Forget Solo Leveling, This Fantasy Action Anime With Harry Potter Vibes Is So Much Better
If you wanted to see what Saitama from One-Punch Man would look like in the Harry Potter world, this would definitely be the main character of this anime.
In early 2024, along with Solo Leveling, the second season of the anime Mashle: Magic and Muscles was released by A-1 Pictures. And while Solo Leveling is beating the ratings and has already become a favorite among fans of the action genre, Mashle remains in the shadows.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles, however, is just perfect for those who want to relax and get away from it all while still enjoying some impressive action.
What Is Mashle: Magic and Muscles About?
The story takes place in a world where everyone has magic. The main character Mash Burnedead was born without any magical abilities, so he hides with his father far away from the city, because people like him are being exterminated.
One day Mash goes out into the world and law enforcement officers start chasing him with the goal of destroying him – but the guy fights back.
Amazed by the stranger's incredible physical abilities, the police magician makes a deal with the boy: in order to live in peace, he must enter a magic school and become the best student, relying only on his muscles.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles Is an Entertaining Mix of Harry Potter and One-Punch Man
Mashle: Magic and Muscles is an outright parody of every work about magic you can think of – from Harry Potter to Jujutsu Kaisen.
On the one hand, it is impossible not to notice the Hogwarts allusion: the local magical academy even has its own version of the Sorting Hat, not to mention the faculties, robes and wands.
On the other hand, Mash is obviously inspired by the shonen hero Saitama from One-Punch Man, from whom he has borrowed his incredible strength.
The Title Will Not Let You Get Bored Even for a Minute
It's amazing how the writers manage to squeeze the maximum out of such a simple concept: a strong guy seems to do more or less the same thing over the course of two seasons, but watching his actions never gets boring.
Much of the fascination, of course, comes from the crazy problems and situations that the writers throw at Mash, requiring non-trivial solutions.
The problems arise in the best tradition of Harry Potter: either the dastardly students from other houses are plotting, or Mash even has to participate in a local version of Quidditch – which is problematic if you can't make the broom fly.
Where to Watch Mashle: Magic and Muscles?
Mashle is definitely worth a look, especially if you want to relax and have a good laugh while watching a show with a light-hearted plot and inventive action.
Both seasons of Mashle: Magic and Muscles are available to stream on Crunchyroll.
