UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

Luke Harris’ fantastic M.U.S.C.L.E-centric work has been featured several times in reviews, contests, and epilogues. Now he has re-cast a very interesting custom set for collectors – Scrap Sandayu. Luke’s Scrap Sandayu custom figures should be available to order through his store very soon. Until they become available in the store, he can be contacted through his store, email, Facebook, and LittleRubberGuys.com.

The Scrap Sandayu is from a very brief manga created by Takashi Shimada and Yoshinori Nakai. The manga was written very soon after the original Kinnikuman series ended. In the story the Kinnikuman characters had essentially left Earth and their existence had become a legend.

These figures have an interesting place in the history of Kinnikuman. They are part of the universe, but still separate. Many, if not most, M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would have never heard of these figures. And it is even less likely they have stumbled upon the figures because the set of ten Scrap Sandayu figures often sells for $500 or more. Even Kinnikuman fans are sometimes unaware of the existence of these figures.

Luke has provided an opportunity for collectors to both discover and acquire these wonderfully unique figures.

The naturally built-in audience for these figures will likely be hardcore Kinnikuman fans and fans of Luke’s l.designs custom work. However, given the ever increasing audience for custom M.U.S.C.L.E. figures, M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors should seriously consider purchasing a set of ten figures. All ten of these figures have the look, quality, and style of M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.

All ten of the figures share the same texture and consistency. These are not resin figures and this adds a very specific attractiveness. Luke has cast all ten of the figures in a rubbery plastic. The density and pliability of the figures are most similar to Keshi figures, although they might be slightly softer. The texture seems a bit smoother than Keshi – closer to a soft MUSCLEMANIA figure or non-sticky wall walking octopus.

This particular set is cast in an original Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. Flesh color (other colors can be ordered). The original Flesh color is a fantastic choice for these figures. It highlights the detail of the figure sculpts and provides an oddly subconscious/conscious connection to M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.

Luke’s ability to capture the detail of the figures is stunning. While a miniscule amount of shrinking has taken place from casting the figures off original Scrap Sandayu, it would only be noticed in a side by side comparison.

The greatest challenge to casting these figures appears to be removing some of the flashing. The figures, overall, appear to be a little bit more angular and detailed than many M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Admittedly, some of Luke’s figures sport very minor flashing or bur-like marks from cleaning. This does not detract from their displayability. It is only noticeable through very close inspection.

The only meaningful flaw with this particular set of figures was the result of Luke attempting something new with this set. It left the bottom of the feet sticky. Luke said this would not be an issue for future sets.

Given that the figures are attractive and Luke has masterfully re-cast them the last topic of discussion is the price. Luke’s Scrap Sandayu set of 10 figures costs $200. For many collectors this price tag may cause a bit of shock. However, for such an obscure set of figures $20 per figure is not too bad. Yes, the per-figure price is on the higher-end of custom figures. But the $20 per figure price is at least 150% cheaper than purchasing the original figures.

As this set was going to be opened, packaging was not necessary. Luke will be packaging the figures in the same popular container style as LRG’s OMFG figures. The most current version of the planned header card can be seen here.

M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would be wise to add this custom set of attractive, interesting, and rare figures to their collections. If $200 sounds like too much, then start saving today. By the time $200 has been saved, Luke Harris will probably have the figures ready to order in his store.