*Minor Spoilers (just some very early plot information in the first 10 or so episodes and occasional world building elements mentioned)
This also won't be a typical Story/Art/Sound/Character/Enjoyment review, as I feel like some of what I feel like the format restricts how I would tell the the pros/cons.
I wanted to preface by saying that, in my humble opinion, any reviews made in 2017 or prior to 2020 should be taken with a grain of salt. This is simply because 1) the development of the protagonist and the story significantly changes for the better 2) animation quality somewhat gets consistently better as time goes
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on and hopefully more permanently. However, if you are not a big fan of "waiting out" or patiently watching until it gets better then I don't think this show is for you. The first 20 episodes are a bit boring and bland, but anything beyond that, the show starts to morph into a beautiful shounen and eventually crafts its own identity.
Black Clover is seemingly like any other shounen: a main protagonist boy with mysterious/"OP powers", a rival that is stronger or on par with him, the main character joining the "weakest" squad, and supporting characters that offer no contribution to fights/story. Yet, despite what meets the eye, the show stands out in 2 main distinctions: character dynamics and overarching plot.
Character Dynamics (1) - Shounen Duo/Rivalry
Asta and Yuno, the typical shounen duo/rivalry, is looked down upon initially because of its redundancy in other shounens and how it first appears to be. But this rivalry is more relatable and dynamic: they're both childhood friends that push each other in every way possible, yet it's not done like Naruto vs Sasuke, Goku vs Vegeta; it reminds of a friendly middle school banter between pals trying to win over a girl or beat each other in a 100m dash. What I'm trying to say is, it's not a forced rivalry and there's actually substance to the rivalry to Yuno and Asta. You're enticed to look forward on how Asta has progressed and how Yuno is improving as well. Although this duo rivalry is a cliche, it fits pretty well into the narrative.
Character Dynamics (2) - Supporting Characters
This show is what stands out in terms of supporting characters. I can't tell you how many times Black Clover surprises me in how every supporting character offers value into the party or into the show. They're not there to fill the spot or act as fodder, but provide meaningful comedy, emotions and thoughts to story and main character. I love it, in every way possible because it allows me to be invested in the show and its characters for what they are. And it's not overly done and no character feels out of place. Everyone contributes in a both minor and major way in the scenes and its written and executed well.
Character Dynamics (3) - Villains
Interestingly enough, the villains are normal in their own respect. They're pretty standard villains that offer interesting challenges to our protagonist and the supporting cast, but nothing is redundant in terms of encounter and the fights are done fairly. If you're looking for badass villains, you'll see some, but it'll be awhile (like episode 50>) before you'll encounter a couple.
Beyond episode 100 is where Black Clover's story really starts to become amazing. Its characters, the fights, the themes and the lore of the world become alive and engaging. The fights get really well done, although they are short at some points, they're animated even better at this stage. I'm excited for the upcoming episodes and the author has done a great job on the narrative.
Overarching Plot - The Black Clover World
Man, I'm a sucker for fantasy-medieval-magic genres, so this is probably one of the main reasons why I enjoyed the show. I can't recall a shounen that takes place in a setting such as this besides Seven Deadly Sins, but when it does, I think the author's take on this is done well and the world-building is done well enough to keep you thinking on the possibilities. If you like magic and medieval-fantasy elements, give this a shot.
Overall, I recommend this show as its good enough to keep you occupy with good plot development and humorous characters.
## Edit as of 4/4/2021 ##:
The points I have made about 2019-2020 still stands. As of this edit, the show has officially ended, but I am pleased and proud to say that I still stand by what I said, and would very much encourage everyone who have yet to see this show, please do it. Give it a shot, perhaps you may not like it, perhaps you may like it. You won't know until you fully invest yourself into this ; one that elevates the generic tropes of a shounen drama while retaining its magical identity amongst other popular shounen.
For updated scoring:
Story: did not change
Art: 6 --> 8
Sound: did not change
Character: did not change
Overall: 9 --> 10.
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Aug 20, 2020
Black Clover
(Anime)
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*Minor Spoilers (just some very early plot information in the first 10 or so episodes and occasional world building elements mentioned)
This also won't be a typical Story/Art/Sound/Character/Enjoyment review, as I feel like some of what I feel like the format restricts how I would tell the the pros/cons. I wanted to preface by saying that, in my humble opinion, any reviews made in 2017 or prior to 2020 should be taken with a grain of salt. This is simply because 1) the development of the protagonist and the story significantly changes for the better 2) animation quality somewhat gets consistently better as time goes ... 
Aug 19, 2020
Man. I really wish I didn't have to write this. It really tears my soul as I've been following this since it came out, but this season and this show has turned for the worst. It becomes a promising shounen with badass characters and villains to flop of "what-is-going-on" type of deal. It's a mess with how the redundancy of its theme and characters absolutely destroys what it originally stood out. Because I don't feel like writing a long version, I'd say it short: this season sucked. The way the plot of Meliodas to Elizabeth and to the 10 Commandments, I don't even understand how
...
Aug 19, 2020
Enen no Shouboutai
(Anime)
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Fire Force is a refreshing shounen that offers classic experience for shounen advocates: typical fan-service, action-packed scenes, beautiful fighting animations, and intriguing overarching plot. It's something that I've put on hold for awhile, mainly because watching the first few episodes felt like every other shounen and offers no "unique" value, but I'm glad I was able to finish the first season at the very least.
Story: 6/10 Fire Force's story is intriguing yet bland in every way possible. You have the world turned turmoil because of a mysterious phenomenon: people becoming flaming monsters. Initially, it sounds generic, but the way the author weaves ... 
Feb 11, 2018
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
(Anime)
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It's not every day where completing an anime gives you fulfillment, or in my case, satisfaction. I've seen countless of shows, both anime and live-action TV shows, and I can say this is by far one of the most incredible and epic viewing experience I have ever been greeted with. I am glad that I decided to watch it almost a decade after its release, and I'm a little bit salty I was reluctant watching this "mainstream" show. I truly believe this is a must to watch in regards of its fabulous storytelling and amazing character development. I have never seen a show where
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Apr 21, 2017
Fairy Tail (2014)
(Anime)
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Boy, oh, boy. What a ride this show has given me. It's been 4 years since I began the journey of watching this incredible show---from the start of Lucy's initiation into the guild, Fairy Tail, to the end of the second season of this incredible show. Despite myself slowly moving away from anime shows; this one I had to complete. And so, I'm here, writing this review for everyone out there to read, and understand why this show is worth finishing till the very end.
Story: 7/10: The world of Fairy Tail is very intriguing. It makes it seem so alive, so rich, yet simple ... 
Jul 1, 2014
Gokukoku no Brynhildr
(Anime)
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This is my first review, but it won't be my last.
Okay so first off, this anime is straight up average. Yes it has that plot twist, but it wasn't amazing or spectacular to begin with. Although it did have some good character charisma, there wasn't any major feelings or aspect that caught my eyes. Story - 6/10 Linear storyline. Not much choices expect to do certain things or anything mind blowing. You have the Villian, the Hero, and the Victims. Typical Harem-action anime. Plus the story isn't too interesting. The only thing that was interesting is the ending. Which was disappointing. The ending is ... |
