The creative mind of Hiro Mashima, author ofFairy Tailand the recently-concludedEdens Zerowas celebrated with an appearance at 2024’s New York Comic-Con, with some startling confessions about his inspiration. In response to a question from the audience about how his life inspired the story’s friendship themes,Anime News Networkconfirms Mashima’s response that he wrote the story because he believed he had no friends. From the legion of anime fans, many of whom were introduced to the medium through Mashima’s work during or beyondFairy Tail, it’s safe to say he has plenty now.
For anybody just getting familiar withFairy Tail,the “power of friendship” aspects of the story are among their most prevalent, from the moment Lucy Heartfilia joins the Fairy Tail guild to the many ensuing stories of the characters rescuing and fighting on behalf of their friends. Many story arcs revolve around how members of the Fairy Tail guild grew close-knit, with a wholesome feeling behind the dynamic of its characters, no matter how overly comfortable going nude some characters like Gray are, or Erza’s overbearing tendencies. The fans loveFairy Tailjust as much as they love its creator.
The Power of Friendship Was a Strong Motivator for Fairy Tail’s Creation
Early Arcs Make It Clear from the Start What the Series Is About
When asking about anime or manga about the power of friendship,without skipping a beat, fans will typically answer withFairy Tailas the most prominent submission, withEdens Zerobeing another common example.Fairy Tail’scharacters fight for their friends above all else, with moments like the Phantom Lord Arc displaying the emotion of Natsu’s fury being stoked when his friend, Lucy, is attacked by Gajeel. Even within that same arc, Erza fights Jose Porla, citing her friends for strengthening her heart about her resilience inFairy Tail.
To tell you the truth, I wrote the story cause I had no friends. My loneliness is what you’re seeing.
-Hiro Mashima
The idea that Hiro Mashima uses a lack of friendship, in his eyes, as his motivation to create such a stirring and emotional story of wizards in Earth-land inFairy Tailis fitting yet startling and heartbreaking. ANN notes other interactions with theFairy Tailcreator, withfans citing the series as an inspiration for them to grow deeper bonds and get through tough times in school.ButFairy Tail’sfriendship themes are also not new; they are especially prominent among a group of other manga powered by friendship, with100 Years Questreadily deploying the theme in episode #12.
Fairy Tail Stands Tall with Naruto and Black Clover with Its Friendship Themes
A Well-Worn Trope Wielded by Manga Icons
The power of friendship is such a recognized term that it has an anime/manga subsection onTV Tropes. ButFairy Tailisn’t alone in motivating its main characters to fight for their friends.Narutofeatures characters whose friendship with the main character propels them to self-improve and achieve great victories.Black Clovershows Asta bonding with his misfit teammates on the Black Bulls and fighting for the Clover Kingdom.EvenBerserkuses friendship to help Guts overcome the traumain his character arc as he redevelops his trust and empathy for others, forming the Black Swordsman Party.
Fairy Tailweaponizesthis trope. (Power of Friendship)
-TV Tropes
Friendship is vital for many of these manga because its primary youth demographic, shonen and shojo in particular, value its lessons immensely, withFairy Tailembodying it better than anything else. As Mashima implies, this quality is even therapeutic for its creators, crafting beloved characters whose friendships are idealized by their fandoms, and even rewatching these series can be a healing experience. But it’s safe to say that after this admission, Hiro Mashima will hopefully see just how many friends he’s made through his creation, fromFairy Tailto beyond, such as his new ongoing series,Dead Rock.
Fairy Tail
Cast
Fairy Tail follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel and his guild members in the land of Fiore. As a wizard in the Fairy Tail guild, Natsu searches for the dragon Igneel while undertaking missions that involve battling dark forces, protecting his friends, and uncovering ancient secrets. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and magic, featuring a diverse cast of characters with unique magical abilities.
