Background
Inspired by the M.U.S.C.L.E. line of the 1980’s, The Mystical Warriors of the Ring is a line of resin (PVC is currently in production) figures meant to be showcased in a wrestling ring.
The Mystical Warriors of the Ring is a collaborative project spearheaded by Fantastic Plastic Toys. Mark Vasquez of Fantastic Plastic Toys is responsible for the concept as well as the various character designs. Jazyl Homavazir (creator of indie comic Beast Legion) is responsible for the 2D artwork. Simon Grell is handling the sculpting, while Marty “The Godbeast” Hansen is responsible for the prototyping and production.
For this review, we were able to get our hands on a Thermal Color Change Leo Corazon figure.
The Facts
Leo Corazon – Thermal Color Change
Series: Mystical Warriors of the Ring
Manufacturer: Fantastic Plastic Toys
Artist: Mark Vasquez
Sculpted by: Simon Grell
Material: Resin
Dimensions: 1.6” tall
Points of Articulation: Zero
Accessories: Oversized Story Art Card; 3 Art Cards (1 Bio, 2 Artists Profile); Collectible Event Ticket
Edition Size: Limited Edition
Pricing: $25.00 (Sold Out)
Packaging
The Leo Corazon figure came in carded bubble packaging. It features the MWOTR logo on the front, with an illustrated version of the Leo character on the back. The trading cards and event ticket come packaged separately.
Our Opinion
The resurgent popularity of handmade lines in the M.U.S.C.L.E. style is most likely a result of the number of 30-somethings collecting art toys. It’s artists and collectors trying to relive some of their childhood by recreating or collecting items that remind them of it.
The Mystical Warriors of the Ring is one of the few of these to pay homage to the wrestling theme. They even offer, on occasion, a wrestling ring for your figures to mix it up in. And while that might be difficult with resin figures, Fantastic Plastic Toys will be releasing their first PVC figures at New York Comic Con 2013.
The sculpting is very detailed for a small figure, although it’s difficult to see due to the single color resin. With a PVC figure, there’s a little less sheen. That makes it a little easier to determine the level of sculpting.
This version of the Leo Corazon figure features thermal color change properties, so when you hold it in your hand, the piece changes from a dark orange to a yellow-orange color. The color change is due to thermal dust in the resin and usually changes around 86º.
And if you're into accessories, you receive three art cards and a great fake event ticket. The art cards are from different artists, so you get some various feels for the character.
While this version is currently sold out, Mark and Fantastic Plastic Toys often drop small run resin figures. And if you’re attending NYCC (Onell Booth #102), you’ll be able to pick up a 3-pack (flesh and candy apple red) of PVC figures for only $9.00.
