One of the new shōnen anime making headway is Black Clover(Burakku Kurōbā). It’s gained a lot of attention over the past year, some even considering it to be the BEST shone anime that’s been released in years. While I’m not here to debate  whether or not it is THE best shōnen anime, I AM here to compare it to an Ol’ G in the shōnen category: Naruto (and for clarification I’m only comparing it to Naruto not Naruto: Shippuden).

When I watch the 1st episode of Black Clover the only anime I could think to compare it to was Naruto. The classic anime trope of a young boy not being accepted by society so he has to become the greatest or best “insert main theme of the anime here”. Like the first episode screamed Naruto. Both Asta (the main protagonist) and Naruto are orphans, poor and have too much energy for everyone their around. But the key difference and I believe the reason why Black Clover has the potential for surpassing Naruto is this: Yuno.  

You see if you haven’t watched the show, then I’m going to go ahead and warn you of the potential spoilers I will share. Here’s your warning :-). Here’s the thing: Asta wasn’t the only orphan, but he was found right along with an orphaned Yuno. Can you spot the next anime trope? The forming of a rivalry between two friends that are like brothers; one super talented and popular (Yuno) and the other….is not, but has a hidden strength waiting to be exposed (Asta of course).

In their world magic is everything and while Asta has none, Yuno has an extraordinary amount and talent. Now I know what you’re thinking ” Okay. Yuno’s the better one and Asta makes him his rival and vows to surpass him to become the Wizard King. ” And………yes, you’re exactly right. BUT! The twist is Yuno’s response once Asta declares him a rival.

So let’s flip back to Naruto for a second here. So imagine Naruto and he’s life mission is to become the Hokage (think of like a chief) of the Hidden Leaf Village. But what is Naruto’s motivation? Is it because he wants to be the strongest of the village? Or is there some kind of redemption he’s seeking? No and no. All Naruto wants is: acknowledgement. I know it may sound weird for those of you who don’t really watch anime, but acknowledgment is EVERYTHING. It’s basically someone saying “Yes I see you”. This is the key difference between Naruto and Asta. Naruto had no one. Yes he eventually finds friends in his class and even a rival out of Sasuske, but in my opinion, there’s really not enough of a connection between Naruto and Sasuke to keep Sasuke from going stupid and leaving (you’ll have to watch the show but Sasuke does a LOT of stupid things.) With Asta and Yuno though, they’ve been together since Day 1. And it was Asta, the boy with no magical powers, that saved Yuno, TWICE. Asta doesn’t really need Yuno’s acknowledgement because it’s already given. Yuno knows how strong and capable Asta is even without having magical powers. This was something Naruto didn’t really get to experience until waaaaaaay into Shippuden. Because Asta and Yuno didn’t have to focus on being acknowledge by one another they were both able to focus on something that was bigger than themselves.

They don’t want to become the Wizard King just to be the strongest. They want to show the affluent of the Clover Kingdom, that where they’re from matters too. Their mission is to help the poor and other communities that are like their village. They know their friends and families matter and deserve more that being looked down on. So yes for acknowledgement but in a better and more impactful way.

I can’t wait to keep watching Black Clover and see how Asta and Yuno try to become the Wizard King!

Do you like Black Clover more than Naruto? Leave a comment below or over on the #Gram @thenerdlight

photos from

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7441658/mediaviewer/rm3087155968

IMDB https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409591/mediaviewer/rm651630848