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

Big Daddy Vain and His Goons (Blind Bag Edition)
By Edge of Doom

Objective:
While mini-figures are often sold in random colors (the buyer is unable to select their color preference) a “blind bag” approach is not often used. Packaging these figures in a blind bag adds a very simple, but fun, way to sell random colors. It provides the buyer with a little extra excitement upon opening the package.

The set consisted of three figures cast in resin: one Big Daddy Vain and two Goons. Big Daddy Vain and one Goon were cast in a very, very dark Red-ish Black with lighter Red speckles. One Goon was cast in a clear resin.

Edge of Doom toys often cites the handmade nature of their toys – acknowledging there may be bubbles or other imperfections. For a perfectionistic collector, this is not the line of toys to collect. While the imperfections are not overwhelming they are noticeable upon close inspection.

For example, the clear Goon is missing a small piece of his left foot. However, these are not toys. They are collectible figures which will likely sit on collectors’ shelves. For the vast majority of people these small imperfections can be overlooked.

In an Epilogue an unfair, prejudging comment was made regarding these figures. The Goon figures are excellent examples of why figures should never be reviewed until they are in a collector’s hand. The Goon figures could easily be labeled as a simple head-swap. However the key to even a “simple head-swap” working is having the right scaling plus the right head and body choice. The Goon figures achieve this all-important balance.

The Big Daddy Vain is a less perfect example. The figure looks and photographs pretty well from the front. However, the figure’s head seems to be a bit low. It looks as if the figure is shrugging and pouting at the same time – almost a lowering of the head and sticking it forward at the same time. From the side the figure looks much worse. It clearly looks tilted too far forward. Darth Vader’s head is iconic enough that even superficial Star Wars fans will think the head looks odd.

Subjective:
As stated before, I made some comments in the Epilogues that I did not like these figures. Even more broadly, I thought we were seeing such an influx of “head-swaps” that the charm was basically gone. The “head-swap” was becoming a symbol of lesser quality custom figures. However, even I recognized it was unfair to say that without actually having the figure in my hand. So I ordered a set from Edge of Doom toys.

When I got the package I was ready to finally have the proof I needed to tear apart these figures. I started to scoff when it seemed like a garbage bag had been used as the blind bag packaging. But I stopped myself. I literally stopped and thought, “Who the fuck am I?”

Suddenly I liked the bag. Edge of Doom had found an inexpensive way to create a blind bag. It was such a simple solution that I loved the innovation and originality. As I opened the package I was actually excited and curious to see what would come out.

I expected to really hate the Goons, but I really liked them – more so than I would or could have ever imagined. I will admit, they felt more Star Wars than M.U.S.C.L.E., but that probably speaks to the wonderful way Edge of Doom was able to marry the two different properties. The Goon figures should be added to any M.U.S.C.L.E. or Star Wars collection.

Big Daddy Vain. What can I say positive? I loved the coloring. In person it looks really beautiful. The pictures really don’t do it justice. The coloring would make the figures stand out on any shelf. And I’m very glad I have a Goon in the color too.

Big Daddy Vain just feels like a miss. The head doesn’t seem to fit the body. It seems like it had to be squished into the body to make it look “right.” The downside is that it ends up looking squished into the body. And sadly, it just looks terrible from the side. This is a figure that probably benefits from being judged head-on in a picture, because it takes a decided downturn when it’s actually held.

Even the body choice just feels wrong. Darth Vader is iconic. To use the Darth Vader imagery means huge success or huge failure – probably nothing in the middle. Would the right body have helped? Maybe? M.U.S.C.L.E. figures #68 or #125 might have been better choices?

Overall, I’m happy with the purchase. The two Goons were such happy surprises that I would make the purchase 100 out of 100 times. I like what Edge of Doom is trying to accomplish. I’ll be curious to see what is next from Edge of Doom and I’ll certainly be reserving judgment until the figures are in my hand.

Aside from the figures, the back of the header card assured me that collectors will be seeing interesting things from Edge of Doom. Right on!

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