When you think of 80s pop culture, neon colors, booming arcades, and action-packed Saturday morning cartoons often come to mind. For fans of wrestling and weirdly awesome mini-figures, Kinnikuman and its American counterpart, M.U.S.C.L.E. (Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere), stand out as icons of that era. What started as a Japanese comic about a reluctant superhero wrestler evolved into a global toy craze, sparking the imaginations of kids (and collectors!) everywhere. Let’s dive into the unique history and ongoing influence of these beloved characters.
Origins of Kinnikuman
In 1979, Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada created Kinnikuman, a Japanese manga that parodied Ultraman but with a comedic, wrestling twist. The story followed Suguru Kinniku, a bumbling hero and member of the Kinniku Clan, who defends Earth through wrestling matches. Initially intended as a gag comic, the series quickly evolved into a more traditional action series, featuring battles with villains and intense training montages that would influence shonen (boys' manga) for decades. Kinnikuman became a sensation in Japan, spawning anime adaptations, movies, and an entire line of figures.
The Birth of M.U.S.C.L.E. in America
When Kinnikuman landed in the U.S. in 1985, it came as a line of quirky, pink rubber figures rather than as a TV show or manga. M.U.S.C.L.E., launched by Mattel, brought over 200 of the original Japanese figures to American kids, now known simply as “Muscles.” Each character was unique, ranging from humanoid wrestlers to bizarre, alien-like creatures with over-the-top designs. Despite the lack of backstory (the TV series wasn’t adapted in English), kids loved them for their collectible appeal and imaginative possibilities. M.U.S.C.L.E. figures became playground currency, traded and battled in homemade wrestling matches across the U.S.
Why the Figures Were So Popular
One reason M.U.S.C.L.E. figures became such a phenomenon was their affordability and collectibility. Sold in packs at a reasonable price, the figures were marketed as durable, collectible, and endlessly creative. Kids would stage wrestling tournaments, pitting their weird little figures against each other in makeshift rings, often constructed from rubber bands or drawn on school notebooks.
Though many kids didn’t know the characters’ original storylines, the novelty of such outlandish, nearly indestructible figures made them perfect for kids to dream up their own lore. The absence of detailed backstories in America fueled young imaginations, and these figures became the “anything goes” addition to toy boxes filled with G.I. Joes, He-Man, and Transformers.
The Cultural Impact and Ongoing Fandom
Today, Kinnikuman and M.U.S.C.L.E. enjoy an enthusiastic fan base. In Japan, Kinnikuman continues to thrive, with new comics, updated figure lines, and even special edition releases that pay homage to the original series. The manga’s influence on Japanese wrestling culture has been profound, inspiring real-life wrestlers and fans of the genre. Wrestling-based manga and anime series owe a debt to Kinnikuman’s mix of absurd humor and heartfelt battles.
Meanwhile, M.U.S.C.L.E. collectors in the U.S. have kept the spirit of the original line alive. The figures remain highly collectible, with rare variations and special colors driving up demand. Over the years, American brands have released tribute series inspired by M.U.S.C.L.E., as retro pop culture continues to resonate with fans. Toy manufacturers like Super7 and Funko have put out their versions, blending classic character molds with a modern twist.
Why These Figures Still Matter
There’s something inherently fun about figures as strange and varied as Kinnikuman and M.U.S.C.L.E. In an era where toy lines are tied to movies or shows, these figures stand out for their uniqueness, representing a time when toys didn’t have to fit neatly into one brand or narrative. For collectors and nostalgia enthusiasts, M.U.S.C.L.E. figures represent the joy of discovering new characters without needing backstory or context—just raw imagination.
The legacy of Kinnikuman and M.U.S.C.L.E. is a testament to the power of play and storytelling, proving that sometimes the weirdest ideas have the longest-lasting impact. From Japan’s wrestling hero to America’s pink mini-figures, this franchise has carved out a unique place in the hearts of fans, young and old alike. If you’re lucky enough to come across one of these iconic little figures, know that you’re holding a piece of pop culture history in the palm of your hand.