Contents
Introduction
What if Saitama, the iconic One Punch Man, decided to enroll at Hogwarts and set his sights on becoming an Imperial Scholar? While it might sound like the plot of an anime crossover, it's remarkably close to the premise of "Mashle: Magic and Muscles."
Created by Hajime Komoto in 2020, this series has graced the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump with 18 volumes of sheer magical comedy goodness. With a protagonist boasting Herculean physical strength that rivals the gods and a world steeped in enchanting magic, Mashle is a series that brings all your Harry Potter AU fics to life!
With a hilarious take on the world of magic and a protagonist who's as overpowered as they come, let’s see if Mashle is worth the watch.
A Unique Spin on Magic and Strength
Mash, the series’ protagonist.
At first glance, "Mashle: Magic and Muscles" appears to follow the classic shonen anime formula, complete with magical battles, epic challenges, and a determined protagonist striving to reach the pinnacle of power. However, what distinguishes "Mashle" is its ingenious subversion of these genre tropes. The story unfolds in a world where magic reigns supreme, and individuals lacking magical ability are marginalized and often subjected to discrimination. Enter our unconventional hero, Mash Burnedead, a young man born without a trace of magical prowess.
What sets Mashle apart is Mash's response to his apparent disadvantage. Rather than resigning himself to a powerless existence, Mash chooses an unconventional path to become the strongest mage in the world, relying solely on his physical strength. Yes, you read that right – in a world governed by magic, Mash conquers challenges through brute force, just like Saitama from One Punch Man.
Mash’s sheer physical strength in full display.
The central premise of Mashle cleverly parodies the traditional magic school genre, reminiscent of the iconic "Harry Potter" series. Mash, with his imposing muscles and unconventional approach to magic, enrolls in the prestigious Easton Magic Academy, setting the stage for a series of comical and action-packed adventures.
The Plot: Magic and Mirth
The narrative of Mashle combines elements of comedy, action, and magic, all while playfully poking fun at the very genre it resides in. At its core is Mash's quest to attain the prestigious title of Divine Visionary, an esteemed rank within the magical society that promises a peaceful life for him and his father, Regro. To achieve this, Mash must navigate the challenges of Easton Magic Academy, a place where magical prowess is highly esteemed.
The prestigious Easton Magic Academy bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts.
The plot revolves around Mash's interactions with his fellow students, who are initially perplexed by his absence of magic but soon come to appreciate his raw strength and unwavering determination. This is where the humor shines, as Mash's unconventional approach to magic leads to a series of laugh-out-loud moments and memorable comedic sequences.
As Mash confronts various magical challenges and adversaries, he finds himself in one humorous predicament after another, each resolved in a way that only someone with pure muscle power could manage. The show doesn't hold back from poking fun at the magical world it's set in, including broomstick-based sports and quirky magical creatures.
Mash, playing a broomstick-based sport that looks really similar to Quidditch.
A Charming Cast
Mashle’s Main Cast: Lance, Dot, Mash, Lemon and Finn.
While Mashle is unquestionably unique in its premise and humor, it wouldn't be complete without its endearing cast of characters. At its core is Mash Burnedead, a protagonist who defies traditional shonen conventions. His relentless pursuit of strength and his ability to triumph through sheer physical might make him a character worth rooting for.
Mash's interactions with other characters, particularly his best friend Lance, who initially struggles to comprehend Mash's approach to magic, add depth to the story. Lance, too, is a standout character, possessing unique motivations and a dynamic relationship with Mash.
Harry Potter’s Dumbledore and Mashle’s Headmaster are too similar to be a coincidence.
The supporting cast, including other students at Easton Magic Academy and various magical creatures, breathe life into the world of Mashle. Each character, no matter how initially insignificant, plays a role in the overall charm of the series. From the headmaster, who bears a striking resemblance to Harry Potter’s Dumbledore, to the other quirky magical beings, Mashle is brimming with memorable characters.
The Production Values
One area where Mashle falls short is in its animation. Produced by A1 Pictures, the animation quality varies throughout the series. The animation appears janky and unpolished in the early episodes, with characters occasionally looking odd. Backgrounds lack detail, and the flow of scenes feels stunted. Additionally, when CGI is used, it stands out starkly from the 2D animation.
However, there is a silver lining to this animation cloud. As the series progresses, the production values seem to improve, providing a glimmer of hope for viewers. The comedic elements of the show, including the "low budget meme faces," manage to land effectively despite the animation's shortcomings.
The musical score of the anime proved to be a delightful addition, elevating the overall experience with its diverse range of tones. It featured melodies that seamlessly complemented the comical scenes in Mashle, adding to the humor, and it also delivered exhilarating compositions that heightened the intensity and atmosphere of the action-packed fight sequences. The opening and ending themes were a joy to listen to, effectively capturing the raw and whimsical essence of the series.
Furthermore, the voice actors, including Chiaki Kobayashi as Mash and Takuya Eguchi as Dot, demonstrated their skill in bringing the characters to life. They expertly portrayed the mannerisms and personalities of their respective roles, adding depth and authenticity to the characters' interactions. The animation and sound team worked tirelessly, and their efforts deserve commendation for the exceptional quality they brought Mashle’s first season.
Verdict: A Hilarious and Engaging Ride, Definitely A Must-Watch!
Mashle: Magic and Muscles offers a delightful blend of humor, quirky premise, and lovable characters that make it a must-see for fans of comedy and action. Despite its flaws, the series masterfully balances comedy and action, creating an engaging and hilarious world. While the manga is often considered superior, the anime shines in its own right, proving a delightful addition to the world of parody and magic-based anime.
Mashle is a fun and entertaining anime that lives up to its unique premise, delivering equal measures of laughs and action. With a solid 8/10 rating, it's a must-watch for fans of comedy and action anime. Don't let initial animation hiccups deter you; the magical world of Mashle has much to offer.
From its absurd premise to its exploration of societal privilege, Mashle manages to balance humor and deeper themes, making it a captivating series for viewers of all ages. In a magical realm where muscles meet magic, viewers are in for a one-of-a-kind anime adventure that's definitely worth a watch. So, grab your broomsticks, flex those muscles, and get ready for the enchanting world of Mashle by buying the manga all the way from Japan, courtesy of ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Will the series turn more serious in the end just like Gintama?
Will Mash achieve his dream of becoming a Divine Visionary?
What is the reason behind Mash’s physical strength?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Mashle: Magic and Muscles on Netflix, Crunchyroll, Bilibili and Prime Video.
About The Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
