The competitive and passionate fans of shonen storytelling are intensely loyal to particular favorite series. They will vehemently argue those series’ superiority, often defaulting to mudslinging on other stories to help prove which is better. Too often, certain franchises become lightning rods for different fandoms and garner negative reputations due to minor issues that snowball, tainting that series' reputation.
Stories like Black Clover and Fairy Tail have been downtrodden by many but are worth checking out along with other negatively blasted series because their perks make them ideal 'junk food' anime. Shows that act as silly escapes or lazy late-night options that don't often demand much from viewers have a definite place as a beautiful reprieve from denser or more emotionally exhausting options. Getting too caught up in the argument of what is 'best' makes it easy to overlook these palette cleansers.
Fairy Tail and Black Clover Embrace Ludicrous Humor
Cutting up and embracing a little nonsense is a common shonen element, but certain shows lean more heavily into the whimsical and silly. By taking themselves less seriously, Fairy Tail and Black Clover become lighter fare. Some viewers seek a more severe tone and darker elements, viewing them as a characteristic of quality media, but humor and a lighter tone can hit just as hard.
By establishing vibrant, lovable characters that revel in their time together, Fairy Tail and Black Clover develop strong connections with their audiences. Watching the relationships grow while playful, familial humor fills the dialogue making for enjoyable viewing, as creating bonds and conflicts between the core casts adds a comfortable element of genuine connection. Knowing that those characters will always find a way to reconnect and make wisecracks over a meal or drink gives these series a satisfying element.
The Lower Stakes of Fairy Tail and Black Clover Allow for Less Stressful Viewing
Permanent repercussions and death typically play potent roles in shonen stories through limited use or building emotional ties. While Fairy Tail and Black Clover don't shy away from death, these titles come across as being a relief for their heroes or from severe villains. The main cast, while subjected to emotional horrors, will make it out alive.
The theme of friendship runs strongly through these series as a recurring element of alternating characters, and their saving one another from varying situations becomes both reliable and comforting. These safety nets make Fairy Tail and Black Clover very easy to watch at any time and in any state of mind. The Black Bulls and the Fairy Tail guild become reliably impervious and tightly woven, making their respective shows warmer to watch.
Predictability in Story Arcs Make Fairy Tail and Black Clover Perfect Background Shows
Many arcs of Fairy Tail and Black Clover follow similar formulas with villains and heroes. Natsu and Asta connect with friends or tap further into their impressive wells of power. There are outliers and twists, but more often than not, the shows lean into predictable elements. Even though predictability removes mysteries, it makes both shows easy to watch and revisit. Although certain powerful moments would be missed by casually watching these shows when falling asleep, exercising or cooking, it's easy to revisit moments with streaming services whenever a better moment arises. These shows can therefore become ideal 'junk food' television, providing passive or positive viewing experiences that are rewarding and not taxing.
Fairy Tail and Black Clover are two of the more noticeably slandered series, but My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer and others likewise get undue hate for their faults. Stories with immaculate storytelling, fully-realized casts, rich dialogue and brilliant surprises are rewarding, but that doesn't take away from 'junk food' shows' comforting and easy-to-watch elements. It is exciting to debate the merits and weaknesses of various pieces of media, but it is equally or sometimes even more enjoyable to savor more options with less concern for criticism.
