Johnny Has a Page on FaceBook!

Anyone remember my ethnic dollar store doll, Johnny? Well, someone chose him as their FB graphic. Check him here.

Who'd have thought it?

New Ethnic Playscale Doll Series: Prettie Girls by Stacey McBride-Irby

Thought your wallet and your credit cards were safe?

Ha!

Black Doll Enthusiast recently interviewed Stacey McBride-Irby about Ms. McBride-Irby's upcoming, new doll series, the Prettie Girls playscale fashion dolls. There will be five ethnic dolls in this series: Sophia, Lena, Kimani, Valencia, and Dahlia. There are sketches of the dolls at their new website, but nothing is like seeing the actual dolls in the vinyl. Sigh. And they are to be articulated, too. With lots of new fashions and oh, accessories. Dreamily gazing off.

Vanessa also submitted a post on this new doll series. In the spirit of sharing such good news, this is my contribution to the new fashion doll series. I wish Ms. McBride-Irby the best of luck with this new venture.

Ethnic Defa Lucy in Window

I was walking down Chelten Avenue the other day when I noticed an ethnic Defa Lucy doll in the window of a discount store. Pulled my camera out to take her photo. (Defa Lucy is produced by Guangzhou Lebay Children Articles Co., LTD. Yes, she is a Barbie-clone.) What struck me was how her complexion seemed gray-toned. I had had that thought when I wrote my earlier post on this doll, but I don't recall if I mentioned that.

I have seen someone who was literally gray-colored, but I thought he was an exception. Hmmm.

The Mystery Twins Aliesha and Noelle Roberts of BFC Ink.

Wyncote Walmart this morning and who do I see? The BFC Ink. twins, Aliesha and Noelle Roberts. They are cute, tawny-complected, brown-eyed, and black-haired. Since they are NOT Mattel dolls, I am going to discount any Barbie connection the surname "Roberts" might suggestion. Are they Asian or Middle Eastern or Black or Hispanic or Native American? The Kaylas of MGA Entertainment? Possibly. I cannot tell from the box or the accessories I see which ethnic group - if any - these dolls belong to. And while that could seem disturbing, in another way, it can be seen as a triumph of character over race. Or as a one-doll fits many escape by the manufacturer.

Me ... I feel free to assign them to the ethnic/racial category that pleases me. Or possibly, none at all. Depends on how they fit in my doll and action figure community.

There might be further information in the box or online.

I think ALL the smaller BFC Ink. dolls are cute.

Native American DAFs -- Hey Toby!

I received Kocoum from Disney's Pocahontas from the Jim Faraone Special Auction -- thanks Toby! Toby and I were talking about Native American dolls and action figures. I've only got FOUR Native American figures. Wow. Talk about under-representation. I am not doing a count to see that I have an equal amount of every race or ethnicity, but I am surprised that the number of Native Americans is so small.

Here the East Philadelphians (my crew) meet Kocoum:



Here's a full front view of Dragon Ben Yahzee (Adam Beach), YNU Group Mixis Emerald, Mattel Eskimo Barbie, and Mattel Disney Kocoum.



I am submitting larger files here at a medium setting to see if my photos will look better. Hope it won't take too long to upload.

Kocoum is now officially an East Philadelphian!

New Series: Mixis Biracial/Multiracial Dolls

Late last night, while tormenting myself with the low cost of the Rebelde sets on Amazon.com and seeking online photos of the actual dolls, I discovered a new series of dolls. The doll series is called Mixis, and they are created by YNU Group, Incorporated.

(Aside, it is the nature of doll and action figure collectors to seek new figures to obsess over. Keeps the thrill of the hunt alive. Always something on the horizon.)

(Aside 2, actually, I was checking for Rebelde photos when I came across a blurb about Kmart seeking ethnic dolls. So I HAD to investigate -- collector = curious -- and zap! I saw these gorgeous new-to-me dolls. I HAVE to have them, of course. But I was not actively seeking them. They came to my notice.)

Here are the website links for the company and for the website showing the dolls. The dolls are available at Dolls Like Me.

They remind me of the Get Set Club dolls produced locally around 1999. Sigh. Those dolls weren't out long; they didn't take. I liked and like them. They aren't as pretty as Barbies, but they have definite noses and intelligent faces. Not that all Barbies look like bimbos. (Better watch myself; might get in trouble with Mattel. And I tithe to them so often, that would be a shame. Note the Rebelde obsession.)

Someone has to go through her collection and start purging.