Earlier this week, as part of an Art 100 update, two odd figures were sent in by John (known as Ridureyu on LittleRubberGuys.com).
Example #1
Example #2
These types of figures do not currently have a home anywhere on the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. website. These types of figures were documented as part of Art 100’s Counterfeit Figure Typology section, however special attention has not been given to them.
As the other Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures from the recent Art 100 update were added to the visual archive it became clear that there were actually a few figures that did not completely belong. They were not true Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures. One was potentially a “legitimate” bootleg of a lesser known figure, and the other was a #99-like figure that may be an original sculpt.
’Regular’ Bootleg?
All New Sculpt?
With several of these types of figures documented, and probably more waiting in the wings, it raises some questions:
Should they be documented?
Are they a part of M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting?
What are the criteria for these figures?
Are they “Art” or “Anthropology”?
The University of M.U.S.C.L.E. is inclined to answer in the affirmative for the first two questions. However the next two questions are more difficult. The easier of the two questions is probably the “subject.”
Anthropology’s focus is on Kinnikuman and MUSCLEMANIA. The precursor to M.U.S.C.L.E. and it’s, minimally, established contemporary. These bootleg figures seem to be a result of the success M.U.S.C.L.E. experienced. It appears that a subdivision of Art 100 would be most appropriate.
As for the criteria, that will be left to collector input. It would be very difficult to categorize these figures without input from vested collectors.
#1 by uoozuman on August 18, 2011 - 10:06 am
Those last two are popy mini sculpts. Have both of the original versions in my collection.
#2 by Chad Perry on August 18, 2011 - 11:23 am
Thanks Tyler!
Looks like I need to go yell at a “Mr. Fuzz.”
#3 by Lucas on August 18, 2011 - 1:00 pm
Does the Popy version of The Mari also have a “B” on his head instead of an “R”?
And I thought Poppy minis were smaller than standard Kinkeshi or M.U.S.C.L.E. size.
I am sure I have seen a legitimate version of the first guy, but he was roughly the same size as this bootleg, which is a bit larger than standard.
#4 by Eric on August 23, 2011 - 9:36 pm
I know the bottom first figure is from the Baikinman Series, the ball guy is most likely a bootleg. you can see them here — http://www8.plala.or.jp/namahage/sub3.html