Alec Titan
Ultimate Muscle, also known as Kinnikuman, is a manga and anime series that has been widely popular, especially in Japan and the US. The original 1983 anime series premiered with a rating of over 20% and the 2008 Kinnikuman complete box set had 25,000 reservation requests in Japan. The series has had several instalments and spin-offs, with the original run of Kinnikuman fully adapted and concluding in 2011. However, there has been new manga material released since then, which has not been adapted. While the series has ended, there is still a dedicated fan base discussing the show and its ending, with some criticism of the rushed conclusion and unresolved plot points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original Run Conclusion | The original run of Kinnikuman (Ultimate Muscle) is fully adapted and has a proper ending from the manga. |
| New Material | The manga got a new series in 2011 that has not been adapted. |
| Popularity | Ultimate Muscle was popular enough for 4Kids to order a second season and for Bandai to create Ultimate Muscle Micro figures. |
| Cancellation | The Japanese version was cancelled earlier on due to low ratings. |
| Ending | The ending seemed rushed and abrupt, with loose ends left untied. |
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What You'll Learn
The show's ending was rushed and abrupt
The ending of Ultimate Muscle was indeed abrupt and rushed, with the final fight ending with about five minutes left in the last episode. This left little time to tie up loose ends and resulted in a hasty conclusion that some viewers found unsatisfactory and annoying due to unresolved plot points.
The show's ending was influenced by several factors, including its popularity and the involvement of different production companies and broadcasters. For example, the series' popularity in the US led to 4Kids ordering a second season, which may not have happened otherwise. Additionally, 4Kids' desire for more episodes may have contributed to a rushed production process, as Toei was pushed to speed up episode creation, potentially impacting the quality and pacing of the show's conclusion.
The abrupt ending of Ultimate Muscle left some viewers disappointed and longing for a more fulfilling conclusion. The show's popularity and impact are evident, with some considering it a classic manga series that inspired other notable creators. However, the rushed ending may have tarnished the overall experience for some fans.
While the original anime series concluded, the manga it was based on, Kinnikuman, continued and even received a new series in 2011. This indicates that while the anime ended abruptly, the story and world of Ultimate Muscle lived on in manga form, providing additional content for dedicated fans to explore.
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Ultimate Muscle was influenced by and influenced other manga series
Ultimate Muscle, known in Japan as Kinnikuman Nisei, is a manga and anime series made by Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada under the pen name Yudetamago. It is the sequel to the hit manga Kinnikuman, which started in 1979. The original Kinnikuman series was highly loved in Japan and widely regarded as a classic manga series. It has been cited as an influence by Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa and Fairy Tail's Hiro Mashima. Assassination Classroom's Yūsei Matsui also cited it as one of his favourite manga series.
Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada, the creators of Ultimate Muscle, were influenced by the original Kinnikuman series. The toy line of Kinnikuman was released in North America as M.U.S.C.L.E. and consisted of small eraser-like toys moulded in the image of iconic wrestlers from the series. The name "Ultimate Muscle" was chosen to connect the Americanised storyline of the M.U.S.C.L.E. toy line to the anime.
Yoshihiro Togashi was influenced by Kinnikuman to shift the focus of his manga series Yu Yu Hakusho from occult detective fiction to the martial arts genre. Kinnikuman has also inspired real-life wrestling events, such as the Fight Entertainment Group's Dynamite!! 2008 martial arts event, where Bob Sapp fought Kid Muscle (played by Akihiko Tanaka) in an MMA match.
The influence of Ultimate Muscle can be seen in the anime series Blue Box, which premiered on January 2, 2024, and the manga series Sono Keisatsukan, Tokidoki Yajū! (That Policeman, Sometimes a Beast!), which received a television anime adaptation in 2023.
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The original series was adapted, but new manga material remains
The original Ultimate Muscle anime series, based on the manga Kinnikuman, ended in 2004. The anime series is an adaptation of the original manga series, which was published in serial form from 1979 to 1987.
While the original manga series ended in 1987, new manga material has been released since. In 2001, a spin-off manga series, All Chōjin Dai-Shingeki, was serialized in V Jump, and in 2002, three one-shots of Kinnikuman Legacy were published. Kyūkyoku no Chōjin Tag Hen, a continuation of the Kinnikuman Legacy storyline, was published from 2004 to 2011. Additionally, a feminized version of the series, Kinnikuman Lady, was created by Masashi Ogawa and published from 2008 to 2013.
The anime adaptation of Ultimate Muscle remained faithful to the original manga series, providing a proper ending that aligned with the source material. However, the new manga material released after the conclusion of the original manga has not been adapted into an anime series.
The Ultimate Muscle anime series faced some challenges during its run. Despite its popularity in Japan, 4Kids Entertainment, the company that licensed the series for the US market, initially considered it "too old to be marketable on American television." However, due to the series' popularity in the US, 4Kids ordered additional episodes, leading to the creation of a second season. The series also faced some controversy in France due to the depiction of a character's garment featuring a swastika, resulting in the removal of the episode from air.
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Ultimate Muscle's popularity in the US led to more episodes
The popularity of Ultimate Muscle in the US played a pivotal role in extending the series beyond its initial run. The show, an adaptation of the manga Kinnikuman, resonated with American audiences, leading to increased demand for more episodes. This popularity spurred the production of a second season, specifically catering to the US market, as 4Kids ordered additional episodes from Toei.
The success of Ultimate Muscle in the US stood in contrast to its performance in Japan, where it faced lower ratings and earlier cancellation considerations. The difference in reception between the two countries influenced the show's continuation and adaptation. The US audience's enthusiasm for the series prompted 4Kids to license and broadcast the show on FoxBox, securing its presence in American homes.
The impact of Ultimate Muscle's popularity in the US extended beyond mere viewership numbers. Its influence can be seen in the creation of exclusive merchandise, such as the Ultimate Muscle Micro figures by Bandai, which were only available in North America. This demonstrated the show's ability to drive consumer interest and generate revenue through licensing and merchandising opportunities.
Additionally, Ultimate Muscle's popularity in the US led to the production of spin-offs and sequels. Following the first season, a 13-episode sequel was announced, specifically targeting non-Japanese audiences. This was followed by another 13-episode spin-off, Kinnikuman Second Generation: Ultimate Muscle 2, which aired in Japan in 2006. The show's resonance with American fans not only extended its lifespan but also shaped the direction of the franchise, ensuring that new content was tailored to satisfy the demands of the US market.
The influence of Ultimate Muscle's US fan base also extended to the manga medium. In 2004, Kyūkyoku no Chōjin Tag Hen was published in serial form, continuing the storyline of Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy. This serialisation concluded in 2011, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the franchise. The manga's success in the US mirrored its anime counterpart, with Viz Media releasing the 29 volumes of the manga in North America between 2004 and 2011.
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The show's ending was criticised for leaving plot points unresolved
The ending of Ultimate Muscle was criticised for leaving plot points unresolved. The show's finale was described as "rushed", with the last fight ending with about five minutes left in the final episode, leaving little room for a satisfying conclusion.
One source noted that the ending was "annoying" because there were still a lot of unresolved plot points. Another source pointed out that the second season was created due to the popularity of the first season in the US, which led to 4Kids ordering a second season. However, this resulted in a "'lame ending' where Mantarou should have been disqualified for violating the rules.
The show's ending was also criticised for its abruptness. One source noted that the show may have simply ended, and the ending seemed very final, although it happened abruptly. The show's cancellation was also mentioned as a reason for the unresolved plot points, as it seemed that there was more content planned but it never came to fruition.
Despite the criticisms, Ultimate Muscle is considered a classic manga series that has influenced other popular manga creators such as Fullmetal Alchemist's Hiromu Arakawa and Fairy Tail's Hiro Mashima. The show was also praised for its funny and charming characters, crisp animation, and clean character designs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ultimate Muscle ended.
The ending of Ultimate Muscle seemed rushed and abrupt, with loose ends left untied. However, the original series did get a proper ending from the manga, and there is still new material being released.
Ultimate Muscle ended due to low ratings.
The original 137-episode series of Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy aired from 1983 to 1986. The second generation premiered in 2002, and a 13-episode sequel aired in 2004. The latest update to the series was in 2013, with the release of the third tankōbon of the Kinnikuman Lady webcomic.
At the end of Ultimate Muscle, Meat reveals that Lord Flash is Warsman. Warsman explains that he owed a debt to Robin Mask, and Kid Muscle wins by creating a new move.
