Despite its growing popularity and fan base, Black Clover is still often dismissed as a Naruto rip-off. This accusation and oversimplification overlook the series’ unique story, character dynamics, and themes. Calling Black Clover a rip-off ignores the distinctive qualities that make the story stand out.
On the surface, it might be easy to miss Black Clover’s depth, originality, and contributions to the shōnen genre. When given the attention it deserves, Black Clover proves to be a memorable story with a strong cast that naturally attracts fans. Watching the series with an open mind and without prejudgment allows the story to shine on its own merits.
Black Clover Gets Wrongfully Labeled as a Naruto Rip-off
Both Black Clover and Naruto Use Classic Shōnen Tropes
Black Clover is often labeled and dismissed by fans as a Naruto rip-off, who claim it does nothing more than recycle the same elements from the popular shonen series. However, this idea is based on surface-level comparisons and unfairly suggests that Black Clover lacks originality.
One of the most cited similarities drawn between the two series lies in their protagonists. Both Naruto and Asta begin their journeys as underdogs, known for their bold personalities, determined mindsets, and relentless ambition to succeed, with the goal of becoming the Hokage and Wizard King, respectively.
Both characters face rejection and mockery early on, which only ignites their determination to prove their worth and overcome even the greatest odds. Whereas Naruto is rejected for being the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox, Asta is looked down upon for lacking any ounce of magic. This led them to train harder to earn the respect they were once denied.
Along with their rivalries, Naruto and Asta embody the underdog archetype, while Sasuke and Yuno fit into the prodigy archetype, allowing many comparisons between the series to be drawn. Their contrasting personalities and drive allow tension to be built and make room for meaningful and measurable development.
Lastly, the powers and systems in the series also drive comparisons. Extensive training scenes, battles, and transformations are common in both anime and serve to show character development. The themes of friendship, perseverance, and self-improvement also overlap, leading many fans to view Black Clover as little more than an imitation, despite its themes being universal.
Many Shōnen Anime Follow the Same Formula
Plenty of Anime Share Themes With Black Clover
Underdog protagonists dreaming of becoming the strongest are common in anime, not just in Naruto or Black Clover. This trope has been present in shonen anime for decades, predating Naruto’s debut in 1999. Other common themes, like rivalry and the protagonist’s goals, appear in many other series.
Classic series like Dragon Ball introduced Goku, a determined outsider with humble beginnings and a strong desire to get stronger since the 1980s. Even One Piece’s Monkey D. Luffy fits perfectly into this mold as an ambitious yet underestimated hero who aims to become the Pirate King despite overwhelming odds.
Telling the story of an underdog has always been popular because it resonates with audiences across generations and has the ability to provide a narrative that explores adversity and rewarding payoffs.
Another anime that uses a similar formula is My Hero Academia, which follows a powerless protagonist who dreams of becoming the greatest hero. Since many shōnen anime follow an outcast or rejected protagonist who is endlessly optimistic and motivated to be the best, it seems unfair that Black Clover is singled out as a copycat.
For those who single out the central rivalry in Black Clover, anime such as Hunter x Hunter, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Blue Exorcist share similar dynamics. Outgoing underdogs Naruto, Asta, Gon, Itadori, Midoriya, and Rin clash or grow alongside the confident, gifted rivals Sasuke, Yuno, Killua, Megumi, Bakugo, and Yukio, respectively.
The universal themes of the series are also reflected in each of these titles, with every anime touching on perseverance, drive, and rivalry. Telling the story of an underdog has always been popular because it resonates with audiences across generations and has the ability to provide a narrative that explores adversity and rewarding payoffs.
Black Clover Stands Out for Many Differing Qualities
Asta’s Journey Provides a Unique Narrative
Black Clover deserves to be recognized for its many distinguishing qualities. One of these is the series’ world-building, which creates a detailed universe with a complex magical society, societal hierarchies, magic systems, diverse kingdoms, and political structures. The series’ depth effectively produces an environment that feels rich and expansive.
The character dynamics among the main protagonists and supporting cast are well-balanced, offering something new and refreshing. Each character has their own motivations, fueling their individual growth. Despite comparisons, the central rivalry is nothing like the one between Naruto and Sasuke, with Asta and Yuno having one of the healthiest rivalries in shōnen anime.
Black Clover also stands out for its well-paced storytelling and consistent progression. Unlike many series that drag through filler arcs, Black Clover finds a balance between high-stakes battles and meaningful character development, making the storyline both engaging and rewarding. The steady progression of the series keeps audiences invested and ensures that both the characters’ and the story’s development continue growing.
The series reimagines traditional shōnen tropes and themes with fresh, creative twists. It explores new magical abilities and inventive battle strategies throughout the anime, making the action always feel thrilling and largely unpredictable. The show’s focus on teamwork, personal growth, and overcoming challenges adds emotional depth, making every victory feel rewarding and well-earned rather than repetitive.
While comparisons to Naruto are unavoidable due to the shared genre and common tropes, Black Clover is much more than just a copy of familiar ideas. With its own unique world, characters, and exploration of universal themes, the series stands on its own. Black Clover is unfairly overlooked, despite having a distinctive and compelling story, and it deserves more recognition.
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Black Clover
- Release Date
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2017 – 2021
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVh, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Matsuo Asami, Rokou Ogiwara, Tazumi Mukaiyama, Akira Shimizu, Fumio Maezono, Daisuke Chiba, Toshihiro Maeya, Yoshimitsu Tsuda, Toshiaki Kanbara, Takahiro Enokida, Yasumi Mikamoto, Kenichi Maejima, Chihiro Kumano, Naoki Horiuchi, Yoshino Miwa
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Gakuto Kajiwara
Asta (voice)
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Nobunaga Shimazaki
Yuno (voice)
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- First Film
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Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Latest Film
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Boruto: Naruto the Movie
- First TV Show
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Naruto
- Latest TV Show
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Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
- First Episode Air Date
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October 3, 2002
- Cast
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Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei
Naruto is a franchise spawned from the manga series penned by Masashi Kishimoto that began in 1999. Generating several tv series, games, movies, and more, Naruto follows the exploits of a young outcast ninja harboring the spirit of a demon fox who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his ninja village, to break the stigma against him. Upon the conclusion of the initial series, Naruto expanded into Boruto, following many series protagonists’ children and returning faces.
