Ever since Skipper was promoted to “Teen,” Mattel has done a fabulous job of giving her and her friends fun themes for their annual dolls. This year, the theme is sleepovers, an idea that brings to mind late nights and giggling teenage girls, which fits right in with the Teen Skipper crowd. Pajama Fun Courtney … Read More →
Takara Japan’s lovely and perky Jenny dolls have been coveted by collectors worldwide since the ’80s, when they had obtained a licence to produce Mattel’s Barbie character for the Japanese market. Thankfully, when Mattel terminated the licence to the Barbie name Takara renamed the molds Jenny and continued their wonderful line of dolls, fashions, and … Read More →
Mattel has been hungry for a big share of the action figure market ever since the decline of their last big success, He-Man. While their Disney based action figures continue to sell, they don’t have the marketplace longevity of, say, a GI Joe. This year, however, Mattel is teaming up with Sony Entertainment and the … Read More →
The Sailor Moon license has gotten a steady workout since the first line of dolls was produced in 1993. In every country where the show has aired, fans of all ages have clamored for dolls of their favorite characters. There are dolls unique to markets in Japan, Europe, Italy, the US, Canada, and Asia. The … Read More →
The City Seasons line has been one of the best of Mattel’s attempts to appeal to the adult collector. Each doll was designed with a gorgeous, realistic seasonal themed outfit. Unfortunately, Mattel decided to end the line with Winter in Montreal, the seventh doll and the second winter themed outfit. As usual for this line, … Read More →
Every new group of high schoolers, it seems, promotes one of their own to the position of ‘video diva’. This position is usually held by a young woman with an overstated sexuality, a peppy song, and a mediocre voice. It is almost always an undeserved post with a rapid turnover rate. (Madonna has lasted, but … Read More →
To mangle an old phrase, “Irony, thy name is Mattel.” When the original Toy Story movie was still in the very early stages, Mattel flatly refused permission from Pixar to use Barbie in the story, feeling that the role as Woody’s sweetheart might make the B-girl look bad. Pixar shrugged and created the adorable Bo … Read More →
The motto for the Smartees dolls is “Smart friends for smart girls.” It’s an ambitious premise, but I have to admit I like it. Rather than attempting to have one doll that is everything to everybody, Smartees has created an initial line of four dolls each with their own career and history. The dolls each … Read More →
The Disney family of companies and Mattel have had a long and profitable relationship, happily intertwining their respective specialties to part the consumer from their money. They have also created some wonderful exclusive dolls. (Anyone else remember Toontown Stacie?) This particular doll is designed to celebrate the rollover year, and it helpfully provides a map … Read More →
Tree Trimming Barbie is this year’s supermarket store doll. If you enjoy informally-dressed holiday themed dolls, this line can be a real treasure. Each year’s doll is dressed in a casual outfit in preparation for a holiday activity. The price point on these dolls ranges from $10 to $12 (US), and they can be found … Read More →
