#104 Buka (B)

Grinning menace

Although a minor character in his origins, Buka is a big hit in the Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. toy line as he has different forms within the series making him a favorite to some for his grimacing presence. A fitting gimmick to capture the imaginations of the English markets where his identity was left behind and lost among the Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere in the imported series of mini figures.

While most in the new markets wouldn’t know his name, the character origins are another fantastic example of the creativity produced by the Japanese artistic combo that are Yudetamago and their expansive Kinnikuman universe. Distinguishing facial features and an implied personality give his figures a visual identity that only adds to the landscape of hundreds of unique superhuman wrestlers.

Being a minor background character, he may lack signature moves and any focal points within the multi-decade running story arcs. Though his type of character would have contributed to the highlighting of the skills of more prominent roles within in the manga.

Hey may be generally one of the crowds in the enormous Kinnikuman character pool but his unique look was quickly welcomed by those with the nostalgic memories used to fill in his identity over many years. Truly a tribute to the ingenuity of the original creators who still continue to develop the franchise since 1979 to even still today!