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

Power Claw
By Iconoclast Toys

Objective:
This resin figure was created by Iconoclast Toys. The figure is inspired by the iconic Nintendo Power Glove.

The figure is built from the core of a #153 figure. The fingers of the #153 appear to be cut down at the second knuckle. The majority of the original creation appears on the back of the figure. The additions look like pieces from the Nintendo Power Glove.

The figure was purchased for $5, but is currently Sold Out. The $5 version takes its coloration inspiration from the original keshi/M.U.S.C.L.E. color. There was also a $10 painted version.

Subjective:
I have been very vocal about my feelings regarding the #153 figure. To me it is the Macarena of the M.U.S.C.L.E. world.

With that said, this figure made me smile. And I can tell you why.

The Power Glove is undeniably lovable kitsch for me. I want to be too cool to like it. But I know myself too well. My love of the Power Glove overrides my loathing of the #153 figure hysteria.

I don’t fully understand why the fingers of the #153 were cut down. I believe it was done for scaling purposes. I believe it made the figure look more like a Power Glove and less like a #153 figure – which I feel is a good choice.

Front

Side

Back

The header card perfects draws its inspiration from the original Power Glove without being a carbon copy. This is a difficult balance to strike, but I believe the balance is perfect this time. This is the first time, in a very long time, I have felt bad removing the figure from its packaging. The header card really adds to the allure of this figure.

I am very glad I purchased the unpainted version. The coloration is not a perfect original keshi/M.U.S.C.L.E. color, but it is close enough to see the connection. Targeting the original keshi/M.U.S.C.L.E. color has become a blessing and curse for customizers. Collectors seem to like it and customizers can get very close to it; but unless it is a perfect match it can be viewed as a “miss.”

It is also impossible to ignore the price. Spending $5 for a minifigure is a steal. It seems that many figures creep into the $15 to $20 range. I do prefer a rubber figure to a resin figure, but I can’t complain about a $5 price point. And does it matter once it is on the shelf?

For more information about Iconoclast Toys, Check out these links:
– Iconoclast Toys Store
– Iconoclast Blog
– artisdead on Instagram