As of writing this post the auction is already at $505.
The spectacle aspect of this auction forces its acknowledgement. Sadly, not much more insight or analysis can be added at this point. Perhaps once this auction has finally ended the aftermath can be examined.
The second auction, M.U.S.C.L.E.s, Vintage 1980s Toys Muscle Men Lot, 1980s Figures, Ynst. CLASS A, showcases the absurdity of Class A figures. Here a Class A Purple #60, plus a custom #60, is being sold for $34 and, as of writing, it has zero bids.
Given the absurdity of the previous auction it seems impossible to believe a “prospector” will be able to resist this auction – with visions of having his own $500 auction someday.
The fascination with Class A figures is incredibly interesting. Many collectors would probably disagree, but the fascination with Class A figures probably lies in having something that someone else does not – the imagined exclusivity.
The third auction, MUSCLE Men, Kinnikuman GASHAPON,YSNT Rubber, Keshi Lot, is a powerful piece of evidence in favor of the exclusivity statement. M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would be quick to say how badly they would want to add a Non-Poster figure to their collection – especially an Alpha or Beta figure.
The third auction provides an opportunity to add Flesh colored, Beta, SHA figure plus two Alpha figures (Satan Cross 3 and Ramenman with Dragon). More importantly, the opening bid is only $0.99 and features other Kinnikuman keshi figures.
Adding these non-M.U.S.C.L.E. plastic figures is unlikely to fill that exclusivity need. “They aren’t the real thing. They aren’t in M.U.S.C.L.E. plastic.”
Why does that matter? If the fascination is truly with the figure (regardless of any classification) why does the material matter? If the figure is going to sit on a shelf or behind a glass door who cares about the material it has been manufactured in? And if the answer is, “I would know.” Then it still begs the question, “Why does it matter?”
If the previous three auctions didn’t have the fun factor, then the fourth auction, Muscle Men Weirdball OMFG, will break the “fun meter!”
This auction might be the best modern odd lot ever. It’s just a great mix of OMFG, M.U.S.C.L.E, some bootlegs, and even some Weird Ball Wrestlers.
There’s not much time left on this auction, and as of writing, it’s already at nearly $20 – but it’s just a fun lot.
#1 by michael on January 19, 2013 - 4:34 pm
Why is the first auction for so much money?
#2 by michael on January 19, 2013 - 5:32 pm
Another nice Ebay auction is a 150 piece lot that has Satan Cross in it. I think its at 71 bucks right row. Last thing, that purple sunshine in auction 1, does it always have a full empty circle, I alawys thought the circle was filled with plastic.