Mashle Volume 3
Synopsis
The battle for gold coins continues in Mashle Volume 3. Despite having no powers (except a grueling workout regiment), Mash remains the only member of Adler Dorm to have a gold coin. While the ambitious Lang Dorm possesses fifteen that may or may not have been stolen from other students in the Adler and Orca Dorms. Battling other students for coins is encouraged, and with the Magia Lupus, a magical group of students exclusively part of the Lang Dorm, the other dorms don’t stand a chance. Meanwhile, there is another mystery brewing. Students at Easton Magic Academy are losing their magic ability. Could this new development be related to a handful of students being turned into dolls? Hang onto your cream puffs, and prepare for a hilarious, action-packed volume of Mashle!
Review and Recommendation
*Spoiler Alert* (A spoiler alert is being issued because there are mentions of specific plot points that relate to the rating of this review.)
Volume 3 of Mashle introduces a few new mysterious, action-packed plot points. Although volume 3 is not as hilariously side-splitting as the two previous volumes, a relatively decent amount of humor is still sprinkled throughout, including a bonus panel before each chapter. I promise not to reveal anything about the bonus panel; it was as adorable as it is gut-busting. This volume again introduces more about the coin system and how it affects each drom and rank by the school year's end. I thought it was well-planned for the author to slowly introduce more of the school’s background through new plot points throughout each volume. I believe this approach is best to keep the audience engaged and focused on the group of main characters. I also think it is unique and thoughtful that the author of the Mashle series doesn’t just highlight Mash only. Several characters are introduced, and each gets their independent moment in the story. For example, further in the story, Mash and his friends are all poised to battle, and each faces difficulties and triumphs during their duels. It’s refreshing that the story is a metaphor for the importance of friendship and surrounding yourself with people you care about despite their strengths and weaknesses. I think this is a great message for anyone that struggles to be perfect. The only thing I didn’t love about this volume is that it ended on a cliffhanger which means I have to buy the next volume (scratch that, I bought it this past weekend). I still cannot recommend this series enough! Please read it; I promise you’ll love it.
Cautions
There is still mild violence and langue similar to previous volumes, and another instance of Dot Barret using his middle finger to flip off another character. Again, this gesture can be easily covered with a sticker if it is too offensive. Other than that, it would be appropriate for younger readers.
