#108 Wolf Man (B)

Sumo honor

Since Mattel didn’t include the identities of the figures when they rebranded the original keshi toy line in a tougher material and different color variants. Most of the fans from the English markets wouldn’t start to learn the backstories and origins of the cool nostalgic figures. This lead many to learning a whole new world when introduced to the expansive Kinnikuman universe where they all began and filling in the details best possible along the way.

This character for example has been known as both Wolf Man and as introducing himself as Rikishiman (roughly “strong man” or a common sumo reference), or even appearing as simply “Sumo Man” in some dubbings. Visibly distinct with details fitting of a mighty sumo wrestler but look closer and you might recognize his homage likeness to Chiyo -ji Mitsugu a famous sumo wrestler.

Originally created by the creative duo Yudetamago of Japan who include examples of real life personas as character tributes in multiple of the hundreds of figures in their story arcs that remain popular and producing still today. The characters design and fighting style leans directly into representing the Japanese sumo culture and the sense of honor and dedication is strongly presented by the image.

To the fans who gave them their own names from imagination though could still appreciate the detail in the hints at his identity in the form. Probably recreating his signature moves in their own play time combat scenarios without needing to know their original names like Gaburi Yori, or the Yokozuna Press as a crushing body slam trademark technique in sumo ring-outs. Would like to know what the figures kanji means though.