Mashle: Magic and Muscles, also known as マッシュル-MASHLE-, Masshuru in Japanese, stands as a captivating manga series authored and illustrated by Hajime Kōmoto. Within the pages of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, this tale unfolded from January 2020 until July 2023. The story, now comprising 17 tankōbon volumes as of July 2023, has managed to capture the hearts of manga enthusiasts. This magical journey further expanded its horizons with an anime television series adaptation produced by A-1 Pictures, which graced screens from April to July 2023. Notably, the anticipation for a second season’s arrival in January 2024 continues to mount.
Delving into the plot, Mashle: Magic and Muscles paints a world governed by magical prowess, where one’s place in society is intricately tied to their mastery of magic. Amidst this enchanting society, the protagonist, Mash Burnedead, defies convention. Born without a shred of magical ability, Mash’s sole aspiration is to coexist harmoniously with his adoptive father, Regro. However, achieving this desire demands that Mash climb the ranks of Easton Magic Academy, ultimately earning the title of a Divine Visionary (神覚者, Shinkakusha). This coveted title, bestowed upon the most exceptional students, remains a beacon of hope for Mash. Determined to leave an indelible mark despite his magical ineptitude, Mash embarks on a journey to prove that sheer physical prowess can surpass the bounds of magic itself.
In the realm of media, the manga itself, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, weaves its intricate narrative through the deft strokes of Hajime Kōmoto’s pen. Serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump from January 27, 2020, to July 3, 2023, this tale has been meticulously gathered into 17 individual tankōbon volumes by Shueisha. Notably, the first volume graced readers on June 4, 2020. Beyond the borders of Japan, Viz Media and Manga Plus have undertaken the digital serialization of the manga in English. An exciting milestone emerged in October 2020, as Viz Media unveiled plans for both print and digital distribution of the manga. The inaugural volume found its way to eager readers on July 6, 2021, marking a significant step in the journey of Mashle.
Venturing into the anime adaptation, the announcement of an anime television series adaptation in July 2022 stirred fervent anticipation among fans. Helmed by A-1 Pictures and directed by Tomoya Tanaka, this animated rendition brought the magic of Mashle to life. Yōsuke Kuroda contributed to the scripts, Hisashi Toshima contributed character designs, and the musical compositions were orchestrated by Masaru Yokoyama. The series graced screens from April 8 to July 1, 2023, with Tokyo MX and other networks serving as its platform. The resounding opening theme, “Knock Out” by Taiiku Okazaki, set the tone, while the concluding notes were carried by Philosophy no Dance’s “Shū Cream Funk” (シュークリーム・ファンク, “Cream Puff Funk”). The series was a testament to the creators’ dedication, aiming for a “complete” anime adaptation, a goal they undeniably achieved.
As the closing credits of the first season rolled, a triumphant announcement reverberated—an impending second season set to premiere in January 2024. Aniplex of America amplified the excitement by revealing an English version of the announcement video during their Anime Expo panel on July 3, 2022. Crunchyroll subsequently joined the ranks, affirming their plans to stream the series, complete with an English dub that premiered on May 26, 2023. Medialink’s role in licensing the series for the Asia-Pacific region further expanded its global reach, streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Reflecting on the reception, the manga, Mashle: Magic and Muscles, showcased its popularity right from its debut. The first volume’s remarkable success was exemplified by its swift sale. Subsequent milestones punctuated its journey—over 1.4 million copies in circulation by April 2021, over 2.1 million by August of the same year, over 3 million by March 2022, over 4 million by November of that year, and an impressive 5 million by April 2023. This resounding success was echoed in nominations and awards, including the sixth Next Manga Awards and the 67th Shogakukan Manga Award, cementing its position in the manga landscape.
The anime adaptation carved its own path to recognition, ranking fifth in Simeji Ranking website’s poll of the top 10 favorite anime of the first half of 2023. The fusion of humor, magic, and action resonated with audiences, as Mashle’s tale spread its wings beyond the pages of manga to the realm of animated storytelling.
In essence, Mashle: Magic and Muscles stands as a testament to the power of determination, weaving a tale where perseverance and unconventional strengths triumph over established norms. With a manga that continues to thrive and an anime that breathed life into its characters, the legacy of Mashle is bound to endure in the hearts and minds of those who have embarked on this magical journey.