#109 Ashuraman No Chichi

The father figure

To the fans from the English markets introduced to the character series in the rebranded Mattel M.U.S.C.L.E. toy line there’s few figures more popular than the varied forms of Ashuraman and his recognizable six arm presentation. Except since the identities of the figures weren’t carried into the new market, many knew him only by the names their imaginations conjured to fill the missing details. However, many also wouldn’t have known the mythical Asura demigods of Hindu & Buddhist mythology on which the forms derive from.

In their representation within the characters origins in the Kinnikuman universe produced by the artistic combo partnership between the two original creators collectively known as Yudetamago. They debut in various forms and different characters portrayed with multiple arms and faces, usually six arms and three faces. In this form as the Father of Ashuraman we see this character echoing the origins of Ashura style lineage as a symbolic or literal father figure.

Reinforcing themes of legacy and identity the presence reinforces the struggles Ashuraman confronts through his character development struggling between brutality and honor. Acting in a role as more of an archetypal elder warrior than an active competitor in the various story arc battles.

To the nostalgic fans of every nation whether it be rooted in the origins of the Kinnikuman story lines still produced and popular from the Japanese creators, or the imagined identities of the foreign markets introduced via the M.U.S.C.L.E. series and other off shoot toy lines. He’s often one of the most popular character types in the toys for the imaginative forms they’re presented and still today finds his way into the imaginations and fictional combat scenarios of fans worldwide.