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= B. Bonanno Guide Class
= B. DeMars Guide Grade
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The announcer
Easily one of the most recognizable and often favorite characters in the M.U.S.C.L.E line he was simply yet lovingly known as the Announcer. With his small but somehow still large stature standing out among the enormous roster of super-human wrestling characters, his identity is much greater than the markets Mattel introduced the toys to.
Fans would later come to learn of his true identity as based on the likeness of Kazuo Nakano (中野和雄) whose associations to the original Japanese manga series known as Kinnikuman gave him a recurring spot in the stories. As the fan base from the primarily English-speaking markets grew through the 1980s and with the introduction to the internet.
We learned that this voice of countless battles also served as an editor for the original creators. A pair of creative long-time friends who collectively go by the name Yudetamago (the “Y” part on the back of every M.U.S.C.L.E. toy you loved). While he may not have been a combatant, he was the commentator that often led the narration.
Modeled after a classic Japanese sports commentator complete with steel rim glasses and signature suit and microphone. His ordinary appearances often contrasted the bizarre creatures and increasingly outrageous action that the series is known for. Rather than parodying a specific celebrity or directly familiar commentator, his arguably cute but professional scenes allowed the imaginations of fans only familiar with the figures to love him all the same.
His character presence had become so attached to the dynamic narration of scenes that fans often regard him as the un-official voice of Kinnikuman in general. Resilient for his size and amicable in passion for the sport and tournaments, Nakano-san remained a consistent fixture to the series.
Which he solidifies by listing off his numerous duties in one of the very first episodes. Filling in big shoes with his little form.
From the earliest chapters, Nakano helps navigate the often-extraordinary battles taking place in the scenes like professional wrestling commentators of the time. Frequently putting his character in danger to get closer to the action. The man with the mic wielded his weapon as words, he continues to add comedy and presence in imaginations today.
