Black Clover, the magical shonen anime brimming with action, comedy, and heart, offers a captivating journey. To experience its full power, you need to watch it in the correct order: the anime series from episodes 1-170, followed by the movie, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, ensuring a seamless continuation of Asta’s quest to become the Wizard King.
Chronological Black Clover Viewing: The Definite Guide
Navigating the world of anime watch orders can be tricky, especially with filler episodes, movies, and special content sprinkled throughout a series’ run. This guide breaks down the ideal viewing order for Black Clover, ensuring you experience the story as intended, without encountering spoilers or feeling lost in the narrative.
The core of the Black Clover experience lies within its 170-episode anime series. It meticulously lays the foundation for the world, the characters, and the overarching plot involving Asta, a boy born without magic, and his rival, Yuno, a prodigy with immense magical power, as they both strive to become the Wizard King.
After completing the main anime series, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King awaits. This movie isn’t a side story; it’s a canon addition to the Black Clover universe, occurring after the conclusion of the anime’s main storyline. It expands on the lore, introduces new formidable villains, and further develops the key characters. Skipping this movie would leave a significant gap in your understanding of the narrative and the characters’ growth.
Therefore, the definitive and recommended viewing order is simple:
- Black Clover Anime (Episodes 1-170)
- Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (Movie)
This straightforward approach guarantees a coherent and satisfying experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the world of Black Clover.
Why This Order Matters
The Black Clover anime follows a relatively linear narrative, meticulously building upon established plot points and character relationships. While some episodes contain filler content (addressed further in the FAQ section), the overarching storyline progresses consistently.
Skipping episodes or watching out of order disrupts this progression, leading to confusion and missed contextual clues. The movie, Sword of the Wizard King, assumes viewers have already witnessed the events of the entire anime series. It features characters with their developed powers and established relationships, making it unsuitable for viewing before completing the main series.
The movie introduces concepts and enemies that directly tie into the world and magic system established throughout the entire show. Trying to understand these nuances without the proper context from the show can be frustrating and diminishes the enjoyment of the movie itself.
Following this chronological order ensures the following:
- Complete Understanding: You’ll grasp the nuances of the magic system, the political landscape, and the complex relationships between characters.
- Character Development: Witness the consistent growth of Asta, Yuno, and the other members of the Black Bulls.
- Spoiler Avoidance: Avoid accidental spoilers related to characters’ abilities, plot twists, and key events.
- Narrative Cohesion: Experience a seamless and engaging storyline, flowing naturally from the anime series into the movie.
Diving Deeper: FAQs About Watching Black Clover
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Black Clover viewing experience:
FAQ 1: Is Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King Canon?
Yes, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is considered canon. It’s supervised by Yūki Tabata, the original author of the manga, and its events don’t contradict anything established in the main storyline. It adds to the lore and provides a glimpse into the future.
FAQ 2: Should I Skip Filler Episodes?
While some find filler episodes less engaging, skipping them entirely isn’t recommended for first-time viewers. They often provide valuable character development and world-building, even if they don’t directly advance the main plot. However, re-watchers may choose to skip them for a more streamlined experience.
FAQ 3: Where Can I Watch Black Clover?
Black Clover is readily available on several streaming platforms, including:
- Crunchyroll
- Hulu
- Funimation (Depending on region)
- Netflix (Some regions include the movie)
Ensure your chosen platform has both the complete anime series and the movie for the full experience.
FAQ 4: Does the Movie Spoil Anything from the Manga?
While the movie is considered canon and supervised by the manga author, it primarily explores original storylines and characters. It doesn’t directly adapt any specific manga chapters that haven’t already been covered in the anime. It serves as a continuation and expansion rather than a preview.
FAQ 5: Is there a Dubbed Version of the Movie?
Yes, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King has an English dub available on most streaming platforms that carry the movie. This makes it accessible to a wider audience who prefer watching anime in English.
FAQ 6: How Long Will it Take to Watch All of Black Clover?
With 170 anime episodes averaging 23 minutes each, and a movie runtime of approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, expect around 67 hours of viewing time. This doesn’t include any breaks or rewatches, of course.
FAQ 7: Will Black Clover Anime Return for a New Season?
While there hasn’t been an official announcement, many fans are hopeful for a return to animation. The manga continues to release new chapters, providing ample source material for future seasons. Keep an eye on official announcements from the production team for updates.
FAQ 8: What Makes Black Clover Worth Watching?
Black Clover offers a compelling blend of classic shonen tropes and unique elements. Its strengths lie in:
- Relatable Characters: Asta’s unwavering determination is inspiring, and the Black Bulls are a lovable, eccentric group.
- Fast-Paced Action: The fight scenes are visually stunning and packed with magical power.
- Themes of Perseverance and Friendship: The story emphasizes the importance of hard work and the power of teamwork.
FAQ 9: Is Black Clover Similar to Naruto or Fairy Tail?
While Black Clover shares similarities with other shonen anime like Naruto and Fairy Tail in terms of its themes and character archetypes, it has its own distinct identity. It carves its own niche with its unique magic system, diverse cast, and focus on the underdog striving for greatness.
FAQ 10: Are There Any OVA Episodes or Specials?
While there aren’t numerous OVAs, keep an eye out for promotional materials or special events that may release bonus content in the future. These often offer lighthearted glimpses into the characters’ lives outside of the main storyline.
FAQ 11: Is the Manga Better Than the Anime?
This is subjective, but many consider the manga to be superior in terms of pacing and art style, especially in later arcs. The anime, however, offers the dynamism of animation and voice acting. Both are worth experiencing.
FAQ 12: What Should I Watch After Black Clover?
If you enjoyed Black Clover, consider exploring other shonen anime with similar themes, such as:
- My Hero Academia
- Hunter x Hunter
- One Piece
These series share elements of action, adventure, and compelling character development. You could also delve into the Black Clover manga to continue the story beyond the anime’s current endpoint.
By following this comprehensive guide and addressing common questions, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on or revisit the magical journey of Black Clover in the optimal order. Enjoy the adventure!