Black Clover is an anime series that has been continuously airing since 2017, belonging to the adventure and fantasy genres. The anime, which ran without significant season breaks, concluded after Episode 170. It is adapted from Yūki Tabata’s same-name manga series, which began its serialization in 2015. Ranked among the top 100 most popular anime according to MyAnimeList, Black Clover has gained a worldwide fanbase, being followed in over 80 countries.
The studio responsible for its adaptation is Pierrot, known for other fan-favorite anime such as Akudama Drive and Osomatsu-san. Crunchyroll and Funimation are the licensors for the anime, with original broadcasts on TXN. The fourth season of the anime aired between December 8, 2020, and March 30, 2021, spanning 16 episodes, which was notably shorter than previous seasons. This led fans to wonder: was this the series’ conclusion, or could there be a fifth season? In February 2021, it was announced that the final episode would feature some exciting surprises. Let’s dive into the details.
Previously on Black Clover, what is next?
Unarguably, the most notable characters of the fourth season were the members of the Dark Triad. Asta had to push his abilities to the next level to defeat them. This season included more details than its manga counterpart in several respects, such as the scene depicting Asta as an abandoned child. It was also an emotionally rich season. One particularly heart-wrenching moment was Lichta’s sacrifice for Liebe. Although Lichita was Liebe’s stepmother, she never referred to her as “Mother”—only calling her by her name, “Lichita.” The only time she called her “Mother” was during their final farewell, which deeply moved fans.
Liebe’s innocence and the profound emotional connection between Asta and his mother were significant themes. After losing one son, Lichita’s sacrifices to ensure she wouldn’t lose another were heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. As the story progresses, Asta is expected to learn more about his mother. The war between the Clover and Heart Kingdoms against the Spade Kingdom seems poised to begin. However, this part of the story has yet to be fully explored in the manga, leaving fans eagerly awaiting either the movie or the new season for further developments.
Will there be a fifth season of Black Clover?
As of January 12, 2025, Studio Pierrot and manga publisher Shueisha have not renewed the anime for a fifth season. The possibility of a 171st episode seems unlikely at this moment, especially since the official statement made in February 2021 confirmed that the anime would conclude with the episode aired on March 30, 2021. This marked the end of the anime series after catching up with the manga’s storyline, which resulted in a shorter final season. However, the announcement of the conclusion was specific to the anime series. In the same statement, it was revealed that an important announcement would follow, which pointed to the upcoming movie that would continue the story.
Black Clover Movie
On March 28, 2021, it was officially announced that Black Clover would be getting a feature-length anime film. This marked the continuation of the series, but instead of following the typical seasonal format, the focus shifted to a movie that would explore the aftermath of the anime’s conclusion. The film titled, Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King, was released in 2023 and delves into new content following the events of the anime. The film centers on Conrad Leto, a former Magic Knight Captain who becomes a key antagonist. After a tragic fall from grace and the loss of his loved ones, Conrad is driven by vengeance and seeks to use the power of the Sword of the First Wizard King to resurrect them. His resurrection sets the stage for a new conflict in the Clover Kingdom, challenging the current Wizard King and the peace that was once maintained.
The film is set to expand the story by exploring themes of loss, revenge, and the cost of resurrection, making it a crucial addition for fans looking to explore more of the Black Clover universe. The movie also introduces significant character developments and new magical conflicts, deepening the lore of the world.
Black Clover Season 5 Release Date
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Studio Pierrot or Shueisha regarding a fifth season of Black Clover. The anime came to a pause after its fourth season, as it had caught up with the manga, which led to the transition toward a feature film instead of continuing directly with a new season. The fourth season of Black Clover covered material from the Spade Kingdom Invasion Arc but stopped just before entering the Royal Knights Selection Exam arc, and thus, didn’t fully adapt the Dark Triad storyline. This adaptation gap led to the production of Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (2023), a film that continues the story, taking place after the events of the anime series.
The manga, written by Yūki Tabata, has been progressing toward its final arc for some time. The manga’s final arc was confirmed to be underway by the author in interviews, and with the Black Clover manga reaching its final saga, the story has started to wrap up its major plotlines. By the end of 2024, the manga is expected to conclude, with Tabata revealing plans for a “grand conclusion” for the series. As of the fourth season’s conclusion, roughly 270 chapters of the manga had been adapted into anime episodes. With 32 manga volumes currently published, the anime had covered material up to around the end of Volume 27 by the end of the fourth season. Since the manga has continued to release additional volumes, there is still content to adapt, but the series is approaching its end. The anime’s decision to pause in favor of the film suggests the producers may have waited for the manga to conclude before considering any further adaptations, allowing a more complete adaptation of the final arc without further filler.
Despite the available source material, the possibility of a fifth season hinges on the success of the movie. If Sword of the Wizard King resonates with audiences, a new season or even a direct continuation could be planned. However, with the manga nearing its conclusion, a fifth season is unlikely to happen. Still, the producers may opt for a final season or another movie that aligns with the manga’s conclusion. A speculative release date for a potential fifth season could be late in 2025 or 2026, depending on how quickly the final manga arc is adapted.
