The posts about Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3, Vol. 4, Vol. 5, and Vol. 6 have already covered most of the basic details. Let’s dive right into the new M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.
Like Vol. 6, Bandai suggests there are only two new figures in this set (the first two figures listed below). I think most M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors would consider four of the figures to be new. An argument could be made for the Woolman figure, but I didn’t consider him new.
This figure was initially my favorite when I saw a picture of the seventh wave of figures. When I took a picture of the front of the figure I thought, “Wow. This is really a cool figure.”
Then I took a picture of the back of the figure. I thought, “Wow. This looks like a puckered butthole.” Ok, maybe not exactly – but I did think that. Instead of wrecking the figure, it made me appreciate it more. The subtle eyes on the front of the figure make a significant difference. I was impressed. It is the most specific example I can remember when a tiny detail makes a colossal difference.
This figure flew under my radar when I originally saw a picture of the new figures. When I opened the box, my eyes were immediately drawn to him. I thought he looked so cool.
I think the face-mask is the main aspect that I like. However, it is probably made even cooler with the distinct crown.
This is the type of new figure that reminds me of opening up a 10-pack in 1987. I unapologetically love the #180 figure. This is my modern-day #180 figure.
“Will I like this sculpt?” was my concern when I first saw this “figure” online.
I was preparing to hate it. It was wasted preparation. This trophy reminds me of the Chibi Ashuraman. I don’t normally like this sort of gimmick, but I like it this time. The scale is what really sold it for me. I had not seen a lot, maybe any, pictures that really gave me a sense of the sculpts size. I knew it wasn’t accessory-sized, but how big was it?
It was smaller than I was expecting – which was a wonderful surprise. If Bandai goes towards accesroies in the future, then I hope they are more like the Meatgrinder’s belt.
Finally we’ve got this guy. The head/face is what qualified this guy as new to me. He might be similar to the #1 figure, but it still feels brand new to me.
I wonder how a nine-year-old me would react to this figure. Would I think he’s just an old #1 figure? Maybe?
As an adult collector I really like him. Because I don’t know the comic the figure is mysterious but familiar – and I like that.
I have skipped lots of re-sculpted figures. I probably would have skipped the re-sculpted #15 figure too, but the back of the figure intrigued me. Is it a two-piece figure?
I started picking at it, but I couldn’t risk ruining the figure. The collector in me overpowered the detective in me. I think this figure might be hollow. Is there anybody else willing to ruin their figure to solve this mystery?