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

Ugly Cenicorn (Flesh Version)
By Rampage Toys

Objective:
In late 2012 Man-E-Toys.com organized a set of M.U.S.C.L.E. inspired figures from various artists. The set, called the first wave, was made up of 10 figures. The collection of figures flew under the banner of H.U.S.T.L.E. (Hundreds of Ugly Scrapped Together Losers…Everywhere!)

A variety of colors were available, with specific colors tied to the various shows and online stores that made the figures available. This Flesh version was purchased as a “3-pack” (a purchase option that provided the buyer three random choices from the 10 figures) from Man-E-Toys store.

The packaging of the figure is a homage to the original keshi capsules. A laminated mini-card is included, plus a small button, and a checklist.

The Ugly Cenicorn figure was created by Rampage Toys. The figure is built on the base of M.U.S.C.L.E. figure #123.

The figure is not resin. It is a keshi-style rubber. The color is not an exact match to iconic M.U.S.C.L.E. Flesh color, but it is close enough that the instant connection is made. The figure was cast by Niall from Tru:tek (man-e-toys.com).

The body is largely left intact. Significant fur/hair has been added to the legs and wrists. However, the head is altered so significantly it could have easily been swapped. The addition of teeth, a nose, and a helmet radically alter the figure.

There is also a hole drilled into the back of the figure. The hole allows for the second piece (Satan Cross-like legs) to plug into the back of the figure.

The figure is not resin. It is a keshi-style rubber. The color is not an exact match to iconic M.U.S.C.L.E. Flesh color, but it is close enough that the instant connection is made. The figure was cast by Niall from Man-e-toys.com).

Subjective:
If one word described Rampage Toys’ customizations it would be balance. Rampage Toys is able to respect the original sculpt while adding a new, dynamic component. There is never a blatant attempt to hide the identity of the original sculpt, but the transition is skillful enough that the figure feels 100% new.

Rampage Toys must have been largely inspired by the two-piece Satan Cross figures. It would be shocking if the back piece wasn’t built on a Satan Cross back. But it is executed masterfully.

The Ugly Cenicorn is the classic example of needing to hold a figure to really judge it. Sure, it looks nice in the pictures – but it is wildly impressive in person. The fur/hair is executed really, really well. There is a great consistency to the fur. More importantly, the perfect amount of “furring” was used. Anymore hair/fur simply would have been too much for this figure. Balance. Perfect balance.

The nose and mouth are especially impressive. It looks as if the mouth was enlarged slightly, but teeth were added. The new nose adds a great amount of character to the figure too. However, it’s hard to quantify exactly what is added by these little changes.

It doesn’t look like this figure is readily available anymore. Maybe one day? In the meantime Rampage Toys continues to offer some great figures. For more information about Rampage Toys, check out these links:
– Rampage Toys Blog
– Rampage Toys Store
– Rampage Toys on Twitter