Frankenstein-like Amalgam Figures & Tweaks is a part of Art 100. The purpose of this visual archive is to catalog the various examples of Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures and their inferior counterparts – Tweaks.
If you have any figures that you would like added to this section, then please send them to the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. with a brief explanation and pictures of the figure. Thank you in advance for all submissions!
The success of M.U.S.C.L.E. brought out plenty of greedy manufacturers that wanted to take M.U.S.C.L.E. figures and simply copy them. The success of M.U.S.C.L.E. also gave birth to the collectible mini-figure market and brought an influx of entirely new products inspired by the phenomenon of M.U.S.C.L.E. toys.
And then there are the manufacturers that seemed to land very oddly in the middle. They altered existing product, by varying degrees, in an effort to create “new” product. However it is clear that the “new” product was supposed to be associated with the M.U.S.C.L.E. brand. The greatest question surrounding these Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures is, “Why did they do it?”
There seem to be two most likely scenarios: (1) they felt it protected them from lawsuits; and/or (2) the “new” product gave them a competitive edge (e.g., unique product). The truth will likely never be discovered as the vast majority of Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures lack branding or markings that would identify a manufacturer who might be able to provide any insight.
The Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures will likely remain a mystery, but they provide an interesting subdivision of M.U.S.C.L.E. collecting. Showcased below is a visual archive of various Frankenstein-like Amalgam figures and their names (submitted and voted on by M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors):
Ashura-Bull
From: Bill Raeth
Ashura-Bull
From: Lucas Rage
Ashura-Bull
From: Trent
Varsity Sheik
From: Manuel M.
Ninja Rick
From: Manuel M.
Ninja Rick
From: Manuel M.
Screw Stewie
From: Lucas Rage
Screw Stewie
From: Trent
Iron Claw
From: Lucas Rage
He-Stak
From: Lucas Rage
Akumoko
From: Cesar P.
Akumoko
From: Chad Perry
Akumoko
From: John
Akumoko
From: John
Naked Mask
From: Lucas Rage
Naked Mask
From: Chad Perry
Naked Mask
From: John
Count Dookula
From: Robert
Count Dookula
From: Trent
Crater Face
From: John
Stumpy
From: eBay
Stumpy
From: Trent
Nerf Ninja
From: Matt S.
Tweaks are figures that were original Kinnikuman/M.U.S.C.L.E. sculpts but tiny, almost insignificant, changes have been made to the figures. These figures appear to be a very specific niche of counterfeit figure and the laziest possible version of a Frankenstein-like Amalgam figure.
If you would like to add a figure to the Tweaks visual archive, then please email a picture to the University of M.U.S.C.L.E.
Tweaked #23
Key Ring Added
Tweaked #41
Key Ring Added
Tweaked #75
Key Ring Added
Tweaked #80
Key Ring Added
Tweaked #89
Key Ring Added
Tweaked #141
Eyes Filled-In
Tweaked #197
Head Turned Slightly
