The first episode of the One-Punch Man meets magic series Mashle: Magic and Muscles has aired on Crunchyroll. The fantasy shōnen series follows the titular hero, Mash Burnedead, who is “unmarked” in a world full of marked wizards. The anime’s premiere episode is very faithful to the original manga’s first chapter, strengthening some emotional moments and lightly tweaking some humorous aspects.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles began as a manga series of the same name created by Hajime Kōmoto. It began serializing in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2020. The series is ongoing and presently spans sixteen volumes. This anime adaptation comes from A-1 Pictures, which is known for producing other anime series including Black Butler, Fairy Tail, Blue Exorcist, Your Lie in April, Sword Art Online, and Lycoris Recoil, among others. Mashle: Magic and Muscles is directed by Tomoya Tanaka, with a script by Yōsuke Kuroda, and character designs by Hisashi Toshima.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles Has Strong Start in Anime Debut
The first episode shares the same title as the debut chapter of the manga, “Mash Burnedead and the Body of the Gods.” It introduces the world that Mash lives in, the way he has been living within it, and the dynamic he has with his father. It also features the debut of Brad Coleman who serves as the episode’s antagonist and larger catalyst for Mash’s upcoming life changes. The plot of the episode directly mirrors that of the manga, so fans who have been following its publication will feel right at home with the adaptation streaming on Crunchyroll thus far – though there are a couple of minor differences. Mashle often parodies famous series like Fullmetal Alchemist, and that’s on full display in this first episode.
Given the humor present within Mashle: Magic and Muscles, there was a chance that jokes wouldn’t land as effectively. However, for the most part, this element is very well handled. Many of the humorous elements read well and come across effectively. One of the biggest changes is the amount of time spent in each humorous – and emotional – moment. Mash’s handling of his home’s door naturally extends beyond what a static panel can provide, while his workout sequences can move faster visually, making these parts even funnier. Yet Mash’s first battle becomes a little more action-packed with slightly less of the original humor hitting. While the hit count is the same, the approach to it allows for the subversion of typical shōnen action sequences. As a result, the comedic beat hits just a moment later than it does in the manga. The heartbreaking history behind Mash and his father’s relationship is also highly emphasized in this episode, making it hit harder emotionally.
Mashle: Magic and Muscle has definitely presented a great first episode. It contains the best of the shōnen genre, combining action, mystery, and world-building with comedy. It is very loyal to its source material to start and definitely has the opportunity to shape the emotional range of the story and its characters with its direction. It has beats and elements similar to One Punch Man. Thus far, Crunchyroll’s Mashle: Magic and Might has the potential to be the next big magic-centric, action-packed comedy.
Mashle: Magic and Muscle is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.
