#122 Kinnikuman (C)

Muscle, man.

Most people recognize this character, but the fans introduced via the M.U.S.C.L.E. series may have only known him as a recurring figure named Muscle Man. One of only two characters that retained some identity in the Mattel import based on the original Japanese keshi figures. Not finding out until later he’s the main protagonist that an enormous manga universe is built around named Kinnikuman, which translated to Muscle Man became his English market name.

Still popular and created today by the same pair of artistic friends collectively known as Yudetamago, they created this main character (real name Suguru Kinniku) as central hero of their comedic and imaginative story arcs. Beginning as a clumsy and satirical superhuman wrestler he eventually is revealed to be the lost prince of Planet Kinniku.

He appears multiple times in the M.U.S.C.L.E. toys series in various forms quickly making him one of the more recognized among them. His original personality traits matured over the story lines since his beginnings in Japan with his character becoming a leader with strong advocacy for loyalty and friendship. Creating arguably the most powerful entity and primary identity of the franchise that was a hit in the new markets for Mattel.

With a figure adorned in classic wrestling form with his signature goofy expression this guy may be one of the more common to collectors but a fun one all the same. You can almost already imagine if you didn’t already know some of his trademark moves by other nostalgic names. With the Kinniku Buster as his most notorious and powerful backbreaker finishing move. Over 40 years later, and he’s still ready to wrestle!