The first auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Class A Dark Purple 152 – Kinnikuman Kinniku MUSCLE musclemen, is one that can’t be missed. The obvious reason is that it is an ideal auction – especially to pick-up a Class A figure. It is from a wonderful, reputable seller with great pictures and an ideal opening bid ($0.99).
The slightly less obvious reason to watch this auction is the final bidding. I do not expect shenanigans; that is not what I am looking for. I will be curious to see if the MRT comes into play. Will Master Set collectors battle it out in the end? Or…will someone score a deal? Will there be nothing to watch? For me, that is more interesting than a train wreck.
The second auction, Muscle men m.u.s.c.l.e. lot clear custom 80s one of a kind!, needs a caveat. I’m not about to knock the seller or the figures. That’s not the point. I actually thinks it’s an ok deal for four nice custom figures. The reason for highlighting the second auction is that it evoked a genuine question, “Can a resin copy of a figure be called a one-of-a-kind?”
I am not arguing whether it is a bootleg or art. Very humbly, I have solved that debate. Can you really call resin copies one-of-a-kind?
For example, if you cast a resin Red #153 and someone else casts a resin Red #153 are they both one-of-a-kind?
I understand there will always be little differences between the two, but enough to declare one-of-a-kind? I don’t think so. I don’t think resin copies can ever be called one-of-a-kind. Am I right or wrong?
Am I missing something?
The third auction, muscle men, is a fair auction for a Color 4-pack. The auction started at $4.95, and as of writing is at $5.20.
It’s not in perfectly mint condition, but it would fit perfectly on a collector’s shelf.
Being away from collecting lets me reexamine different things. One of the things I noticed, after praising this auction, was that I rarely look at the actual figures in a Color 4-pack. For such a long-term collector I realized this was pretty stupid. Such an easy way to miss one of the final 12.
And after writing the above sentence I realized I will probably never get those figures. And I am so cool with that idea. However, I would love to borrow those final 11 for the figure guide. If you have any of these figures, then please contact the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.. Thank you in advance to anyone that can help!
The fourth auction, VINTAGE 3″ M.U.S.C.L.E. MEN Kinnikuman KO Muscle Action Figure THUMB WRESTLER, was the itch I had to scratch. It was the thing that crawls into my brain and forces me to get the answer.
When I first saw the fourth auction I thought, “Have I ever seen that one?”
Which lead to “Have I already talked about these?”
Which lead to “If I didn’t, then where the hell did I read about them?”
Which lead me to this and then everything flooded back and I found what I was looking for (this picture).
These are bootleg Deka thumb wrestlers. I believe the picture shows the 10 thumb wrestlers that were potentially made.
Once I remembered everything, the auction and the figure didn’t seem as special.
I sometimes hate when things crawl into my brain.
#1 by Justin on September 6, 2015 - 4:25 pm
I just dug out my muscle men and can’t make sense of what is worth anything. Can you help me out? I will give you first crack
#2 by Chad Perry on September 26, 2015 - 7:36 pm
That’s nice of you to offer.
My experience is that people almost never have anything special. Because you didn’t post this in the most recent Auction Watch, I’m also guessing you haven’t really looked into anything.
Plus, most people email me pictures. My email is at the bottom of every page.