Yuki Tabata, the mangaka of Black Clover, is a huge Yu Yu Hakusho fanboy. Yu Yu Hakusho is admittedly a landmark franchise and has inspired several fans as well as creators over generations. Tabata has always been open about his love for the series.

During several instances, the author of Black Clover has confessed his love for the franchise. In fact, he was hooked to the manga as a child and had read all the volumes that still crown his bookshelf.

Yuki Tabata was Moved When Yoshihiro Togashi Recognized Him

Asta from Black Clover by Yuki Tabata | Credits: Viz Media

In an afterword of a Black Clover volume, Yuki Tabata confessed that he has loved Yu Yu Hakusho ever since he was a kid. His love for the series has never diminished over the years. In fact, even after he grew up, he remained a serious fan. When the authors of Weekly Shonen Jump were asked to draw their protagonists and a legendary character for Jump’s 50th-anniversary commemorative issue, Yuki Tabata ended up drawing Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho.

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Later on when Tabata and his wife attended the Jump Exhibition Vol 3, he had a conversation with Yoshihiro Togashi, which the Black Clover author will remember forever.

I was all flustered, and when I said “I’m Tabata. I’m currently drawing a manga called Black Clover for Jump,” he said, “Oh yes, you drew Hiei,” in a kind voice…I was deeply moved.-Yuki Tabata

Tabata was so elated that his excitement is almost palpable through his words. He even went on to address his child self by saying that adult Tabata is seriously moved. This reaction is nothing short of adorable, especially coming from an adult who has achieved his fanboy dreams.

Several Black Clover Elements Were Inspired by Yu Yu Hakusho

Hiei in Yu Yu Hakusho | Credits: Studio Pierrot

On another occasion, Yuki Tabata confessed his love for Hiei, a popular character from Black Clover. Hiei has a distant personality and often comes off as aloof and elusive. He also has a cynical view of the world. He also belittles and squabbles with his teammates. In fact, even Masashi Kishimoto stated that the personality of Sasuke was inspired by Hiei.

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While Tabata did not reveal which character in Black Clover was inspired by Hiei, it could be Yuno, who also has a calm and emotionless demeanor. Tabata also loves the Evil Eye, the Black Dragon Flames, and the Black Dragon King Flame, as well as Hiei’s cool personality and his strength despite his height. Asta, the protagonist of Black Clover, is also extremely strong even though he is short.

Vetto using Evil Eye in Black Clover | Credits: Studio Pierrot

Yuki Tabata also added some evil eye characters in Black Clover. In Black Clover, Evil Eye is a reincarnation magic spell that inserts a soul into the body of a living being. This is a reference to Hiei’s Jagan in Yu Yu Hakusho. In Black Clover, characters like Vetto, Fana, and Rhya use their third eye in battles.

Black Clover manga is available to read on Viz Media, and the anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
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