Bibliographic Information:
Title: Mashle: Magic and Muscles
Author: Hajime Komoto
ISBN: 978-1974719297
Publisher: Viz Media LLC
Copyright Date: July 20, 2021
Reading Level / Interest Level: Min/Max Grades 7 - 10 (Novelist).
Genre / Format: Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure / Manga, Book
Themes: Magic, Coming of Age
Awards or Honors: None as of the publication of this post.
Plot Summary: Mash lives in a world where magic runs society. Unfortunately for him, he has zero magic in him! How does he get through his days? In total blissful ignorance. His father (also no magic) keeps him occupied with intense physical training deep in the woods, helping him develop his muscles and strength. Mash has no idea he's different from everyone else until a magic-cop tracks him back home and attempts to arrest him for...existing (oh yeah, living without the ability to produce magic is a crime punishable by death in this world). Mash just wants to live in peace with his father but is forced to fight. Magic-cop is completely overwhelmed by Mash's physical strength and rather than walk away empty handed and defeated, he strikes a deal with the young man. Mash is forced to enroll in magic school despite not being able to produce magic...and he must keep this fact a secret!
Author Background: Hajime Komoto is a Japanese mangaka. There isn't very much information available about Hajime Komoto, perhaps because he is a young mangaka and Mashle is his first published work (Mashle, 2021).
Critical Evaluation for Books and Non-Print Items: Imagine if Harry Potter, Black Clover, and Mob Psycho got together to form a band, and then the band broke up and they instead decided to take all of their creative energy and pour it into a manga. That comic book would be Mashle: Magic and Muscles. This story would focus on Mob as an older teen, having lost his psychic abilities but graduating from high school as the leader of the Fitness club. He couldn't find a job, because he was too different, and so he kept to himself until he was blackmailed into enrolling in Hogwarts, where Slytherins rule. Mob would not have his psychic abilities to defend himself, so he has to get by on physical strength alone (since he can't use magic, not being a wizard and all).
Ok seriously, if you are a fan of Harry Potter and would like a comedic manga about life in the wizarding world, from a super-strength muggle's perspective (think Saitama from One Punch), then this is the perfect title for you. Mashle's art style goes from super-detailed to minimalistic, adding to the comedy (much like One Punch Man). Unlike Saitama though, Mash doesn't finish fights in one blow, he is out of his element and has to think on his feet. Despite the entire world being against him, Mash does not back down from a fight and doesn't ever seem to get discouraged by anything, having complete faith in his ability to move forward. This story is hilarious and inspirational!
Creative Use for a Library Program: CREAM PUFFS! Mash LOVES cream puffs, probably more than working out. We will have cream puffs from a local bakery available for teens. We will also have ingredients for teens to make their own cream puffs at the library. Teens will work in groups and make their own batches of creampuffs. An example recipe is shown in the video below:
Speed-Round Book Talk or Short Book Trailer: Mash lives in a world where everyone can use magic. Well, everyone except him. And those who can't use magic are executed. When Mash is found living in the forest by a magic user, he's blackmailed into enrolling in a magic school to gather information. How will Mash survive magic school without any magic? With his super well developed muscles! Is Mash strong enough to keep up his cover?
Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation: If you were to take this story and its characters literally and extract the comedic tone, then Mashle would be a harder sell. The protagonist is incredibly powerful, and though the antagonists in the story are easily detestable, Mash is also quick to resort to violence. His solution to all his problems seem to be to "crush it with his fist" until he can move forward. A concerned parent may not appreciate this "celebration" of violence. I would argue that, while Mash does in fact use violence to solve his problems, the world he lives in gives him no other choice. Violence is literally his only defense against magic since he is constantly picked on and discriminated against. Also, it is important to note the comedic tone -- you cannot remove this from the equation. The style and comedy make it clear that it's not meant to be taken literally.
Reason for Inclusion: Mash is different from everyone around him. Mash is a non-magic user who lives in a world where magic is the norm and non-magic users are executed. Despite society not wanting him and literally trying to get rid of him, Mash is incredibly confident. He is the definition of thick skin and his faith in his ability is honestly inspiring. This is a great story about self-acceptance and having the courage and spirit (ok the strength) to live your life, even when society treats you as "other" and seems to constantly come after you.
Enhancements