Mashle : How similar are Innocent Zero and Voldemort?

Innocent Zero is a character in the new anime series, Mashle, written and illustrated by Hajime Komoto. It has been serialized in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine since January 2020, with its chapters collected in 16 tankoubon volumes as of April 2023. It is a story about a world where magic is commonplace and everyone has a magic mark on their face. Mash Burnedead, the protagonist, is unable to use magic, however. This creates an interesting dynamic, as Mash must use his physical strength to overcome his opponents.

WHO IS INNOCENT ZERO?

Innocent Zero is the main antagonist in Mashle. He is the leader and founder of the criminal dark magic organization of the same name and the biological father of Mash Burnedead.

Innocent Zero | Image courtesy of A-1 Pictures

Innocent Zero is a tall, thin man with white hair and red eyes. He is a master of magic, and he is able to create Horcruxes or objects that contain his soul. He is also a skilled fighter, and he is able to use his magic to create powerful attacks. Ruthless and ambitious, he is obsessed with immortality and believes that he is the only one who is worthy of ruling the world. He is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, even if it means killing innocent people.

Here are some of his abilities:

• Master of magic: He is a master of magic, able to use a wide variety of spells. He is particularly skilled in offensive magic, and he is able to create powerful attacks that can easily kill his opponents.

Innocent Zero and Lord Voldemort | Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and A-1 Pictures

• Horcruxes: Innocent Zero is able to create Horcruxes or objects that contain his soul. This gives him a degree of immortality, as even if his body is destroyed, his soul will survive.
• Skilled fighter: Innocent Zero is also a skilled fighter, and he is able to use his magic to enhance his physical abilities. He is a formidable opponent in hand-to-hand combat, and he is able to defeat even the most powerful opponents.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN INNOCENT ZERO AND VOLDEMORT

Innocent Zero and Lord Voldemort | Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and A-1 Pictures

Reading the description above, surely one starts to wonder that this character sounds awfully familiar to another important pop culture reference: Lord Voldemort himself. Innocent Zero and Voldemort are both powerful wizards who seek immortality. Fans can’t help but wonder how similar they both are in comparison-

• They are both powerful wizards who are obsessed with immortality. Innocent Zero has created six sons whose hearts serve as Horcrux-like creations, while Voldemort split his soul into seven Horcruxes.
• Both characters are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goal of immortality, even if it means harming others.

Innocent Zero and Lord Voldemort | Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and A-1 Pictures

• They are both charismatic leaders who have attracted followers who are willing to do their bidding. Innocent Zero is the leader of the Zeros, while Voldemort was the leader of the Death Eaters. Both characters are able to manipulate others and convince them to follow their cause.

Innocent Zero and Lord Voldemort | Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and A-1 Pictures

• They are both feared and hated by the wizarding world. Innocent Zero is known as the “Dark Lord” and Voldemort is known as “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” Both characters are considered to be the greatest threats to the wizarding world.

Innocent Zero and Lord Voldemort | Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures and A-1 Pictures

• They are both ultimately defeated by a young protagonist who is underestimated by their enemies. Mash Burnedead defeats Innocent Zero, while Harry Potter defeats Voldemort. Both protagonists are able to overcome their enemies through their courage, determination, and friendship.

This comparison, among many other similarities, makes us conclude that the character of Innocent Zero was somehow loosely based on Lord Voldemort, intentionally or unintentionally. Any Potterhead would feel the familiarity in their characters when watching the anime.