Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a popular manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Komoto. The story is set in a world where magic is common and most people possess magical abilities. However, the protagonist, Mash Burnedead, is a muscle-headed student who was born without any magical powers. Despite this, Mash possesses an incredible level of physical strength and athleticism that surpasses even the most powerful mages. The main idea of Mashle: Magic and Muscles is the contrast between magic and physical strength. Mash's lack of magical powers sets him apart from his peers, and he is often ridiculed and underestimated because of it.
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Fans attending Anime Central were also treated to an early premiere of the first episode of the English dub, but the premiere will finally be released for all to enjoy. The original Japanese version of Mashle Magic and Muscles was released with English subtitles as part of the Spring season lineup this year on Crunchyroll.
Mash's lack of magical powers sets him apart from his peers, and he is often ridiculed and underestimated because of it. However, Mash's determination and his physical prowess allow him to overcome any obstacle that comes his way. He relies solely on his muscles and physical abilities to defeat his enemies and protect those he cares about.
English Dub Review: Mashle: Magic and Muscles “Mash Burnedead and the Body of the Gods”
This is the Magic Realm. Naturally, all who reside in this world can use magic. Magic is a normal part of everyday life. But deep within a certain forest lives a boy named Mash and his father figure, Regro. Mash was frequently told to avoid going into town. The reason being, the mark that is ever present on everyone’s face does not exist on Mash—for he cannot use magic. One day, while Regro is away, Mash ventures into town to buy his favorite cream puffs…
Our Take:
“The Wizarding World” hit a snag last year when the latest Fantastic Beasts film, “The Secrets of Dumbledore”, underperformed at the box office. Long story short, it struggled to capture the magic of the iconic Harry Potter films that inspired many book-turned-movies in the genre. So until we know when we’ll see this magical realm again, we have another “Wizarding World” to visit from the anime department. After debuting in 2020, this peculiar fantasy series has made its way to the screen to compete with the cinematic money-making franchise from Warner Brothers.
The first episode of Mashle introduces viewers to the Magic Realm, where people can use their magical abilities if they have black marks on their faces. Unfortunately, the only exception is our protagonist, Mash Burnedead. Mash lives in the forest under the protection of Regro and gains superhuman strength and athleticism to compensate for his lack of magic. This makes Mash an outsider to the public since “Unmarked” beings are considered a threat to society. While visiting the city to buy cream puffs, Mash has his physical abilities tested when he encounters two police officers, Terry and his boss Brad.
Here, we have an anime version of Harry Potter with subtle pieces of One Punch Man and religious undertones sprinkled on it. The reason for the latter is that the episode portrays people’s beliefs that God gave them black marks as gifts so they can use magic in this world. However, they also believe that God hates those who are Unmarked for bringing imbalance to the realm. As a result, the police are brought into this realm to eradicate the Unmarked before they threaten society. That is until Brad offers Mash a deal that’ll keep him and his father figure safe from danger.
The One Punch Man reference comes from Mash, who almost resembles Saitama if he still has hair. Another difference between the characters is that Mash has a blunt and dimwitted personality and is seen with a deadpan expression, similar to Raido Matsuboshi from Aharen-san wa Hakarenai . He can’t even fix the door without breaking it further. That’s how dumb this guy is. But, of course, amid his stupidity, he also has a good heart whenever Regro is in danger. This is showcased at the end of the episode, where Mash accepts the deal of enrolling in the magic academy to keep Regro safe from harm. I also got a sudden reminder that Mash is reminiscent of Atsuko Kagari from Little Witch Academia regarding their lack of magical backgrounds.
Overall, the first episode started on the right foot with its concept and humor, even though some elements are far from original. Aside from specific moments involving the black outlines being too massive in the character designs, the animation by A-1 Pictures looked pretty decent so far regarding its magic sequences. Additionally, Aleks Le was solid in portraying Mash’s deadpan and dumb personality, serving as part of the show’s comedy. The question now is whether Mash’s nature can carry the rest of the series without slowly becoming excruciatingly irritating. Only time will tell as the outsider is about to test his muscles at the magic academy.
However, his entire existence defies the laws of the magic world as he also possesses impossible super strength, which grants him an unexpected advantage. The anime also features the opening song “Knock Out” by Taiiku Okazaki and the incredibly catchy ending theme “Shuu Cream Funk” by Philosophy No Dance.
As the story progresses, Mash's strength catches the attention of the prestigious Easton Magic Academy, and he is admitted as a student. Despite not having any magic, Mash enters the academy to discover the truth behind the sudden disappearance of his father, who was a legendary mage. Mash's journey at the academy is filled with challenges and confrontations with other students who rely solely on their magical abilities. Throughout the series, Mash's physical strength becomes his ultimate weapon, as he outmatches his opponents who possess incredible magical powers. This stark contrast between magic and muscles adds an interesting dynamic to the story, as Mash continuously proves that physical strength and determination can be just as, if not more, powerful than magic. Mashle: Magic and Muscles is known for its action-packed sequences, comedic moments, and the message it conveys about the importance of inner strength and believing in oneself. The series offers an entertaining and unique take on the traditional magic genre, showcasing the power and potential of the protagonist's physical abilities. In conclusion, Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a manga series that explores the contrast between magic and physical strength. The main character, Mash, is a student who lacks magical powers but possesses incredible physical abilities. The series follows Mash's journey at the Easton Magic Academy and his quest to uncover the truth about his father's disappearance. Through action-packed sequences and comedic moments, Mashle delivers a powerful message about the importance of inner strength and determination..
Reviews for "The Dynamic Duo: Exploring the Relationship Between Magic and Muscles in Mashle"
1. Sarah - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the dub of "Mashle: Magic and Muscles". The voice acting felt incredibly forced and unnatural, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The voices didn't match the characters' personalities or appearances, which was quite distracting. Additionally, the overall quality of the dub seemed lacking, with frequent instances of poor syncing and awkward pauses. I was really looking forward to enjoying this anime, but the dubbing completely ruined the experience for me.
2. Mark - 1/5 - I cannot express how much I disliked the dub of "Mashle: Magic and Muscles". The voice acting was simply unbearable, with exaggerated and over-the-top performances that felt out of place. It was as if the actors were trying too hard to be funny, and it just didn't work. The dubbing also seemed rushed, with lines delivered in a monotone manner that lacked any emotional depth. I found myself cringing throughout the entire series, and I would strongly advise anyone to watch it in its original Japanese version with subtitles instead.
3. Emily - 2/5 - As an avid anime fan, I was excited to dive into "Mashle: Magic and Muscles". However, the dubbing left much to be desired. The translation seemed off, with awkward and clunky dialogue that did not flow naturally. The voices felt mismatched and didn't suit the characters at all, making it difficult to connect with them on an emotional level. While the animation and storyline were enjoyable, the poor quality of the dub detracted from the overall experience. I would recommend watching the subbed version for a more authentic and immersive viewing experience.