The M.U.S.C.L.E. “Warp”


The vast majority of collectors do not have the gross abnormalities of Manufacturing Error Figures in their collections nor have they ever seen one in person. However, the vast majority of collectors have come across figures with small problems – normally some type of warping: an oddly positioned foot, arms or legs too far apart or too close together, a small dent in the figure, or a pose that simply does not match identical sculpts.

Figures Identified - #70 & #95

Figures Identified - #70 & #95

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This warping is likely the result of the figures being removed from the molds too quickly. These warped figures were handled while they were too warm and had not properly cooled and been allowed to set. Figures with dents could also be the result of the cooling time being too short, but also as a result of the injection pressure being too low, excessive material, and/or several other possibilities.

This warping could be called, “The M.U.S.C.L.E. Warp.” Even Mattel was subject to having figures that were warped. For example, in a toy industry magazine two figures can be seen with significant warping in their heads.

Below are some more examples of Warped figures:

#2
Warped Arms

#2 (Example #2)
Warped Left Leg

#5 - Body Warp (A)

#5
Body Warp (A)

#5 - Body Warp (B)

#5
Body Warp (B)

#39
Arching Back

#42 - Head Tilts Back (Front)

#42
Head Tilts Back (Front)

#42 - Head Tilts Back (Back)

#42
Head Tilts Back (Back)

#57
Weird Leg & Body Twist

#70
Warped Left Leg

#71
Warped Arms

#71 (Example #2)
Chin Touching Chest

#71 (Example #3)
Leaning Back

#71 (Example #4)
Right Arm Pushed In

#74
Outstretched Right Leg

#74
Outstretched Right Leg

#75
Warped Arms

#84
Left Arm In, Feet Touching

#88
Upper Torso Twist Right

#93
Warped Left Arm

#93 (Example #2)
Bowlegged-Like

#95 - Shoulder & Head Tilt Right

#95
Shoulder & Head Tilt Right

#99
Warped Legs

#99 (Example #2)
Warped Legs

#102
Warped Left Arm

#107
Head Tilted Forward

#124
Howling Twist?

#127 - Warped Arms

#127
Warped Arms

#131
Total Lean Forward

#135
Right Foot Up & Leaning Left

#137
Tilting Head

#138
Odd Total Body Warp

#148
Tilted Head & Odd Feet

#151
Upward Head Tilt

#155
Weird Twist

#156
Right Arm Inward

#160
Head Pushed Forward

#160
Head Pushed Forward #2

#163
Odd Legs & Warped Horn

#179
Forward Body Lean

#179 (Example #2)
Arms & Legs Twisted

#185
Head Tilted Right

#193
Matrix-like Lean

#201 - Head Tilts Back

#201
Head Tilts Back

#211
Head Tilt Left

#211 (2nd Example) Left Arm Warp

#211 (2nd Example)
Left Arm Warp

#220
Warped Left Foot

#221
Looking Up

#226
Downward Lean/Twisting Left

#231
Head Tilted Forward


If you have M.U.S.C.L.E. figures with warping, dents, or other abnormalities, please email a short explanation and pictures to the University of M.U.S.C.L.E..

Figures with much more significant errors and abnormalities are highlighted in the section titled, Manufacturing Error Figures.

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  1. #1 by stoneyface on May 24, 2010 - 9:37 pm

    that #42 looks familiar 😉

  2. #2 by Jet-Mech on August 25, 2011 - 11:23 am

    I have a 179 that is warped some. Will send a picture of it soon.

  3. #3 by muscle things on December 27, 2013 - 1:41 am

    I’m loving that Howlin Twist figure 🙂 great name for him btw

(will not be published)


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