Summary
Black Clover may not be innovative, but it still provides an enjoyable experience for fans of the shōnen fighting genre. The series subtly tweaks the shōnen tropes, creating unique elements that are often overlooked in discussions of originality. Rather than striving for groundbreaking ideas, Black Clover focuses on providing simple, enjoyable viewing for its audience.
Since its first launch, Black clover It is constantly compared to other franchises. While not all of these comparisons are negative, many fans point out its similarities to series like Naruto as a sign of Black Clover being a copycat and lacking originality. However, I think that those who accuse Black Clover and characters like Asta and Noelle of being a copycat remember why the series was so fun in the first place. Worse yet, I'm worried that they'll cause a huge problem in discussions surrounding anime/manga.
Not everyone has to love every series. It's okay if you find yourself frustrated by the fact that Black Clover doesn't try to break new ground.. It's also true that Black Clover is still a mediocre fighting shōnen: there's the rivalry between Asta and Yuno; a lofty aspiration to become the Wizard King; training, tournaments, unexpected alliances, and even a beach episode. But with Black Clover's fifth season approaching and people considering picking up this long-running shōnen, I admit that it's not the most unique series ever— but that's what makes it great.
Black Clover Punches a Hole in the Concept of Creation
Focusing on originality is the wrong move for fans
Custom image by JR Waugh
While it's easy to find derivative elements in Yuki Tabata's series, it's also true that Black Clover builds on ideas from Naruto in a way that can be said to be “unique.” However, I don't think these two points contradict each other, because I think the concept of “unique” is a misnomer..
Black Clover is, in many ways, not “original” because it openly borrows from shōnen tropes. However, when it comes to “original,” there are subtle changes a series can make. but still will not be considered — because the conversation ended with the idea of pure “originality.” Which is unfortunate, because Black Clover finds countless ways to differentiate itself.
Consider Jujutsu Kaisen's intention to be anti-Naruto. While a series like Jujutsu Kaisen takes a more antithetical stance to shōnen stereotypes, Black Clover makes those stereotypes its own – with subtle but still worthwhile changes. Black Clover's counter magic is an interesting concept, even if it's not “innovative”. Rather than being a protagonist with innate potential for one reason or another, Asta's lack of magic also breaks the stereotype of the shōnen protagonist in an interesting way by hindering his big dream of becoming the Wizard King.
On another level, while focusing on the characters like Naruto, Black Clover also manages to fix some of Naruto's flaws in world building. Black Clover was one of the first fighting shōnen to reach its level of popularity, where Class distinction plays an important rolewith the pejorative term “commoner” constantly used. Hage’s home village also reshapes the way the protagonists’ hometowns are typically presented by shows that it is a place people want to leavedegraded and forgotten by the Clover Kingdom.
However, because all of these changes are subtle and based on clearly defined shōnen norms and inspirations, the discourse of originality has conveniently forgotten about them. They're not flashy, and they don't stand out like the more obvious shōnen subversions in series like Attack On Titan or Jujutsu Kaisen. However, I don't think that makes them any less valuable.. The problem here is simple. If the value of “originality” depends on the contribution of new ideas, then it is actually harder to define what makes a creative work game-changing than many fans think.
This is especially important because anime tends to be susceptible to what you might call the race to innovate. There is a constant assessment of how “innovative” or “derivative” works are and measuring their quality accordingly. The end result is not only a morbid obsession with novelty or a confusion of novelty with quality, but also a very fixed idea of what “novelty” and “quality” mean.
Black Clover Shows the Value of Simple Engagement
When you forget about innovation, you look at things differently.
Black Clover is an “underrated shōnen” that clearly shows its influences. Black Clover is still one of my favorite anime today because of the way it shows its influences, and It is still underrated for the same reason.. I think the core of being an anime fan is having all kinds of experiences with anime and manga. Scratch as close to “real” as possible. One of the conditions for truly enjoying anime and manga is to undermine (or at least question) the default discourses of judgment and comparison.
When I started out with anime, my favorites were random isekai with names like “I Got Reincarnated As A Toilet In The Silly Dimension” or series like Rosario + Vampire that weren’t always taken seriously. As I got more involved in anime and the discussions around it (or in other words, as “my taste matured,” whatever that means), There are a few ideas that I have accidentally started sneaking around.:
Modern shōnen builds on the mistakes of its predecessors. Innovation is at the heart of a good story. The more clearly a work departs from the norms of its genre and medium, the more unique it is.
While these ideas are not true to my experience, they are positions I adopted after engaging in anime discussions uncritically. I never questioned the core assumptions or ideas they were based on. As a result, they became the lens through which I analyzed anime. Ultimately, however, these judgments are bound by context and subculture, so They can change – and they can intervene..
Black Clover is my “comfort food” in anime
Just enjoy an Anime
I can watch Black Clover and, in many ways, know what I'm going to get. That makes it an easy watch, which is the perfect reason to love it.
Black Clover is great for one simple reason. There's something to be said about a series that acknowledges and capitalizes on its setting without pretense. Shōnen, considered a broad genre, has evolved its norms for many reasons. Mainly because they reflect the changing attitudes, culture, and priorities of its viewers/readers. Black Clover is It will definitely be similar to Naruto, Dragon Ball and others.. Because it's really a love letter to the genre, like the Dragon Ball tribute, it's inevitable.
This isn't to Black Clover's detriment. The emphasis on always “pushing the boundaries” in ways that (obviously) should be obvious has inevitably created series that can be emotionally draining because they take themselves so seriously. That doesn't mean they're bad, it just means they're not great shows to watch. When I watch Black Clover, there's just hype and curiosity, excitement, and sometimes sadness or anger. It creates those reactions. no ambition except to be an interesting story.
I can watch Black Clover and, in many ways, know what I'm going to get. That makes it a cozy show, which is the perfect reason to love it on its own. At the same time, the fact that It's a separate story with different priorities which also makes it fresh.. Yes, Asta looks like Naruto. But he's not Naruto, nor is he Yuno Sasuke. These are their own characters, with unique qualities and intentional choices that are only understated when called knockoffs or clones.
Black Clover isn't bad because it's derivative. It's an example of how a work can't help but be derivative, but the choices made when taking inspiration from other works are what make any work unique. It's perfectly lovable, even if it doesn't try to be the next big game changer. I don't watch Black Clover to contemplate ambiguous or challenging themes, I watch Black Clover to smile. That in itself is undeniably valuable. If one enjoys the battle shounen genre, I think they'll enjoy — if not love — Black clover like me