#197 - Counterfeit Version
However the figure’s head looks a bit odd. It appears as if the head is looking straight ahead instead of off to the side like its M.U.S.C.L.E. counterpart. There are two likely scenarios that explain the head on this Green #197.
1. It is an exact copy, but the counterfeit figure’s head has warped – similar to the “M.U.S.C.L.E. Warp.”.
2. It is a seemingly lazy attempt at creating an “original” sculpt. The caster believed that realigning the head would somehow protect the company from any potential patent and/or copyright infringement. Ultimately creating a figure category that seems to reside somewhere between counterfeit figures and Frankenstein-like amalgam figures.
#197 Side-by-Side Comparison
Flesh #197 Courtesy of Nathan's M.U.S.C.L.E. Blog!
If you believe this figure’s unique look is caused by some other scenario, then please post it in the comments section below.
#1 by Lucas on June 23, 2010 - 2:38 pm
It looks to be a mold that was only slightly altered, which you see from time to time among Kin/M.U.S.C.L.E. bootlegs.
The most common example I see is altering the position of the arms, though a neck twist falls into about the same category/skill level, i.e. performing a minor kitbash on a limb or extremity of the sculpt before casting a mold of it.
So yeah, this does call for another sub-category of bootlegs, as it is not a completely unique occurence.
I suppose this means I should be taking some more photos to submit to the University…
#2 by Ericnilla on June 23, 2010 - 7:31 pm
I think the head would be more distorted if it was the muscle warp. its most likely a minor fix the bootleg-ers didn’t like. seeing that its so minor of a change i think it falls more in the straight bootleg than anything else. if it were a different head, things would be different.
#3 by Ridureyu on February 1, 2012 - 3:25 am
I have an orange one, if that helps. There was another on ebay recently, too. it’s definitely a standard bootleg – note how the arms are altered, too.