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

The Kinkeshi Premium figures have been released as complete boxed sets (Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9). Bandai added to the Kinnikuman Kinkeshi Premium figures by releasing a series of figures in vending machines (Gashapon). The capsule has a checklist and single sculpt. The main Gashapon series has six sculpts in three colors: (1) Flesh; (2) Blue; and (3) Red. Some sets have painted chase-figures. Some of the sculpts are two-piece, which was a trait of some original Kinnikuman figures. The third series, fourth series, sixth series, seventh series, ninth series, and 10th series has already been reviewed.

There are also special “best of” sets. These figures follow the same format, but the colors are Flesh, Green, and Clear. The first and second sets of this special “best of” figures have already been reviewed.

Bandai released yet another special set, “Kinnikuman Wazakeshi Premium.” This new set features two-piece combinations of characters. The sets contain five two-piece sets. They only color that is available is the original keshi/M.U.S.C.L.E.-flesh color. The first and second volumes have already been reviewed. The most recent special edition from Bandai does not seem to have an overarching title or brand. The most recent set is simply called, “Clan Forces Gathered.”

When I first saw this two-piece combination I thought it would easily be one of my favorites. Recognizable characters in a very unique pose just felt like a no-brainer; I had to love it.

Wrong. I don’t love it. I like it. And the more intense feeling is, believe it or not, curiosity.

The figure isn’t a single piece. And it’s not like a SHA or punchy Sunshine from Gashapon #7. I can’t think of a M.U.S.C.L.E. figure or Kinnikuman figure that every had a set-up like this one. The closest match might be Poo Shine; a figure with different parts that creates different figures.

Collectors would, likely, all agree that the Terri-Bull with the “Spring Guy” wrapped around his arm is cooler. I think it is cooler. However, that combination doesn’t stand up. I would be shocked to see anyone get that figure to stand up.

Because the spring-version can’t be displayed (at least my version) I feel like the singular Terri-Bull needs to be reviewed interdependently. And this might be my favorite Terri-Bull that has been released. The scale of the head and horns has, in my opinion, finally be figured out.

I really wanted to share how these figures change and interchange, because I haven’t seen it shared anywhere else.

There is a beautiful simplicity with the plug-and-play idea. And Bandai has done it masterfully.

If I had to bet on any of these Premium figures being valuable in the future, then this Terri-Bull is my choice. People (both kids and collecotors) are going to lose that little hand. Getting this combination, with all three pieces, is going to be difficult in the future.

The other two-piece combination might be the strangest combination that has been released by Bandai.

Just look at that thing. What else is there to say?

The remaining four figures fell into two groups for me: (1) neutral poses; and (2) interesting poses. My preference is almost always the neutral pose. However, as we get repeated figures I want more and more interesting poses.

The figure, below-left, feels like a Terry we have seen before. The figure, below-right, is ok as a neutral poses because it is a cool new character.

My level of confidence is pretty high as I’m about to say, without checking, “I think we’ve already seen the figures below as single figures.”

That’s why I love them in an new and interesting pose.