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, 8, 9, and 10). 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, 12th series, and 13th 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.”

The last reviewed suggested that these sets have figures that fall into one of three groups: (1) figures I love – 50%; (2) figures I accept – 33%; and (3) figures that confuse me – 17%. Does that continue to be true?

To my surprise, “100% yes!”

There are three figures that I love. The first was already featured on Instagram. I keep leaning on the “M.U.S.C.L.E.-feeling” crutch to explain why I love a figure, but it is simply true. I can imagine a 10-year old version of me playing with the two-piece combo. Even today, since I don’t know the comic, my imagination wants to build a story for these two characters.

Little details can be a blessing or a curse. Add too many and it is overworked. Add the right one and, in my opinion, it makes the figure. The championship belt makes the figure in this case. I feel like that one little detail fully explains the entire two-piece combination.

The second figure that I love is the disheveled guy holding the honey pot. I know, I know – I should read the comics. I won’t.

I don’t want to know all the details. That’s not M.U.S.C.L.E. for me. I want these Kinnikuman figures to be as close to their M.U.S.C.L.E. counterparts as possible.

Why do I love this figure? Again, it’s the details. Overall I liked the figure at first glance. I couldn’t remember seeing a swollen face figure before. Plus I think that damage is beautifully sculpted.

But what really sold me was the missing shoe. It is the perfect choice for a guy that has suffered a severe beating. It’s like seeing a dirty wife-beater shirt on COPS. You don’t need it to be there, but it makes perfect sense when you see it.

The final figure in my love-fest is the 40th anniversary Kinnikuman.

When I look at this figure, it speaks to me. MUSCLEMAN, not Kinnikuman, is feigning modesty and saying, “Can you believe it? I’ve been around for 40 years. Still the champ too – hmm, that’s something.”

The other critical part of loving this figure is the pose. There could have been a traditional hands on hips pose, but they didn’t do that. Not only does that decision make the figure more unique; it adds to the confidence and swagger of the figure. It adds emotion. At least, that’s what I think.

Following my 50/33/17 trend, we’re coming up to the two acceptable figures.

The first is the two-piece Ashuraman combo. The two characters are sculpted really well. I’m probably underselling; they’re really quite beautiful.

However, I feel like we’ve been down this road. A lot of that blame probably falls on the Wazakeshi sets.

This isn’t a bad two-piece combination. It’s fine. I like it.

It does make me think that novel two-piece combinations might become a love/hate aspect of the releases. If unique designs can be found, then it will repeatedly be some of the best parts. If we keep getting similarities, then the two-piece could become an anchor very quickly.

The second figure in my acceptable group is the disheveled Robin Mask.

This figure is an excellent example of the difference between acceptable and love. I loved the first disheveled figure. It had great details and a unexpected missing shoe.

This figure looks more overworked. “Put more lines on him, he’ll look more damaged,” was probably the feedback this figure received. Sadly, it didn’t make the figure better. It doesn’t look worse, but it doesn’t look better. The figure ends up being Robin Mask with his helmet askew. Acceptable.

Finally, we have the figure that confused me. It appears to be Warsman with his hands up. Not too confusing yet.

But why are his arms separate pieces?

I want my M.U.S.C.L.E. figures to be a solid figure. Unless the figure is truly something unique or a huge swing for the fences. This figure is neither and that’s why he is so confusing.

If you want to know where to buy these figures, then read some older Kinkeshi Premium posts.