#117 Roller Man

Flattening brute

One of the more popular nostalgic figures among the Millions of Unusual Creatures Lurking Everywhere (aka M.U.S.C.L.E.) toy series imported by Mattel. The unique form of Roller Man makes him an excellent candidate for any imaginative battle scenario. Except most enthusiasts of the figure line wouldn’t have known his true identity that was lost with the rebranding for the North American markets.

Originating from the expansive Kinnikuman universe manga still popular and produced in Japan by the same pair of creative friends who go by the combined title Yudetamago. He’s a minor but memorable character in the long running story arcs blending superhero parody with exaggerated wrestling themed tropes. Designed to portray a common roller mechanism which serves for both his offensive and defensive techniques displayed in Chojin tournaments and conflicts.

A straightforward combatant rather than a main character role he acts as an obstacle for other more prominent roles to overcome serving as more spectacle than story foundation. Though that wouldn’t stop the enthusiasts of the era incorporating his signature moves in play time bouts whether they knew the names or not. Such as the Rolling attack using the momentum of his body to crash into opponents.

He’s another great example of the pun based gimmick driven character designs that Yudetamago is known for bringing everyday things to life in absurd and entertaining forms. Contributing to the chaotic and diverse lineup of hundreds of secondary characters present in the manga series. Plus, his solid blocky body was great for smashing other figures as their personas lent to the imaginations of so many around the world.