After 17 volumes, starting in early 2020 and ending in July 2023, Mashle: Magic and Muscles has concluded, at least in terms of the manga. Despite some mixed reactions to the ending (don't worry, we won't spoil it), we can't deny that it was a fun story. Although the manga has ended, the anime is far from over, given that we've only received 12 episodes for what we hope will be the first of many seasons to come. You might be wondering, if the manga's conclusion was somewhat lackluster, why should the anime continue to receive support? We're glad you asked that question, even if it was only in your mind. Here's why we believe the Mashle anime should continue and why you should keep watching it!
We Love Its Sense of Comedy
Typically, shounen stories feature the most outlandish main characters, like Goku from Dragon Ball, Luffy from One Piece, or Naruto himself. These characters are overpowered, innately heroic, and aim to be the best in their respective life missions. Mash, the protagonist of Mashle: Magic and Muscles, also aspires to be the top sorcerer, not because he possesses extraordinary magical abilities, but because achieving this goal would make life with his adopted father much more peaceful.
Despite his lack of magic, Mash uses his physical strength to resolve crises, leading to hilarious reactions. Mashle is worth watching honestly just for Mash and his eccentric friends, all of whom have distinctive personality quirks, like the sister-obsessed Lance or the wannabe tough guy, Dot. Even the villains often come across as comically evil, adding to the overall enjoyment of the show.
From flying on a broom using his legs to making mandrake cream puffs, the comedy in Mashle gets funnier with each episode. While Mash's story can occasionally take a serious turn, like the main threat posed by Abel Walker and his attempts to reshape the world in his ideal image, more often than not, Mashle is a light-hearted story that provokes bouts of uproarious laughter. Honestly, one of the hardest tasks upon finishing Mashle is trying to pinpoint the most comedic scene when almost all of them are of top-notch quality.
A Shounen Through and Through
Despite its attempts to parody Harry Potter, Mashle is a quintessential shounen anime, which is great for those who love the genre. Many anime viewers will appreciate the familiar trope of a protagonist who is as dumb as a bag of hammers - like Mash - who triumphs over villains using his unique skills. Similarly, if you're a fan of shounen anime, you will appreciate how it caters to the innate desire to become a hero, even if you weren't initially aiming to be one, much like Mash.
Excellent Visuals and Music
As for animation quality, Mashle truly excels, but we would expect nothing less from A-1 Pictures, renowned for their stellar work on shows like Sword Art Online, Erased, Your Lie in April, and Kaguya-Sama. Beyond the impressive animation, the music in Mashle is fantastic. Every major battle is intensified by the stirring soundtrack blasting through our headphones. Mashle isn't just another comedic anime; it's a comedy-shounen with striking visuals and an incredible score to match. An amazing combination indeed!
Final Thoughts
Mashle: Magic and Muscles is truly one of the few examples that demonstrate how the shounen genre can be tackled in unique ways while still maintaining its classic tropes. We sincerely hope that A-1 Pictures continues to produce more Mashle, and we will, without a doubt, watch every season that follows!
Author: Aaron