Wistoria: Wand and Swordis a new fantasy and action series from the Crunchyroll summer anime lineup that is earning praise for its great visuals and fast-paced, entertaining story. However, fans of classic shōnen series such asNarutoandHunter x Hunterwill surely find thatWistoria’s storyline, characters, and themes, all feel like a blast from the past.
Wistoria: Wand and Swordis definitely getting its well-deserved fame. Many fans have focused on its similarities with another heavily-popular shōnen anime,Black Clover. This, however, has led people to forget that this is more than a knockoff of the series; it is a reminder ofwhat true classic shōnen animes have made fans feel throughout the years.If Naruto strives to become a Hokage, while Gon aims to find his father, Will Serfort hopes that with his swordsmanship skills, he can someday reunite with his first and true love, Elfaria Albis Serfort.
Will Serfort Uses a Softer Form of Naruto’s Talk-No-Jutsu
Wistoria Shows That Words Can Be Stronger Than Swords
Will Serfort and Asta certainly have similar attributes; however, as the series continues, one can easily see other popular shōnen characters through Will. Naruto Uzumaki and Gon Freecs are the main characters who win against their enemiesusing both their fists and words.Using his words, Naruto encourages enemies to surrender or to change for the better, also known jokingly among fans as “talk-no-jutsu”. On the other hand, Gon might not explicitly use talk-no-justu, but his moments of winning people over with his kindness and genuineness are also frequent.
Will Serfort is the protagonist who has been looked down on for his lack of magic and is surrounded by people who need to boost their belief in themselves. Will is a transparent character whose eyes are keen on people who show equal or more determination than him. For instance, in episode #10,Wistoria’s protagonist allowed one of his schoolmates, Wignall Lindor, to grow from his prideful character. Through the words of affirmation of Will, Wignall overcame his insecurities and could finally see the good in Will, making him respect him more than ever.
New Crunchyroll Fantasy Anime Is The Harry Potter Replacement You Didn’t Know you Needed
Wistoria: Wand and Sword is the hot new adaptation of the Kodansha manga, but people can’t help but compare it to Harry Potter.
Asta fromBlack Clovermight also have similar moments, but his character focuses more on the never giving up mantra. Will Serfort’s softer form of the talk-no-jutsu stems from his perseverance, kindness, and sincerity, inspiring people around him to do the same. He is skilled at swordsmanship and in convincing people to become their best version. The only difference Will has with Naruto Uzumaki is thathis touching and persuasive words are not so far aimed at his enemiesbut at his friends and classmates, who he respects and cherishes.
Epic Quests and Unbreakable Bonds Make Wistoria a Must-Watch for Shōnen Lovers
Based on the Manga Written by Fujino Ōmori and Illustrated by Toshi Aoi
Wistoria: Wand and Swordstands out among the summer 2024 animes.Will’s character does not carry the whole anime on its backbecause of other elements that make the series good. The series' plot, themes, and other characters help carry the franchise and grow its fandom.NarutoandHunter x Hunterare two shōnen anime that show an engaging plot and incredible teamwork among the characters. Crunchyroll’s new fantasy anime does the same by putting the spotlight on the protagonist and the people around him.
The anime is building its connection with fans through its intense battles, thrilling challenges, and emotional impact. Will may seem on his own for now; however, his few friends now give the same feeling as Naruto was with his fellow ninjas and the bond Gon shared with Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. Despite all the criticism, Will treasures his bond with his classmates, and how he still sees the good in them shows thathe has a pure heart like Naruto and Gon.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword is a breath of fresh air for all shōnen lovers.
The quests that Will faces together with his classmates from the academy are not different from Gon’s journey during the hunter exams and Naruto’s missions. Additionally, with only 12 episodes in its first season,Wistoriahas already laid the groundwork for epic quests, engaging themes, and character growth. It has proven that it is more than just aBlack Cloverlookalike. It’s a love letter to shōnen fans who crave the emotional depth, intense battles, and unbreakable bonds that define the genre.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword Revives the Spirit of Classic Shonen Anime With a Twist
A Fantasy Action Story That Is Not an Isekai
This anime captures the unforgettable elements and themes of classic shōnen animes likeNarutoandHunter x Hunter. But this doesn’t mean thatWistoriais another slightly repetitive version ofNarutoandHunter x Hunter’s plot.Wistoria’s twist is that it’sheavily touched by high-fantasy elementssuch as magic, elves, dwarves, familiars, and mages. The spirit of classic shōnen revolves around underdog protagonists who overcome all the hurdles through their never-give-up attitude, admiring hard work and dedication, which can be witnessed through Will’s character.
The high-fantasy element of the series is that it centers on the traditional magical realm.NarutoandHunter x Huntermight also feature supernatural abilities, such as chakra andthe Nen system, but these franchises have blended contemporary settings into their stories.Wistoria: Wand and Swordis the anime that backs up the true essence of a traditionalfantasy anime that fans can usually find only in isekai stories.This series is a must-watch for all fans who long for one that will bring them back in timeand remind them that classic shōnen is continuously produced.
Wistoria: Wand and Swordmay have similarities with mainstream shōnen anime; however, it is also composed of distinct themes and elements that set it apart from them. Will and his friend’s journey offers a refreshing yet nostalgic take on the fantasy, action, and shōnen genre. This series has magically captured the hearts of new audiences and it’s also perfect for fans of classic series suchNarutoandHunter X Hunter.
Wistoria: Wand and Sword
Cast
Will Serfort, unable to cast even basic spells in a world dominated by magic, dreams of becoming a Magia Vander to fulfill a promise to his childhood friend. As he navigates the challenges of Regarden Magical Academy, he must rely on his sword skills rather than magic, battling monsters and overcoming obstacles to prove his worth in a society that values magical prowess above all else.
