Currently, there is no new episode of the Black Clover anime airing. The anime concluded its initial run with episode 170, titled “The Faraway Future,” which aired on March 30, 2021.
Understanding the Anime Hiatus and its Reasons
While fans eagerly await news of a return, it’s essential to understand the circumstances that led to the anime’s hiatus. Many speculated that the anime was cancelled, but that is not true. It’s more accurate to say that the production team intentionally paused the anime. The primary reason given for the hiatus was to allow the manga, written and illustrated by Yūki Tabata, to build a sufficient lead.
The anime series had caught up with the manga’s storyline, resulting in an increasing amount of filler content to slow the pace. Pausing the anime allowed the manga to progress significantly, ensuring that when the anime returns, it can maintain a more faithful and consistent adaptation without relying heavily on filler arcs. This decision prioritizes the quality of the anime’s adaptation and avoids the pitfalls of running too closely behind the source material.
The Future of Black Clover Anime: What We Know
While no official return date has been announced, the Black Clover franchise remains very much alive. A movie titled Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King was released on Netflix in June 2023. This movie offered fans a substantial dose of Black Clover action and expanded the world beyond the established canon.
This suggests that the production team is still actively involved in the Black Clover universe. Furthermore, many inside sources and industry analysts believe a continuation of the anime series is highly likely, though when that continuation will be announced remains uncertain. Factors such as studio availability, production timelines, and the manga’s continued success will all play a role in determining when Black Clover returns to television screens (or streaming platforms).
FAQs: Answering Your Burning Black Clover Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify the current situation with the Black Clover anime and its potential return:
H3 Q1: Why did Black Clover stop airing episodes?
The anime stopped airing episodes because it was catching up to the manga series. To avoid relying heavily on filler content and ensure a higher quality adaptation, the production team decided to pause the anime’s run and allow the manga to build a substantial lead.
H3 Q2: Was the Black Clover anime cancelled?
No, the Black Clover anime was not officially cancelled. The production team explicitly stated that the anime was put on hiatus to allow the manga to get further ahead. This is a common practice for anime adaptations of ongoing manga series.
H3 Q3: When will the Black Clover anime return?
There is no confirmed return date for the Black Clover anime. Fans should stay tuned to official announcements from the anime’s production team, Shueisha (the publisher of the manga), and Studio Pierrot (the animation studio).
H3 Q4: Where can I watch the Black Clover anime?
You can watch the Black Clover anime on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll and Hulu, which offer the entire series. Please be aware that content availability can vary depending on your region.
H3 Q5: Where does episode 170 leave the Black Clover storyline?
Episode 170 covers the conclusion of the Spade Kingdom Raid Arc, focusing on the aftermath of the battles and the characters’ preparations for future challenges. It sets the stage for a potential continuation with new characters and power-ups.
H3 Q6: Is the Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King movie canon?
While the movie features new characters and plot elements, the director, Ayataka Tanemura, has stated that it is a semi-canon story. The events depicted in the movie do not directly contradict the manga but are considered supplementary. The events of the movie are referenced in subsequent manga chapters.
H3 Q7: Will the anime follow the manga when it returns?
It is highly likely that the anime will follow the manga’s storyline when it returns. The hiatus was implemented to allow the anime to adapt the manga more faithfully, so fans can expect a more accurate and consistent adaptation going forward.
H3 Q8: What manga chapter does episode 170 cover?
Episode 170 covers content from approximately chapter 272 of the Black Clover manga. If you want to continue the story where the anime left off, this is a good starting point.
H3 Q9: How far ahead is the Black Clover manga now?
As of October 26, 2023, the Black Clover manga has well over 350 chapters. This provides a significant buffer for the anime to return and adapt the story without catching up too quickly.
H3 Q10: What should I do while waiting for the anime to return?
While waiting for the anime’s return, you can read the Black Clover manga to stay current with the story. You can also rewatch the existing anime episodes, explore fan theories, and engage with the Black Clover community online.
H3 Q11: Will the animation style change when the anime returns?
It is possible that the animation style could undergo minor changes upon the anime’s return, as animation techniques and technologies are continuously evolving. However, major overhauls are unlikely, as the goal is to maintain consistency and familiarity for the existing fanbase.
H3 Q12: Where can I find reliable information about the Black Clover anime’s return?
Stay updated on the Black Clover anime’s status through official sources such as the anime’s official website, the Shonen Jump website (the magazine that serializes the manga), and reputable anime news websites. Avoid relying on unsubstantiated rumors or unofficial sources.
The Enduring Appeal of Black Clover
Despite the anime hiatus, Black Clover remains a hugely popular shonen franchise. Its themes of perseverance, friendship, and overcoming adversity resonate with a wide audience. The series boasts a colorful cast of characters, engaging action sequences, and a steadily expanding magical world. This combination has secured Black Clover‘s place as a modern shonen classic and ensures that fans will continue to eagerly await its anime’s return. The hiatus, though disappointing in the short term, ultimately serves to strengthen the adaptation and deliver a higher quality anime experience in the long run.
The conclusion of the first anime run doesn’t signify the end of Asta’s journey. The Sword of the Wizard King movie demonstrates the continuing interest in the franchise, and it is highly likely we will see new anime episodes in the future. In the meantime, dedicated fans have the manga to follow along with the story of Asta, Yuno, and the rest of the Clover Kingdom. The Black Clover future, while temporarily paused on the screen, remains bright.