The Facts:
Title: Black Clover
Author and artist: Yūki Tabata
First published in Japan by Shueisha Tokyo on 4 June 2015
Series: Black Clover (32 books and continuing)
Plot summary:
Black Clover is about Asta another Manga orphan who has no magic. In the Black Clover universe, everyone has magic and Asta wants to become the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom. Asta trains hard and eventually, in a time of need, Asta gets a grimoire containing a sword that has anti-magic capabilities, which infuses his body with anti-magic enabling him to destroy magic. With this unique skill set, he is recruited to the Black Bulls, a magic knight brigade known for housing misfits where he further develops his skills.
Graphics:
The graphics in Black Clover are a solid 7/10. With spells being added and people having different forms of magic, Yūki Tabata can really show off his skill. The variety of different weapons and spells is a platform for Tabata to really demonstrates his artistic talent. His drawings create a mood and wonder that brings the spells to life, and the care and precision in every stroke on the page make the reader feel like the Black Clover world is a reality.
Context in the Manga Universe:
Black Clover isn’t as significant as the Big 3 but has earned a place in the New Generation amongst titles like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer. The new generation is a collection of manga that are performing incredibly well but were made a long time after One Piece, Naruto and Bleach.
What I like most:
What I like most about Black Clover is, like Naruto, the plot is about how even though Asta can’t do something and is treated differently based on this difference, he doesn’t give up and instead works really hard until he can compete on the same level as someone with magic. It is inspirational.
What I like least:
What I like least about Black Clover is how the people are segregated, the royals by birthright have stronger and more powerful magic than the commoners and as a result, look down on them. The further into the middle of the kingdom you go the stronger the people are. I don’t know to think the series addresses this segregation well enough given the young audience.
Interesting fact:
Unlike most manga, the story building of Black Clover is slower so that the reader can really enjoy the characters and get to know them. While the pace might not be what people are used to, it definitely satisfies my need to know more back story.
Recommended for age:
The recommendation for Black Clover is 13+ but in my opinion, I would say that it is 12+. Black Clover has some pretty intense fights and some almost naked scenes saved by passing by clouds and sudden mists. Whilst the almost nudity is kept minimal, it is very common for characters to get beaten up and bruised which can be confronting for young viewers, but Asta’s grit and determination can also be inspiring. Like Naruto, Black Clover shows young viewers that anything is possible with hard work and your friends will always back you up. There is no age limit to that kind of message.
How to explain it to your parents/teacher:
Black Clover is a tale about a boy who dreams about becoming something the whole world tells him he can’t. He works every day getting fitter and stronger and through sheer hard work and grit, he climbs the social ladder.
Film/Tv crossover:
Black Clover has one tv series and a film coming (soon please!) and one video game called Black Clover Quarter Knights.
In Bibliography:
Tabata, Y. 2022, ‘Black Clover Volume 1’, Viz [image] Available https://www.viz.com/read/manga/black-clover-volume-1/product/4795, Accessed 8 October 2022.
Tabata, Y. 2022, ‘Black Clover Volume 31’, Viz [image] Available https://www.viz.com/read/manga/black-clover-volume-31/product/7278, Accessed 8 October 2022.
AM-ZONE 