Yuki Tabata Deserves an Award for Giving Asta 1 Trait in Black Clover That Tite Kubo Didn’t Bother With Ichigo

Optimism? Check. Hard work? Check. Boundless willpower? Check. Just like that Asta from Black Clover checks all the boxes when it comes to being an ideal shonen protagonist. Yuki Tabata ensured that his readers get the most concentrated form of the shonen spirit while creating Asta. On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach, who is fairly normal compared to most mainstream Shonen characters. 

Tite Kubo went out of his way and debunked stereotypes to create one of the most grounded protagonists ever. There’s a huge difference between how both creators deal with their series’ main characters. However, there’s one aspect of Asta’s character that is absent from Ichigo’s, which would have benefitted him greatly. 

Asta’s Best Character Trait That Tite Kubo Completely Forgot About 

The Clover Kingdom always looked down upon Asta for his inability to use magic. Contrary to his lack of talent was his relentless confidence in himself. Yuki Tabata did a great job at making it seem convincing. It felt almost natural for Asta to be that way. Moreover, it’s not like he never felt hopeless or incompetent. We see him struggling with those emotions as well.

When he loses his hands, we see him desperately clinging on to the faintest flicker of hope. He never had a support system or anyone he could talk his heart out to. Yet he always managed to stay optimistic and not let people dim his shine, and fans love that about him.

Comment
byu/FragrantFail3494 from discussion
inBlackClover

Comment
byu/FragrantFail3494 from discussion
inBlackClover

Comment
byu/FragrantFail3494 from discussion
inBlackClover

Comment
byu/FragrantFail3494 from discussion
inBlackClover

Comment
byu/FragrantFail3494 from discussion
inBlackClover

As for Ichigo, he was the exact opposite of Asta. He was a high school kid who led a normal life until he became a Soul Reaper. He never had to think twice about how he wants to use his powers. Protecting his loved ones was his only priority. However, Ichigo was more susceptible to outer voices. He was easily affected by difficult situations. 

If only Tite Kubo had given Asta’s best trait to Ichigo, he would have had a much easier time. It would elevate his character from a normal high school boy to someone more aspirational. However, then Ichigo would be just like every other shonen protagonist and lose his charm. 

Ichigo is Perfect The Way He Is 

Throughout Bleach, there were two instances that shook Ichigo to his core. First, it was during the Fullbringer Arc, and second, when he realized the truth about his mother. Both moments left him clueless as he struggled to cope with his biggest fear. It’s true that if Ichigo was someone like Asta with more confidence in himself, he would have been more focused on handling the situation. 

However, he let those around him help him with his struggles, and became stronger as a person. Compared to Asta, Ichigo had a sheltered life and a family that loved and appreciated him. So every time he faced animosity from others, it would initially be difficult for him to get back on his feet immediately. This aspect of his character makes him more relatable than most of his contemporaries. 

Both characters are great in their own right, and while Ichigo could’ve been more like Asta, there’s no denying that he was perfect just the way he was. His victories felt personal, and so was the case with his hardships. 

Black Clover and Bleach are available to read on the MangaPlus app and website.