If you’re like a number of our staffers, you were absolutely entranced by Mashle, a series that alternately would have you on the floor rolling in laughter or on your feet excited for the title character’s tenacity. Our artist, Zion, also saw something more in the series. Check out her original piece below and her musings on the cream puff-loving hero.
Mashle presents us with a Harry Potter spoof—except the protagonist, Mash Burndead, possesses no magical abilities in a society that measures an individual’s value on magical prowess alone. It’s a daunting existence, but by no means does it diminish Mash’s view of himself. And so, when Mash’s peaceful solace is disturbed and he’s forced to rise into power, he’s equipped to reshape the society that ostracizes him and those like him.
The culture in this series has some interesting parallels to our own. While our society isn’t structured with magic in mind, it’s certainly configured with a “survival of the fittest” mentality. Only those who’ve played a good enough game may relish a life of accolades, praise, and eventual rest. Every strength an individual might have comes with a pillar to measure it by: “Have you reached the top yet?” “Are you known for what you can achieve?” This is coupled with the media we use to share where and who we are on a daily basis. All must see, and all must know, of one another’s existence; otherwise we fall into mediocrity.
Our circumstances are bags filled with varying-sized items that belong to ourselves and others. Each person is different from the other, but we all have gifts to steward. I say this as I often find myself honed in on another’s “possessions”: “How is it they’re so good at that?” “People listen to them… Could I ever hope to be that inspiring?” etc. All while neglecting to acknowledge what is within my grasp, what beckons for me to exercise its use. And that’s where the finicky subject of choice presents itself. What are you going to do about yourself? Scratch out society as a whole and all the misty measurements of worth. What is your gift? And what is your struggle? Your gift and your struggle intertwine to show you your calling. That’s what is so wonderful about Mash: the absence of a magical gift empowers him to exercise what he does have—muscles. He grows his strength, not for recognition but to protect and to forge a path for those who will follow.
Mashle helps us recognize that while we can’t choose the abilities we’re born with or the world we inherit, we can consider: “How can I perfect my humble possessions? And how can I partner with people who excel in ways that surpass my understanding?” These tasks might appear formidable, but we can take them one step at a time. The first step is to avoid diminishing ourselves. While we all may want better in ourselves and what lies beyond us, we must daily check the status of what we do have, so we can be malleable and willing stewards of our gifts, both big and small. You are born into your circumstances, but you can choose what you do with it. And choice showcases the power of your heart.
