UofMUSCLE.com – M.U.S.C.L.E. Figures from Mattel

Is this shameless self-promotion? Yes.

Is this currently the most interesting M.U.S.C.L.E. auction? Again, yes.

The most upsetting part of the feature auction, M.U.S.C.L.E. Figure – Purple #153 The Claw, is that it did not turn out as fun as originally intended. Originally the auction description would feature several silly pictures featuring the Purple #153 as the focal character. A ridiculous story would have accompanied the pictures. All of the pictures were taken, and the story was partially written but sadly it took too much time to complete. Perhaps it could appear as a UofM feature in the future.

The feedback for 78cp is not spotless, but even if it was terrible it likely wouldn’t keep bidders away from this item. Collectors seem to be suffering from intense Claw (#153) Madness over the last few months. It seems to be a safe assumption that this auction will either signal the height of madness or a return to #153 sanity – at least for the time being.

With the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. being connected to this auction it would be inappropriate to venture a guess regarding the final price. Some collectors have feared Auction Watch has an impact on auctions, which is both debatable and flattering. However, suggesting a final price for this auction objectively feels inappropriate.

Follow-Up: The featured Purple #153 auction did not sell. It didn’t reach the reserve price that had been set of it. The bidding ended at $860.

The appearance of the above mentioned Purple #153 almost immediately brought the appearance of another Purple #153. This figure appears to have sold for $1000.

The appearnce of the second Purple #153 auction seemed to cast a negative light on both auctions. Both were now met with a high degree of frustration and doubt; some collectors were upset that a second auction had been listed, some believed both sellers to be working together, and some felt the seller of the second Purple #153 had placed shill bids.

Sadly, instead of both of these auctions injecting fun and excitement into the hobby they injected frustration and mistrust. In an effort to help ease some of the frustration, the University of M.U.S.C.L.E. is posting the bidder list from the featured auction. Additionally, the reserve price was set simply to protect the seller. There was not a “burning platform” that required the sale. The reserve price had been set to force the seller to sell the figure. Sadly for bidders the seller was not forced to sell the figure.