University of M.U.S.C.L.E.

M.U.S.C.L.E. figures were created using an injection molding process. This process reduces cost, increases efficiency, and produces an outstanding final product. This quality can be seen in the detail and consistency of sculpts with M.U.S.C.L.E. figures.

Mattel has also been reported to be stringent in their quality control, willing to reject large numbers of product. Even with the injection molding process having all of these strengths it is impossible to have a 100% perfect production process. Errors and slight abnormalities will occasionally arise. Surprisingly, most collectors do not have M.U.S.C.L.E. figures with significant factory errors.

Of course, there are some exceptions:

The most famous error is the Green #63 that was discovered by Marty Hansen and posted on LRG.com. Because Marty has cast so many figures which mimic the characteristics of a figure like the multi-shade Green #63 (see Art 200) it would be normal to view the authenticity with some skepticism. That skepticism was vanquished when Marty sold the figure to another respected M.U.S.C.L.E. collector that confirmed its authenticity.

The topic that is still debatable is the cause of discoloration. Many collectors feel that there had to have been an error with the injection molding pellets – possibly an arrant pellet or residue from a previously molded Bandai product. This is the most likely scenario. However, having found it loose does open, at least the possibility, that the figures was dyed or discolored through some process unfamiliar to M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors.

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.”