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= B. Bonanno Guide Class
= B. DeMars Guide Grade
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The original Muscle Man
To the North American market for Mattel this was simply the first character displayed on the promotional poster and one of only two who received branded names. Known as “Muscle-Man” in the Americas, it’s actually the primary protagonist of the Kinnikuman franchise .
With his name being a direct translation of his Japanese inspiration character “Kinniku” (muscle) and “man” he became the iconic start for many collectors seeking to acquire all the various characters of this beloved toy line.
He was re-imagined for the North American toy market as a heroic wrestler leader of the “Thug Busters” faction within the M.U.S.C.L.E. universe, and is portrayed by more than one of the toy lines character sculptures. With every appearance featuring his trademark luchador style mask with the Japanese word for “Meat” boldly on his forehead.
Available in the iconic 10 pack “trash can” packages and 4 pack “blister” packs. His positioning as the courageous leader of the “Thug Busters” group of intergalactic wrestlers he heroically led his team against his opposite antagonist leader “Terri-Bull” (The Mattel line version of Buffaloman) and the “Cosmic Crunchers”.
He appears in different forms along the original storylines but always wearing his signature wrestling mask. With adventures and challenges that promote friendship and teamwork he finds himself as sworn protector to both Earth and his home planet. This hero of the franchise takes a character journey from absolute goofy and clumsy parody to a role model for friendship and perseverance in the face of obstacles. Then into the memories of fans around the world who came to love the characters in their own ways.
