Bride of Frankenstein and the monster Target Exclusive Merry Monsters™

A few years ago a friend of mine - fellow doll lover and Horror Film Fan sent me these two little cuties from Maryland USA.

I instantly fell in love with them and I'm so lucky as he always sends me the coolest dolls and like these two very often I've never seen or heard of them before or if I have am unable to buy them in this Country.

I spent a long time trying to find information on these girls and discovered that they are from Mattel's Merry Monsters range, made exclusively for Target stores and sold in 2009.

                                                              Miranda and Kayla

Well butter me lucky 'cos we certainly don't have any Target stores in Wales (not that I'm aware of anyway).

 Nagabbit where I live; in a small village with a population of  1, 307 (measured in 2001) nestled into the base of a mountain, we don't even have our own Post Office (anymore) - maybe Cardiff has a Target, but nagdabbit that's over 56 miles away!

Anyhoo, I'm digressing the point is I didn't have to go and look for a Target or have to have anyone tell me about these dolls because my awesome buddy Kyle just knew that I would love and want them and sent them to me in a big box of goodies!

Barbie 35th Anniversary Special Edition Reproduction of Original 1959 Barbie Doll

1993 marked the 35th Anniversary of the humble Barbie doll, to celebrate the occasion Mattel released an exact replica of the original doll which went on sale for the first time in 1959.

These dolls were released as a limited edition under the Silver Label which means that no more than 50,000 were produced and sold Worldwide.

In doing so Mattel gave new Barbie collectors the opportunity to own a genuine "Classic" / Barbie #1 at a fraction of the cost the original dolls go for on the Second Hand Market.

These days the original Barbie is way out of many collectors price ranges and has often raised thousands at auction and in private sales alike - even original 2nd, 3rd and 4th Barbie dolls can fetch prices in the thousands.

Since the release of the 35th Anniversary reproduction Mattel, on discovering the popularity of these dolls have launched reproductions of other vintage dolls from their original doll line.

In keeping with the original doll the 35th Anniversary Barbie is an exact replica. She comes in the black and white striped swimsuit and black open toed mules of the original, "cat sunglasses" that were ever so popular in the 50's, she has red painted toe and fingernails and has her hair styled in a high ponytail twist and fringe just like the original and even comes with a replica of her original box - which is decorated with images of the original dolls in a variety of fashions available at the time and a 35th Anniversary tag on her wrist. 

She also has the gold hoop earrings  of the original but unlike the original the reproduction's are made of plastic not metal and she therefore will not suffer from Green Ear Syndrome which affected a lot of the original Barbie dolls that were displayed with their jewellery in place.      

                                                        

                                                

Unlike the original, the 35th Anniversary doll comes in a plastic box with her cardboard "original box" by her side, she also comes with an "Anniversary Celebration Booklet".

The back of her box has a large black and white image of the doll as well as information on the original 1959 range of Barbie dolls.

She was released in both blonde and brunette versions. The brunette version is identical to the blonde as are the accessories and box she comes with, the only difference besides her hair colour is a small label on her cardboard box which states either "Blonde" or "Brunette". Both versions of these dolls now retired by Mattel.

I had both versions of this doll, my blonde one still in pristine condition in her box as I purchased her. My brunette version was bought loose and nude and now goes by the name "Retro Lil'" she owns a 1950's diner where she sells Rement Burgers amongst other things which are very popular with the rest of my dolls...

I love Lucy "Lucy is Envious" Pink Label Collectors Edition Lucy & Ethel

Google Images 

Based on episode 89 of the Cult classic I Love Lucy Show "Lucy is Envious" from 1954; in which Lucy after exaggerating her wealth and status after being contacted by her former classmate to make a charitable donation, in a bid to impress her, unfortunately Lucy doesn't have the $500 she promised and needs to find a way to make money so with Ethel she takes a job promoting the release of a new film called "Women from Mars".

They end up dressed as Martians and have to "invade" the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building... As you can imagine, mayhem ensues!

Google Images 

Mattel have paid homage to this insane episode with the release of this two Shelly doll pack in 2009.`

The doll's are dressed in replica "Martian" outfits complete with wings and antennas and even their little "Ray Guns" tucked into their belts as Lucy and Ethel wore in the episode.

Barbie Collector.com

The dolls stand at approximately 4 inches high, which adds to the appeal of this set for me, I don't think they would be half as cute if they were Barbie sized.

 They come displayed in a clear plastic box against a backdrop which depicts the entire scene from the episode.

This set looks great displayed - I just love everything about it, from Lucy & Ethel's costumes to the backdrop behind them, and of course their funny little pointy noses and adorable ray guns!

I found these girls while nosing around Barbie Collector.com one day in 2009 and was unable to resist them, I just love strange dolls and they don't come much stranger looking than this pair!

I hit a snag though, I live in the U.K and Barbie Collector only ship to the U.S... I was gutted until one day I was discussing it with a friend of mine who lived in Maryland and he said "Use my address, and I'll send them onto you" - How cool is that?!

Sadly, this is the only way someone like me is able to buy any of Barbie Collectors Dolls, so I try very hard not to look at the site very often, but it is a great way around things providing you have someone in the U.S that you know you can trust.

The other sad thing is that this doll set has been retired by Mattel for several years now, but they can be purchased on Ebay I've discovered and possibly on Amazon (don't quote me on that one!) but if you do go looking on Ebay for these girls expect to pay a lot more than their original $8.00.

If you are interested in browsing Ebay for them, click this link: "Lucy is Envious" and it'll take you straight to the available listings.

have fun,

👽 The X Files Mulder & Scully Barbie Collectors Gift Set 👽

The  Barbie & Ken as Agent Dana Scully and Agent Fox Mulder Collectors Gift Set was released in 1998 to coincide with the release of the first X Files film called Fight The Future, the front of the box alludes to this at the bottom right, below the image of  David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as Mulder & Scully are the words "Fight The Future" in red capital letters and again on the right side of Barbie are three cardboard 1/6th poster size images; the first states: "FIGHT" and in small white letters at the very bottom: "Only in theaters June 19".

The second states: "FUTURE" and again the same legend in white below and the third says simply: "FIGHT THE FUTURE" at the bottom this one also reads:"Only in theaters June 19".

Both dolls are dressed in exact replicas of the outfits worn by Mulder and Scully's in the movie. 

Dana is wearing one of her much loved trouser suits with high heels and a white blouse, she has her laminated F.B.I Identification Badge pinned to her lapel and a large white pearl ring on her right hand.  

She has no other jewellery save for her gold cross which hangs on a chain around her neck. Beside her hand is her wallet sized badge holder which also contains her F.B.I Identification Card, Shield and Credentials.  

Both her I.D Card and her laminated Badge have her photograph and signature as well as other information and official F.BI Seals.

Fox is wearing a black suit, dark grey shirt, grey and blue striped tie, black leather belt with silver buckle and black shoes.

He also has an F.B.I Identification Badge pinned to his lapel and like Barbie, beside his right hand is his wallet sized badge holder which also contains his F.B.I Identification Card, Shield and Credentials.

The back of the box is illustrated with scenes from the movie and in keeping with the X Files theme lists the character's biographies written in the style of dossiers:

DOSSIER: Agent Dana Scully
Recruited out of medical school, Agent Dana Scully was originally assigned to THE X-FILES to debunk Agent Fox Mulder's work. Brilliant, idealistic, and with strong convictions, Scully discovers that THE X-FILES contain extra-ordinary secrets that the government must never reveal!
In spite of witnessing countless unexplainable events, Scully remains skeptical of these mysterious occurrences.
Since their first case together, Scully and Mulder have devoted themselves to a common goal: seeking the truth.

DOSSIER: Agent Fox Mulder
Oxford-educated, driven and self-assured, Agent Fox Mulder became a renegade when he decided to investigate THE X-FILES. These mysterious cases had been locked away and deemed "unexplainable" due to their paranormal nature. But Mulder has strong convictions about THE X-FILES, believing that his own sister was abducted by aliens when they were children.
Mulder soon finds a kindred spirit in his partner, Agent Dana Scully when the two fight to expose the truth.

This Special gift set features Barbie and Ken as Special Agents Scully and Mulder. Together they embark on one of the most important investigations of their lives... final proof of everything they've ever believed! Dressed in fashions from THE X-FILES feature film, Scully and Mulder are equipped with authentic badges and credentials.

The truth is out there...
Scully and Mulder must fight
a perilous future to find it...
before it's too late!

As well as the items already mentioned, this gift set also contains two doll stands and a Certificate of Authenticity.

I just couldn't resist sneaking Mulder's beloved poster into this post!

Enjoy,

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✨ Barbie & Ken Star Trek Gift Set ✨

This set was released in 1996 to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the original Star Trek T.V Series and is a Gold Label Edition which means each set is numbered and limited to 10,000 or less having been sold Worldwide.

I guess there's really only two types of people that this Barbie and Ken collector set would appeal to; either the kind of Barbie Collector who loves anything Barbie or a serious Star Trek fan, I'm the type of collector that has very eclectic tastes I also have always loved the original Star Trek T.V Series - it's one of those shows that has been deeply ingrained in my psyche since early childhood.
So of course this set really appealed to me and my sense of kitsch the doll collector and overgrown child in me loved the mini "Crew Members" in their authentic outfits and accessories.

While the Trekkie and the Artist in me loved the design of the box, colour choice, the image of the S.S Enterprise, the images from the cockpit and of course the cardboard cut-outs of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock and the fact that they have used the writing from the title screen from the original series at the bottom of the box.

Both Barbie and Ken have been produced from their Super Star moulds used and sold in the 1990's,
( The Super Star mould was first produced in the 1970's and continued to be produced up until the mid to late 1990's).

Barbie's uniform is modelled on Lt. Uhura's Operations Officer's uniform complete with an Assignment patch with symbol showing her position inside it. She also has the Rank Insignia of her position as Lieutenant around the cuffs of her sleeves.

She has her Federation Star Fleet Tricorder which she keeps hung over her shoulder when not in use and can be opened and closed, she also has a Communicator which she holds in her right hand.

Ken's uniform consists of a gold tunic and black trousers which was modeled on the uniform of a Starfleet Command Officer. He also has his Assignment patch on his chest with the symbol illustrating his position as Command Officer inside it.
The cuffs of Ken's sleeves also denote his rank as Commander. He is holding his Phaser in his right hand and his Communicator in his left, when not in use he can place his Phaser in a fabric loop on the side of his shirt which acts as a holster.

This is displayed inside the box as being open and ready for use but I have read Amazon Reviews which state that the Communicators can also be closed, the same review also stated that the dolls both have holes in their hands with which to hold them.

My dolls have not been removed from their box and will not be either as I love the way it displays with the Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock on The Starship Enterprise along with Barbie and Ken that I cannot bring myself to remove them from it.
Their clothes, made of a fabric that looks like felt, but is more than likely to be Xenylon - an algae based fabric, used for Federation Starfleet uniforms until 2268.

In keeping with Starfleet dress codes being female Barbie would have had a choice of either a tunic and trouser suit or a dress like outfit with regulation black tights and calf length boots. 

Being Barbie, she chose the latter! 

The back of the box shows Barbie and Ken's regulation accessories and has information on each:

Tricorder:

"Specialized state-of-the-art sensing technology available for scientific engineering, scientific and medical applications."

Communicator:

"A personal communications device providing voice transmission from a planetary surface to an orbiting spacecraft and between members of a landing party."

Phaser:

"Handheld weapon used by Starfleet personnel that can be adjusted to a variety of settings including stun, heat and disruption."

Below the photograph is written:

"Join Barbie and Ken as they beam aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 commemorating the 30th Anniversary of the classic Star Trek Series! 

Ready for any mission, Barbie is outfitted with an authentic Star Trek uniform. Her badge and red uniform denote her status as a member of the ship's engineering section. She carries a replica of a tricorder, the multipurpose scientific and technical instrument that incorporates computers, sensors and records in a convenient handheld device. She also carries a replica of a communicator allowing he to contact other Starfleet personnel. Ken wears a gold jersey and badge indicating his position in the Command division. He carries a replica of a phaser - an acronym for PHASed Energy Rectification - which is a directed energy weapon used by Starfleet personnel. 

Lieutenant Barbie and Commander ken join the internationally renowned original crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise: Captain James T. Kirk, First Officer Spock, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, Chief Engineer Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Helmsman Hikaru Sulu, Communications Officer Uhura and Navigator Pavel Chekov on a special voyage. In the 30 years since it first aired, Star Trek has inspired generations of fans with Gene Roddenberry's belief that people of various races, genders and planetary origins can work together to build a constructive future for all mankind."

The box also contains a black plastic stand for each doll with name tag, and Gold Label Certificate of Authenticity.

🦇 Batman & Catwoman Barbie Collector Classic 🦇

My Son is awesome - knowing how much I love the 1960's Batman T.V Series and of course my doll obsession he bought me two presents last Christmas that combine both...

The Batman and Catwoman Collector Classics Barbie and Ken Dolls ... Woohoo!!

                                             

They are both Pink Label which according to Barbie.collector.com  means they are  made for Collectors of all ages, not that I care what label these dolls are - they're beautiful works of art!

Batman's box is covered by cartoon imagery as used in the opening sequence of the T.V Series the writing is also from the classic series with those kitsch cartoon flashes that loved to use over Batman and Robin's awesome fight scenes.

And ... just look at that six-pack!

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/batman-ken-doll-y0302

Batman himself is wearing a replica costume to the one Adam West wore right down to is utility belt, some of the colours are a bit off but I can forgive Mattel for that as in all other aspects it's perfect.

You may not know this but Mattel never throw away their moulds even after they've retired the dolls they used them to create this means that any time Mattel want to re release a certain line of dolls they can make an exact replica - minus of course the plastics used at the time.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/batman-ken-doll-y0302

In the Mattel tradition the faces of this Barbie and Ken have been made from previously retired sculpts. The dolls themselves are reproductions of 1960's Barbie and Ken Dolls... I could be wrong but this appears to be what they did when creating these gorgeous dolls

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/batman-ken-doll-y0302

Catwoman's box design is identical to that of Batman's. As she doesn't wear a cape more of the background art is visible behind her - it is a full cityscape of Gotham with the Bat Signal projecting out into the night sky from behind the buildings and a cartoon depiction of Batman and Robin scaling a wall to the left of her with the aid of The Bat Rope!

Catwoman is styled after Julie Newmar's iconic portrayal of the beautiful villainess. She wears the same skin tight catsuit with pixie boots and black opera style gloves with golden claws attached, an eye mask and even the cute little kitten ears poking out from under her coiffed hair.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/catwoman-barbie-doll-y0304

Her outfit is accessorised with a gold belt worn on the hips and a golden chain, both replicas of the ones worn by Julie Newmar. The claws on her gloves, unlike Julie Newmar's Catwoman are painted on and not individual claws positioned like fingernails.

http://www.barbiecollector.com/shop/doll/catwoman-barbie-doll-y0304

When her mask is removed Barbie's vintage mould is unmistakable. Her make up is also a reproduction of Julie Newmar's Catwoman, with the same bizarrely styled eyebrows and Egyptian style kohl on her black eyelids with that "flick" at the outside corners that was so fashionable in the 1960's.

www.figures.com

The back of both boxes bear this statement: "Batman is the live action, TV cult phenomenon inspired by the DC comics characters of, The Caped Crusader and his sidekick Robin The Boy Wonder formed The Dynamic Duo, together, they battled colourful master criminals. The purrrrfectly mischievous minx Catwoman was a favourite foe sauntering through the TV episodes. Even today, The Batman Legacy continues as dedicated fans tune to The "Same Bat Channel" to watch tales of Gotham City's beloved DC Super Hero."
                                              

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✿｡•*¨*•｡ Dorothy Gale, Toto and Retro Lil' •*¨*•｡✿

Here's a couple  Barbie dolls from my collection... Dorothy Gale, with her little friend Toto and Retro Lil', my "repro' Barbie".

Barbie as Dorothy Gale was released in 1999 as part of Mattel's Wizard of Oz Collection..

She  comes in a faithfully rendered outfit, albeit a little shiny, a little basket in which she carries her little dog Tot, who appears to be panting and a pair of "ruby slippers" which light up.

She also says “There’s no place like home!” and “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

Retro Lil' is a 35th Anniversary Barbie, I wrote a post about these Barbies back in 2015, if you want, you read this post (35th Anniversary Barbie) for more information on them.

To my mind the older model Barbies are much prettier  than their modern day counterparts, except for some of the new Fashionistas, but in terms of comparison between the 1950's and 1960's Barbies, and the 1980's and 1990's Barbies and also the early 2000's.

 I'd probably have grown up playing a lot nicer with my Barbie dolls if they had stayed looking like Retro Lil'...