Manufacturing Error Figures are an interesting subject. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of the subject is authenticity – especially when the error could have come well after production.
When figures have extra plastic, or still entombed in their original packaging, there is little to no debate. However, if a figure is missing something there does need to be some consideration to whether it is a true manufacturing error or the result of childhood M.U.S.C.L.E. torture.
Currently, the specific error of “Bubbles” has not been extensively documented. The lack of documentation is mostly the result of authenticity concerns. Many collectors believe a perfectly fine M.U.S.C.L.E. figure could have a bubble added to it, as evidenced by this thread on LittleRubberGuys.com.
However, a passive aggressive complaint caused a second look at some potential examples of “bubble errors.”
Flesh #144
The first figure is a Flesh #144. While picture two clearly shows the surface of the figure has bubbled, the location of the bubble is suspicious. It almost seems as if a hot wire could have been touched to the breast of the figure resulting in a bubble. The location of the bubble certainly evokes thoughts of M.U.S.C.L.E. torture.
 Flesh #144 - Picture 2 |
 Flesh #144 - Picture 3 |
However, the second figure, #117, is much different. There is a small bubble on the back of the figure. The placement and shape of the bubble do not suggest M.U.S.C.L.E. torture. The face validity of the #117 figure does not necessarily support the Flesh #144, but it does support the idea of “bubble errors.”
Flesh #117
The reexamination of “bubble errors” has two outcomes:
1. Dr. M.U.S.C.L.E. needs to investigate M.U.S.C.L.E. torture.
2. The M.U.S.C.L.E. community needs to be the voice of authentication for “bubble errors.”
The second outcome leads to three important questions:
1. Are “bubble errors” a true Manufacturing Error?
2. Is Flesh #144 an authentic “bubble error?”
3. Is Flesh #117 an authentic “bubble error” too?
If you have M.U.S.C.L.E. figures with factory errors or damage, please email a short explanation and pictures to the University of M.U.S.C.L.E..
Figures with lesser errors and problems are highlighted in the section titled, The M.U.S.C.L.E. “Warp.”
