Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover have more similarities than one might expect and imagine. Both anime are set in a period and setting that shares a stark mirroring of ideas and structure. While Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover both explore magic and the light and dark elements associated with it, they are also similar in the more nuanced and subtle senses. In this article, we will look at the similarities between Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover.
Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover – a basic plot structure
- The story of Villainess Level 99 centers around Yumiella Dolkness, an otome role-playing game character titled Light Magic and the Hero.
- Despite having constantly played the game in her past life, she decides not to become the Demon Lord who perishes in the game’s reincarnation.
- Yumeilla works hard to gain strength during her early years and finally succeeds in becoming a level 99 sorcerer at the Royal Academy, whereas other students from wealthy families (royals and nobles) are only able to achieve level 10 at their age.
Yumiella, while the quintessential shonen villain by most accounts, permits herself to slack off in ways that the game neither could nor did. She desires to remain concealed away from all forms of attention and is always trying to materialize a quiet, serene existence. She even decides that she will prove to be the boss by defeating the Demon Lord herself when the time comes.
But because of her degree of power—which she attained through intense training—and her evil magic, she is already considered a figure who should be avoided and put to death to preserve the social order.
- Black Clover is centered around the character and life of Asta, a young orphan who is abandoned and raised in an orphanage with Yuno, another orphan.
- While everyone possesses the capacity to wield mana, or magical power, Asta, who lacks magic, concentrates primarily on his physical prowess.
- On the other hand, Yuno was a magical genius from birth, with great magical power and the ability to manipulate wind magic.
The two young people got into a friendly rivalry since they each wanted to be the next Wizard King. Yuno receives a fabled four-leaf grimoire owned by the kingdom’s first Wizard King. Despite not possessing magic, Asta managed to acquire an intriguing five-leaf grimoire that held cryptic elven swords and a deformed Devil race member who used uncommon anti-magic.
Top 3 similarities between Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover
3. Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover are set in a similar social order
Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover explore a similar social order in the sense that they portray a rigid class-based society in its most elementary form. The kingdoms are ruled in both stories by a monarch and there is a hierarchy of class within the society. The nobles and the royalty exercise all forms of power and their bloodlines are considered superior, whereas the commoners dwell in the rural areas and suburbs and are not allowed to mingle or interact with the upper classes.
This class-based hierarchy is also exercised when it comes to holding positions of authority and the commoners are generally attributed with simpler tasks and roles whereas the nobles and royals are the ones who take charge of all administrative and executive affairs of the state. Both stories also explore the discrimination that is attached to one’s class and economic background and the stereotypes are inherently outlined.
2. Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover explore the idea of Dark Magic
Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover explore the idea of Dark Magic as a major thematic concern. Dark magic is a predominant theme in most magical settings in anime. Moreover, it is often associated with thoughts and actions that carry a negative connotation. The evil and the demonic elements are basic elements that link to the idea of dark magic and are often seen as destructive and disruptive forces for society. It is in such situations that the need for reform arises.
Yumiella Dolkness in Villainess Level 99 and Asta in Black Clover are both practitioners of dark magic. However, they do not wish to use their powers against society, but against the elements which threaten the social fabric. Both of these characters become reformative and restorative in that sense, and they constantly pursue and practice their magic to change the notions that society carries against them.
1. Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover put their protagonist/main character as the strongest
Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover are two similar shows that put their main characters as the strongest from the very initial point. Both Yumiella and Asta hold the ability to subdue all other forms of power that are traditionally considered superior. Moreover, these forms of power are placed higher up in the social hierarchy. Therefore, dark magic users like Yumiella and Asta become vessels of change and they act as changemakers within the existing power structure.
Yumiella with her level 99 magic level and Asta with his anti-magic are both superior to other characters in their respective realms. This however does not create an imbalance in the society but rather brings an equilibrium as the functional approach towards equity is practiced and enacted. Therefore, it is necessary that such characters are placed on higher ground to balance the social order and prove to the audience that the idea of power is fluid.
Conclusion
Villainess Level 99 and Black Clover share similarities that are very basic and structural in nature. The ideas and themes mirror each other and reflect the same emotional spectrum upon which they are based. That makes us wonder if Villainess Level 99 will prove to be a better series than Black Clover, but that is for some other day and some other article. For more anime updates, subscribe to our newsletter at Spiel Anime!