Clover

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Japanese: クローバー

Information

Type: Manga

Volumes: 43

Chapters: 401

Status: Finished

Published: Apr 5, 2007 to Oct 15, 2015

Genres: Action, Comedy

Theme: Delinquents

Demographic: Shounen

Serialization: Shounen Champion (Weekly)

Authors: Hirakawa, Tetsuhiro (Story & Art)

Statistics

Score: 7.93¹ (scored by 3,265 users)

¹ indicates a weighted score.

Ranked: #923²

² based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.

Popularity: #2021

Members: 10,473

Favorites: 274

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Apr 28, 2016

Nervin

Mixed Feelings

Preliminary (261/401 chp)

Clover is in essence a simple battle shōnen in which through numerous fights the readers are showcased the power of friendship - a characteristic often used in the genre. While this manga may be nothing revolutionary or outstanding in any aspect, it was arguably quite an enjoyable read for a number of reasons: the initial presentations of the various characters, and the intriguing fights that break out in a logical and satisfying manner. However, it becomes apparent that the manga follows a very formulaic approach after the initial introduction of the most important characters, which is to say, after about 100 chapters.

The story of Clover ... is mainly focussed on Misaki Hayato, who after several years of being separated from his childhood friends, enrolls in the same highschool as them. To his surprise, a lot of things have changed since then: they're very distant with each other. Misaki feels the need to reunite them to the old days, which directly involves him in numerous fights for the sake of restoring their friendship. In turn, this makes him famous around the delinquent population. This can arguably make quite an interesting narrative, meaning developing the respective cast with it - which happens to a certain degree.

The manga centers around the fights and the characters involved, whilst developing and presenting friendships and to what extent the importance of it is. The various conflicts are well executed, following a simple approach: a person is in need of help, which usually involves fighting some delinquents, and with that, encountering new people. This often turns out in the main character winning. It could be said that the manga also presents the ascension of a young boy in the ranks of the delinquent population.

The problem associated with this is the fact that the manga becomes increasingly linear and formulaic: this accentuates the probability that the author had no idea anymore how to continue the manga. Comedy is also present, which is generally well handled and not abused of, making the story much easier to digest, while at the same time making it possible to take the characters seriously. In some instances it may rely on the characters, others in some bizarre situations, and in some instances, an amusing play of words.

The characters presented in Clover are diverse, yet stereotypical for the genre. Character development is limited to the various main characters, yet for the side characters it is minimal and scarce. However, most of the cast is fleshed out accordingly, albeit not huge. The interactions between the characters is well handled, actions natural and according to the different personalities, despite being a bit off in some occasions. The main character Misaki Hayato is blunt and fight-lusty, yet deep down caring of his friends. Then there is the weak, yet kind-hearted Tomoki with a bright passion for motorbikes, or the big and timid Kenji. Naturally, as story progresses, a lot of different characters are introduced, but it boils down in essence to delinquents becoming friends to the protagonist, or just opponents of other schools/factions.

The art style of the manga is befitting, complementing with the great fighting scenes and the detailed states, both physical and mental, of the characters. Character designs are varied and distinguishable from each other, especially when the male designs are concerned; females ones are on the other hand lacking in both detail and appearance. The bacgrounds employed are often well drawn with a good use of shading techniques and angles of view.

For a simple fighting shōnen, Clover serves its purpose in a satisfying manner with entertaining fights as well a likeable cast of characters. I enjoyed the manga, yet was a bit disappointed by its formulaic approach. It may not have a grand overarching story attached to it, which can be a bit disappointing considering the premise of the story. As a whole, this manga is recommendable who enjoys reading deliquent-type of manga, yet for those who are in search of deep story or great characterization not.

Thank you for reading.

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Jul 9, 2023

Chaf

Mixed Feelings

Clover is one of the longest-running high-school furyos in the genre. As I've been interested in this one for a while, it was only natural that I should read Clover. Unfortunately, it arrived a little late in my reading list, and I have to say that I have mixed feelings about it.

It's not all doom and gloom, as the manga has a lot of quality.

First, let's talk about the characters. The cast is pretty good, with equally likable personalities, except for one female character who is simply unbearable and pointless. Fortunately, she only appears in the last few volumes, otherwise I would have found ... the manga sincerely unpleasant. For the rest, everything's cool. We find all the archetypes of furyo manga, with the bonus of having female characters and bonds that develop throughout the story.

Next, what I found appreciable in this manga was the author's graphic evolution. The drawing between the first volume and the last has absolutely nothing to do with it, and it's really great to be able to observe this kind of thing in a comic. At the outset, it's clear that the author hasn't really found his style, and is content to copy that of Hiroshi Takahashi, the modern master of the kind. From the facial expressions to the layout, I had the impression in the first few volumes that I was reading a copy of Crows. Thankfully, by volume 20, the author's style changes and we find the one we know now from Nine Peaks (an excellent manga, by the way). The cutting is classic, and we can feel the violence shared by the characters thanks to the facial expressions and dynamic strokes during the action.

Unfortunately... and this is where I have a problem: the manga adds absolutely nothing to the genre. If you have already read a certain number of furyo manga, you'll certainly have a good time, but you'll be anticipating the whole scenario. There are no surprises in the manga, either in the scenario or in the fights with the antagonists. It's a real shame, because the manga is a very easy read. The narration is fairly fluid and the events follow on well, but that's where it ends. This manga brings no surprises and no added value to the furyo genre.

Personally, what I appreciate in furyos is the social dimension. I like to follow high-school students in their troubles and see how they manage to forge links with each other and with the world around them. Clover tries to do this, but doesn't follow through. It's a pity the author didn't accentuate the story around the main character's past, as that would have added considerable value.

All in all, I'm still very lukewarm on this manga, even though I had a great time discovering it. I like reading furyos, but I think that with the ones about high school, I didn't find the surprise that I had with mangas like Worst or Rokudenashi Blues.

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Sep 3, 2019

RefinedTyro

Recommended

I didn't really know what to expect from the manga, and especially its main character.

The story itself is your typical shounen story with the villains that escalate in power with a modern delinquent aesthetic. Its the case where the characters make the story as an experience better than it actually is.

Hayato is probably the most endearing loud mouths I've seen in a while. He's very much a thug, but you can tell he means well and will do anything to fix his errors and is very considerate about how others feel. His interactions with the various characters are dynamic and especially entertaining.

The art is ...

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Jun 7, 2020

Shiniman1

Recommended

I just want to preface something before the review starts. Everything I'm about to say pretty much aligns with the other two reviews on this page. It probably wont be anything new but I thought I'd share my thoughts anyways. If you found this review helpful please like their review and not mine.

Story (6): Just like RefinedTyro and Nervin said this is a Shounen manga. You essentially get a monthly villain who does something to a friend of Misaki. Misaki comes in to save the day, the end. Each new villain is slightly stronger than before but worry not the power of friendship will persevere. ... Its very formulaic and at some point becomes very predictable. This does not mean the manga is bad in any way because it does what it does well. It gives the typical shounen manga a little twist by adding delinquents. Its a nice twist and the character development helps with making it very enjoyable. Unfortunately the ending felt a bit abrupt with 2-3 questions left unanswered. No spoils: There's a 10 chapter fight arc right before the ending and right when the fight is over it cuts into the future and we get 3 chapters concluding the manga. Also quick note: The manga isn't always serious and when it isn't serious its pretty funny. It does a great job in switching tones.

Art (7): The art starts off like any old school manga (wacky as fuck) but give it some time and it evolves into a pseudo-realistic art style (RefinedTyro). I personally loved it and it gave the manga a bit of style. Only problem is that all the chicks look the same and technically all the dudes look the same to (RefinedTyro) but they're given differentiation via clothing and hairstyles. You could probably make them all bald and they would all look the same just like how you can make all the male characters in DBZ bald and they all look the same. Unfortunately, the female characters get no love they all look the same dress the same and got the same hairstyles (Nervin). I didn't really mind because none of the female characters were apart of the main cast and as a result them having less detail put into them didn't push me away from the series. Overall the art style is nice and the semi realistic art helps give off a delinquent manga style. When shits about to go down it does a good job in expressing it with sharp lines and great composition and when its getting light hearted its able to strip all detail away and make it look very goofy.

Characters (7): Everything RefinedTyro and Nervin say is correct. Misaki is a lovable loud mouth and of all the manga I've read he's probably the most endearing. He's just a really good guy and always sticks up for his friends. The main 4 characters get a good amount of development but obviously our boy Misaki gets the most. None of the side characters get as much development but their fleshed out enough to the point were you don't really complain to much. The interactions between the cast is natural and done pretty well. It never goes against how the character was developed.

Enjoyment (9): This manga is a very entertaining read. Never once did I feel like it was getting boring or stale even though the story writing formula was very predictable. The fights were great even if there wasn't much choreography and it just resulted in a slugfest and attrition with a spice of friendship. The comedy was nice and the development of the main cast made me feel attached to the characters. Even the small bits of development for the side characters got me attached to them. Great manga that makes you feel pretty hyped when Misaki beats dudes up

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