Since its debut, Black Clover has been subjected to constant comparisons with Naruto, with fans claiming that Asta, the series’ protagonist, is nothing more than a clone of Naruto Uzumaki. Both characters share an overarching goal of becoming the best—Asta wants to be the Wizard King, and Naruto aspires to become the Hokage. However, this comparison oversimplifies the complexities of Black Clover and ignores the broader context of Shonen tropes.
The criticism typically arises from the idea that Asta and Naruto are outcasts in their respective worlds. Asta, with his lack of magic in a society where magic is everything, and Naruto, who is ostracized due to the Nine-Tails fox sealed inside him, share similar struggles. However, this “outcast” trope is far from exclusive to Naruto and Black Clover.
It is a common device in many anime, used to garner audience sympathy and create a foundation for character growth. Characters like My Hero Academia’s Deku, who lacks a Quirk, or Chainsaw Man’s Denji, who is mistreated by the Yakuza, embody the same concept, but their stories are far from identical.
Black Clover: Debunking the ‘Naruto Clone’ Myth and Proving Its Unique Identity
While both Asta and Naruto share similar core traits, such as kindness and a desire to improve, this is one of the most fundamental characteristics of Shonen protagonists. The “kind-hearted protagonist” trope is universal, seen in characters from Luffy in One Piece to Ash in Pokémon. This doesn’t make Asta a copy of Naruto—it makes him a classic Shonen hero.
The comparison is also fueled by the presence of deuteragonists who serve as foils to the protagonists—Yuno and Sasuke, who are both serious and somewhat mysterious characters. However, this is another common narrative device in Shonen anime. From Vegeta in Dragon Ball to Gray in Fairy Tail, the brooding sidekick has become a staple of the genre.
In terms of powers, both Asta and Naruto are linked to powerful beings: Asta with Liebe, his demon, and Naruto with Kurama, the Nine-Tails Fox. While these beings become integral to the characters’ growth, the similarities end there. Liebe and Kurama have different personalities and backstories, each serving a distinct purpose in their respective stories.
Yuki Tabata, the creator of Black Clover, has never hidden his influences, which range from Yu Yu Hakusho and Berserk to Bleach. While Naruto might be one of many inspirations, Tabata has openly discussed how other works have shaped Black Clover, such as his admiration for Yu Yu Hakusho’s Hiei. His influences are broad, showing that Black Clover is far from a direct copy of any single series.
It’s important to note that even Naruto shares similarities with other works. For instance, the character of Sasuke is inspired by Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho, but no one claims Naruto is a Yu Yu Hakusho clone. Likewise, Black Clover can draw from various influences without being a carbon copy of Naruto.
The comparisons between Asta and Naruto stem largely from broad Shonen tropes that are used to create engaging, relatable protagonists. While they share certain traits—such as their dreams, their struggles, and their kindness—Black Clover is far from a Naruto clone. Yuki Tabata has crafted a series that is inspired by many works but remains distinctly its own.
The similarities between Asta and Naruto are merely a reflection of the common narrative tools used in Shonen storytelling, not evidence of plagiarism. Black Clover’s identity goes beyond these surface-level comparisons, proving that it stands on its own as a unique and vibrant series.
