Why Do People Hate Fairy Tail, Sword Art Online, and Black Clover Online?

Is it the age-old mystery why some of the most popular anime series are simultaneously loved and hated by audiences? Two of the show's problems are quite similar, and the third is riddled with issues of its own. In this article, we will dissect what makes these beloved but often reviled works so polarizing.

Understanding the Appeal of Sword Art Online and Black Clover

These shows are particularly appealing to newcomers to the world of anime. They look visually stunning and appeal to those who are new to other genres, like fantasy and video games. However, beneath the surface, these shows suffer from significant flaws that make them unappealing to seasoned fans.

Sword Art Online: A False Reality

The most notoriously hated of the three, Sword Art Online, suffers from poor world-building and a shallow interpretation of advanced gaming mechanics. The game's implementation is more fantasy than reality, with unrealistic limitations and no room for players to explore classic RPG elements.

The game itself is often more suggestion than gameplay. The story often gives the impression of over-estimating the player's involvement, leading to laughable plot devices. For instance, the game cannot function without a complete player base, yet the launch sees the game with only 10,000 participants. The lack of depth and logic in mechanics plagues the series, making it an unseemly parody of what gaming should be.

Black Clover: A World of Superfluous Protagonists

Black Clover faces similar criticism. The series is marked by loud, undifferentiated characters that rely heavily on plot armor for plot progression. The main antagonist in the manga and anime, for example, is nothing more than a loud, inept brute who relies on the protagonist's shouts and sheer dumb luck to win fights. The world-building is similarly shallow, with unrealistic and underdeveloped characters.

The narrative is riddled with impossible villains who are always defeated by shouty protagonist and a magic system that degrades over time. Each villain is far more powerful than the last, creating a sense of stagnation and unimaginative story arcs. The world of Black Clover is also built around rapid, unrealistic escalation, with the protagonist fighting against armies and SS units with basic training, leading to a disconnect between the story and logic.

The Discontent with Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail has a different set of problems. The series heavily relies on plot devices that make it difficult for the audience to take the story seriously. Every villain is portrayed as the most powerful being in existence, and every conflict is solved by shouting or believing in the power of friendship. This formula gets old quickly, and the narrative feel repetitive and disconnected from reality.

The magic system in Fairy Tail is also facing criticism for a lack of creativity. Arcs that promise new and exciting magic techniques end up relying on old and overused tropes. Natsu's development and battle scenes are often rushed and lack depth, despite significant attention given to his character and story arcs. The towns and locations in Fairy Tail are often shown as magnificent yet only to be revealed in the moment of their destruction, adding to the inconsistency.

The Frustration of Reinforced Tropes

Both Black Clover and Fairy Tail suffer from a lack of innovation. If the tropes used are the only elements in the story, then there is no hope for redemption by fans. For newcomers, these series can be enjoyable, but once they experience a broader range of anime, they often revisit and find the flaws notable. The reliance on readily-used plot devices and unrealistic scenarios makes these series hard to recommend to a seasoned fan base.

The conclusion is that these shows are reviled due to their poor writing, unlikable characters, and unrealistic plot devices. The Sword Art Online series, in particular, seems to be a parody of what gaming should be, while Black Clover and Fairy Tail suffer from a lack of strategy, inconsistent world-building, and repetitive battle scenes. These flaws make the shows unpopular with hard-core fans who seek something more compelling and emotionally engaging.

Conclusion

The polarizing nature of these shows is a testament to the diversity of tastes within the anime community. While some find enjoyment in the fantastical and epic scale, others find it frustrating and underwhelming. Understanding why these series receive such strong reactions can help both creators and viewers appreciate the works in different ways. Whether you love or hate these shows, they remain a significant part of modern anime culture.