Both Bungou Stray Dogs and Black Clover feature wide-ranging casts of characters with a variety of powers. All have abilities unique to themselves, and a nullification technique is just one of them. Osamu Dazai and Asta are both powerful characters from their respective series who can nullify everyone else’s powers — and it gives them an edge in battle by catching their opponents off guard.
Black Clover’s Asta is a powerful Magic Knight of the Clover Kingdom who was given the power of “Anti-Magic” soon after he turned 15. On the other hand, Bungou Stray Dogs’ Dazai has had his gift — called “No Longer Human” — since the day he was born. In a way, neither has any limitations to how many abilities they can potentially nullify — but in terms of skill, one is clearly superior to the other.
How Asta’s Anti-Magic Works in Black Clover
In the world of Black Clover, every human has at least some amount of magic power — except Asta, who didn’t have a shred of mana yet hoped to eventually become a Wizard King anyway. However, his deficit turned out to be a blessing in disguise as he can only use anti-magic.
Whenever other wizards try to hold Asta’s sword, it will suck out their mana. His powers also grant him the rank of an “Arcane Stage Mage”, which is given only to those with the ability to fight against devils. Asta can use a number of techniques, which are all extensions of his Anti-Magic. One of these moves, “Black Meteorite”, is by far the most common attack he uses in Black Clover.
How Dazai’s No Longer Human Works in Bungou Stray Dogs
Dazai’s nullification ability in Bungou Stray Dogs works at the slightest touch. Even if he very lightly touches his opponent’s hair, they wouldn’t be able to use their own gift. If he were to lose contact, however, his enemies would regain the use of their abilities. There have been times when Dazai’s nullification works against him. When an enemy shoots him in Season 3 of the anime, he is unable to get treatment from Yosano because her healing powers prove ineffective on him.
Asta vs. Dazai: Who Can Use Their Nullification Ability Better?
Though Asta and Dazai do have similar abilities, the nature of their power is different. While Dazai needs to make any form of physical contact with his opponents, Asta can instantly negate a spell with his sword — even from a distance. Furthermore, the number of attacks Asta can use certainly gives him an edge against Dazai.
On the other hand, the reason Dazai can use his ability so well is his intelligence. He was definitely one of the most brilliant characters in Bungou Stray Dogs and is able to analyze the ins and outs of the situation almost instantly. If he were to go up against Asta, Dazai would be able to make up for his lack of powers through his impressive wit. Even so, the end result would be in the Black Clover protagonist’s favor since Dazai could not overcome Asta’s “Devil Union.”