Mashle: Magic and Muscles is a popular manga series that has captivated readers with its unique blend of action, comedy, and fantasy. Its protagonist, Mash Burnedead, is a muscle-bound young man who lives in a world obsessed with magic, but he’s completely powerless. Despite this, Mash aims to become a Divine Visionary, the most prestigious title in the magic-wielding world, by using his superhuman strength to overcome the magical challenges that stand in his way. If you enjoyed the quirky humor, over-the-top action, and relatable characters in Mashle, you’ll want to check out these other great manga series.
These recommendations are based on a variety of factors, including the type of magic system, the protagonist’s personality, and the overall tone and themes of the manga. Whether you’re looking for a similar story with a different setting, or you want to dive into another series that shares the same blend of comedy and action, you’re sure to find something you love on this list.
KomikPDF Lovers, get ready to add some exciting new titles to your reading list. These manga series have all the ingredients that made Mashle a hit, and you’ll be hooked from the first chapter.
Synopsis Mashle
In a world where magic is everything and those without it are persecuted, Mash Burnedead is an ordinary boy who lives with his grandfather in the forest. He is a kind and gentle soul but lacks any magical abilities whatsoever. This makes him an outcast in a world where power is measured by magic.
One day, Mash’s peaceful life is turned upside down when he is discovered by the Divine Division, an organization that seeks to maintain order by enforcing strict magical laws. The Divine Division’s elite academy, Easton, is where the most powerful mages train, and Mash is deemed a threat to their power structure because he defies the norm.
Determined to protect his grandfather and prove that strength can come from anywhere, Mash infiltrates Easton with the help of a powerful ally. He faces off against arrogant mages, overcomes daunting challenges, and uncovers the truth behind the magical world’s seemingly perfect order. Throughout his journey, Mash relies on his unwavering determination, incredible physical strength, and the kindness he has learned from his grandfather.
Mashle is a story about finding your own power, defying expectations, and challenging the status quo. It’s a humorous and action-packed adventure that explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of believing in yourself, regardless of what others may think.
One Punch Man
Both One Punch Man and Mashle are popular shonen manga series that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Both series feature incredibly strong protagonists who seem to effortlessly defeat their opponents. Saitama, the titular hero of One Punch Man, is a man who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Mash Burnedead, the protagonist of Mashle, has a similar ability, but instead of punches, he uses magic. Both series also feature a strong sense of humor and a cast of quirky and lovable characters. While the power systems differ drastically, the overall theme of defying expectations and overcoming challenges is present in both series, making them enjoyable reads for fans of action-comedy manga.
Synopsis One Punch Man
Saitama is a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. He is incredibly strong, but he is also incredibly bored. He is so powerful that he has never had to try his best and has become apathetic to the thrill of battle. Despite this, he is still a hero who wants to help people and strives to find opponents that can challenge him.
Saitama's journey is followed by Genos, a cyborg who wants to be Saitama's disciple and train under him. Genos is incredibly strong in his own right, but he is still vastly weaker than Saitama. Together, they face off against a wide range of villains, including monsters, alien invaders, and even other superheroes. Saitama's adventures are full of action, humor, and thought-provoking themes about the nature of heroism and the search for meaning in life.
Black Clover
Both Black Clover and Mashle are popular fantasy manga series that share several similarities. Both feature protagonists with seemingly no magical abilities in a world where magic is prevalent. Asta from Black Clover possesses no mana while Mash from Mashle has magic-nullifying muscles. Both protagonists rely on sheer determination, hard work, and unique abilities to overcome their lack of magical prowess. They also face similar obstacles, like powerful antagonists and challenging trials, which they overcome with the support of their loyal companions.
Synopsis Black Clover
In a world where magic is everything, Asta is an orphan boy who was born with no magical powers. He dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the Clover Kingdom. However, his path is fraught with challenges, as he is constantly looked down upon by those who have magical abilities. Asta's unwavering determination and belief in himself will lead him on a journey filled with trials and tribulations. He will have to face powerful enemies and learn the true meaning of friendship and brotherhood.
Asta's journey is not alone, as he is joined by Yuno, another orphan who possesses immense magical talent. Their rivalry fuels their growth and pushes them to become stronger. Together, they will face off against the powerful mages of the Clover Kingdom, including the enigmatic Yami Sukehiro, captain of the Black Bulls, and the charismatic Noelle Silva, a member of the royal family.
My Hero Academia
Both My Hero Academia and Mashle explore the concept of a world where individuals possess unique abilities, with the former focusing on “quirks” and the latter revolving around “magic.” However, despite sharing this core premise, the two series diverge significantly in their themes and tone. While My Hero Academia delves into complex social issues surrounding prejudice and discrimination against quirkless individuals, Mashle leans towards a more lighthearted and comedic approach, featuring a protagonist who defies societal norms through sheer physical strength rather than magical abilities. Despite their differences, both series offer compelling narratives with engaging characters and exciting action sequences, making them enjoyable reads for fans of shonen manga.
Synopsis My Hero Academia
In a world where most people have superpowers known as "Quirks," Izuku Midoriya is an ordinary boy without one. He idolizes All Might, the world's greatest hero, and dreams of becoming a hero himself. Despite his lack of power, Izuku's unwavering determination and kind heart catch the attention of All Might, who chooses him to be his successor and pass on his powerful Quirk, One for All.
Izuku enrolls at UA High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes, and trains alongside his classmates, including the talented but arrogant Katsuki Bakugo and the kind and supportive Ochaco Uraraka. As Izuku and his classmates learn to hone their skills and work together, they face increasingly dangerous threats from villains who seek to exploit their powers for evil. Izuku must overcome his own insecurities and limitations to prove himself worthy of All Might's legacy and protect the world from those who would do it harm.
Blue Exorcist
While on the surface, Blue Exorcist and Mashle might seem like very different series, both share some key similarities. Both feature protagonists with unique powers who are determined to defy their predetermined destinies. Rin Okumura, a young boy possessed by a demon, fights to break free from his demonic lineage, similar to how Mash Burnedead, a boy with no magic, battles against a magical society. Both series also feature compelling and diverse casts of supporting characters who add depth and intrigue to the stories. Although their art styles and comedic tones differ, both manga boast exciting action sequences, captivating world-building, and captivating storylines.
Synopsis Blue Exorcist
Rin Okumura is a seemingly normal teenager with a rebellious streak. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he learns he is the son of Satan, the demon king. Rin's father wants him to inherit the throne and bring about the apocalypse, but Rin is determined to fight against his destiny. He enrolls in the True Cross Academy, a school for exorcists, to train and become strong enough to defeat his father.
At the academy, Rin meets other exorcists who are training to fight demons. He forms a strong bond with Yukio Okumura, his younger brother, who is also an exorcist. Together, they must learn to control their powers and work together to defeat the demonic forces that threaten the world. The story is full of action, adventure, and thrilling battles between the forces of good and evil.
Soul Eater
Both Soul Eater and Mashle are Shonen manga series that feature strong protagonists who defy expectations and break traditional power structures. In Soul Eater, Maka Albarn, a talented witch, fights alongside her weapon partner Soul Eater Evans, a sentient scythe. Despite lacking innate magical ability, Soul Eater’s determination and resilience allow him to grow stronger and surpass those with more natural talent. Similarly, Mashle‘s protagonist, Mash Burnedead, is an incredibly powerful magic user who is completely oblivious to the existence of magic, relying instead on brute strength and determination to overcome any challenge. Both series subvert expectations of the typical Shonen protagonist, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance over innate talent and magical abilities.
Synopsis Soul Eater
Soul Eater is a dark fantasy manga series written and illustrated by Atsushi Ohkubo. It takes place in the Death Weapon Meister Academy, a school where humans known as Meisters train alongside their weapon partners—Souls—to become powerful Death Scythes for the Grim Reaper. The story follows Maka Albarn, a skilled Meister wielding a talking scythe named Soul Eater, as they strive to collect the souls of 99 evil humans and one witch to transform Soul into a Death Scythe.
Alongside Maka and Soul, there are other Meister and Soul pairs attending the academy, each with their unique personalities and abilities. As they train, they face various threats from the likes of witches, demons, and rogue Meisters. The series explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil, all within the context of a vibrant and action-packed world.
Mob Psycho 100
Both Mob Psycho 100 and Mashle are popular shonen manga series that showcase the unconventional power systems and the internal conflicts of their protagonists. Mob Psycho 100 centers on Shigeo Kageyama, a seemingly ordinary middle school student who happens to be an incredibly powerful esper. Mashle features Mash Burnedead, a young man with immense physical strength despite living in a world where magic is paramount. Both series feature protagonists who are initially reluctant to use their abilities, but eventually learn to embrace their powers and fight for what they believe in. While the tone and setting of these manga are different, both series explore similar themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Synopsis Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 follows the story of Shigeo Kageyama, a seemingly ordinary middle school student who is actually an incredibly powerful esper. Despite his immense psychic abilities, Mob is a timid and socially awkward boy who struggles to control his powers. He spends his days juggling school life, his part-time job at a spirit-busting agency run by the flamboyant Reigen Arataka, and his own internal struggles with his emotions and powers.
As Mob navigates the challenges of adolescence and the growing threat of powerful espers and malevolent spirits, he must learn to manage his emotions and embrace his true self while also confronting the consequences of his overwhelming power. The series explores themes of identity, self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of finding your place in the world.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Both The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. and Mashle are comedic shonen series featuring overpowered protagonists who try to live normal lives. Saiki Kusuo, with his psychic abilities, and Mash Burnedead, with his magic-nullifying muscles, are both extremely powerful individuals who clash with the expectations of their worlds. Both characters are surrounded by quirky and unique supporting characters who create hilarious situations and often find themselves in trouble because of the protagonist’s powers. The series utilize similar comedic timing and slapstick humor, making them enjoyable and relatable for fans of both genres. Ultimately, both The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. and Mashle offer a lighthearted and enjoyable experience with quirky characters and exaggerated situations that resonate with audiences.
Synopsis The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Kusuo Saiki is a high school student with a secret: he's a powerful esper with psychic abilities that make his life anything but ordinary. He can read minds, teleport, fly, control objects, and more. While these powers could make him the most popular kid in school, Kusuo wants nothing more than to live a normal life. He hates attention, and his powers constantly get in the way of his desire for peace and quiet.
With a cast of eccentric classmates, including the energetic and oblivious Riki Nendo, the psychic-obsessed Teruhashi Kokomi, and the mischievous Kaidou Shun, Kusuo's life is anything but boring. Each episode follows Kusuo's attempts to avoid using his powers, but he inevitably ends up entangled in their wacky antics and his own bizarre situations. The comedy comes from the contrast between Kusuo's desire for normalcy and the chaotic reality of his life.
Gintama
Though seemingly different at first glance, Gintama and Mashle share surprising similarities. Both are action-comedy series that playfully subvert common anime tropes. Gintama, set in a world where aliens have conquered Earth, blends samurai action with hilarious gags and heartwarming character development. Similarly, Mashle, set in a magic-obsessed society, uses its fantastical premise as a springboard for slapstick humor and an exploration of themes like self-acceptance and the value of hard work. Both series feature charmingly flawed protagonists who are incredibly powerful despite their seemingly ordinary personalities. While Gintama‘s humor is often more satirical and adult-oriented, Mashle‘s comedic style leans towards slapstick and absurdity. Despite their differences, both offer a refreshing blend of humor and action with compelling characters and engaging stories that resonate with a wide audience.
Synopsis Gintama
Gintama is a comedic science fiction manga series set in Edo, Japan, where aliens called the "Amanto" have invaded and taken over the country. The story follows the adventures of Gintoki Sakata, a samurai who works as a jack-of-all-trades with his two companions: Shinpachi Shimura, a young man who seeks to become a samurai, and Kagura, a strong and energetic girl from the Yato clan. Together, they take on various odd jobs, including fighting criminals, helping people in need, and protecting their beloved Edo from those who threaten its peace.
Despite its lighthearted and humorous tone, Gintama delves into deeper themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the importance of fighting for what you believe in. The series is filled with memorable characters, each with their unique personalities and backstories, and its blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments has made it a beloved classic in the manga world.
Assassination Classroom
Both Assassination Classroom and Mashle are popular shonen series that share a lot of similarities. Both feature unique, powerful antagonists who are feared by everyone, with the protagonists being tasked with defeating them. In Assassination Classroom, this antagonist is a tentacled creature who plans to destroy Earth. In Mashle, this is the powerful and mysterious Divine Vision. Both protagonists are unique and unconventional characters who rise to the occasion despite their lack of traditional magical abilities. Koro-sensei from Assassination Classroom and Mash Burnedead from Mashle are both immensely strong and capable of protecting the people they care about. Both series are full of action and comedy, and they also explore themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of believing in yourself.
Synopsis Assassination Classroom
Assassination Classroom is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yusei Matsui. The story follows a class of misfit middle school students who are tasked with assassinating their new teacher, Koro-sensei. Koro-sensei is a strange, tentacled creature who destroyed the moon and threatens to destroy the Earth in a year. However, he is also a kind and caring teacher who wants to help his students learn and grow. The students must balance their attempts to assassinate him with their normal school life and their own personal struggles.
While the students initially struggle to accept Koro-sensei as their teacher, they gradually come to respect and even like him. They learn valuable lessons from him about life, friendship, and the importance of working together. Meanwhile, the government and various other organizations attempt to assassinate Koro-sensei as well, leading to high-stakes action sequences and thrilling twists. The series explores themes of education, responsibility, and the meaning of life, all while delivering a fast-paced and entertaining story.
Beelzebub
Both Beelzebub and Mashle are shonen manga series that feature protagonists who are incredibly strong despite their initial appearances. While Beelzebub’s Oga Tatsumi initially appears to be a delinquent, he’s actually a powerful demon who’s destined to rule the underworld. Likewise, Mash Burnedead, the protagonist of Mashle, appears to be a lazy and dim-witted boy, but he possesses unimaginable physical strength that allows him to effortlessly overcome magic. Both series feature over-the-top action and comedic elements, with the protagonists often facing off against formidable adversaries. Although the settings and powers differ, both stories showcase the underdog rising to the challenge and defying expectations, making them engaging reads for shonen fans.
Synopsis Beelzebub
Beelzebub, the son of the Demon King, is sent to the human world and ends up in the care of a delinquent high school student named Tatsumi Oga. Despite his rough exterior, Oga is a good-hearted individual, but his life takes a drastic turn when he is forced to raise the Devil's son. As Oga tries to navigate his new responsibilities, he must protect Beelzebub from the various threats that come his way, including rival gangs, demons, and even the baby's own powers.
Beelzebub is a hilarious and action-packed manga series that follows Oga's struggles as he raises the Demon King's son. While dealing with the constant chaos Beelzebub brings, Oga develops a strong bond with the baby and learns to appreciate the value of family. The series is filled with over-the-top comedy, exciting battles, and heartwarming moments, making it a unique and entertaining read.
Fairy Tail
Both Fairy Tail and Mashle are shonen manga series that feature strong protagonists with unique powers who fight alongside their friends to protect the world. While Fairy Tail focuses on the magical abilities of its characters and the guild system, Mashle centers around a powerful young man who has no magic but excels in physical strength and martial arts. Both series boast a lighthearted and comedic tone, featuring engaging characters, over-the-top action sequences, and heartwarming moments of camaraderie. Although the power systems differ, the core themes of friendship, determination, and overcoming adversity are shared between the two series, making them enjoyable reads for fans of action-packed adventures with a touch of humor.
Synopsis: Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is a popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiro Mashima. The series follows the adventures of a guild of wizards known as Fairy Tail. The story centers around Natsu Dragneel, a young wizard with the ability to transform into a dragon, and his search for his foster father, the dragon Igneel. Alongside Natsu, the series features a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique magical abilities and personalities.
Fairy Tail is set in a world where magic is commonplace and wizards are organized into guilds. The series is known for its action-packed battles, comedic moments, and heartwarming relationships between its characters. As Natsu and his friends embark on various quests and adventures, they encounter powerful enemies, unravel hidden secrets, and forge unbreakable bonds with their fellow wizards.
Shaman King
Both Shaman King and Mashle are shonen manga series that share several thematic similarities. Despite their distinct settings and powers, both series feature protagonists who are inherently kind and oppose those who seek to impose their will on others through power. They also both explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and finding strength within oneself. Moreover, the series both subvert common shonen tropes, with the protagonists relying on unconventional methods to achieve their goals. Shaman King emphasizes the importance of understanding and connection, while Mashle focuses on the power of individuality and defying expectations. Both series ultimately celebrate the triumph of good over evil and the strength of human bonds.
Synopsis Shaman King
Shaman King is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroyuki Takei. The story follows Yoh Asakura, a young shaman, who is training to become the Shaman King. The Shaman King is a powerful figure who is able to control all the spirits in the world. Yoh must compete against other shamans from around the world in order to become the Shaman King. Along the way, he is joined by a group of friends, including Manta, Anna, and Ren. Together, they face many challenges and learn about the power of friendship and love.
The story takes place in a world where shamans can communicate with spirits and use their power to fight each other. The Shaman King tournament is a competition that takes place every five hundred years, and the winner is granted the ability to control all the spirits in the world. Yoh and his friends must overcome many obstacles to become the Shaman King, including the powerful shamans Hao Asakura and the X-Laws. The story is full of action, humor, and drama. It also explores themes of friendship, love, and the importance of believing in oneself.
D.Gray-man
Both D.Gray-man and Mashle are shonen manga series that feature protagonists with unique abilities who fight against powerful organizations. While the tone and overall themes differ, both series feature protagonists who are initially underestimated due to their lack of conventional strength or magic, but they ultimately prove their worth through their sheer determination and unconventional abilities. In D.Gray-man, Allen Walker is a young exorcist who fights against the Millennium Earl’s army of Akuma, using his cursed arm to destroy them. Similarly, in Mashle, Mash Burnedead uses his powerful muscles to overcome the magic-based society and prove that physical strength can still prevail.
Synopsis of D.Gray-man
In a world threatened by the Millennium Earl, a powerful entity who seeks to destroy humanity, a young exorcist named Allen Walker stands as a beacon of hope. Armed with his cursed Innocence, a demonic weapon that grants him extraordinary abilities, Allen joins the Black Order, an organization dedicated to combating the Earl's forces of destruction. As Allen traverses the globe, he confronts the Earl's Akuma, corrupted human souls transformed into monstrous beings, seeking to cleanse the world of their evil influence.
Allen's journey is fraught with danger and loss, as he battles not only the Akuma but also the internal struggles of his own soul. Haunted by his traumatic past and the secrets surrounding his Innocence, he must confront his fears and the true nature of his powers. Along the way, he forms bonds with fellow exorcists, each with their own unique abilities and motivations, who share his fight against the forces of darkness and strive to protect the innocent.
Seraph of the End
While vastly different in art style and tone, both Seraph of the End and Mashle share surprising thematic parallels. Both feature worlds dominated by powerful organizations: the vampires in Seraph of the End and the divine magic users in Mashle. Both protagonists, Yuichiro Hyakuya and Mash Burnedead, are strong individuals who defy the status quo: Yuichiro fights against the vampires who enslaved him, and Mash, a magic-resistant boy, opposes the magical elite. Both stories explore themes of rebellion against oppressive forces and the pursuit of freedom, showcasing the power of individual will against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Synopsis of Seraph of the End
In a world ravaged by a mysterious virus that wipes out humanity and gives rise to vampires, the remaining survivors are forced to live under the oppressive rule of their new overlords. Yuichiro Hyakuya, an orphan, lives in a vampire-run orphanage where he and his fellow orphans are treated as livestock, forced to donate their blood to their vampire masters. Yearning for freedom and revenge, Yuichiro vows to destroy the vampires who stole everything from him, especially his dearest friend, Mikaela Hyakuya, who was presumed dead.
After escaping the orphanage with the help of a mysterious organization known as the Moon Demon Company, Yuichiro joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, a group dedicated to fighting against the vampires. Equipped with a special weapon called the "Cursed Gear," Yuichiro and his comrades embark on a dangerous quest to reclaim their lost humanity and fight for a future free from the grip of the vampires. Along the way, Yuichiro must confront his own inner demons and come to terms with the true nature of his lost friend, Mikaela, who has been transformed into a powerful vampire.
Fire Force
While they might seem vastly different on the surface, both Fire Force and Mashle share a common thread in their storytelling: a subversion of expectations. Fire Force, a series set in a world ravaged by spontaneous human combustion, utilizes its fantastical premise to explore themes of family, loss, and finding one’s purpose. Similarly, Mashle, with its comedic approach to a magical society, takes a classic underdog story and flips it on its head by introducing a protagonist who’s physically powerful despite being a non-magic user. Both series feature protagonists who are initially underestimated but ultimately prove their strength through determination and unwavering belief in themselves.
Synopsis Fire Force
In a world where spontaneous human combustion is a reality, the Fire Force is a special fire department tasked with extinguishing Infernals, people who have turned into living flames. The story centers around Shinra Kusakabe, a young man nicknamed "Devil's Footprints" due to his ability to ignite his feet and run at incredible speeds. When he joins the Special Fire Force Company 8, he is determined to unravel the mysteries of the Infernals and the truth behind his own past, particularly the tragic event that claimed the life of his younger brother.
The Fire Force encounters various challenges, battling not only Infernals but also other Special Fire Force companies with conflicting ideologies. They uncover conspiracies and hidden agendas that threaten the very fabric of society. As Shinra and his comrades delve deeper into the world of Infernals and the secrets surrounding them, they must confront their own internal struggles and ultimately determine the fate of humanity in a world consumed by fire.