"Magic and Muscles" is an exciting new television series that combines elements of fantasy and adventure with the world of fitness and bodybuilding. The first episode introduces the audience to a unique world where magic and physical strength go hand in hand. The story follows the main character, Alex, a talented young magician who dreams of becoming the strongest magic-user in the world. In order to achieve his goal, he embarks on a journey to train his body and build his muscles, realizing that physical strength is just as important as magical abilities. Throughout the episode, we see Alex facing various challenges that test his physical and magical capabilities. From battling mythical creatures to overcoming intense training regimes, he demonstrates immense determination and resilience.
Chiaki Kobayashi
Though the original manga series can likely tell us about what future Mashle episodes might explore, nothing is guaranteed including the plot for the show s main antagonist, Innocent Zero. Content warning Brief implied torture, police brutality played seriously and as a joke, brief depiction of an attempted suicide, an obsession with pure bloodlines as part of the fantasy worldbuilding.
From battling mythical creatures to overcoming intense training regimes, he demonstrates immense determination and resilience. The show explores the concept of balance between magic and physicality, highlighting the importance of both aspects in achieving greatness. Viewers discover that while magic can provide certain advantages, it is the combination of magical powers and physical strength that truly sets someone apart.
MASHLE: Magic and Muscle – Episode 1
Content warning: Brief/implied torture, police brutality played seriously and as a joke, brief depiction of an attempted suicide, an obsession with “pure bloodlines” as part of the fantasy worldbuilding
What’s it about? In a world where magic is commonplace, Mash is Not Like Other Kids by virtue of having no magic powers at all. But Mash has something else, something that might just be more powerful than the most intricate, legendary spell: he’s BUFF.
Fantasy allows us to ask exciting, imaginative “what if?” questions, like “what if this guy punched a wizard in the face? Would that be funny or what?”
I can’t help but feel like this show is phoning it in a little bit. It’s not a bad premise, especially for a series tinged with comedy, but there’s a distinct… lack of effort in the execution. One of the opening lines of this episode is “It is called the Magic Realm because it is a world that has magic,” so that’s the level of worldbuilding nuance we’re working with here.
Can we let my poor boy Emiya Shirou retire and make this the new “people die if they are killed”?Mashle pulls off my favorite (sarcasm) combo move, which is where characters dump information on the viewer in internal narration and yet, at the same time, I come away feeling like I know nothing about the place they inhabit or how it works beyond “eh, insert the generic rules and expectations from the last Wizard School book series you read.” Do not pay close attention to the anachronistic hodgepodge of medieval, Edwardian, and modern-day aesthetics in the clothing and technology. Do not ask questions like “why have they invented phones?” or “why do only some people need wands to cast spells whereas that guy over there seemed to be levitating stuff with his bare hands?” or “if everyone has magic, are the so-called ‘magic police’ not just the police?” No thoughts. Just vibes.
I’m latching onto these genre-specific gripes because every other element of the show gives me so, so little to talk about. Mash is deadpan and dumb as bricks in a way I think we’re supposed to find funny and endearing. He has an insatiable craving for his favorite food, cream puffs, which is at least one (1) character trait and personal motivation. His adoptive father figure is a generic Wise Old Guy with martial arts skills in one hand and a shallow tragic backstory in the other. The villain of the piece is a cartoonishly nasty corrupt cop, made to be over-the-top cocky so that it’s (supposedly) extra satisfying when Mash knocks him down a peg at the episode’s climax.
[carnival music plays, clown horn honks]Same as it ever was, same as it ever was. There’s nothing new or fresh here—just ideas so often reused that they’re starting to smell. The magic academy Mash visits at the end even looks suspiciously exactly like Hogwarts, as if this show said to itself “hmm, we haven’t done enough to put Alex off… I know! Let’s make them think about Harry Potter and J.K Rowling!”
The opening and ending credits tease the introduction of one, singular female main character, who has been gifted the character trait of “obsessed with the protagonist.” Maybe if Mash had a bit more personality I’d be inclined to suspend my disbelief. As it is, he’s just a plank of wood stealing Mob’s haircut, in a series that feels creatively bankrupt even in its attempts at humor. While it’s honestly not the worst thing out there in terms of goofy, unimaginative male-led fantasy shows, that’s a… pretty low bar to clear, and I can’t say that Mashle will be holding my attention.
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The first episode lays a strong foundation for the series, setting up the character motivations and introducing the audience to the world filled with mystical creatures, ancient artifacts, and intense training regimens. It leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode, curious to see how Alex's journey in becoming the strongest magic-user unfolds. "Magic and Muscles" offers a refreshing take on the fantasy genre by incorporating the world of bodybuilding and fitness. It creates a unique blend of action, adventure, and self-improvement that appeals to a wide range of audiences. Overall, "Magic and Muscles" is an intriguing and captivating series that combines elements of magic and physical strength in a way that has never been done before. It promises an exciting and thrilling ride for viewers, as they follow the journey of Alex and witness the power of magic and muscles..
Reviews for "A Glimpse into a World of Magic and Might: Episode 1 of Magic and Muscles"
- John - 2 stars - I was really expecting something great from "Magic and Muscles" based on the hype, but I ended up disappointed after watching the first episode. The plot was all over the place and the characters felt undeveloped. The magical elements seemed forced and didn't fit well with the overall story. Overall, it was a letdown and I won't be continuing with this series.
- Emily - 1 star - "Magic and Muscles" episode 1 was a complete mess. The pacing was off, with scenes jumping from one to another without any coherence. The dialogue was awkward and the acting felt stiff. I found it hard to connect with any of the characters and the concept of magic and muscles didn't come together in a meaningful way. Honestly, I think this show needs a lot of improvement if it wants to hold the audience's interest.
- Tom - 2 stars - I was really hoping for an exciting new fantasy series, but "Magic and Muscles" failed to deliver. The special effects were mediocre at best, and the fight scenes lacked intensity and creativity. The characters felt cliché and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their struggles. Overall, it fell flat and didn't live up to the hype. I won't be recommending this show to anyone.