Black Clover
Black Clover
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Black Clover

8.5
Yr 2017
Rt 24m
Status Returning Series
Animation Action & Adventure Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Your Verdict
Unrated

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Series Brief

Overview

Asta and Yuno are two orphans who want the same thing: to become the Wizard King. Locked in a friendly rivalry, they work hard towards their goal. While Yuno excels at magic, Asta has a problem uncommon in this world: he has no powers! But, on the day they receive their grimoires, they surprise everyone. To reach their goal, they’ll each find their own path to greatness—with or without magic.

Status

Latest

  • Black Clover sets early U.S. theatrical premiere — September 1, 2026 (in.ign.com) September 21, 2026
  • Black Clover anime returning for new season — July 4, 2026
Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 73 /100

Critical reception for Black Clover is largely defined by the idea that the series requires patience. Multiple reviewers point out that the earliest episodes and narrative arcs can be tough to get through, featuring some shaky plotting, polarizing humor, and tonal missteps that led to a lukewarm initial impression.

However, critics who stayed with the adaptation emphasize that it steadily improves and hits its stride over time. Later reviews praise the anime as a magical fantasy with plenty of fun action and evolving depth, concluding that it manages to carve out its own identity and successfully establishes its place in the modern shonen landscape.

“Black Clover carves out its own place among anime, and judging it just a few episodes in takes away from the depth and developments that the series unfolds into.”

“Despite some shaky arcs and moments, Black Clover Season 1 successfully sets the stage for Asta's greater narrative.”

“At first glance, Black Clover might not seem like the most esteemed of anime shows. But if you manage to stick with it, it gradually becomes a must-see and adored series.”

“Magical fantasy anime with lots of fun action; has violence.”

Why fans love it

Black Clover leans into the classic shounen template while centering on a fundamental imbalance. In a world where status is tied to magical talent, the protagonist stands out by having none. This limitation forces a shift in how characters handle tactical obstacles throughout the action sequences. The bond between Asta and Yuno provides a consistent narrative spine, tracking two orphans as their friendly rivalry evolves alongside the growing political and supernatural threats of their kingdom.

The production leans heavily on vibrant, high-energy visuals to capture the spectacle of wizard duels. Beyond the flashy battles, the series maps out a layered hierarchy where grimoires serve as both status symbols and combat tools. Gakuto Kajiwara anchors the frantic pace, portraying the lead character with a relentless drive that defines the show’s tone. It is a dedicated exploration of meritocracy within a fantasy setting, focusing on how individuals compensate for missing tools when their ambitions demand equality with the elite.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 50
Regulars 7
Longest run 170 eps
Gakuto Kajiwara
Gakuto Kajiwara
as Asta (voice)
Nobunaga Shimazaki
Nobunaga Shimazaki
as Yuno (voice)
Kana Yuuki
Kana Yuuki
as Noelle Silva (voice)
Junichi Suwabe
Junichi Suwabe
as Yami Sukehiro (voice)
Genki Muro
Genki Muro
as Magna Swing (voice)
Ayumu Murase
Ayumu Murase
as Luck Voltia (voice)
Jun Fukuyama
Jun Fukuyama
as Finral Roulacase (voice)
Satoshi Hino
Satoshi Hino
as Gauche Adlai (voice)
Show 42 more
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Signal Match

Similarity

Where Black Clover overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

magic based on manga super villain wizard shounen anime fantasy
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
October 03, 2017
Status
Returning Series
Episode Runtime
24 minutes
Origin
JP
TMDB Votes
2,178