Exploring the Future of Black Clover: When and How Many Episodes?
As of episode 170, which aired on March 30th, 2021, the Black Clover Anime has gone on an indefinite hiatus. There have been no talks about when it will return, but the production committee is committed to making sure the anime comes back one day. The show remains one of the most popular anime on Crunchyroll in more than 87 countries (excluding Japan) and has witnessed a significant increase in manga popularity, with over 15 million copies in circulation.
With the confirmation of the Black Clover movie by its producers, there is a strong possibility that the anime will return in late 2022 or early 2023, once enough chapters of the manga are released. Many people mistakenly believe the anime was canceled due to production cuts and a decline in popularity, but the truth is more nuanced. The anime had to stop because it was so close to the current events in the manga.
As of this writing, Black Clover is in chapter 306, and we haven’t even reached the halfway point of the Spade Arc. Episode 170 adapted manga chapters 269 and 270, while the manga was on chapter 287! Typically, anime producers prefer to leave a gap of at least 100–120 chapters between the adaptation and the current manga circulation. For example, My Hero Academia (MHA) adapted the Overhaul arc, which is manga chapters 122–168, at a time when the manga was publishing the My Villain Academia Arc (chapters 218–240).
When Will Black Clover Return?
The absence of a definitive return date for Black Clover has fueled speculation and concern among fans. However, with the confirmation of the upcoming movie and the ongoing success of the manga, the likelihood of a return seems promising.
Yuuki Tabata, the author of Black Clover, has hinted that he plans to make the manga as long as One Piece. This is a bold statement, but considering the popularity and ongoing progression of the manga, it seems entirely plausible. Shonen Jump, the magazine that publishes the series, is not likely to pull the plug on the manga unless there is a significant shift in the economic or creative environment.
How Many Episodes Will Black Clover Have?
The number of episodes after the anime returns is yet to be determined. However, based on the current pace of the manga and the usual practice of anime productions, we can make some reasonable estimates.
There are many unsolved plot points and lore to explore. If Tabata decides to add another arc after the Spade Arc, we can expect around 300 episodes. But if he plans to expand the story even further, the episode count could reach around 700, similar to the length of series like Naruto Shippuden or Bleach.
If the Black Clover anime returns, it is reasonable to assume it will run for several more seasons, much like Naruto Shippuden or Bleach. This level of longevity would provide ample time to explore the remaining storylines and complex interrelationships between characters.
Why the Break in Production?
The decision to halt the production of Black Clover was due to the anime being too close to the current events in the manga. This close alignment with the manga's ongoing storyline made it difficult for the anime to keep up with the manga's rapid progression. The production team needed to take a break to ensure they could keep the anime as updated with the manga as possible, without becoming too far behind.
This break has left many fans eager for progress and more content from the series. The release of the movie and the continued manga serialization have rekindled interest and anticipation for the anime's return.
Conclusion
While the exact episode count and return date for Black Clover remain speculative, the show’s lasting popularity and ongoing manga success provide grounds for optimism. Dedicated fans and industry experts suggest that the number of episodes could rival those of Naruto Shippuden or Bleach, potentially spanning multiple seasons of anime content.
The future of Black Clover looks promising, and the anticipation for its return is high. For fans, this period of uncertainty is also a time to enjoy and discuss the manga, staying informed about any updates and developments. Stay tuned for more news on Black Clover's future!