As new generations vie for a coveted shot at becoming the next shonen battle manga sensation, a of Shueisha's finest recent mangaka recently gathered, including the creators of Bleach, Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover. On top of judging a creative competition where submissions have a chance to feature in Weekly Shonen Jump or Jump GIGA, these four brilliant creators recently were given an interesting task, to identify favorite battles from other creators' work. Kohei Horikoshi was asked what his favorite Black Clover fight was.

For those who have read past the events of Black Clover season 4, Horikoshi's pick is indeed one of the most exciting of extensive list of best fights, with clear reasoning behind why the My Hero Academia creator selected it. On top of stoking hopes for season 5 of Black Clover to see this battle animated, it's worthwhile to dive into how the fight represents many of the series' common themes.

My Hero Academia Creator's Favorite Black Clover Fight Is a Gutsy Fistfight

The Soul Chain Deathmatch for the Ages

As part of the Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award event promotion, Kohei Horikoshi chose Magna Swing vs. Dante Zogratis as his favorite Black Clover battle. Fans quickly took to social media with the news, recognizing just how great the fight is, affirmed by Horikoshi's succinct assessment of how Magna rises to the occasion to enter a Soul Chain Deathmatch that levels the playing field. With a furious one-on-one bout where Dante's vast magic advantage is completely removed, the result is the type of Black Clover fight that'll get readers and viewers to cheer.

As the story reaches its climax and the scale of the battles grows, this is a very bitter fight that ends with a fistfight. It represents the underlying theme of Black Clover, the rise of the common man, while also being a very unexpected piece of manga, which feels really good.

-Kohei Horikoshi on his favorite Black Clover fight, Magna Swing vs. Dante Zogratis

The fight, as noted by Horikoshi, exemplifies Black Clover's excellent qualities as a shōnen manga, with Magna, an underdog Black Bulls squad member, taking the spotlight from main characters like Asta or Noelle. With Dante, a member of the Spade Kingdom's Dark Triad who is empowered as the host of Lucifero and perpetually healed by his Body Magic, a threat from one he deems a peasant is seen initially as laughable. But as Magna strips his opponent of the advantage, he, as the commoner, can hold his own through sheer grit and a better scope of his limits.

Why Kohei Horikoshi's Favorite Black Clover Fight Is a Perfect Choice

An Underdog Ri to Beat a Major Villain

On top of Black Clover being full of moments where Asta shows the fruits of his labor as a boy unloved by magic who aspires to be the Wizard King, Magna is another example of the series' love for underdog fighters. This fight stands possibly taller than any other Black Clover fight to be the ultimate triumph of a commoner over one of the Spade Kingdom's rulers.

With My Hero Academia being no stranger to such traditions, having Izuku Midoriya as an ultimate underdog hero, it makes sense that a magic brawl that devolves into a fistfight and endurance match works perfectly.

Magna vs. Dante and Other Black Clover Fights Stoke Fans' Desire for Season 5

Fans can draw similarities between this fight and Deku's battle with Tomura Shigaraki & All For One, as well as any number of fights as the series draws upon themes of perseverance, suring shortcomings, and self-sacrifice. Fans on no confirmation of Black Clover season 5, many of the best fights remain untouched.

Sources: Jump Next Generation Battle Manga Award, @BlackCloverNews on X