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

I have not been subtle in some of my recent frustrations. Thankfully frustration feels temporary. I’ve rarely heard people described as “frustrated” as a broad description of their personality. Frustration arises in a situation and subsides just as quickly.

The first auction, Kinnikuman Romando Buffaloman & Nakano-San Complete – M.U.S.C.L.E. Muscle, was paramount in converting my frustration to curiosity.

I should start by admitting that I don’t know anything about the Romando sized figures. When I discovered them for the first time I thought they were damn cool. Serious consideration was given to collecting a few characters. As I discovered more and more about them I became less and less enamored. The figures’ prices seemed to vary widely, there seemed to be too many different versions, and the quality seemed to vary widely too.

That impression could be 100% incorrect. It was still enough to discourage me from collecting any Romando figures.

With a $19.99 opening bid this seller has reignited my interest. I am legitimately curious about this Terri-Bull figure. I don’t care about the other figure, but it doesn’t detract from my interest. The Terri-Bull figure looks awesome.

Maybe the quality sucks. Maybe the price is shit. Maybe all my pre-conceived notions are incorrect. But having an attractive opening bid for two cool looking figures certainly lets your brain relax.

The second auction, Rare Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E Men – 236 Satan’s Cross (MUSCLE action Figure Toy), was another curiosity stoker.

M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors seem adamant in holding on to the idea that Satan Cross is more than a simple Flesh figure. I would argue its only unique trait is its omission from the poster. Otherwise Satan Cross is nothing more than an average Flesh M.U.S.C.L.E. figure with a collector driven backstory.

That backstory, correctly or incorrectly, has driven the acceptable price of the figure to $50.

That “acceptable” price is the starting price for this Satan Cross auction. I found it even more interesting that the shipping is completely fair. I imagine bidders will NOT be factoring in the shipping cost when they offer their top bids.

I find this interesting because so many price gouge on shipping M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. Without having to factor in shipping costs I’m curious to see the final price of this auction.

The third auction, Vintage Collectable M.U.S.C.L.E. Men Action Figure Lot Muscle Original Container, makes me both more curious about the second auction and almost nostalgic.

If this had an opening bid of $0.99, then I would be disgustingly nostalgic. There would have been so many gumdrops and lollipops that most of you would have vomited.

The $39.99 opening bid probably would have disappointed me, but there is a Satan Cross in the lot. You don’t see too many naïve lots like this anymore. The seller doesn’t even mention the Satan Cross figure. The auction is just a bunch of Flesh figures and some cans.

The current of $71 high bid, as of writing this, also lessens the nostalgia. I still like it.

I’m very curious to see how these two Satan Cross auctions turn out. If I was a collector looking for a Satan Cross, then I would double down on the larger lot. Receiving one lone figure in the mail is never as fun as a box of figures showing up.