The success of the new theme song for “Mashle: Magic & Muscles” has taken many by surprise, including the anime’s director, Tomoya Tanaka. The series, which blends elements reminiscent of “Harry Potter” and “One-Punch Man,” has captivated audiences with its unique premise. Instead of relying on magic, the protagonist, Mash Burnedead, uses his extraordinary physical strength to navigate challenges in a world where magic is the norm.
At this year’s Anime Expo, Tanaka expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming popularity of the series and its theme song, “Bling-Bang-Ban-Born,” performed by the duo Creepy Nuts. The song has not only resonated with fans but has also gone viral, further elevating the show’s profile. Tanaka shared his thoughts on the series’ reception, stating, “First and foremost, I am surprised to see all these fans of the show, and I hope you all continue watching. Thank you so much for watching. I have been surprised by how widespread the series is as everyone has been loving Mashle.”
The director’s enthusiasm for the project is evident. He revealed that he was already a fan of “Mashle” before taking on the role of director. His goal was to showcase the fun and excitement of the series, particularly to those who may not be familiar with it. “I wanted to really raise its fun to the maximum and make sure fans have fun watching Mashle,” he explained.
The series has garnered a diverse fanbase, with even those outside the anime community expressing their enjoyment. Tanaka noted that friends who typically do not engage with anime have found themselves drawn to “Mashle,” highlighting its broad appeal.
As the series continues to gain traction, a third season has already been confirmed, much to the delight of fans. For those looking to catch up, the first two seasons are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The platform describes the series as set in a magical world where everyone uses magic, except for Mash, who is determined to live a peaceful life. However, his life takes a turn when he finds himself enrolled in a magic school, aiming to become a “Divine Visionary,” the elite among wizards.
The unexpected success of the theme song has also brought attention to Creepy Nuts, the musical duo behind it. R-Shitei, one of the members, shared that they never anticipated their music would reach an international audience. “We named ourselves this under the assumption we would never make it to the world,” he said, reflecting on their origins in the Japanese underground scene.
The combination of a compelling story, engaging characters, and a catchy theme song has propelled “Mashle: Magic & Muscles” into the spotlight. As fans eagerly await the next season, the series continues to capture hearts and inspire discussions within the anime community.
With its unique blend of humor, action, and heart, “Mashle” stands out in the crowded anime landscape. The director’s surprise at the show’s success is a testament to the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors, where passion and dedication can lead to unexpected outcomes.
As the series evolves, it will be interesting to see how it continues to resonate with audiences and what new heights it can achieve. The journey of Mash Burnedead is far from over, and fans are excited to see where it leads next.
Source: The Japan Times, Crunchyroll