TV-Series
Description
Suguru Kinniku, known as Kinnikuman or Muscleman, is the main protagonist of the Kinnikuman series. His background begins with his accidental abandonment on Earth as an infant due to his parents' oversight, leaving him to grow up as a clumsy and inept superhero in Japan. He later discovers he is the lost prince of Planet Kinniku, a world that produces the greatest superheroes in the universe. This revelation sets him on a path to prove himself worthy of the throne through wrestling competitions and battles against various villainous Chojin, a term for superhuman wrestlers.
In terms of personality, Muscleman initially comes across as bright and jovial but also cowardly and lazy, often trying to run away from fights before a match. He is motivated by a desire for fame, a love of gyuudon (beef bowl), and an underlying sense of justice that eventually helps him overcome his fear. As the series progresses, his character develops significantly, shedding much of the early superhero parody traits to become a more competent and serious wrestler. He trains under Prince Kamehame to master the 48 Killer Moves, and he learns to harness his "Burning Inner Strength," a unique ability that allows him to access extraordinary power in dire situations and turn the tide of a match.
His role in the story is central: he is the hero who must defend Earth and his heritage against escalating threats, from the Seven Devil Chojin to the Golden Mask arc and the scramble for the throne among five pretenders. He ultimately wins the throne and becomes the 58th king of Planet Kinniku.
Muscleman's key relationships include his best friend and sidekick Meat Alexandria, a smart and loyal trainer from Planet Kinniku who often scolds him. He also forms deep bonds with fellow Justice Chojin such as Terryman, Robin Mask, Warsman, Brocken Jr., and Wolfman, many of whom start as rivals or villains before becoming allies. He later marries Bibinba and fathers a son, Mantaro Kinniku, who becomes the protagonist of the sequel series.
Notable abilities include his signature finishing moves like the Kinniku Buster, Kinniku Driver, Muscle Spark, and the Face Flash, the latter being a miraculous power activated when he removes his mask, which can purify water or revive the dead. His physique allows him to grow to thirty meters tall by consuming garlic, and his endurance is legendary, often making comebacks from seemingly impossible odds.
In terms of personality, Muscleman initially comes across as bright and jovial but also cowardly and lazy, often trying to run away from fights before a match. He is motivated by a desire for fame, a love of gyuudon (beef bowl), and an underlying sense of justice that eventually helps him overcome his fear. As the series progresses, his character develops significantly, shedding much of the early superhero parody traits to become a more competent and serious wrestler. He trains under Prince Kamehame to master the 48 Killer Moves, and he learns to harness his "Burning Inner Strength," a unique ability that allows him to access extraordinary power in dire situations and turn the tide of a match.
His role in the story is central: he is the hero who must defend Earth and his heritage against escalating threats, from the Seven Devil Chojin to the Golden Mask arc and the scramble for the throne among five pretenders. He ultimately wins the throne and becomes the 58th king of Planet Kinniku.
Muscleman's key relationships include his best friend and sidekick Meat Alexandria, a smart and loyal trainer from Planet Kinniku who often scolds him. He also forms deep bonds with fellow Justice Chojin such as Terryman, Robin Mask, Warsman, Brocken Jr., and Wolfman, many of whom start as rivals or villains before becoming allies. He later marries Bibinba and fathers a son, Mantaro Kinniku, who becomes the protagonist of the sequel series.
Notable abilities include his signature finishing moves like the Kinniku Buster, Kinniku Driver, Muscle Spark, and the Face Flash, the latter being a miraculous power activated when he removes his mask, which can purify water or revive the dead. His physique allows him to grow to thirty meters tall by consuming garlic, and his endurance is legendary, often making comebacks from seemingly impossible odds.