examples of why.
Of course, Mey-Rin and Ran-mao are two of them. After taking a detour into Mey-Rin’s past, it’s time to return to her and Ran-mao in the present. Their goal is to dismantle the baron’s blood collecting operation, but head maid Jane is no ordinary maid, and Ran-mao is unconscious. But Ran-mao soon proves why she’s Lau’s guardian and closest assistant. This is not the first time we’ve witnessed her skills, but even the lack of clothes and being pumped with drugs isn’t enough to slow Ran-mao down. Some readers may be disappointed to not have a long final battle against Jane, but I thought this was a cool way to end this arc as a good foil to Mey-Rin (and Ran-mao). It leaves the possibility open for her to return, and she could end up being an antagonist again or an ally, although probably reluctantly.
The manga does touch base at times to remind readers of what’s happening and why, but it basically moves right on to Baldo and Lau. This is a natural follow-up to the previous since Lau, like Ran-mao, isn’t doing this out of dedication and loyalty to Ciel personally. But unlike Ran-mao, Lau is much more keen on wrapping things up quickly — and without leaving any trace. But while logically he’s right, Baldo is reluctant because of what he sees at the sanatorium. The head nurse as strict as a drill sergeant, but Baldo can sense how much she wants to help military men recover from their wounds. She seems to be another awesome female character I’m anxious to see again.
My biggest criticisms of volume 31 aren’t of the book itself; it’s more about how my previous concerns are coming to fruition. It’s obvious from the ending and the next volume previews that readers are going to once again dive into a servant’s backstory. I’m worried volume 32 is going to be what should be a side volume called Black Butler: Baldo’s Story just as how volume 30 was with Mey-Rin. Even if the investigation here is finished, Toboso is almost certainly going to shift to Snake and Finn next. For fans of the titular character and his young master, they’re going to have to be content with short scenes set just before the group split up. The highlight is, without a doubt, seeing everyone in flower headbands. Nothing like a devil wearing a rose on his head!
But if you don’t mind Black Butler continuing to focus on the supporting cast, volume 31 has a great mix of action, mystery, and comedy. There are still many unknowns regarding the Undertaker and/or Original-Ciel’s plans, and unlike the first investigation (as cool as it was), the situation at the sanatorium is looking to be more complex. I don’t expect to enjoy the next one as much, but at least this one is a winner!