Black Clover Episode 4 Review: The Magic Knights Entrance Exam

It’s time for the next step in Asta and Yuno’s journey to become the Wizard King: the Magic Knights Exam! With how everything unfolded, the hijinks, the new info on its world-building and the enthralling scenarios, Black Clover just keeps proving itself an entertaining show!

Japanese Original Episode Title: 魔法騎士団入団試験

Plot

The two childhood rivals arrived at the capital, ready to take on the entrance exam so they can be magic knights! However, things didn’t look too good for Asta because the tests needed all examinees to use their powers, and he doesn’t have the least bit of it apart from his grimoire! What’s more, they all needed to show-off to the squad captains who will be picking new members from among them! If Asta doesn’t get picked by any one of them, it’s bye-bye to being the Wizard King!

Episode Highlights

In the royal capital: The difference between a city and a province is really outstanding, huh? I found it nice that they took the time to showcase the atmosphere of the city, and how the people’s magic is even handier there! That, and just how celebrated the magic knights are. Even the examinees were being cheered on! I just hope that Asta and Yuno get used to the city life, especially Asta! He bought something to eat even though he wasn’t exactly sure if it was safe! He just immediately assumed it was good for the body. Hoo boy! I’m just glad nothing happened to him!

The squad captains: Is it bad I wasn’t the least bit surprised that all the squad captains were either super flashy or super weird? Somehow, I already expected powerful magicians as them would have a quirk or two. Now, I would say ‘I wonder which squads Asta and Yuno will get into,’ but we’ve already been spoiled by the opening sequence! Looks like it was Asta’s future squad captain in the Black Bulls that he got off on the wrong foot with! And, of course, though someone mentioned only the elite can enter the Golden Dawn, Yuno would be able to get in there anyway, given the prodigy that he is!

The girl: Wow! Even though she’s royalty, the girl with the white hair still wanted to get her hands dirty and join the Magic Knights! But her brother didn’t want her to take the exam because her path was already set. Does that mean he’s already planned to take her into his squad? And what did he mean by saying that her existence is unnecessary? I smell family drama.

Final test: What in the world is wrong with the people in the Clover Kingdom? Everyone’s so mean! And here I was somehow hoping that Asta already made a new friend in Sekke, even though his pompous chuckle was so annoying. However, because of what the guy said when he was first shown, I also still had the inkling that he’s not what he seemed. Welp! All that matters is that his ass was handed to him by the one he thought was a loser! Serves you right, and everyone else who thought Asta was the weakest among them all! That knowing smile Yuno made said the same thing, and I couldn’t be happier!

Themes & Trivia

Test of skills: This is one of the most common events in an anime series. My Hero Academia, Naruto, Katekyo Hitman Reborn, Hunter x Hunter, and a lot more have this kind of arc in their stories. Well, it’s the perfect chance to display the characters’ capabilities with matching suspense to boot.

The Elite Group: Another aspect common in stories, like the Kages in Naruto, the Gotei 13 in Bleach and the Celestial Dragons in One Piece, the Squad Captains fit this group perfectly. More so because they look so noble (despite their quirks), and everyone looked up to them as the best of the best.

Comments

No show is perfect; Black Clover itself isn’t. But, even if it has a lot of the usual clichés you see in shonen genres, I was still entertained! So far, I’ve always been left looking forward to the next episode. And I think this is one of the most important things in a show: entertainment value. No matter how out of the box your concepts are, if the story is not interesting, it’ll be just a waste, don’t you agree?

There’s more to people than meets the eye!

Now, while I’m hoping that Asta’s victory managed to overwrite all his past blunders, I’m sure it will not be that easy. From what was shown in the preview, it certainly seems like it. What will happen? Oh, I’m just so excited! I want the next episode quickly!!

How about you? Were you entertained as much as I did? The comments section is always open to your views! Don’t forget to check out our other Fall 2017 reviews as well!

NEXT TIME: The Path to the Wizard King (魔法帝への道)