7 replies to this topic

[jkaris]

I get an email now and then from a budding collector about MUSCLEs. I try to be as definitive as possible, maybe to my detriment, but it's fun.

Anyways, here is one such exchange that transpired today:

-----Original Message-----
From: Jamie
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2004 2:20 PM
To: jkaris@jeditemple.com
Subject: M.U.S.C.L.E. men

I want to buy one of every M.U.S.C.L.E man action figures ever made.

How much would you charge me?

I am serious, this is not a prank. I want a collection for my new-born son.

Please respond ASAP.

Thank you.

Jamie

Hi Jamie!

There is no way to get one of every figure made, but you can get a complete regular set. Let me explain:

The regular set consists of the 233 different sculpts that were shown on the poster and released in flesh color, whether it was in the 4, 10 or 28 packs. A full flesh set can vary from $200 to $350 depending on the condition, and market values. The average going price for a complete set is about $1 each or $233.

There were also 2 figures that came exclusively with the Hard Knockin' Rockin' Ring, number 234 and 235 respectively. They don't command anymore value than a normal figure.

Midway through the line, MUSCLE was released in multiple colors (only the 233 poster figures). First the packs were half flesh/half colored, then they were exclusively colored. There were 8 colors produced:
Red, purple, neon green, neon orange, salmon, dark blue, light blue and magenta. Theoretically, that would make 1864 additional MUSCLEs to collect. So far, no one has found even one sculpt in all 8 colors. There are a couple of collectors working on this, but they have at best 1300-1400 different ones.
A complete set of the 233 in random colors usually goes for $300-$380 (highest so far).

There was also a board game released with 5 neon green figures and 5 light purple figures.

#236 (Satan Cross) was not pictured on the poster and for the longest time was considered to be rare (although he has been proved to be as plentiful as some of the more scarce regular figures) and is still very popular. He has gone as high as $100 at times, but on the average sells for $20-$30. He has been found in a 4-pack (twice), he comes only in flesh.

Super Rares:
Super rares are oddball figures that have been found in very minute quantities, but were not shown on the poster. The MUSCLE line was brought over by Mattel from Japan, where they were known as Kinnikuman. While the "official" MUSCLE line only consisted of 325 figures, the kinnikuman line went to well over 400. The super rares that have all been found are all the same sculpt as various non-MUSCLE sculpt kinnikuman figures. They have been confirmed to be MUSCLE plastic, which is a harder rubbery type, vs. the Kinnikuman rubber, which is more like a pencil eraser. Super rares have only been found in flesh. Speculation is that they were test shot figures or prototypes, etc. None have been found in the packaging so far.

#237 (Spinning Head Ashuraman) was the first of the super rares to be found. To date, there have only been 5 or 6 of him found nationwide. He has sold for as much as $500.

#238 (Black Hole Sunshine). There have only been 3 of this one found to date. Highest sold was $300, but that was by getting the seller to end early. It probably would have reached higher.

#239 (Drunken Master). 1 known. Never sold, found in a large lot on eBay. Approximate value? $300-$600.

#240 (Black Emperor). 1 known. Never sold, found in a large lot on eBay. Approximate value? $300-$600.

#241? Probably out there, we just haven't found him yet.

--------------------------------------------------------

This might be a lot more information than you were looking for, but I figured I'd send it so you could look it over.

If you are looking for a complete flesh set (1-235) I can do that for $235.
I also have a complete colored set (1-233 plus 10 board game figures) for $350.
I have unopened 4 packs and 10 packs, in flesh, color and even a few half and halves.

There are also a few resources to check out if you would like.

Nathan's Page (MUSCLE info)
http://www.newellsystems.com/muscle/

Super Rares Info
http://www.littlerub...?showtopic=2420

Kinnikuman Figures
http://forums.kinnik...kuman/index.htm

Thanks!

-Johnny
http://www.kinnikuman.com

[Siccx Degree]

He asked for a sentence, but you handed him a whole book. This should be good, looking forward to reading a response...

[Knuxman]

I think you did the right thing, and yes, it will be interesting.

[Adamantiumwulf]

You gave him all the information he needs to make an informed decision.

Giving him some of the background of the Kinnikuman figures would have been to much.

[arforbes]

That's awesome. Very informative. It may push him away, but it may make him one of us! Mooowahahaahaahaaahaahaha!

[gilgar]

That's awesome.  Very informative.  It may push him away, but it may make him one of us!  Mooowahahaahaahaaahaahaha! 

We accept you, one of us! Gabba Gabba!

We accept you, one of us! Gabba Gabba!

We accept you, one of us! Gabba Gabba!

[Nachoz God of Metal]

New-born baby! you should of put the hymalic instructions . Did i spell that right? oh well.

[Universal Ruler Supreme]

At first when I started to collect I didn't know what I was getting into, but within a few days I gained all of the info that jkaris splurged onto that guy! It just made me more determined to become a serious collector! I have already obtained close to 400 figures within a two week period, and am planning on increasing my lot! It's been a while since anyones posted here so I am sure he was scared away if he never responded.