In a world where magic is everything (get used to hearing that), a lone mage rose up to defeat a beast attacking the kingdom. His bravery and strength awarded him the title of ‘the Wizard King’. His exploits went down in history and became legend, the title itself became passed down to those who proved themselves the strongest in the land. Years later, two young orphans grow up hearing of the mage’s legend and decided that their dream is to become the Wizard King themselves. In competition with each other, with the goal of using the fame, wealth and power to rebuild their church and help their small village. Now at the age of Fifteen, the boys, Asta and Yuno come of age to inherit their own Grimoires. Books that increase the user’s magical ability and bind themselves to their users. They can finally set off on their journey to become the Wizard King. There is just one problem. While Yuno is considered one of the most gifted young magic wielders seen in many years. Asta is a rarity. While he is the loudest to shout out his dreams and aspirations of being the Wizard King, he is also the only one in the kingdom without the ability to use magic.

Adapted from the manga by Yuki Tabata and published in Weekly Shonen Jump. Black Clover is the latest Shonen fair from Studio Pierrot. The studio that previously brought us Naruto (2002 – 2007) and its sequel series, Naruto Shippuden (2007 – 2017). Directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, who previously helmed Monster Musume: Everyday Life with Monster Girls (2015). Black Clover is being pitched as the new Naruto. More so for it replacing Naruto as Studio Pierrot’s main cash cow. A new show to pick up the slack. The show follows many of the same tropes as modern shonen, particularly that of Naruto. Helped by the fact that both original manga are or were published in Weekly Shonen Jump. For those that have never seen the likes of Naruto, Dragon Ball, or maybe Soul Eater. Black Clover will feel very fresh and exciting. The underdog protagonist, the high goals and battles will likely keep you entertained and wanting to press on. For those heavily familiar with shonen tropes, this may come off as a little boring, or a lot of flash and no substance. However, every anime has the potential to be someone’s first, and there are worse shows to pick up and start with.

As a protagonist, Asta plays like your generic Shonen Jump protagonist. A happy-go-lucky kid with a tragic backstory, that of being an orphan. Who is held back and mocked by those around him because he is different. In this case, his utter lack of magic. But doesn’t let that get him down and is out to prove his worth. While he is a cookie cutter protagonist, he does have room to grow. This is still very early in the shows run. Though it’s worth noting that his somewhat creepy devotion to the Nun at his orphanage, going so far as to harass her and propose on a daily basis, does make him seem like a possible sexual predator in training. Not knowing when no means no. However, this could also be something he grows out of later. Just as he grows into his strength, and does grow up, he could very well put aside his childish tendencies and learn. Given this is only the first 10 episodes, there is still room to grow.

For once, this maybe a case where it will be hard to find someone who prefers the original Japanese to the English Dub. Newcomer to the industry, Gakuto Kajiwara is a fine young actor when it comes to emoting, but with the amount of times Asta is required to scream, his voice becomes grating and ear piercing. With hope as the show goes on, Asta as a character will calm down and allow Gakuto Kajiwara to prove himself as the fine talent he has the potential to be. Dub wise, the cast also boasts an up and comer as it’s Asta. While Dallas Reid has had some experience in minor roles or smaller productions, Black Clover along with Sakura Quest (2017) are Dallas’s big break. An actor who handles himself well, and manages to include Asta’s screaming, without getting on the viewers nerves. A difficult feat in itself. Micah Solusod as Yuno has certainly come a long way since his earliest role, and even his run as Soul Evans in Soul Eater (2008 – 2009). He gives Yuno a calm tone throughout but can easily bring subtle humour through inflections that gives the character another dimension. The cast is nicely rounded out with the likes of Jill Harris, Christopher R. Sabat, and Ian Sinclair.

Early on, the show is guilty of over explaining and a needless use of flashbacks. This can get very grating as it feels like the information could have more casually been slipped in through conversations or as background text. The frequent use of recycled animation is down to Studio Pierrot themselves, due to their practice of cutting corners. However, when the show does want to look good it can. Though freeze framing at times will still reveal cut corners and smear frames. But it motion, it does indeed look interesting.

The Blu-ray for this first half of season one contains the first 10 episodes of the show. With episodes 4 and 7 including some fun and light-hearted commentary from the English voice actors. From episode 3 onwards, episodes end with ‘Clover Clips’. Short vignettes including the characters to either expand upon the world or characters. As well as a 16 minute piece talking about the casting and production process at Funimation.

Black Clover is very much ‘baby’s first Shonen’. Relying heavily on tropes on those that came before. But it’s harmless. In this first 10 episodes, there’s nothing offensive, but nothing to set the world on fire either.

Black Clover: Season One – Part One is available on DVD & Blu-ray, August 20th.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Clover-Season-Part-Blu-ray/dp/B07DKQ8JDJ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1534359304&sr=8-6&keywords=black++clover

Zavvi: https://www.zavvi.com/blu-ray/black-clover-dual-format/11780966.html