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

UPDATE – 10:37 AM: See bottom of post.

Wow. I did it; five days and five posts.

That probably means I’m going to disappear for another 107 days.

I have been vocal of my dislike for grading toys – especially M.U.S.C.L.E. toys (just two examples: AOTW #9 and AW #164). My personal feelings aside, I do understand why some people like it. Graded M.U.S.C.L.E. items, when they do appear, often have price tags that are beyond ridiculous. They are beyond funny; beyond any descriptor. There is no amount of hyperbole that could begin to address the insanity of graded M.U.S.C.L.E. items and their starting prices.

Until today.

When I saw this auction I was ready to laugh at it. I was ready to ridicule it. But I was the asshole.

This seller knew he had something good. He started it at $1. He had good pictures. He’s going to let M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors spend their money on it. He has enticed me to spend money on it. I will be placing a bid. I doubt I’ll win, but I’ll take a chance.

Be sure that you check out his 4-pack too.

He has certainly come a long way.

– How much longer will this bum me out?
– “…some are rare.” Is that ever true?
– Do you think the extra 35% will force someone to BIN?
– If you had three thrash cans, then you might, might have the BIN price.
– 43 figures, with a Green 107, starting at $24.99
– One figure, a Green 107, starting at $20. (I wonder which people will choose?)
– If I needed these for this I might consider it. I’m not proud.
– If I could cut these up and make figures, then I might bid. Still not bad.
– Purple #208. If you don’t have it, then buy it at any price.
– Saw this silver figure and it stopped me in my tracks. Here is why.
– This auction will be over. I am curious to see the final price.

There wasn’t a clear AOTW this week. There were lots of choices, but it didn’t feel like someone jumped off the screen. With that said, this guy deserves some special recognition. So close. Maybe next week.

When I saw this post on io9.com I swore that I had posted about a Mattel art show before. I swear I have seen this idea. It has driven me mad trying to find it.

Even in the throes of madness I really enjoyed seeing the various Mattel-inspired pieces. I was surprised how visceral my reaction to each of the two main M.U.S.C.L.E. pieces. The poster, to the right, was a total joy. It was original while clearly being inspired by the poster; identifiable, but unique.

The realistic #132 just repulsed me. I have said or maybe more accurately, have repeated that art should evoke an emotion. It felt like an easy idea. Take a figure and make it in a realistic wrestling promotional picture. It is really well done, but I didn’t feel like the artist had a connection to the work. I would have seen a realistic #132 getting stiffed after the show, sitting on a Red Roof Inn bed, or driving to the next show in a beat-up car.

There are so many Purple #208 figures. Is there a person, that owns any number of M.U.S.C.L.E. figures, that doesn’t own this figure?

UPDATE – 10:37 AM: I was wrong. There is an AOTW. And it is a doozy. Godofon pointed him out in the comments below and someone else mentioned him at LRG.

If you haven’t seen it, then first sit down. Ready? Ok, check this out. I am nearly speechless. This has to be a joke. We have seen Mr. newhobby905 before. He was first auction in Auction Watch #43.

Looking at his auction in #43 and looking at his current auctions something feels off. I can’t put my finger on it, but something is just off.

And at these prices – yes, newhobby905 is shooting for the AOTW Hall of Fame.

For posterity reasons I’ve created a screen capture collage. We will be able to derive joy from these absurd prices for years to come. (And if you are an uninformed seller these are ridiculous prices.)