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

Stranger Minis
By Alien Robot Monster

Objective:
The Stranger Minis set consists of two figures based on Eleven and the monster from Stranger Things. It is packaged in a re-sealable clamshell. The figures are cast in a M.U.S.C.L.E.-like material and in a color very close to the original M.U.S.C.L.E. Flesh color. The set cost $30.

Subjective:
I raved about the last figure set from ARM. I expected to be the next figure from ARM to be far less exciting. It couldn’t possibly be on par with the last set.

I was very wrong.

These figures are amazing. ARM figured out a way to make accurate, but stylized, minis from very established characters. This is a very difficult task. For example, I love M.U.S.C.L.E. figures and I really like Alien. But I don’t like the Alien M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.

It is obvious that the sculpts and production quality are off-the-charts. But I haven’t heard anyone suggest how the first impression of this set is so powerful. When the figures arrived, I was shocked that the figures fit so perfectly into the re-sealable clamshell. And the art of the card is absolutely spot-on. It looks beautiful – even without the figures in it.

Of course, the figures are the real stars. I don’t know what to say about them. I simply love them. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Take a look at the Monster:

Angle 1

Front

Angle 2

Angle 3

Back

Angle 4

Eleven is equally incredible. I expected to like the Monster more, but I think I prefer Eleven. I can’t quite pinpoint the reason. I think it’s a combination of the overall sculpt and stance of the figure – but that feels too oversimplified.

Angle 1

Front

Angle 2

Angle 3

Back

Back/Side 2

I expected to like the Monster more, but I think I prefer Eleven. I can’t quite pinpoint the reason. I think it’s a combination of the overall sculpt and stance of the figure – but that feels too oversimplified.

The cynic would say that I only like these figures because I like the Stranger Things show. Their argument would be strengthened if I said my wife liked the figures too. However, I showed these figures to my boys. They have never seen Stranger Things. They both loved the “bad guys.” They thought both were excellent villains. The older one like Eleven because she was the scary boss that controlled the monster. The younger one liked the monster, because it was a monster.

If you do not own this figure set, then make an effort to get it. As of writing it is sold-out. I hope the original M.U.S.C.L.E. Flesh is re-released, but it should be purchased in any color. This is the type of figure that ARM should keep in stock.

For more information about Alien Robot Monster, check out these links:
– Alien Robot Monster Store (Not sure if it is currently this one or this one.
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