Black Clover concluded its initial television run at episode 170. Therefore, there is no official episode 171. However, the Black Clover story continues through other mediums, and fans can find the narrative closure they seek through the Black Clover movie, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, and the ongoing manga series.
Understanding Black Clover’s End and Continuation
The abrupt halt of the anime at episode 170 left many viewers puzzled and, frankly, disappointed. Before diving into where to catch up on the Black Clover storyline, it’s crucial to understand the circumstances surrounding the anime’s temporary pause.
Why Episode 171 Never Aired
The anime’s production reached a point where it was nearing the manga’s source material. Continuing at the original pace risked the anime catching up entirely, which would lead to either extensive filler arcs (which are often negatively received) or a premature ending of the anime altogether. The decision to pause production was made to allow the manga to build a significant lead, enabling the anime to return with a well-paced and faithful adaptation.
The Black Clover Movie: Sword of the Wizard King
While episode 171 doesn’t exist, the Black Clover movie Sword of the Wizard King serves as a significant expansion of the Black Clover universe. This movie presents an original story that fits within the existing timeline and provides compelling character development and world-building. This feature film bridges the gap left by the anime’s hiatus and offers a fresh, exciting experience for fans eager to see more of Asta and the Black Bulls.
Manga as the Definitive Source
For those impatient to see what happens next, the Black Clover manga is the most direct continuation of the story after episode 170. It’s consistently ahead of the anime in terms of plot progression, and offers an abundance of content beyond the point where the anime stopped. Reading the manga allows you to experience the ongoing adventures of Asta and his comrades in real-time.
Where to Consume Black Clover Content
Since episode 171 doesn’t exist in anime form, here’s where you can find the continuation of the Black Clover story:
Streaming Platforms for the Black Clover Movie
- Netflix: Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is exclusively available on Netflix. If you have a Netflix subscription, you can stream it directly from their platform. Netflix offers varying subscription plans, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
Reading the Black Clover Manga
- Viz Media: Viz Media is the official English publisher of the Black Clover manga. You can read digital versions of the manga on their website or through the Shonen Jump app. This offers a convenient and legal way to stay up-to-date with the latest chapters.
- MangaPlus by Shueisha: MangaPlus is another official platform where you can read Black Clover and other Shonen Jump manga for free. New chapters are often released simultaneously with the Japanese publication, offering a near real-time experience.
- Physical Copies: Physical copies of the Black Clover manga can be purchased from bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, and comic shops. Many fans prefer collecting physical volumes as a tangible way to support the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To address common questions and concerns about the continuation of Black Clover, here are some frequently asked questions:
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Will Black Clover episode 171 ever be released?
Currently, there are no plans to release episode 171. The anime is on hiatus, and its return depends on the manga reaching a sufficient lead. Keep an eye on official announcements from Studio Pierrot and the Black Clover production team for any future updates. -
Is the Black Clover movie canon?
Yes, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is considered canon. The movie was created with the involvement of the manga author, Yuki Tabata, and it fits within the established Black Clover universe and timeline. -
What chapter of the manga does the anime leave off on?
The anime ends around chapter 272 of the manga. If you want to continue the story from where the anime stopped, start reading at chapter 273. -
Where can I read the Black Clover manga for free legally?
You can read the latest three chapters of Black Clover for free on MangaPlus by Shueisha. Viz Media also offers free previews of certain chapters. -
Is there a confirmed date for the Black Clover anime to return?
As of now, there is no official confirmed date for the anime to return. Fans eagerly await news, but the return largely depends on the manga’s progress. Monitor official anime news sites and social media channels for any announcements. -
Does the Black Clover movie spoil any manga content?
Sword of the Wizard King is an original story and doesn’t directly spoil any specific manga storylines. However, it may introduce new characters or concepts that could indirectly influence or tie into future manga arcs. -
What is the best way to support the Black Clover series?
The best ways to support the series include purchasing physical copies of the manga, subscribing to official streaming services like Crunchyroll (if the anime were to return), buying merchandise, and engaging with the series through official channels. -
What happens after chapter 273 of the manga?
After chapter 273, the manga delves into intense battles and revelations about the Spade Kingdom’s invasion and the origins of the devils. The story expands on the powers of the characters and introduces new and formidable adversaries. -
Are there any spin-off series or related content for Black Clover?
Yes, there is a spin-off manga called Black Clover Quartet Knights, which provides additional context to the events of the main series. There are also light novels and video games based on the Black Clover universe. -
How often are new chapters of the Black Clover manga released?
New chapters of the Black Clover manga are typically released weekly, following the schedule of Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. However, there may be occasional breaks or delays. -
Who are some of the key characters introduced after episode 170/chapter 273?
Post episode 170/chapter 273 introduces Zenon Zogratis, Vanica Zogratis, and Dante Zogratis, who serve as primary antagonists from the Spade Kingdom. Lucifero, one of the Supreme Devils, also becomes a central figure. -
Is the Black Clover manga finished?
No, the Black Clover manga is not finished and is still ongoing. New chapters are released regularly, continuing the story of Asta and his quest to become the Wizard King.
Conclusion
While the absence of Black Clover episode 171 might be disappointing, the series continues to thrive through the compelling narrative of the manga and the entertaining Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King movie. Exploring these avenues offers a richer and more complete experience for fans dedicated to the world of Asta and the Black Bulls. Stay informed through official channels and embrace the ongoing journey of Black Clover in its various forms.