Three Mattel Variations on Asha Head

I want to illustrate the differences Mattel has created in dolls with the same head mold. Below are three dolls with the Asha head mold. The head mold received that name because it was first used with the Asha doll in the Shani series back in 1991. Aside from the Big Head Syndrome of the doll in the middle, the dolls have similar features, but the dolls look different enough for me to consider each a separate, buyable doll.

From left to right, the dolls are Cali Girl Christie (2003), Cali Girl Christie (2004), and Harley Davidson Barbie (2000).

Differences include

Complexions/make up colors

Hair length

Hair style

Hair texture


Mattel Ethnic Dolls using Asha Head Mold (and BHS Asha Head Mold)




Cali Girl Christies (2003 and 2004, left to right)




Harley-Davidson Barbie with microbraids

S.i.S. Update on Dolls of Color Blog!

There are photos and a post about the new Mattel series, S.i.S. or Sisters in Style, on the Dolls of Color blog. There is a follow-up post as well as several comments.

The dolls look cute. The outfits look okay - I'm not crazy about short shorts, but the dolls look cute. If I can find facial screenings that I like, I'll get all three.

If I want really new Black or other ethnic doll faces though, I'll check the YNU Group for new Mixis dolls. Or investigate new doll or action figure companies. About half of my collection is produced by Mattel - so I am NOT dismissing them or the dolls they produce. As an established company though, they have default face molds and default shapes for their dolls. An established company will not veer far from those faces and those shapes that have won it business before and that generated its recognizable brand. Add to that a long-time collector of Mattel dolls, and you can see how a company's biggest fan or fans, can feel a leetle disappointed in the new offerings. Just a little. That's part of being a long-time fan though.

DAFs Driving

I'd have liked this photo better if I had taken it outside. Here are some dolls and action figures out for a drive. Ellen has the golf cart, Momoko the Barbie Beetle, and Kelly the Madison (Mattel) Vespa. Kelly enjoys a stretch during a stalled moment.

Webshots Folder Updated - R&D Susie!

I have updated my Webshots Photo Albums with a new folder for R&D Dolls' Susie. See here. Thanks for looking!

Asian Playscale Men 2

My other Asian guys felt left out. So here they are ...

O Joe and New Joe - Photo Comparison Part 1

Found my childhood G.I. Joe or O Joe ("Original Joe") and decided to photograph him with one of the newer Joes from 2004. Here are three photos. Yes, the guys are nude - the better for their forms to be seen - but as we all know, they do NOT have discernible penises so the more modest (kof kof) viewers need not be offended.

(Aside: it is my belief that Kens, Joes, and all other male figures have retractable, i.e., modesty penises not visible to the human eye or to cameras. More on this subject to come.)

Dance Joes, Dance!




Joes Sit and Guess Who is More Flexible?

Roville Update: New Character Killene

Roville website was updated on June 9, 2009. Watch the photostory for new character, Killene.

A new doll character from a CyGirl or CyGirl type action figure. New setting. Yay!