Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King is the first film in the Black Clover series, and it has a specific place in the timeline of the anime. Here's a detailed overview of the movie's timeline and release schedule:
When Does the Black Clover Movie Take Place?
The events of Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King take place between the Elf Reincarnation arc and the Heart Kingdom Joint Struggle arc. This is evident from the fact that the novelization of the movie is titled Black Clover Volume 23.5, which means that the events in the film take place during the six-month time skip after the Elf Reincarnation arc, i.e., during the training period.
Training Period: The movie is set three months after the training period began, giving the characters enough time to train and become stronger. This is also evident from how Asta changed physically, which cannot happen quickly.
Triumph Tournament: The movie begins with the Triumph tournament taking place in the Clover Kingdom, where wizards compete to decide who could be the next potential Wizard King. Asta was in exile after the whole ordeal with the Elves and entered the tournament using a pseudonym and donning a mask.
Yuno's Promotion: During the same time, Yuno was promoted to the position of Vice-Captain of the Golden Dawn. While fans did not see him becoming one, it was announced by Mimosa during the Triumph tournament that he was the Vice-Captain at the time.
Release Details
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King was released on June 16, 2023, at 12:30 PM IST (12 AM PDT). The movie had a theatrical release in Japan, while other countries were able to view the movie on Netflix.
Release Times for Various Regions:
Pacific Daylight Time: 12 AM, Friday, June 16
Central Daylight Time: 2 AM, Friday, June 16
Eastern Daylight Time: 3 AM, Friday, June 16
British Time: 8 AM, Friday, June 16
European Time: 9 AM, Friday, June 16
Indian Standard Time: 12:30 PM, Friday, June 16
Philippine Time: 3 PM, Friday, June 16
Gulf Standard Time: 11 AM, Friday, June 16
Australia Central Standard Time: 7:30 PM, Friday, June 16
Plot Summary
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King expands on the beloved series originally created by Yūki Tabata. Set in a fantastical world where magic reigns supreme, the narrative follows Asta, a young boy born without magical powers in a society that reveres magic. Desiring to become the Wizard King, Asta’s journey intertwines with his rival and childhood friend, Yuno, who possesses immense magical abilities. The film introduces a fresh storyline that delves deeper into the characters' struggles, their motivations, and the nature of their bonds.
Main Narrative Arc: The main narrative arc of the movie revolves around Asta and his companions as they confront formidable enemies. The film presents a unique storyline that expands on the established universe of the series. As the story unfolds, Asta's journey towards becoming the Wizard King serves not only as a personal goal but also as a means of showcasing his growth in friendship and strength.
New Characters: The plot is strengthened by the introduction of new characters who either align with or oppose Asta. Their motivations create a rich tapestry of relationships that demonstrate the complexity of ambition and responsibility. Central to this arc are the trials faced by Asta, prompting him to confront his weaknesses while also showcasing his unwavering resolve to protect his friends.
Watch Order
If you are new to Black Clover or want to refresh your memory before watching the movie, here is the recommended watch order:
Jump Festa 2016 OVA (OVA, 2017)
Black Clover, Season 1 (anime, 2017–2018)
Black Clover, Season 2 (anime, 2018–2019)
Jump Festa 2018 OVA (OVA, 2018)
Squishy! Black Clover (ONA, 2019)
Black Clover, Season 3 (anime, 2019–2020)
Black Clover, Season 4 (anime, 2020–2021)
Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (film, 2023)
Blu-ray and DVD Release
The Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King movie Blu-ray and DVD will officially release on July 17, 2024. A deluxe edition and regular edition will be released specifically for this purpose.
Description
# Black Clover Movie Timeline
## Where the Movie Fits in the Anime Timeline
The events of *Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King* are set between the Elf Reincarnation arc and the Heart Kingdom Joint Struggle arc. This placement is evident as the movie's novelization is titled *Black Clover Volume 23.5*, indicating that its events occur during the six-month time skip following the Elf Reincarnation arc, specifically during the training period.
## Training Period and Character Development
The movie is set three months into the training period. This timeframe allows characters like Asta to undergo significant training and development, which is also reflected in Asta's physical changes—a process that cannot happen quickly.
## Triumph Tournament and Yuno's Promotion
The movie begins with the Triumph Tournament taking place in the Clover Kingdom. This tournament is a key event where wizards compete to be considered as potential candidates for the next Wizard King. Asta, who had been in exile following the events with the Elves, enters the tournament under a pseudonym and wearing a mask. During the same period, Yuno is promoted to the position of Vice-Captain of the Golden Dawn. Although his promotion isn't shown directly to fans, it is announced by Mimosa during the Triumph Tournament.
## Release Details
*Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King* had its theatrical release in Japan on June 16, 2023, at 12:30 PM IST (12 AM PDT). For viewers outside Japan, the movie was made available on Netflix.
### Release Times for Various Regions:
- **Pacific Daylight Time**: 12 AM, Friday, June 16
- **Central Daylight Time**: 2 AM, Friday, June 16
- **Eastern Daylight Time**: 3 AM, Friday, June 16
- **British Time**: 8 AM, Friday, June 16
- **European Time**: 9 AM, Friday, June 16
- **Indian Standard Time**: 12:30 PM, Friday, June 16
- **Philippine Time**: 3 PM, Friday, June 16
- **Gulf Standard Time**: 11 AM, Friday, June 16
- **Australia Central Standard Time**: 7:30 PM, Friday, June 16
## Plot Summary
*Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King* expands on the series originally created by Yūki Tabata. Set in a world where magic is paramount, the story follows Asta, a young boy born without magical powers in a society that deeply reveres magic. Asta's journey to become the Wizard King intertwines with his rival and childhood friend, Yuno, who possesses exceptional magical abilities.
### Main Narrative Arc:
The movie's main narrative focuses on Asta and his companions as they face powerful enemies. It introduces a new storyline that delves deeper into the characters' struggles, motivations, and bonds. As the story progresses, Asta's journey toward becoming the Wizard King is showcased through his growth in both friendship and strength.
### New Characters:
The plot is enriched by the introduction of new characters who either support or oppose Asta. Their diverse motivations create a complex web of relationships, highlighting the themes of ambition and responsibility. Central to this arc are the trials that Asta must overcome, which force him to confront his weaknesses while demonstrating his unwavering determination to protect his friends.
## Recommended Watch Order
If you're new to *Black Clover* or wish to refresh your memory before watching the movie, here's the suggested watch order:
- *Jump Festa 2016 OVA* (OVA, 2017)
- *Black Clover, Season 1* (anime, 2017–2018)
- *Black Clover, Season 2* (anime, 2018–2019)
- *Jump Festa 2018 OVA* (OVA, 2018)
- *Squishy! Black Clover* (ONA, 2019)
- *Black Clover, Season 3* (anime, 2019–2020)
- *Black Clover, Season 4* (anime, 2020–2021)
- *Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King* (film, 2023)
## Blu-ray and DVD Release
The Blu-ray and DVD for *Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King* are scheduled to release on July 17, 2024. Both a deluxe edition and a regular edition will be available for purchase.