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

As I was writing AW #185 I honestly thought, “Am I going to have any auctions to talk about on Friday?”

Let’s see.

– Starting at $0.56 per figure, but they seem to be in ok condition (at best).
– Very easy to overlook this Class A Magenta #125.
– How is this lot of 10 figures at $22?
– I think I paid $50 for this, but now it sits in a drawer.
– Can’t set a price, but can write one hell of an auction description. Well played sir.
– Terrible price and terrible pictures. It looks like a Flesh was compared to a bootleg to make it look more like Salmon.
– The price is $50. Guess how many Flesh figures.
– He should be selling the display. People would bid on that.
– The important part is the boiled eggs.
– 10 Flesh figures with a $56.99 BIN. I’m ready to stop looking at eBay.

I guess there was still stuff to talk about.

I don’t talk about sports too often on the site. I don’t believe most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors care. There’s plenty of sports coverage already. And I only do it when I’m really moved by something.

I was moved by this clip.

That pick-off move is breathtaking. It is a thing of pure beauty.

And it didn’t work. What a bummer.

I can tell you that I’m teaching that move to the first left-handed pitcher that plays on one of my sons’ baseball teams. In Little League that move would be good for at least one out per game.

I wonder if it’s too late to switch Dr. M.U.S.C.L.E. to a leftie?

One last thing. Does everyone remember this legendary AOTW? (If not, then take a second and catch-up.)

The seller who erased any degree of credibility with his auction, and statements on LRG, is claiming that he has sold the figure. Of course, he is not sharing any additional information. Not even the sale price.

“If it was a private sale, then why does he have to share anything or prove anything?”

Because he started it. If it was a private sale, then nothing needs to be said. The figure wasn’t being sold on LRG or eBay at the time of the “sale.” An update wasn’t necessary for anyone.

I don’t believe the figure was sold. It doesn’t matter either way.

It would be easy to say that the entire situation was a negative or a stain on the M.U.S.C.L.E. hobby. I honestly see it as a bright spot (which is somewhat rare for me). There was a time when these types of people caused hurt feelings, splintering of friends, and genuinely hurt the hobby. I see this situation as evidence of the hobby growing past those types of situations. There is enough collector expertise that the absurdity of the situation is identified and discussed without a lasting impact.

“It should have just been ignored.”

I have never agreed with this sentiment. Ever.

I believe it is important for the hobby to discuss situations like “justchilin.” There is no ability to stop scammers and lunatics, but knowledge is power. The more that people know and understand the harder it becomes for scammers and lunatics to succeed.

And what else can M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors talk about? We’re talking about a very small line of toys from over 30 years ago. As M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors if we’re not careful, then we’re going to have to start talking about old LRG threads just to have “new” M.U.S.C.L.E. topics. Does anyone want to rehash oldies like Satan Cross 4-packs or Magenta Claws?

Both of those things are nearly 10 years old. Damn. You could possibly make a case that those threads are “vintage,” and border on “antique.” At least in internet terms. Wow.

I was curious about what I was doing on LRG nearly 10 years ago. I did a quick search. Most was stupid junk, but this jumped out when I saw it. It made me realize I need to wrap up this stupid saga.