If there is one thing that is undeniable, it is that the idea behind Harry Potter is very interesting. The concept of a world where magic is common and therefore there is a school where children with powers go to learn how to use it, is great and offers many opportunities. That is why it should not surprise us that it has been widely used outside of J.K. Rowling’s work. In any case, it should surprise us that it has not been used more.
Fortunately, those who have used it have done it very well. As Mashle shows us, a manga by Hajime Komoto published in the Shoukan Shounen Jump magazine and that you can read on Manga Plus.
The premise of Mashle is simple. In a world where magic is the most important thing, your place in society is determined by your social abilities. Those with few magical abilities are basically slaves, and those with the greatest abilities are in charge of governing the fate of countries. Unfortunately, our protagonist, Mash Burnedead, was born without magical abilities. When one day he has to enter the Magic Academy, he will have to face the challenge of becoming an Illuminated by God. One of the best students in the academy and destined to be a leader of the country. How, if he doesn’t have magic? Thanks to his absolutely immense strength.
If the premise is hilarious, its execution is even more so. Mash is an endearing, naive teenager obsessed with cream profiteroles who is absolutely incapable of showing, and apparently feeling, strong emotions. What he is capable of is knocking down entire buildings with punches. Or dispelling spells with swipes. Something that gives delirious and very, very fun premises.
In fact, its first season of the anime has been a success thanks to that. Adapting the first arc of the manga and reaching the top of the best anime of 2023 lists, Mashle has managed to captivate the audience with its ingenuity, humor, and truly accomplished action scenes. This is the merit of A-1 Pictures, creators of Fairy Tail and Kaguya-sama: Love Is War, who know how to captivate the audience.
If you are interested in watching Mashle, you still have time to catch up. Because its second season will premiere on January 6th, covering the Candidate for Visionary Exam arc. An arc full of action, humor, and, strangely enough, some doses of drama. Just like the first season, it will be available on Crunchyroll, and we highly recommend not missing it for anything in the world.
