Black Clover Episode 171 never aired. The anime series concluded with Episode 170, “The Faraway Future,” on March 30, 2021. While fans eagerly awaited a continuation, the producers opted to pursue a feature film rather than immediately continuing the weekly series.
The Black Clover Anime Journey: From Clover Kingdom to Silver Screen
The Black Clover anime adaptation, based on Yūki Tabata’s popular manga, captivated audiences for over three years. It followed the adventures of Asta and Yuno, two orphans striving to become the next Wizard King. While Episode 170 provided a sense of closure, it also left viewers yearning for more, leading to the inevitable question: What happened to Episode 171? The truth is, Episode 171 was never in the pipeline. The anime’s creative team, seeing the escalating scale of the manga’s narrative, made a calculated decision to shift gears and focus on a film project.
This wasn’t necessarily a permanent end to the anime series, but a strategic pause to allow the manga to progress further and provide sufficient material for a fresh season. This is a common practice in the anime industry, especially for long-running adaptations of ongoing manga series.
Why No Episode 171? Exploring the Production Decision
Several factors contributed to the decision to end the weekly anime run at Episode 170.
Manga Catch-Up Concerns
The most prominent reason was the manga’s proximity to the anime’s storyline. Adapting source material too quickly can lead to filler episodes or straying from the manga’s intended narrative, potentially diminishing the quality and consistency of the adaptation. By pausing the anime, the manga creator had time to build a more substantial lead, guaranteeing a smoother and more faithful adaptation in the future.
Shifting Production Priorities
The announcement of the Black Clover movie, “Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King,” played a crucial role. Resources and manpower were shifted towards the film’s production, aiming for a high-quality cinematic experience that would further expand the Black Clover universe. This strategic move aimed to capitalize on the series’ popularity and reach a wider audience.
Maintaining Animation Quality
Producing a consistent stream of high-quality animation week after week is a demanding task. By taking a break, the production team could focus on improving the overall animation quality for future installments, whether in the form of a new season or additional films. This allows for more detailed artwork, dynamic action sequences, and a more immersive viewing experience.
Black Clover Movie: Sword of the Wizard King
The Black Clover movie, “Sword of the Wizard King,” premiered in June 2023 on Netflix globally. The film featured an original storyline supervised by Yūki Tabata, introducing new characters and expanding on the world of Black Clover. While it wasn’t Episode 171, it served as a continuation of the story and offered a satisfying dose of Black Clover action and adventure for fans. The film was a critical and commercial success, reaffirming the series’ enduring popularity and paving the way for potential future anime projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Will Black Clover ever return with a new season after Episode 170?
The possibility remains high. The success of the “Sword of the Wizard King” movie has renewed interest in the franchise. When the manga has progressed far enough to provide ample source material, a new season becomes increasingly likely. No official announcement has been made yet, but fans remain hopeful.
FAQ 2: Where can I watch Black Clover Episode 170?
You can watch Black Clover Episode 170 and the entire series on various streaming platforms, including Crunchyroll and Funimation. These platforms offer both subbed and dubbed versions of the anime.
FAQ 3: Where can I read the Black Clover manga?
The Black Clover manga is available to read digitally on platforms like Viz Media’s Shonen Jump app and Manga Plus by Shueisha. Physical copies are also available for purchase at most major bookstores.
FAQ 4: Is the Black Clover manga finished?
No, the Black Clover manga is ongoing. Yūki Tabata is still actively creating new chapters, which are released regularly. This continued progression of the manga is what fuels the hopes for a new season of the anime.
FAQ 5: What is the Black Clover movie about?
“Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King” tells an original story featuring a revived Wizard King and intense battles against powerful enemies. Asta and his fellow Magic Knights must confront this new threat and protect the Clover Kingdom. It expands on established lore and introduces new characters and abilities.
FAQ 6: Where can I watch the Black Clover movie?
“Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King” is currently available to stream on Netflix.
FAQ 7: How does the movie fit into the Black Clover timeline?
The movie is generally accepted to take place sometime after the events of the anime series, providing a non-canon (but supervised by the author) story between the anime’s end and the expected start of a new arc.
FAQ 8: Will the Black Clover movie affect the possibility of a new anime season?
Potentially. The movie’s success demonstrates continued interest in the franchise, making a new season a more attractive proposition for production studios. It also acts as a bridge, keeping fans engaged while they wait for the manga to create enough material.
FAQ 9: What makes Black Clover so popular?
Black Clover’s popularity stems from its shonen tropes – a determined protagonist, a strong emphasis on friendship and teamwork, and exciting action sequences. However, it also has unique elements, like its magic system and well-developed characters. The power of believing in yourself and never giving up resonates strongly with viewers.
FAQ 10: Are there any Black Clover video games?
Yes, there are several Black Clover video games available on various platforms. These include mobile games like Black Clover Phantom Knights and console games like Black Clover: Quartet Knights.
FAQ 11: What is the release schedule for new chapters of the Black Clover manga?
New chapters of the Black Clover manga are typically released weekly. The specific day of the week can vary, but they are generally available on Sundays or Mondays, depending on your time zone. Check the Shonen Jump app or website for the most up-to-date release schedule.
FAQ 12: What is the best way to stay updated on news about a new Black Clover anime season?
Follow official Black Clover social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook), anime news websites (Anime News Network, Crunchyroll News), and subscribe to relevant YouTube channels. Official announcements will be the most reliable source of information.
The Future of Black Clover: Remaining Optimistic
While the absence of Episode 171 was initially disappointing, the “Sword of the Wizard King” movie has rekindled fan enthusiasm and proven that the Black Clover universe has much more to offer. The continuation of the manga suggests that the story is far from over, and the possibility of a new anime season remains a very real prospect. Until then, fans can continue to enjoy the existing anime episodes, dive into the manga, and rewatch the movie, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the Black Clover saga. The Black Bulls will undoubtedly return to our screens, and when they do, it will be an event worth waiting for.