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

M.U.S.C.L.E. made it’s first appearance in Toyfare #99, but it was a rather small appearance. In April of 2008 M.U.S.C.L.E. was featured much more prominently.

Toyfare #128 Cover

Table of Contents

As a crazy M.U.S.C.L.E. fan I found myself frequently thinking, “That’s not exactly correct.”

But for an article designed to appeal to a broader audience it is pretty good.

Again, as a lunatic collector, I can pick plenty of things I would edit, change, or highlight. But there are two things I find especially interesting about the article.

First, when the author mentions the wrestling ring he doesn’t mention the clamps propensity for cracking and breaking. That frustration, for me, is one of the hallmarks of the ring experience.

Page 62 Top Left

Page 62 Bottom Left

The second especially interesting point for me is that he avoids complaining about the NES game. The video game certainly has faults, but criticizing it has become a M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting cliché. I appreciate his “better than nothing” perspective.

The article was three pages long. Arguably it was the most attention M.U.S.C.L.E. received since it was originally released. It feels wrong to complain, but I wish the third page allowed the article to expand and continue. Instead the third page is divided between additional information and figure specifics.

The left side of the page showcased the other types of Kinnikuman and Ultimate Muscle figures. It is interesting and informative, but, technically, has nothing to do with the line from the 1980’s.

The right side of the page focused on what the article felt were the strangest M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. It is not surprising that specific attention is paid to some of the stranger figures. Frankly, the made some really sound choices.

Page 62 – Top Right

Page 62 – Bottom Right

Toyfare always ended with a price guide. I always felt the guide was nice to read as an owner, but I rarely agreed with it as an accurate guide.

However, this M.U.S.C.L.E. price guide is pretty good. That’s probably thanks to Jon from LittleRubberGuys.com, Nathan, and Dr. Soups helping the author.

For more M.U.S.C.L.E. articles and publications that don’t fit into a perfect category take a look at Literature 500 – Other M.U.S.C.L.E. Publications. And for all your M.U.S.C.L.E. ephemera needs take a look at Literature.

Page 95 – Price Guide

Page 95 – Accessories