Unfortunately, Black Clover Episode 171 does not exist. The anime series concluded its initial run with Episode 170 on March 30, 2021. This article will explore the reasons behind this conclusion, the plans for the Black Clover franchise moving forward, and answer common questions surrounding the show’s hiatus.
The End of an Era: Understanding Black Clover’s Hiatus
The announcement of Black Clover’s hiatus came as a surprise to many fans, despite whispers circulating within the anime community. Several factors contributed to this decision, leading to the end of the weekly anime adaptation after nearly four years.
Production Pace and Source Material
One of the primary reasons for the hiatus was the need to prevent the anime from overtaking the manga. Anime adaptations often face the challenge of “catching up” to their source material. When this occurs, studios are left with limited options: creating filler episodes, taking a seasonal break, or ending the series altogether and potentially rebooting it later. Filler episodes, while sometimes enjoyable, are often criticized for deviating from the main storyline and impacting the overall pacing of the series.
In Black Clover’s case, the anime was rapidly approaching the manga’s content. Rather than resorting to extensive filler or significantly altering the narrative, the production team opted for a hiatus. This allows mangaka Yūki Tabata time to build a substantial lead in the manga, ensuring a more faithful and less rushed adaptation when the anime eventually returns.
Creative Refinement and Quality Assurance
Another crucial aspect to consider is the opportunity a hiatus provides for creative refinement. The break allowed the production team at Pierrot, the animation studio behind Black Clover, to assess the animation quality, pacing, and overall direction of the series. This period can be used to improve animation techniques, streamline the production process, and address any areas that required improvement. The hiatus ensures that when Black Clover returns, it will be with enhanced visuals and a more compelling narrative.
Future of the Black Clover Franchise
While the weekly anime series concluded, the Black Clover franchise is far from over. In fact, shortly after the final episode aired, a major announcement was made: a Black Clover movie is in production. This announcement generated immense excitement among fans, offering a tangible sign that the story would continue.
The movie, titled Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, premiered in Japan on June 16, 2023, and was subsequently released globally on Netflix. It features an original story supervised by Yūki Tabata, ensuring that it remains true to the spirit and canon of the Black Clover universe. The movie bridges the gap between the Elf Reincarnation Arc and the Spade Kingdom Arc, giving more backstory for characters and filling in some plot holes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Clover
This section addresses common questions surrounding Black Clover’s conclusion and its future.
FAQ 1: Why didn’t they just do filler episodes?
While filler episodes are a common practice in long-running anime series, they often receive criticism for disrupting the main narrative and potentially diluting the story’s impact. The Black Clover production team likely weighed the pros and cons of filler and decided that a hiatus was a more beneficial long-term solution for maintaining the quality and integrity of the series. Extensive filler also requires animation and voice acting investment, which can be better used in future canon episodes.
FAQ 2: Is the Black Clover anime completely canceled?
No, the Black Clover anime is not canceled. It’s currently on hiatus. The production team has confirmed that the anime will eventually return, although a specific release date has not yet been announced. The success of the movie will definitely affect the speed that the anime will return.
FAQ 3: When will the Black Clover anime return?
There is no official release date for the return of the Black Clover anime. However, considering the time passed and the current progress of the manga, a return announcement is expected within the next year. Keep an eye on official announcements from Pierrot and the Black Clover team for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ 4: Where can I watch the existing Black Clover anime episodes?
The existing Black Clover anime episodes are available for streaming on various platforms, including Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu. These platforms offer both subbed and dubbed versions of the series, allowing viewers to choose their preferred viewing experience.
FAQ 5: Where can I read the Black Clover manga?
The Black Clover manga is available for reading on platforms such as Viz Media’s Shonen Jump app and website, as well as in physical volumes available at bookstores and online retailers. Reading the manga is a great way to continue the story beyond where the anime left off and get a head start on future plot developments.
FAQ 6: Is the Black Clover movie canon?
Yes, the Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King movie is considered canon. Yūki Tabata, the creator of Black Clover, was heavily involved in the movie’s production and oversaw the story, ensuring that it aligns with the established lore and characters.
FAQ 7: Does the movie continue the story from episode 170?
Yes and no. The movie is not a direct continuation of the story from episode 170, but it does fill in some gaps and provides additional context for the events leading up to the Spade Kingdom Arc. It’s best viewed as a bridge between the two arcs, offering new insights and character development.
FAQ 8: What can I do to support the Black Clover franchise?
There are several ways to support the Black Clover franchise:
- Watch the anime on official streaming platforms: This helps to generate revenue for the production team and demonstrates the demand for more content.
- Buy the manga volumes: Purchasing the manga supports Yūki Tabata directly and encourages him to continue creating the story.
- Purchase merchandise: Buying Black Clover merchandise, such as figures, clothing, and posters, is another way to show your support and represent your love for the series.
- Engage with the online community: Participating in online discussions, sharing fan art, and spreading the word about Black Clover helps to build a larger fanbase and increase its popularity.
FAQ 9: Will the anime’s voice actors return when it continues?
While it’s not guaranteed, it’s highly likely that the original voice actors will return to reprise their roles when the Black Clover anime continues. Continuity in voice acting is crucial for maintaining the authenticity and familiarity of the characters.
FAQ 10: How far ahead is the manga compared to where the anime left off?
The Black Clover manga is currently several arcs ahead of where the anime concluded. This substantial lead provides the production team with ample material to work with when the anime eventually returns, ensuring a more consistent and less rushed adaptation.
FAQ 11: What is the Spade Kingdom Arc about?
The Spade Kingdom Arc is a major storyline in the Black Clover manga that focuses on the Clover Kingdom’s conflict with the Dark Triad, powerful mages who rule the Spade Kingdom. This arc introduces new characters, explores deeper themes, and features intense battles as Asta and his comrades strive to protect their kingdom from annihilation.
FAQ 12: Is there any news about a Black Clover game?
Currently, there are no official announcements regarding a new Black Clover game. However, given the franchise’s popularity, it’s certainly possible that a new game could be developed in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements from game developers and publishers for any potential news.