It is fruitless to count the number of times I have sat down to start an Epilogue and thought, “Damn. I didn’t get to everything I wanted to do this week.” Where does the time, and sometimes energy, go? Actually that’s an easy question to answer, but it’s still slightly disappointing not getting all my M.U.S.C.L.E. stuff done.
Thankfully I did get Darrin’s interview posted. If you haven’t read it, then you’re probably not reading this post. Hopefully the feature will continue with more interviews.
I assume most readers know that I was “banned” from Tim’s Facebook group. Anyways, as I was looking through the group’s posts there wasn’t anything worth mentioning. Except for one post that made me a little sad.
Post from the ‘Private’ M.U.S.C.L.E. Facebook Group
First, I didn’t notice anybody say, “Actually, it’s 236.” I’m sure only an asshole would mention that fact.
More importantly, I didn’t see anybody actually help the guy. That is what made me a little sad. Of sure, there were plenty of platitudes and encouragement – but that’s not what Art, or collectors like him, actually need. They need somebody to say, “Just FYI, you can easily pick up a Satan Cross. Just hang around here or check out LRG. And if you’re patient, then you might be able to score one in the wild for next to nothing. That just happened with a Purple #153 figure.”
Art, and collectors like him, also need to hear, “M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting isn’t like other hobbies. You don’t simply ‘check-off’ most of the Non-Poster figures. And don’t make your poor Dad do it. If you really want those figures, in M.U.S.C.L.E. plastic, then you’re going to be waiting. At best, they rarely show up; at worst, they never show up.”
I also think it’s important to ask, “Why do you actually want that Non-Poster figure?” The answers have always fascinated me (like this old post), and I’ve never heard a satisfactory answer. I believe the truest answer, until I learn otherwise, is some form of, “no one else would have access to it.”
If you just like the particular sculpt, then simply enjoy your keshi. It has worked really well for me and I am arguably one of the craziest M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors in the world.
Why didn’t anybody actually help poor Art? Contradictory views are not permitted in groups. You need to fall in line or get out – as I have learned in the M.U.S.C.L.E. community. That’s fine with me, but there is value in dissention and differing opinions. I wish there was more of it. Actual conversation and conflict is a lost skillset. Not everything is great, and awesome, and a thumbs up. But if you stay closed off, then you’ll never have to hear those “horrible things.” You also never get a chance to learn and evolve.
I’m sure people will, privately (wink, wink), say I’m wrong. Maybe I am? But, this far into the game, I probably know a thing or two about M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting.
Good luck Art.
What disappointments awaits me on eBay?
– Her’s a tip. If the seller has graded items, then nothing is hidden in the pile.
– Here’s our first AOTW combatant for next week. Jesus.
– Combatant #2.
– Number three.
– Does anyone else think of this as “Alex carpet?”
– This listing reminded me about encouraging collectors to make their own copies.
– And make you own stickers.
– With a broken clamp? C’mon.
– “Look at ALL pictures.” No, there are too many.
– Not $0.99, but I want to see what the box sells for.
– What is Mr. M.U.S.C.L.E.?
– I remember people caring about these. I don’t.
– Haven’t see this in a long time too. Don’t care about it either.
– What’s the story on those two weird figures. I like them.
– Forever Unsold? AOTW? Where have I seen these before?
– $30.25? Gotta get that $0.25!
– This made me laugh.
This feature has properly turned into “$0.99 Dreams.” I can’t believe how few $0.99 listings we’re seeing.
– On the plus side, it starts at $0.99. But that’s an awfully faded figure.
– I should say thank you to 1-tallponderosa-1 and viver_28 for their $0.99 listings. Thank you guys!
“I need top dollar because I can’t lose money and it funds my collecting.”
I’ve said this before, but I’ll repeat it. If you’re overspending on M.U.S.C.L.E. toys and it is hurting your finances, then you probably shouldn’t be overspending on anything. And if that sale money is your only collecting money, then tough shit. I’ve never understood the rationalization of ripping someone off because it pays for toys.
This listing has been added, but I didn’t add this one (as I mentioned last week) because I couldn’t get the formatting to look good.
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Without looking back at previous AOTW Battle of Champions Fatal-Four Way match-ups this feels like it must be one of the best. I usually have a little bit of intuition about who is going to win the big game – not this time. It’s a blank slate for me. I can genuinely argue that each one of these previous winners deserves the crown of shit.
As I was looking at the combatants I, without an ounce of irony, thought, “Can you believe AOTW is still going?” Of course I can! The sea of eBay bullshit is raging. If I had the formatting skill, then I could probably create a 68, NCAA-style, bracket for all the terrible listings in one Epilogue super match-up. Of course, burning 68 listing would use up a lot of contestants. Plus the volume of single figure listings would make it kind of dull. The idea sounds kind of gross now. Let’s refocus on the present and the AOTW Battle of Champions Fatal-Four Way.
Cast your vote (below) and crown the next AOTW Battle of Champions Fatal-Four Way winner. Here are the four previous winners:
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Remember to cast your vote and crown this week’s AOTW Battle of Champions Fatal-Four Way winner:
There used to be a long write-up about the first and second ULTIMATE AOTW Battle of the Champions Winners. The 3rd winner has a tiny backstory, which made me think we don’t need the full saga anymore.
#1 by Walker26 on January 29, 2021 - 2:35 pm
What was the time stap of the screenshot someone sent you of the thread you said nobody helped Art? Obviously I’m asking because your write up is wrong about the lack of help.
#2 by Chris W Krutsinger on January 29, 2021 - 10:40 pm
RE: What are those weird figures?
They are some fun plastic rack toy copies of Hasbro WWF figures that came out in the late 90’s or so. Usually they are bright neon colors, but they show up like this too. Company that put them out was called Kids Goods. Just a generic company that put out some bootlegs in plastic bags with header cards.
#3 by Chad Perry on February 2, 2021 - 10:52 am
When I saw the post, and started writing, there was only “platitudes and encouragement.” I didn’t add those screen caps because it was redundant and visually messy. If people said what I did, then great – it’s win/win.
And thanks Chris!