Black Clover: The Better Medieval Themed Anime Choice

When comparing medieval-themed anime, two popular choices immediately come to mind: Black Clover and Seven Deadly Sins. Both Black Clover and Seven Deadly Sins start with intriguing storylines that, unfortunately, become dull over time. This article will explore the strengths and weaknesses of both series, ultimately concluding that Black Clover emerges as the preferred choice for those who appreciate this genre.

Animation Quality and Storytelling

In terms of animation, the first two seasons of Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai) offer superior quality compared to the first season of Black Clover. However, given how poor the third season of Seven Deadly Sins is, the balance seems to be evening out.

When it comes to judging an anime based solely on its animation, it's like assessing books by their cover art. The key factor here is the story, and in that regard, both series have unique elements that cater to different tastes.

Character Focus and Development

Seven Deadly Sins is heavily focused on the characters, with each character's strength in the narrative directly related to their mental fortitude. As characters' mental flaws are revealed, they become weaker in the narrative, leading to the climactic death of Meliodas. However, as the story progresses, characters are able to piece themselves back together and become incredibly strong, with each capable of defeating the 10 Commandments.

Black Clover takes a slightly different approach by focusing on the journey of its protagonist, Asta. Asta's growth, his friends, and his unwavering determination to achieve his goals, despite facing numerous obstacles, make the series compelling. Black Clover excels at developing a character's journey of growth, where a character starts with a seemingly impossible goal yet manages to achieve it through sheer determination and hard work.

Character Depth and Female Protagonists

One of the strengths of Black Clover is its well-developed characters. Noelle, a major character who has a lot of screen time, is one of the best female protagonists of the generation. She is a compelling and dynamic character who contributes significantly to the series.

On the other hand, while Seven Deadly Sins also has well-developed characters, Black Clover handles its characters in a more focused and fleshed-out manner, making each character feel more integral to the story. The series consistently emphasizes Asta's growth and character development, making him stand out as a relatable and inspiring protagonist.

Comparing Main Characters

The main characters in both series are vastly different. In Naruto, the protagonist is Naruto, the son of a powerful figure, with an alien hybrid background and god-like natural power. In contrast, in Black Clover, the protagonist Asta is born without magic and is an orphan, struggling against the odds. This stark difference in character origins makes Black Clover feel more grounded and relatable.

The antagonist Yuno in Naruto is described as having a 4-leaf clover and being the reincarnation of a powerful leader from another race, which further highlights the disparity in character backgrounds. In Black Clover, the antagonist is more comparable to a down-to-earth character like Asta with potential to grow and improve, making the series feel more balanced and less one-sided.

Personal Preference Based on Manga Read

A significant factor in my preference for Black Clover is that I have read the manga. While both series are equally compelling in terms of the manga format, Black Clover offers a slight edge in quality, at least according to my experience.

The plot twists and character development in the manga enhance the overall experience, making Black Clover a more engaging and fulfilling series. The manga version not only provides more backstory but also enriches the storytelling, making the journey of Asta and his companions more meaningful to the audience.

Overall, Black Clover stands out as the superior choice for medieval-themed anime due to its relatable and inspiring protagonist, well-developed characters, and a compelling storyline that emphasizes personal growth and perseverance.