Is Black Clover Movie Canon

In the world of anime, the term “canon” is frequently used by fans to discuss which parts of a series’ storyline are considered official or integral to the overarching narrative. Understanding what is canon, and how it differs from non-canon material like filler or alternate storylines, is essential for any anime fan who wants to follow a series faithfully. This guide will dive deep into the meaning of canon in anime, its significance, how it’s determined, and the role of filler and non-canon content in shaping the anime experience.

1. What Does “Canon” Mean in Anime?

In anime, canon refers to the material that is officially part of the story as intended by the original creator. It usually aligns with the events, characters, and settings that occur in the original manga (Japanese comic) or light novel series upon which an anime is often based. Anything that deviates from this primary source, such as filler episodes, alternate endings, or spin-off adaptations, is considered non-canon.

Canon Defined by Source Material

Manga Adaptations: For anime based on manga, canon typically follows the manga’s plot. For example, in anime like Naruto or One Piece, canon episodes are those that follow the manga’s storyline.

Original Anime: In the case of anime-original series (e.g., Neon Genesis Evangelion or Cowboy Bebop), canon is determined by what the series creators officially recognize as the true storyline. Any additional movies or alternate versions that contradict the original series may be considered non-canon.

Why Does Canon Matter?

Canon is important because it defines the “true” version of events, giving fans a consistent understanding of the narrative. Canon material is usually seen as more meaningful to the overall plot, while non-canon elements can be fun but don’t necessarily impact the main story.

2. Canon vs. Non-Canon in Anime

Anime series often feature content that doesn’t exist in the original source material. This non-canon material can take many forms, including filler episodes, movies, and even alternate universes.

Filler Episodes

What are Fillers? Filler episodes are anime-original content that doesn’t come from the manga. They are usually created to give the manga time to progress so that the anime doesn’t overtake the source material. While fillers might provide extra character development or explore side stories, they are not considered part of the official storyline and are therefore non-canon.

Example: In Naruto, there are entire filler arcs, like the “Cursed Warrior” arc, which are unrelated to the main plot established in the manga. These episodes are created solely for the anime and don’t influence the canon story.

Movies and OVAs

Non-Canon Films: Many anime franchises release movies or Original Video Animations (OVAs) that explore alternative stories or hypothetical scenarios. These are often seen as “what if” adventures, separate from the official narrative.

Example: Dragon Ball Z movies like Broly: The Legendary Super Saiyan were initially considered non-canon, as they didn’t fit within the main timeline. However, with the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly, the character of Broly was reintroduced into canon, illustrating how canon can sometimes shift or expand.

Spin-offs and Alternate Universes

Spin-offs: Sometimes, an anime series will have spin-off adaptations that exist in alternate timelines or universes. These series are often non-canon because they don’t follow the original storyline.

Example: Fate/stay night has multiple adaptations and spin-offs like Fate/Extra, which take place in alternate universes. Only the original Fate/stay night visual novel’s storylines are considered canon.

3. How is Canon Determined in Anime?

1. Original Creator’s Intent

The most straightforward way to determine what is canon is by following the work of the original creator. In most cases, the manga or light novel author has the final say in what constitutes canon material.

• Example: In Attack on Titan, the anime follows the manga written by Hajime Isayama. Any deviation from the manga would be considered non-canon unless otherwise stated by the creator.

2. Studio and Production Choices

Sometimes, anime production studios will create content that diverges from the original manga, especially when adaptations begin airing before the manga concludes. In such cases, the studio might choose to create an anime-original ending or additional plotlines.

Example: The original Fullmetal Alchemist anime (2003) ended with a completely different storyline from the manga, which was still ongoing at the time. This version is considered non-canon, while Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) follows the manga more faithfully and is regarded as the canon adaptation.

3. Canon in Anime-Original Series

In anime-original series, canon is established solely by the showrunners or creators. Any subsequent media—movies, alternate endings, or remakes—may be considered canon or non-canon based on the creators’ intentions.

Example: Neon Genesis Evangelion presents an interesting case, where the anime’s original ending differs from the subsequent End of Evangelion movie, which many fans consider a “true” ending. The creators, however, have not definitively declared one ending canon, leaving it up to interpretation.

4. Impact of Canon on Fan Discussions

Canon often becomes a point of debate among fans, particularly when non-canon content introduces popular characters or events that fans may want to see integrated into the main storyline.

The Broly Example in Dragon Ball

For years, Broly was one of the most beloved non-canon characters in the Dragon Ball Z universe. His original appearance was in a non-canon movie, but due to fan demand and the character’s popularity, he was eventually incorporated into the canon with the release of Dragon Ball Super: Broly.

Fan Theories and Alternate Timelines

The existence of non-canon content often spawns fan theories about how certain non-canon characters or events could fit into the canon storyline. Sometimes, these discussions can influence future canon material if the creators see the potential in those ideas.

5. How to Navigate Canon and Non-Canon in Anime

For fans who want to stay true to the core storyline of an anime, it’s essential to understand the difference between canon and non-canon content. Here are a few tips for navigating the world of anime canon:

Check the Source Material: If the anime is based on a manga or light novel, the source material is usually the best guide for what is canon.

Look for Official Statements: Anime creators or production companies often make announcements clarifying what is and isn’t considered canon, especially with franchises that have many adaptations and spin-offs.

Consult the Fandom: Online fan communities are often well-versed in which episodes, arcs, or movies are canon. Resources like Reddit or anime-specific wikis can help clarify any confusion.

In the ever-expanding world of anime, understanding what constitutes canon is crucial for fans who want to follow a series faithfully. Canon material reflects the original creator’s vision and forms the core narrative, while non-canon content, like filler episodes, movies, or alternate universes, adds extra flavor to the anime experience but doesn’t affect the main storyline. By recognizing the difference between canon and non-canon, fans can better appreciate the intricacies of their favorite shows and enjoy both the official plotlines and the creative liberties taken by animators along the way.