The Kinkeshi Premium figures have been released as complete boxed sets (Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 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 first series, second series, third series, fourth series, fifth series, sixth series, seventh series, eighth series, ninth series, 10th series, 11th series, and 12th series have 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.”
 Box – Front |
 Box – Back |
I would argue this is one of the more bizarre waves and there are several reasons. That it not meant to suggest I dislike the wave – far from it. However, there is some oddity. Let me explain.
The first picture above, which serves as the Wavs’s thumbnail, has always featured the figures I considered to be new “M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.” I didn’t believe it was so easy this time. The five figures above are the new figures according to Bandai. They didn’t exactly feel new to me.
Let’s start with the figure to the left – Checkmate. It reminded me of the Ultimate Muscle versions that came out several years ago. However, I think this is the best sculpt I have ever seen of the figure.
I believe this is a newer character, which is why there was never a M.U.S.C.L.E. version. But here is where things get a little weird.
I believe the next four “new” figures are also from the Ultimate Muscle time, but only the guy with the weird bike-helmet-like head feels new to me. I don’t remember any M.U.S.C.L.E. or Kinnikuman figure looking like him.
However, the next three feel like repeat versions of the cowboy Terry, Robin Mask, and Muscleman.
Ultimate MUSCLE never intrigued me. Specifically I never liked the minifigures that were released. Seeing these figures as “M.U.S.C.L.E. figures” doesn’t erase all of the dislike I originally had for them. I know it’s weird to say I’m not crazy about them, but I can’t lie. They strike me as fine; nothing more.
This makes the praise I heap on the next four figures pretty bizarre too.
Gently complaining about repeating characters has been a recent theme. It seems like the the four figures above should trigger that same complaint. It doesn’t. I thought all four of these figures were freaking awesome! There’s no breakdown – they’re just cool.
However, I’m not naive enough to call these “new” M.U.S.C.L.E. figures. I included them because I thought they were too cool not to highlight. Do you guys agree or am I alone on this one?
Bandai told us what was “new,” but I didn’t really agree. I loved four figures that are not very defensible as “new.”
As I sat looking at this complete tenth wave I could have configured the thumbnail picture what felt like a million different ways. No other set has ever given me that feeling. That’s how I ended up with three different group shots: (1) Bandai’s new figures; (2) awesome repeats; and (3) my four favorite figures.
I’ve already talked about Checkmate and bike-helmet-guy. When I pulled them away from their Ultimate Muscle peers, they looked more like M.U.S.C.L.E. figures to me. While I like bike-helmet-guy, I won’t need another version of him. I am very curious to see alternate versions of Checkmate. He feels like a character that will either look perfect or horrible. No other options. I want to see which it ends up being with him.
The new Sunshine looks like the #195 and #107 figures had a baby – and it is adorable. Ok, maybe not adorable. It’s just a very cool version of the figure.
I believe the Terryman figures get a fair amount of hate from collectors, especially the #208 figure. The #208 was always one of my favorites. This felt like a fun, new version of a character I loved as a kid. I fully accept many people will hate it, but he’s one of my favorite new figures.
Overall, this is a great wave of figures. I felt there is some oddity to this wave, but that really increased the overall M.U.S.C.L.E.-feel for me.
Bring on Wave #11!
