The following content contains spoilers from episode 1 of Mashle: Magic and Muscles, currently streaming on Crunchyroll. There are likely very few people alive today who haven't heard of Harry Potter somewhere along the way, even if they are not fans of the franchise. Hajime Kōmoto evidently qualifies as one of these people, as he has created an entire series adorned with iconic Wizarding World Easter Eggs, which he has eloquently combined with renowned anime tropes to create a unique masterpiece. The main man behind Mashle: Magic and Muscles bares resemblance to the acclaimed Harry Potter, except that Mash is no mighty magician. Nevertheless, his bodybuilder physique and no-nonsense attitude more than make up for his magical impotence, putting him in league with other ultimate shonen powerhouses as he carves out a path of his own in the world.
Mash Burnedead seems to not have a care in the world, besides perhaps tracking down the next load of cream puffs, but otherwise, his relatively secluded life with his father in the woods is pretty satisfactory. Apart from the occasional bickering about the excessive breakages in the household, the pair have a strong, loving bond, and the fact that Mash is adopted is a non-issue; blood isn't always thicker than water, particularly in this magic-obsessed society. However, their happy family life is thrown into turmoil after Mash innocently sneaks out to visit the local town, and his life-threatening secret is publically revealed, putting both Mash and Regro's lives on the line.
The Magic and Muscle Wizarding World
From the first episode alone, it's crystal clear that the Harry Potter franchise was a major inspiration behind Mashle: Magic and Muscle, while the opening sequence is equally suggestive, accompanied by Voldemort and Dumbledore look-alikes and everything.
The iconic lightning-bolt marking across Mash's face is unmistakable (even if it's been relocated) whereas Regro's humble abode is assuredly a Hagrid's Hut reference, while all the wands, wizarding robes, and flying broomsticks look eerily familiar, too. The Hogwarts-like setting of Easton Magic Academy appears to pull inspiration from the darker days of the series (ie: from the Half-Blood Prince onwards) as its looms over Mash's head like a foreboding fortress of doom. Mash may not have to worry about Voldemort or his Defense Against Dark Arts Teachers; everyone is a potential threat when it comes to hiding his unmarked secret.
Mash Burnedead: From Zero to Hero
According to general society, Mash is an abomination because he was born without a mark and therefore cannot wield magic, ever. For all intents and purposes, he is a Squib, who was abandoned and left for dead when he was but a babe. However, most Squibs don't get a free pass to attend the local wizarding school based on their muscle mass; this phenomenon is something Deku is more familiar with. At least the Quirkless Izuku wasn't hunted down for being average like poor (no-so-) little Mash, who allegedly wasn't "supposed to live at all," as he has not earned that privilege. Much like some of the less fortunate heteromorphs in My Hero Academia, those born unmarked are stripped of their rights and deemed unworthy, regardless of the talents they may possess. So basically, as if the world was run by Death Eaters, who hate Squibs almost as much as Mudbloods.
Even though Deku has the bonus power of One For All in tow, both boys had to sweat it out and hone their bodies to the peak, physical form (and weren't just conveniently bestowed with unimaginable powers like so many other heroes.) Sure, Mash can complete his extensive workout regime in under five minutes if he really puts his mind to it, but that is after years of honing his strength and pumping iron. This essentially puts Mash in league with the legendary One Punch Man, as Saitama similarly relies on his incredible physical strength to get the job done, while many others take "the easy road" with a bit of flashy spellcasting (even if some are simply a trick of the eye.)
Anime Original or Harry Potter Reproduction?
Even though Mash's journey is due to proceed within the wizarding school setting of Easton Magic Academy, with a redhead and a blonde girl in his friend group, it's safe to say that Hajime Kōmoto didn't simply replicate Harry Potter's Hogwarts adventures and convert them into anime. For example, nobody would describe Lemon Irvine as an overachieving know-it-all, whereas Dot Barrett has more in common with Bakugo (My Hero Academia) or Abarai Renji (Bleach) than Ron Weasley. And, needless to say, the famed Potter boy has probably never seen the inside of a gym and is a natural with this whole magic business.
Furthermore, the corruption running rampant through the Magic and Muscle Wizarding World is much less subtle than with the Ministry of Magic, not to mention Mash doesn't look upon magic users with adoring eyes; he sees them as quite redundant. Many of the "magnificent" magical achievements he sees others boasting about can be accomplished the old-fashioned way; with a little bit of elbow grease. Like any decent parody, Mashle: Magic and Muscles shares the inside joke with the audience, without falling into the pitfalls of being a comedic copycat with no originality.