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

Man-Nie is a figure created by Peter Kato. Two different versions of the figure will be spotlighted: (1) the original “flesh” color; and (2) the “Goldies” version. Peter has made many interesting mini-figures and all are worthy additions to Art 300. However the Man-Nie figure was the figure that seemed most clearly influenced by M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. But M.U.S.C.L.E. was not the only influence on this figure. On his website Peter stated:

What does Man-E-Faces from He-Man look like without his helmet? So with the inspiration I made Man-nie a younger version of the character.

It is likely that only the most die-hard of Man-E-Faces would instantly make that connection. Thankfully the Peter has pointed this out to the less astute on his website. He also very tactfully, likely in an effort to avoid any Mattel entanglements, makes the connection on his header card.

Not only is the header card tactful, it is incredibly attractive and a piece of art on its own. The front design looks as if it is hand painted on to a weathered scroll. But as beautiful as the front is, the back is even better. The scroll design continues, perhaps even more fitting with the backstory of Man-Nie. Perhaps most impressive is how the edge of the scroll than morphs into a Castle Grayskull-inspired He-Homies logo.

The header card is the same for both the Flesh and Goldies versions.

The sculpt of the Man-Nie figure is likely to be a polarizing one. Man-Nie is likely to be loved or hated. Those that love it are the ones that truly allow the connection to Man-E-Faces to serve as their guide when looking at this figure.

That lens almost forces the viewer to start wondering things like:

– Why is Man-Nie lumpy and not muscular?
– Does Man-Nie put on his Man-E-Faces armor to keep his body healthy or even together?
– Is Man-Nie a tragic figure?

Any piece of art that evokes thought and engages the imagination is certainly art to appreciate. Man-Nie certainly accomplishes that feat.

The detail of the figure is a bit easier to see with the Flesh version of the figure. The Goldies version seems to lose some of this detail, most notably around the hands, feet, and underwear/shorts.

Man-Nie’s size is perfect for the mini-figure collector. He is nearly identical in height to a #38 M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. It is worth noting that the Flesh of the Man-Nie figure does not perfectly match the Flesh color of the M.U.S.C.L.E. figure. As Man-Nie is not trying to be a M.U.S.C.L.E. figure this is unlikely to be a major or even minor concern. The color is close enough to serve as a proper homage to M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.

Man-E-Faces is probably most known for his three faces: Human, Robot, and Monster. Man-Nie also sports these three types of faces. The Human face is the one that faces forward. The exaggerated brow and missing teeth could easily give the figure a stupid Neanderthal look, but the eyes evoke a sad and sympathetic feeling. Like the overall sculpt, the Flesh version of the figure provides a much clearer view of the Human face.

The second face is the Robot. This is the face that seems most directly influenced by the original Man-E-Faces design. It is the very specific pointed rectangular design of Man-Nie’s mouth that most directly mirror’s Man-E-Faces.

The last face is the Monster. The Monster face almost seems like a Jekyll and Hyde version of the Human face. This face looks the best in the Flesh color. In fact, the Monster face of the Goldie version is the only weak point of either figure. The detailing is almost completely lost – which is a shame.

Whether Flesh, Gold, Red, Brown, or Green the Man-Nie figure is a fun and very interesting figure. Unfortunately for collectors the Goldies Man-Nie has completely sold-out. However there are currently some Flesh Man-Nie figures available at Peter Kato’s webstore. At only $10 per figure, these are good deal and a worthy addition to both M.U.S.C.L.E. and Masters of the Universe collections.

To contact Peter try his Website or Twitter.