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.
 Box – Front |
 Box – Back |
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?
