Yūki Tabata (Japanese: 田畠裕基, Hepburn: Tabata Yūki) is a Japanese manga artist.
After working as an assistant to Toshiaki Iwashiro, he created the one-shot Hungry Joker, which was later serialized as a full series. After its conclusion, he launched Black Clover.
This volume was super chill and hilarious. It's a great breather from the intense battle scenes in the previous volumes.
Some thoughts that I took note of while I was reading: - We're finally finding out more about The Eye of the Midnight Sun and the elves... - Asta getting his brain fried from too much info reminds me of Gon Freecs from Hunter x Hunter haha - Dear Captain Yami. Please stop smoking. It would give you lung cancer. - Magna looks better without his mohawk and sunglasses lol - Yayyy for Charlotte's backstory! - Charlotte and Yami are cute together... but I kinda ship Yami with Vanessa lololol - Lmao at everyone's reaction when they found out that The Black Bulls were in second place hahaha. And pffft, they could have easily beaten The Golden Dawn if they didn't get NEGATIVE 50 stars the previous year. - Asta's been thrown like a ball so many times in the festival. Maybe that's why he's having cognitive problems? - Sekke's such a loser. Also, the Royal King is so petty and lame. The Wizard King, on the other hand, is amazing. I wish there are more leaders like him irl. And his starry eyes when someone uses their magic gets me laughing every time. He's such a geek for magic xD - Mereoleona is such a badass!
The MCs are facing new challenge in the form of a magical contest, and women/girls are having a bit more spotlight in this volume now. It is a nice addition to this series so far and it's easy to read.
I like how the political conflicts within the Kingdom's ruling class are also explored a bit in this volume!
Overall, it's an enjoyable volume, a bit of a build-up for future development, nothing too exciting or outstanding, but it works out well enough.
This is a review of volumes 11-12 which I read together back to back. See the plot section for my thoughts on the individual volumes.
Asta and Yuno grew up together, abandoned at the same church. They both determined to become Magic Knights... Yuno's abilities soon grew to genius levels of power and control while Asta didn't show even a spark of magic and made up for it by training hard physically. It became apparent to both when they received their grimores, Yuno a coveted 4-leaf clover and Asta an unheard of black 5-leaf clover, that they were each other's biggest competition when it came to achieving their goals of becoming the next sorcerer emperor.
We start off Black Clover vol 11 with some serious twists that blew my mind!! I love how this mangaka thinks!! The tension was so high in these battles that I flew through the volume and you know Yuki Tabata keeps it coming... The think that I enjoy about Black Clover is that when we transition to filler between the larger story arcs... I STILL feel the tension come rolling off the story!! And this is true in vol 12 as we learn about a crush one of the captains has on another captain! I just love the entire world and all the various aspects... the battles, the relationships, the kingdoms and the the philosophy of Yami and Asta and Yuno!
The plot was so exciting in vol 11, of course with the battles with the Diamond Kingdom in the Witches' Forest... and I just love how Asta's lack of magic plays into everything! What a way to use your protagonist and yet it make total sense. But it was the fun filler (for lack of a better word for story that serves no larger purpose except to entertain the reader) that I loved so much! I love getting to know the other characters whether its the Black Bulls like Noelle or another captain and her second!! These were so much fun, hilarious but also so telling about the character behind the characters.
The art is superb. I love how distinct the character designs are and how clear and still exciting that the battles are too. A lot of the skill to the art is the perspective... to make things clearer for the reader the view is zoomed out... it makes the action exciting but we can see the over view... Then speeding in for a close up... keeping us up to date with the spectator's expressions... We get the total package and its glorious!
While Asta always adds a shot of genuine support and caring into the story we also get the full perspective of the side characters. Whomever we're focusing on when Asta is around we get to know them and their story... its quite fascinating and so full of depth. I like to understand the other characters and see things for a touch from their POV. It's so spot on for what I look for in a story. Any story that expects to last needs to show us a range of characters and POVs to flesh out the world as well as the story and that is so well done here!
Black Clover vol 11-12 are the perfect combination to show off what is so great about the series... battles, humor, heart, twists, relationships, history and everything worth fighting for! I highly recommend this series no matter what your tastes are... it is seriously that compelling.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
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This is easily one of the funniest volumes I've read in awhile! Between Yami being Yami, Asta and Yuno's facial expressions, and Mereoleona's extra level enthusiasm, this volume was a hilarious delight!
Speaking of Mereoleona, can the Fuegoleon family please adopt me? Please? I love them all so much and I want to be their sibling! But in all seriousness, Mereoleona is an awesome character! At first I thought she was gonna be the, "replacement for a captain that is super demanding, harsh, and abuses their power" character, but she's just really passionate and genuinely cares about her guild. Also, her just grabbing everyone she sees and dragging them to the hot springs was fucking hilarious! Finally, her giving Noelle a pep talk before Noelle climbs the mountain was super sweet. I guess sweetness and supportiveness runs in the Fuegoleon family!
Seeing some of Charlotte's backstory was touching yet heartbreaking and does a great job of explaining her dislike of men. It's hard to portray a female character as disliking men without turning them into a man hater, but in Charlotte's case it's rooted in sound logic; she's cursed, she understands (considering the time period) the expectations men have of women, and she knows that most men would not actually care for her once they know about her curse. Also, her actions towards men are also logical and she never instigates a confrontation. She wants to be left alone, they bother her, she retaliates. I was worried how Tabata would handle her character as the story progressed, but this volume assuaged those worries.
Finally, the King is properly introduced and my prediction was right. He is the stereotypical glory-hounding royal that the other royals emulate but the people don't care for. I have little doubt that I will despise him for the entirety of the series, but that's not surprising since most of the royals *coughNebraandSolidcough* make the yeast in my anger loaf rise.
Looking forward to see what happens next, and really looking forward to a potential tournament arc!
right after I ask "when is asta gonna get some break" I get this volume...it was so good, I loved the slower pace to let the characters enjoy the festivities 🫶
Nice to have a fun, kind of down time book inbetween all the fighting that's been going on lately! Highlights: -The battle with the Queen of the Witches ends with her giving them a magic stone (something that the Eye of the Midnight Sun wants) and information about elves and their connection to Asta's powers. - Arriving back at the base, Asta thanks the groups of people who went out in search of cures for his arms, each of them ending up back with the Black Bulls a bit different, but in a funny way. - The Clover Kingdom Star Festival is beginning! On Asta's request, Finral collects Kahono and Kiato from the Water Temple and brings them. After using some of the witches' magic to heal his leg and her voice, they ending up swapping and going on a double date (a ruse to get Noelle to admit she likes Asta). - Captain of the Blue Rose Knights, Charlotte, is also at the Star Festival, but dressed in a very gorgeous gown. Turns out (just like Noelle with Asta), she has a crush on Yami, which we know Vanessa does as well. Vanessa challenges Charlotte to a drinking contest and both of them pass out, leading them to miss... - The new Star Rankings are given out with awards at the festival. Rising from 9th up to 2nd (has NEVER happened before) are the Black Bulls. First is the Golden Dawn of course, but both Asta and Yuno are callied out on being excellent performers for their squads and gaining a majority of their teams' stars. - In fifth place (down from their typical 2nd) are the Crimson Lions, who are being led now by Mereoleona, Fuegoleon's older sister. She is trying to rally her forces to do better, and suggests a relaxing hot spring bath. The catch? The bath is at the top of a volcano! - Other than the Lions, Asta, Yuno, Yami, Charlotte, and Noelle are invited to go. It is a test to their magical abilities to be able to survive till the top. Asta is having a very difficult time, as he has no magic, so he is able to use his knowledge of ki to help him use his Demon form on command. This allows him to reach the top, and faster than most others, when he was way behind to begin with.
Next Volume? Based on an announcement made in this Volume, we will begin a test (your standard manga/anime martial arts tournament arc) of the Magic Knights to see who will be worthy to be on the new magic knight squad, The Royal Knights!
Loving this book. Really enjoying the pacing and how they keep it all going. Strong recommend.
This will be a combined review of the fourth through twelfth volumes.
PROS: - Refreshing, supportive friendships! I like that there isn't any underlying resentment present in Asta's rivalries and friendships with others. His friends and teammates are people who genuinely admire and support him, even if they're in competition with him to make it to the top. The bond between the Black Bulls is especially sweet, and I love how much they all care for and uplift one another. - The Black Bulls. I went into this thinking most of the Black Bulls would be apathetic and untalented knights given their reputation, but it was pleasantly surprising to see that quite a few of them are genuinely powerful people with specific aspirations. Yami is also such a refreshing mentor figure! I love that he actually pays attention to and cares for the knights under his leadership, rather than simply letting them do a bunch of dirty work. Every action he takes is clearly purposeful. - The magic system. As I said before, I really appreciate that everything in here is structured. Even if at times it feels like Asta easily overcomes his obstacles, there's at least a logical reasoning behind his process, as well as behind the ways in which other characters advance their own magic. It's also easy to understand!
CONS: - The pacing. On one hand, the quick pace of the story makes it very easy to fly through. On the other, it's kind of jarring just how quickly the story moves from one arc to the next. I feel like we don't really get to wallow in any of the characters' backstories for long, because battles and moving onto the next conflict are greater priorities. It also makes conflicts within the story feel almost too easy to solve. - Lack of dedication to character backstories. Tying into the above, aside from Asta, most characters do not really have a lot of page time dedicated to their backstories or insecurities. They're mostly little blips in time in the middle of a battle, or a few pages at the beginning of a chapter, and it's frustrating because I want more! Especially on Noelle's end. We keep getting these bits and pieces of her traumatic childhood, but I really want to see full chapters dedicated to it. - Uninteresting villains. At least so far, no villain has really caught my attention or stood out to me as unique to this story, which is surprising, considering the protagonists often have such unique backgrounds, motivations, and obstacles to contend with. I think Asta's attitude towards making every villain into his friend and easily succeeding at it also ties into how uninteresting they are, because no one villain feels truly "evil" or resistant to Asta's ideologies. It's also kind of corny and repetitive.
I do not know what to think about this series. It is so rushed- paced for my taste too weirdly and everything solves in a heartbeat. Yet it has something that keeps me entertained and having fun. The environment where the characters are is cool. Magic is cool. Some characters are really cool. But then there is a little bit of convenience and it all feels a little empty.
Though this book, in particular, is not bad at all. Essentially it is a training break, which I tend to like. And here it is the same. Characters have time to interact and just talk normally. I do not mind this romance in here at all. Somehow it feels natural and it's fine.
Overall, I am still surprised that it keeps me entertained. It may be the fact that I hate dropping things in the middle or I am actually having fun, I shall see that later. I just hope that the next book has a better set up and plot than the previous one.
The arc in the witch forest place wraps up a bit too cleanly, with the Witch Queen giving everyone vials of her power so they can heal all the wounds taken during the arc. Then we have a brief little festival in the Clover Kingdom's capital to celebrate the Stars earned by the Golden Dawn and Black Bulls (and the inferior teams as well), during which the water siblings from an earlier arc are magically healed with the Witch Queen's power as well, with no repercussions. Though I guess I can't be too upset, as my favorite manga has the Dragon Balls and Senzu beans....
After celebrating Asta's growth, we start a new training arc, spearheaded by Mereoleona, elder sister of Fuegoleon, and acting captain of the Crimson Lions. Mereoleona is also really hot, both in the sense of being sexy, but also hot-blooded, and I want her to stomp on me or something. Uh, I mean, wait, what? No, not that; that's weird.
A little bit of a cooldown before we head into a new training arc. With more of the "oooh I hate men but I like that man hehe men are bad but that man is not men he is man and sexy hehe ooooh yeah" characters. Also Asta being a coward. And plot stuff with the Black Bulls that comes out of nowhere and makes no sense.
Another banger, you love to see it. Developed some side characters and relationships, so that was cool to see. It's hard to slow down and actually analyze the art because the story is so fun!
Finished book 12 in the Black Clover series! I realise as these mangas continue, the attachment I form to the entirety of the cast grows. In this edition, we meet Mereoleona Vermillion, another one of my favourite characters. Another thing in figuring out is that I love the Vermillions of the Crimson Lion Kings. Fuegoleon, Leopold and Mereoleona are a few of my favourite characters in this series, and I love the moments we get more of them. Again, to match, another 5 star read for the Black Clover series. Will 100% be continuing on with it.
Not a bad volume of Black Clover. This volume feels more like a setup for the next big arc of the series. There really isn't any villain to fight here but we get to spend more time with the characters. Some of the key characters in this volume include Yami, Charlotte, and we are introduced to Mereolona Vermillion as well. Yuki Tabata finally introduces the King of Clover Kingdom who in a fit of jealousy of the Wizard King decrees a tournament will be held to select a group magic Knights to go on a secret mission to hunt down the terrorist group, the Eye of the Midnight Sun. One of the key surprising plot twist is that the Eye of the Midnight Sun's members maybe descendants to the ancient magical race of the elves. We learn that Asta's grimoire and swords may also be connected to the elves. Which has me excited about where the story is going. I really enjoy Yami's interactions with Charlotte. It is definitely one the romances I am looking forward to seeing develop. Asta is also learning how to control his dark powers and it will be incredible to see what transformation he is going to achieve. In short if you are looking for action this volume may disappoint but the character development and plot twists are making Black Clover a great manga series. For those looking for manga series in the same vain of Black clover I recommend the following intro volumes:The Seven Deadly Sins, Vol. 1, Fairy Tail, Vol. 1, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic, Vol. 1, Flame of Recca, Vol. 01, D.Gray-man, Vol. 1, Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1, & Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 1: The Day of Departure.
Witch Queen is definitely one of the strongest and interesting characters in the series. I want to see her more even though she acts like a b*tch. The Witch's Forest arc ends and a new training arc begins. This volume was pretty chill and quite funny. We learn more about the Briar Queen (Captain Charlotte). The Star Award ceremony was hilarious. Aaaaand one of my all time favourite characters is finally introduced properly: Mereoleona Vermillion, Fuegoleon's older sister and the temporary captain of Crimson Lion. She is strong, funny, and very mother-like. I'm hyped about the Royal Knights Arc.
Mereoleona is SO COOL!! Even though we step a bit away from the main plot, the introduction of Mereoleona is completely worth it! I can't wait to see what the story has prepared for her...
Stanning Miss Mereoleona Vermillion, the amazing,strong and wild older sister of the amazing Sir Fuegoleon. This family might be my fave family of all the royal bloods.
Definitely enjoyed this volume, especially the festival and the part where they raced to the hot spring which is located on top of the volcano.
Big Sis literally have a big brain here, brought 2 captains, Asta and Yuno which are the leading top 2 knights of the kingdom to motivate her brother’s squad to be stronger.
I just love how healthy the competition is, especially with Asta and Yuno. The Black Bulls Squad and also the Crimson Knights that is being displayed here. Acknowledging each other for their strengths and efforts even if they are competing for honor, strength, power and reward.
Black Clover is really an interesting manga that is just my cup of tea. Demons? Elves? Witches? Wizards? Royals? Wild animals? Black Clover got you. Impressive and well detailed of Magic system.
Despite enjoying this volume, I will also point out what my problem is. For the rest of the volumes, I noticed how fast paced this manga and that is good. However, because of this, most of the time it felt rushed and the storyline (arc and plot) would felt short and hanging because it was too fast paced. That is also in the case of this volume and the previous ones.
Overall, this manga series might be a 50/50 fave and a 50/50 meh, I would still recommend it.