[Fall 2017] Black Clover: an atmospheric and exhilarating first episode!

First come, first reviewed! Black Clover is one of the first anime to enter the anime scene in Fall 2017! An anime that already has its fans, and that may reach even more people thanks to its animated adaptation. Stay with us, we'll tell you what we thought of this first episode and maybe you'll leave with your grimoire!

Black Clover

Original title: ブラッククローバー – Burakko Kuroba

Genre: action, fantasy, magic, comedy

Type: Shônen

Period: from October 3 to …

Platform: Crunchyroll

Number of episodes: ???

Mangaka: Yuuki Tabata (Hungry Joker)

Studio: Studio Pierrot (Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul, Bleach, GTO)

Director: Tatsuya Yoshihara (Namiuchigiwa no Muromi-san, Long Riders!)

Scriptwriter: Fudeyasu Kazuyuki (Girl's Last Tour)

Character design: Itsuko Takeda (Boys Be…, Level E)

Composer: Minako Seki (Kingdom, Gin no Guardian)

Synopsis

In a world ruled by magic, Yuno and Asta grew up together with one goal in mind: to become the next Mage-Emperor of the Clover Kingdom. But if the first is naturally gifted, the second, meanwhile, does not know how to manipulate magic. Thus, during the ceremony of awarding their grimoire, Yuno receives the legendary grimoire with four-leaf clover, while Asta, him, leaves empty-handed. Now, later, an ancient and mysterious black work decorated with a five-leaf clover appears in front of him! A grimoire of anti-magic…

Source: Crunchyroll

This review does not contain any major revelations that could ruin your viewing of the first episode of Black Clover. But it's up to you to see if you want to watch the episode first, before reading some details that you might have liked to discover with the anime.

Welcome to Clover!

Oyez, oyez! Welcome to Clover! A green country, where there is a funny skeletal landscape and where everyone can use magic! Making a fire, drying clothes or digging a field become as simple as pie! Here, even a child can use magic! So put down your suitcases and make yourself comfortable!

Magic is all that matters in this world.

Clover is where our heroes live. Finally, the two young boys whose adventures we will follow. And today is a very special day for them, since they will finally receive their grimoire! A book that will be personally attributed to them and that will amplify their magic. At the age of 15, all the teenagers of Clover meet at the Grimoire Tower to receive their grimoire. And it is thanks to this that they will be able to choose their path. But for Asta, his destiny is already mapped out: he will become the Mage-Emperor and nothing else!

An attractive scenario for a first episode that sets the scene, its main characters and some issues. An introductory episode that leaves many gray areas that force curiosity. Mysteries on which, sooner or later, light will be made!

Asta & Yuno, a playful destiny

Black Clover is the story of two young boys, abandoned as babies in front of a church: Asta and Yuno. Found together by the father of the church, they will stand out from an early age. One is full of energy and jovial, the other seems calm and discreet. 15 years later, the differences have grown and created rifts between the two young men. Yuno is tall, helpful and discreet when Asta is small, reckless and noisy. The latter, clumsy but also very expressive, is a rare being in Clover: one of the only ones who cannot use magic. Much to his chagrin. To believe that the Master of Destiny, facetious, gave everything to one, rather than choosing equality.

But Asta and Yuno are more than two characters who grew up together. They are two rivals that nothing can separate. Not even the grimoire delivery, glorious for one, catastrophic for the other. This first episode focuses mainly on these two characters and their environment. A judicious choice and punctuated by many gags or adventures, which will allow the viewer to begin to form an idea about our antagonists, and perhaps to identify with one of them. Because one seems to be able to achieve everything, in an innate way. The other, despite his efforts, does not achieve much, but does not get discouraged (and who reminds us of another hero, a blond-headed ninja). Two portraits drawn in opposition, which however, share much more than one might think at first glance.

A rhythmic and ambient first episode

If we discover with joy our two main protagonists in this first episode, we also discover the atmosphere that will be – perhaps – throughout the anime. Loves, misses, fights, spells or failures punctuate this pilot with cadence and tempo. No time to get bored alongside Asta and the others! The comedy scenes are predictable, but effective and well arranged. We appreciate the fight scenes, dynamic and understandable, as well as those where magic is used. But we can't wait to learn more about the use of grimoires and the mysterious clover grimoires!

On the other hand, we appreciate the landscapes and the wide views proposed that rest the story for a second or two before embarking on new adventures. Studio Pierrot delivers a quality animation, as usual, and that fits well with the aesthetics and style of Black Clover. The background sound is also pleasant, and we hope that some OST will manage to stand out and sublimate the anime! On the opening and ending side, see you next week because we could not discover anything on this side. A surprise that will certainly offer us episode 2!

In short, the first episode of Black Clover perfectly lays the foundations of the anime, and already makes us want to see more! Don't forget that the first 8 volumes of the manga are available from Kazé Manga !

And you, will you follow Black Clover this season?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU7CnetWC3c