The shōnen genre is one that never tires of its core traits, often following the journey of a young man through his trials and tribulations as he adapts and changes to grow into his own self. This story has been done in countless ways, exploring different universes and tropes to reimagine the wheel time and time again. However, no title has received quite as many accusations asBlack Cloverfor its numerous similarities to another popular title touted as one of the Big 3,Naruto.
Upon first glance, it can be claimed thatBlack CloverandNarutoshare an inordinate number of characteristics, drawing the question of where the line is between inspiration and blatant copying. Both anime follow a rival pair of young orphans, one of whom has a demon that aids them in battle, and the grand goal is to become a renowned leader of a large and respectable nation. But to callBlack Clovera copy is a blatant disservice to the characters, the overarching story, and its creator, Yūki Tabata, who weaved together a tale that has only evolved the genre.
Black Clover Triumphs Where Naruto Failed As Its Spiritual Successor
Taking Classic Tropes in Shōnen and Elevating Them in New, Meaningful Ways
NarutopredatedBlack Clover, having begun publishing in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1999 and concluding in 2014, whereas Tabata’s manga began publishing in 2015 under the same publisher. This several-year difference between their conceptions has allowed for the praise to settle around Naruto’s conclusion, and for insightful criticism to begin. Despite bearing the prestige as one of the biggest anime in the early 2000s,Narutostill underdelivered on a couple of key premises presented throughout its series.
Naruto’skey trait that carried it for many episodes was the premise of watching its protagonist rise through the ranks despite the odds and proving himself as an underdog who has been ostracized from his community due to fear and uncertainty. However, much of what madeNaruto so relatable as an up-and-coming characterissomewhat lost when it’s revealed that he’s the son of two notable family branches and a reincarnated legendary figure. Asta is a young orphan who remains largely small within the world and has no magic of his own, leading to him needing his particular grimoire.
Another comparison that’s drawn between the two anime is the introduction of a childhood rivalry. While Naruto and Sasuke may not have grown up alongside each other, their rivalry is one of the overarching plotlines throughout the series as both attempt to discover which of their philosophies accomplishes their goals. Asta and Yuno did grow up together, and while they had a rivalry, it never grew hostile, with both using their victories and accomplishments to boost the morale of one another by making their competition to become the Wizard King their ultimate goal and defining prize.
Black Clovermay share commonalities withNaruto, but Tabata’s work stands on its own with unique characters and creative storytelling alongside anew generation of popular shōnen titlesthat aired alongside it or shortly afterwards, such asChainsaw Man,Demon Slayer, andMy Hero Academia. The series sticks as an underdog story, and instead of fostering ill will between rivals, it chooses to embrace the act of encouraging your friends to do better alongside you, which has pushed not only Asta and Yuno to greater heights but several other main characters as well.
Black Clover Took Itself to New Heights as an Outstanding Shōnen Title
Its Success Was Brought About By Inspiration From Many Popular Anime
Black Cloveris a phenomenal entry into the shōnen genre by not so much reinventing a magic power system utilizing grimoires, but it revitalizes the practice by expanding on the concept, tiers of strength, and evolution that haven’t been popularized as much sinceZatch Bell!andFairy Tail. Its fantastical setting is largely what separates it fromNaruto, as Tabata is clearly taking inspiration from more than one shōnen to envision a new adventure through Asta and Yuno.
Asta and Yuno’s friendship and petty squabbles over who is the strongest mirror more of the competitive but strong bond of Yusuke Urameshi and Kazuma Kuwabara fromYu Yu Hakusho.
What really setsBlack Cloverapart is its clever perspectives on its protagonists, using Asta as the underdog, clawing his way up the ranks, and Yuno, who is a genius in his own right, being incredibly gifted with magic.Through their different experiences, fans receive two enthralling storieswith Asta serving as someone who has to work and build upon his own strength in order to be recognized as a worthy Knight. Yuno is often usurped and kept on his toes to never falter in his own training because the moment he does, Asta will surpass him.
There’s no fault in either’s journey.Black Cloveruses both narratives to bridge the story together, even if Asta and Yuno learn at different paces in time. Tabata hones in on the message that regardless of what talent you’re born with, by working hard, your dreams can be achieved, and thatrivalry doesn’t always need to be an unhealthy competition. Asta and Yuno’s friendship and petty squabbles of who is the strongest reflect sentiments that far surpass Naruto and Sasuke’s relationship, mirroring more of the competitive but strong bond of Yusuke Urameshi and Kazuma Kuwabara fromYu Yu Hakusho.
Black Clover Makes Better Use of Its Setting, World-Building, and Side Characters
Naruto Fans Often Wish These Aspects Were Explored More in the Series
Aside from a few common tropes, it’s hard to see howBlack CloverandNarutogot so tied together when Asta’s journey revolves more around wanting to become a Holy Knight and making life easier for his family back at the orphanage and Naruto wanting to build himself up to become someone important so that he’s no longer alone. Their worlds couldn’t be more different between the Kingdoms and Villages, yetBlack Cloverdoes prove to do more with expanding issues on hierarchyand how that affects the layman, given that having strong magic can earn you riches and prestige.
Narutofans still have many questions regarding unresolved plot lines and interesting narratives that were presented in the other Villages throughout the Shinobi World, though this is cited as an issue thatBlack Cloveris occasionally guilty of as wellby not building more on the surrounding nations and mostly focusing on the issues presented in the Clover and Spade Kingdom.
WhatBlack Cloverdoes improve on is the treatment of its side characters, especially when it comes to the female mages. Sakura is often at the brunt of abuse for being one of the most underutilized andmisunderstood characters inNaruto, but Noelle Silva is a character that is supported by Asta and proves herself to be an extremely capable mage countless times throughoutBlack Clover, leaving no questions as to her relevance within the narrative. Tabata exercises many of the story beats around the Black Bulls' characters, bringing them to the limelight and showcasing what makes them incredibly special despite being branded as a chaotic guild.
NarutoandBlack Cloverare their own different beasts at the end of the day, each with something that has brought something monumental to the shōnen genre. Having been created during different years, their story beats couldn’t be any more dissimilar, and yeteach has its own unique messages sent to viewers that are awe-inspiringand can be carried forth into everyday life. Living in your truth and working hard for it can reap rewards for both these eccentric protagonists and anime fans everywhere.
Black Clover
Cast
Black Clover, released in 2017, follows orphans Asta and Yuno who aspire to become the Wizard King in a world where magic is paramount. Despite Asta’s lack of powers, their journey unfolds as they receive their grimoires and embark on individual paths towards their ultimate goal.
Naruto
Naruto is an action-adventure anime series based on the manga series created by Masashi Kishimoto. The titular Naruto Uzumaki is a fearsome Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed inside him, which once wreaked havoc on his village. Shunned by his community yet determined to earn their respect, Naruto dreams of becoming the greatest ninja, the Hokage. This series follows his journey through the Ninja Academy as he continues to train and grow, hoping to prove himself to his peers- and himself.
