Inspiration plays a huge role in any creative industry, and the anime-manga industry is no different. Many mangaka have been vocal about being inspired by their predecessors, especially in the shonen sphere. Dragon Ball created many iconic shonen tropes that were incorporated by the Big Three anime, which eventually inspired the new generation of shonen anime and manga. One such manga is Yuki Tabata’s Black Clover.Â
In Black Clover, Tabata retains the key elements of the shonen experience and refines them excellently. He has also shared in the past how Dragon Ball and One Piece have inspired him in numerous ways. However, one manga series that Black Clover resembles the most, in my opinion, is neither Dragon Ball nor One Piece, but Masashi Kishimoto’s Naruto instead!Â
Here’s How Black Clover Resembles NarutoÂ
The similarities between Naruto and Black Clover are subtle at the beginning but near the end, they become more pronounced. Starting with the protagonists, both Asta and Naruto have similar character arcs. Initially looked down upon, they both strive to become the highest authority of their homeland. Through sheer determination and hard work, they gain the recognition of those around them. While this likeness can be accredited to the loud and lively archetype, Asta’s relationship with Liebe takes it a step further.
This is simply because of how similar it is to the relationship between Kurama and Naruto. There are some other plot points in Black Clover that bear a striking resemblance to Naruto. The relationship between Yami and his sister is a repeat of Sasuke and Itachi’s dynamics, with a twist. Moreover, after training in the Land of Sun, Asta’s power-ups seem like a rip-off of Naruto’s Kurama Chakra Mode. Asta can transfer his powers to others, something that Naruto does during the Final War.
Black Clover is sometimes dismissed as a rip-off of Naruto. I feel that might be because of how it feels like a parody of Shonen anime at some points. However, Yuki Tabata deserves credit for his planning and execution. He has reformed many shonen tropes for the better. The character development across the board is way better than in most anime. The side characters also get their fair share of time, justifying their presence in the story. Not just the side characters, but even with the main character, Tabata has surpassed Kishimoto in one aspect.
Yuki Tabata did One Thing Better than Masashi KishimotoÂ
Up until the Final War in Naruto, the character development of Naruto was convincing and digestible. After intense training with the best figures in his world, he became stronger. He improved his compatibility with different fighting styles and powers and eventually tamed the beast within him as well. Everything was going great until Masashi Kishimoto decided to turn it all into destiny’s plan.
From a hard-working and endearing character, Naruto was turned into the chosen one. His power levels strayed from human levels to that of a God. Tabata prevented this from happening in Black Clover. Throughout the story, Asta’s character development is in line with the standards he has set. In the final arc, Asta is significantly stronger than he was at the beginning. Yet, nothing like what happened to Naruto.
With Naruto, it felt like someone pulled the rug out from under my feet. It needs to be mentioned that up until the introduction of Kaguya, his character was also quite consistent. Asta’s powers are more grounded and even at this point, his friends are supporting him. Tabata is consciously avoiding the same mistake even when Asta is facing the strongest villain. As a fan of both the series, this is one aspect in which I feel Yuki Tabata has surpassed Kishimoto.
Both Black Clover and Naruto are available to read for free on the MangaPlus app and website.
