Art 100 focuses on the broad category of counterfeit/bootleg M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. However Art 100 is broken into many subsections and Masquerading “MUSCLE” figures is one of those sections.
Masquerading MUSCLE’s focuses on original, vintage M.U.S.C.L.E.-like figures that are not direct copies of Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. figures – but clearly inspired by their similarity in style, texture, rigidity, color, and size.
Two of the best known examples of Masquerading MUSCLE’s are the Lutteurs and the Future Strength figures. These figures would not be added as part of Anthropology because there is no evidence that suggests these figures came before M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. These figures appear to be the result of the M.U.S.C.L.E. figures being successful, not the earlier Kinnikuman figures.
If you have any Masquerading MUSCLE’s, then please email the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.
Future Strength
These original, vintage M.U.S.C.L.E.-like figures are not direct copies of Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. figures but clearly inspired by their similarity in style, texture, rigidity, color, and size.
Future Strength figures are arguably the best known of the Masquerading MUSCLE’s.
Lutteurs
The W.R.E.S.T.L.E.R.S L.U.T.T.E.U.R.S is the proper name of these figures. However, collectors simply call them Lutteurs.
Under Construction
Anthropology 200
MUSCLEMANIA
Most collectors considered MUSCLEMANIA figures to be both a clear imposter and one of many examples of small, monochromatic, unarticulated figures being brought to market after the success of M.U.S.C.L.E. toys. With the discovery of a MUSCLEMANIA 4-pack something interesting happened. Collectors realized that MUSCLEMANIA had a 1984 copyright. This would suggest that MUSCLEMANIA predates M.U.S.C.L.E. by, at least, one year.
But what if the 1984 copyright has nothing to do with the actual manufacturing and release dates of MUSCLEMANIA figures? Just in case the figures did come after M.U.S.C.L.E. figures the MUSCLEMANIA figures are added to the Masquerading MUSCLE’s section.
