How Mashle: Magic and Muscles Resembles The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Here are a few reasons why ‚Mashle: Magic and Muscles‘ is an ideal anime for enthusiasts of the wizarding world. The widespread success of the Harry Potter franchise in recent decades has played a pivotal role in popularizing the wizardry genre across the entertainment industry. Given the sizable fan base of the wizardry genre, it was only a matter of time before an anime like Mashle: Magic and Muscles emerged to cater to these fans.
The storyline of this anime centers around Mash Burnedead, our protagonist, who, despite lacking the ability to use magic, possesses extraordinary physical strength. Challenged by authorities to become a Divine Visionary—a title bestowed upon Easton Magic Academy graduates—the series unfolds Mash’s journey toward this goal. The influence and inspiration drawn from the Harry Potter franchise in crafting this series are readily apparent. The following list highlights ten distinct references and inspirations from the renowned series, making it an ideal choice for avid Potterheads:
10. Both Protagonists Have The Same Scar

The most prominent characteristic of the Harry Potter franchise was the iconic lightning scar adorning Harry’s forehead, and this scar carries substantial importance in both the original series and Mashle: Magic and Muscles.
In the universe of Mashle, individuals are born either with or without a scar, indicating their ability or inability to perform magic, respectively. Mash, the protagonist, sports a fabricated scar on his left cheek, strategically designed to help him seamlessly integrate with other magicians. Notably, this scar bears a striking resemblance to the lightning-shaped one famously associated with Harry Potter.
9. Orphaned Protagonists

One of the striking parallels between the two series lies in the comparable backstories of Harry Potter and Mash Burnedead. While it can be argued that Mash has the presence of a caring adoptive father, in contrast to Harry Potter, both characters share the commonality of being orphaned during infancy, providing them with an almost identical origin story.
8. Mashle's Episode Names And The harry Potter Titles

Prior to delving into a single episode of Mashle’s inaugural season, Harry Potter enthusiasts might already discern a plethora of references. This is attributable to every episode of Mashle adopting the well-known title format from Harry Potter, featuring the distinctive „Harry Potter and the“ structure.
In lieu of titles like „Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone“ or „Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,“ Mashle viewers are treated to offerings such as „Mash Burnedead and the Body of the Gods“ and „Mash Burnedead and the Magic of Iron.“ This not-so-subtle nod establishes a clear precedent even before the show commences.
7. Duelo is Mashle's version of Quidditch

Mashle not only incorporates broomsticks and broom-riding classes, but it goes a step further in its satirical take on Harry Potter. Even the famed Quidditch, one of Harry Potter’s most iconic sports, becomes a target for Mashle’s comedic critique.
Both Harry and Mash exhibit extraordinary proficiency in their respective broom sports, though Mash’s playing style deviates from the norm. Given Mash’s inability to use magic, his approach to flying on the broomstick involves vigorously waving his legs with such power and speed that he achieves levitation. This showcases a remarkable display of raw strength, surpassing the conventional magical prowess in an unexpectedly impressive manner.
6. Easton Magic Academy is basically Hogwarts Academy

The Wizarding school that Mash is compelled to attend bears a striking resemblance to Hogwarts, featuring a castle adorned with turrets, an adjacent (Forbidden) Forest, a Great Hall complete with the iconic floating candles, and more. The parallels extend to the classes, mirroring Hogwarts with subjects such as Potions, Magic History, Enchantment, and Divination. Additionally, the students don the unmistakable robes synonymous with those worn by Hogwarts‘ students, who, like them, are sorted into distinct houses—Orca, Lang, and Adler. To add to the familiarity, there is even a convenient Hogsmeade-like setup for magic users to indulge their supernatural inclinations, complete with pointy hats, owls, and mystical storefronts.
5. Almost similar Uniforms

A commonality shared among wizards and witches is the quintessential wand and robe ensemble. However, not all magical attire looks the same, as evident in the outfits worn by students in both Mashle and Harry Potter. In both instances, students don a black robe over a more conventional school uniform, complemented by a red necktie.
This attire, notably popularized by Harry Potter, has become an iconic symbol that fans readily associate with The Boy Who Lived. Although Mash has no qualms about wearing his school uniform, his utilization of a wand takes a decidedly non-traditional turn. Mash’s distinctive approach involves using the wand as a formidable projectile, with enough power to penetrate even a stone wall.
4. Uncanny Resemblance in The Professors

Harry Potter’s professors, Dumbledore and McGonagall, find their counterparts in Mashle. Wahlberg, a doppelgänger of Dumbledore, even assumes the role of the headmaster at Mashle’s equivalent of Hogwarts, the Easton Magic Academy.
Similar to Dumbledore’s affinity for Harry, Wahlberg develops a fondness for Mash early on, appreciating Mash’s straightforward nature and unwavering courage. In Mash’s pursuit of becoming a Divine Visionary despite lacking magical abilities, having the most powerful wizard in the Academy on his side proves to be a valuable asset.
3. Mash and Hagrid's House

One of the most evident visual nods to Harry Potter in Mashle is Mash Burnedead and Regro’s hut nestled in the woods. Despite its unassuming appearance, Mash’s dwelling bears more than a passing resemblance to Hagrid’s hut on the school grounds.
Interestingly, Mash shares more similarities with Hagrid than with Harry. Both characters exhibit superhuman strength, possess a straightforward demeanor, and adamantly oppose any mistreatment of their friends. It’s not a far-fetched notion to imagine that, with a few more years and a grown beard, Mash could have taken on the role of the Gamekeeper at Easton Magical Academy, effectively becoming the Hagrid of his community.
2. Mashle has its own version of The Daily Prophet

In Harry Potter, the renowned Wizarding newspaper, The Daily Prophet, is known for its animated pictures and catchy article headlines. Intriguingly, Mashle’s own unnamed wizarding publication bears a noticeable resemblance to the Daily Prophet.
In a brief but telling scene in Episode One of Mashle, titled „Mash Burnedead and the Body of the Gods,“ the police chief is seen reading a newspaper with moving images. What’s more, the articles are even read aloud to him. This subtle detail underscores the extent to which Mashle draws inspiration from Harry Potter, even in the minutest elements of its world-building.
1. Mashle's version of Lord Voldemort
