Synopsis

Hang onto your wands, spell books, or other magical items of interest, and get ready to dive into the series Mashle. Introducing the “Not-So-Chosen-One,” Mash Burnedead, who lives in a magic-filled world with absolutely no magical powers. Not having powers doesn’t seem to bother Mash because he is perfectly content living in the forest with his father and working out. Oh, and eating lots of cream puffs, of course. His peaceful existence is suddenly disturbed when it’s discovered by the policy that he possesses no magical powers. In order to continue living a tranquil existence with his father, Mash agrees to go to magic school and attempt to become “The Divine Visionary.” This series begs to answer whether a non-magical person can exist in a magical world, and if they can, should they? 

Review and Recommendation 

Being a 90s kid myself, I grew up when Harry Potter was at its peak popularity. I wouldn’t say I was overly obsessed with the series, but I did sort myself into a house (Hufflepuff, go badgers!) and sometimes fantasized about getting a letter from Hogwarts via Chimney. So, when I picked up Mashle, I automatically thought, based on the cover art, that this manga would be a parody of the famous franchise. The aesthetics and philosophies parallel HP (Harry Potter), but that is where the similarities end. Unlike HP, Mash is the opposite of the chosen one. He’s more of an “unchosen one” thrown into situations where he’s forced to act. Mash is caring and “acquiescent,” as his adopted father says. It’s not a secret to Mash that he’s powerless in a magical world. He and his father are very aware of their circumstance and do their best to hide Mash from other magical people that do not think he belongs or should even be able to survive in the magical world. Somehow, Mash thrives without powers, and many magical folks do not realize this, which is usually when something comedic ensues. Mash figures out a way to make any situation work, which is why I love him as a character. He can be a bit naive sometimes, but he has a good nature and a solid goal to continue living in the forest with his father. I admire his courage and was immediately hooked on this series; curious to know if Mash could continue to pull off this seemingly impossible feat. So, if you’re a Harry Potter or Magic fan or want to read about a charismatic and hilarious protagonist, I highly recommend Mashle. 

*Spoiler Alert* (A spoiler alert is being issued because there are mentions of specific plot points that relate to the rating of this review.) 

There is one spoiler I must mention because it could be triggering to some readers. At the beginning of the story, when Regro Burnedead (Mash’s father) is introducing himself, there is mention of him attempting to unalive himself (suicide) and others telling him to unalive himself as well. There is also a little bit of violence and mild language, such as “damn” and “hell.” Other than that, there’s nothing else to mention specifically about the story.