#82 Ramen Man

Culture shocker

Recognizable and to some a little controversial comedically delivered by the ever imaginative duo Yudetamago who created the characters origins in Japan before the M.U.S.C.L.E. series was ever conceived. A popular form, Ramen Man is a recurring presence in the Kinnikuman universe introduced as a major supporting protagonist within the giant roster of superhuman wrestlers.

As one may assume, his fighting style revolves around martial arts based wrestling techniques and begins his appearances as an antagonist in the Chojin Olympics. However, after being defeated by the franchise hero Kinnikuman he abandons is villainous ways and joins the Justice Chojin faction as an ally.

Stoic in nature the Chinese martial artist appears throughout the manga involved in battles between factions and becomes known for disciplined combat. The character also later inspired a spin-off series called Tatakae!! Ramenman, exploring in adventures of martial arts focused obstacles.

To the North American markets introduced to the character in the M.U.S.C.L.E. import series were never informed of his origin as the rebranding lost almost all identities of the figures based on the original keshi lines. However Ramen Man’s techniques may have still been used in imagined combat by fans of the era without knowing the names of for example his 102 Chojin Attacks, the Kowloon Drop, or the Camel Clutch as his trademark submission hold. Either way, his figure in the memories of the nostalgia stretches across the globe even today.