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Unsurprisingly, most shonen anime have glaring similarities and patterns. This also applies toBlack Cloverand its similitude with Masashi Kishimoto’s seriesNaruto. More often than not, though, the series faced huge backlash and censure.

While it is deemed as a blatant copy of the Big 3, it outdid itself in most aspects. From worldbuilding to well-written side characters, it reflects par excellence. There is, however, another series that overturned its status as a true heir to Kishimoto’s series.
Koyoharu Gotouge may have topped the charts with their series in this aspect. Their usage of this plot device proves it parallels the mangaka’s literary brilliance.

Yuki Tabata’s masterpiece remains exemplary in more ways than one. This is especially true with it being an underrated gem, in most aspects. But most importantly, it is a true tribute to Kishimoto’s series.
Demon Slayerparalleled Kishimoto’s literary brilliance with this move
Demon Slayeris praised for its well-done animation along with its compelling premise. What truly sets it apart is its characters and their backstories. From demons to humans, Koyoharu Gotouge encapsulates profundity in their manga.
This also applies to the relationship between demons and humans in the story. Be it Nezuko or Tanjiro’s dynamic or Rui’s past, the series is an example of true literary brilliance.

Time and time again, the series is well-appreciated by fans who commend its brilliant storytelling. Along with itswell-written characters, the mangaka’s portrayal of masculinity is a breather.
This is especially in contrast to the traditional portrayal of Shonen heroes. But that is not all, considering its biggest feat lies in its usage of Kishimoto’s plot device. Interestingly though, the series adds a unique flair to that.

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As one of the finestshonen series, it outlined the infamous talk-no-jutsu. The jutsu has been critiqued multiple times, but Gotouge gives it a unique flair. Compared to Kishimoto’s hero, Tanjiro symbolizes a blend of practicality and emotion.
Tanjiro’s empathy doesn’t lie in his attempt to even the playing field. Rather, it seeks to understand his enemies and Nezuko actively plays a part in this. Her immunity to Muzan’s control is a perfect example. Amidst Gotouge’s overturning of Kishimoto’s plot device, Yuki Tabata’s work shouldn’t be ignored.

Black Cloveris an underrated tribute toNaruto
It is safe to say thatBlack Cloveris one of the most slept-on anime of all time. Barring its criticisms and heated backlash, it remains underrated in most aspects. This is especially true with its treatment of the side characters.
Interestingly, though, the series offers a fresh perspective on shonen storytelling through its themes. Be it magic or worldbuilding, Tabata san enmeshes adventure and magic along with slow-burn romance.
The series is an underappreciated tribute to the Big Three of Shonen, especially,Naruto. Fans have often compared Asta and Yuno to Naruto and Sasuke. On top of that, Asta is as loud and gung-ho as the knucklehead ninja which ties well with their proclamation.
Conversely, Tabata highlights a rather friendly and healthy rivalry between the two characters. The series reverberates the idea of determination and perseverance throughout the series. Asta gains recognition and acknowledgment despite his lack of magic.
‘One of the weakest parts of the manga’: Kishimoto Forgot His Worst Mistake in Naruto That Proved One Piece Will Always Be Better
Both heroes share similarities in terms of their determination. They’re loud and annoying but protective of their friends. Koyoharu Gotouge took Kishimoto’s brilliance up a notch through their flair.
On the other hand, Tabata san’s work stands underappreciated. Mainly for its tribute to the Big Three, fans take it too far in their hatred for the series.
BlackClover,Naruto, andDemonSlayerare available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The mangas are available for reading on Viz Media.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.