BOOK 40
Mashle: Magic and Muscle volume 1, by Hajime Komoto.
The Harry Potter franchise has become one of the most famous and popular fantasy franchises in the world. So it’s hardly a surprise that there are series that are pastiches and parodies out there. Mashle certainly posits to be a somewhat strange take on a very familiar world, but would it be any good?
In a country where those born without magic are deported or murdered, Mash Burnedead is an anomaly. Adopted by a kindly old man living out in the woods, Mash has been engaged in a rigorous training routine to ensure he is strong enough to take on anyone wanting him dead. But exposure to a corrupt police officer leads Mash to being forced to attend Easton Magic Academy, to become a Divine Visionary. But can Mash do so without an ounce of magical power?
This is pretty much a blatant parody of the Potterverse, and not necessarily for the better. It feels like a Potterverse fanfic, and a fairly mediocre one at that. The artwork is also rather underwhelming for a manga, at times feeling very roughly drawn.
Yet this manga was entertaining enough. The author clearly has fun poking fun at many elements of the Potterverse, many of which deserved some parodying, and Mash’s tendency to brute-force his way through problems is reminiscent of similar gags in One-Punch Man. I just wish there was more to it.
Overall, Mashle was disappointing, but was still decently entertaining despite its mediocrity…
***
Mashle: Magic and Muscle volume 1, by Hajime Komoto.
The Harry Potter franchise has become one of the most famous and popular fantasy franchises in the world. So it’s hardly a surprise that there are series that are pastiches and parodies out there. Mashle certainly posits to be a somewhat strange take on a very familiar world, but would it be any good?
In a country where those born without magic are deported or murdered, Mash Burnedead is an anomaly. Adopted by a kindly old man living out in the woods, Mash has been engaged in a rigorous training routine to ensure he is strong enough to take on anyone wanting him dead. But exposure to a corrupt police officer leads Mash to being forced to attend Easton Magic Academy, to become a Divine Visionary. But can Mash do so without an ounce of magical power?
This is pretty much a blatant parody of the Potterverse, and not necessarily for the better. It feels like a Potterverse fanfic, and a fairly mediocre one at that. The artwork is also rather underwhelming for a manga, at times feeling very roughly drawn.
Yet this manga was entertaining enough. The author clearly has fun poking fun at many elements of the Potterverse, many of which deserved some parodying, and Mash’s tendency to brute-force his way through problems is reminiscent of similar gags in One-Punch Man. I just wish there was more to it.
Overall, Mashle was disappointing, but was still decently entertaining despite its mediocrity…
***