Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Top Ten DAFs of 2009: Hrithik at 8




Manufacturer: Spin Master Ltd.
Series: Bollywood Legends
Character Name: Hrithik Roshan
Box Year, if Noted: 2006


Why is Hrithik Roshan on the Top Ten List?

This won't be difficult: Hrithik Roshan is on the Top Ten List because he is a good looking action figure. Oops, did I write action figure? I did. Hrithik is poseable therefore he is an action figure. Or is he a poseable doll? He did come with an extra outfit as shown in the photo above. The doll or action figure discussion can wait for another post .... You can see boxed Hrithik and Hrithik in his original clothes here.


Why is Hrithik eighth on the Top Ten List?



He's cute, poseable, AND an ethnic male. Attractive ethnic males are hard to find [at this scale] LOL. However, he's a little frail. I can pose him, but I do so carefully. My Hot Toys and Power Team guys have more substance to their bodies. Hrithik doesn't have odd proportion problems. His two outfits scream cheap: the gauzy shirt is the worst, but as long as I am happy with the figure, the clothes can be given away or sold. With Esther and Priyanka, I had definite "problems" with their doll bodies. With Hrithik, it's more that other dolls and action figures outranked him points-wise than that he has serious detractions.


I bought my Bollywood Legend dolls from Fairy Dust Dolls Ltd. through Amazon.co.uk. Postage to the United States from the United Kingdom was costly, but that was the only way that I knew to get these dolls. If anyone knows of a closer to the U.S. source for these dolls, please send that information in a comment.

Top Ten DAFs of 2009: Priyanka at 9



Manufacturer: Spin Master Ltd.
Series: Bollywood Legends
Character Name: Priyanka Chopra
Box Year, if Noted: 2006


Why is Priyanka Chopra on the Top Ten List?



Priyanka has not only a pretty face, but a pretty ethnic face. She has a discernible nose, wide mouth, and full lips. Her eyebrows are heavier than usual; her face is broader than usual. Notice her warm complexion and red streaked black hair. Bye bye Steffie and Teresa faces for this Indian doll. Long live la difference!

Also, check the beautiful red scarf and the navy velvety bodice and the vivid red full skirt. I love this colorful outfit. The earrings and bracelets add to the festive air of her outfit. She should dance. I expect the extras from a Bollywood movie to spring from the shelves and to gyrate around her. Music and pagentry wherever she roams.


Why is Priyanka the ninth doll on the List?



Proportions again. Her head is a little large. Surprisingly, her feet are smaller than the current high-heeled Barbie's feet. Her feet are the same size as the Smartees dolls' feet: tiny. Then her limited articulation keeps Priyanka on the lower end of this List. Her knees do NOT bend. Her arms can move up and down from her shoulders, but the inability to bend her knees disappoints me. Straight-legged dolls are tricky to pose seated.

Also, the glitter on the outfit sheds easily. The left earring breaking off, I'll excuse as my clumsiness.

I bought my Bollywood Legend dolls from Fairy Dust Dolls Ltd. through Amazon.co.uk. Postage to the United States from the United Kingdom was costly, but that was the only way that I knew to get these dolls. If anyone knows of a closer to the U.S. source for these dolls, please send that information in a comment.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Top Ten DAFs of 2009: Esther at 10




Manufacturer: One2Believe
Series: Tales of Glory
Character Name: Talking Esther Messenger of Faith
Box Year, if Noted: 2007


Why is Esther on the Top Ten list?



Esther has a strong face. More handsome than pretty. Her face stands out among my other dolls because most of them are pretty or beautiful. Perhaps Esther is a little androgynous? Yes, only where androgyny in playscale figures usually shows as feminine males (the Takara Jenny boyfriends), Esther appears masculine female due to her straightforward gaze, strong nose, and firm chin.

If you press Esther's midsection, she "talks" about her life as a wise, beautiful, and brave woman who helps her people. (Note: she isn't immodest about her assets: "People say that I am as wise and as brave as I am beautiful." "People" say that about her. "Hmmm," I think.) I have accidentally set off her speech when moving her. Interesting that she is one talking doll who actually talks.


Why is Esther the tenth doll on the List?



Proportion. Esther's head is large, and her calves seem short to someone [me] accustomed to fashion doll proportions.

You can find Talking Esther Messenger of Faith at One2Believe.com for $19.99 at this time. Do check to see if you can find her on sale elsewhere though: I bought mine for half that price from KBToys.com before they went out of business. Other sellers might sell this doll series for less.

I would be happy to read any comments or to answer any questions about Esther that I can.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

East Philadelphians Contemplate the Snow






Jakks Pacific G.I.R.L. Force Creanna and a M & C Power Team action figure and Mattel Legolas Ken contemplate the 2009 snow storm. Creanna's outfit is all original to her; the Power Team gentleman has borrowed Jakks Pacific Van Helsing's maroon "leather coat." Oh and Legolas Ken borrowed the long black "leather" coat that once belonged to Angel and an action figure accessory knit cap. He strikes a very fine pose.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Target Findings - More Barbie Photos

Leftover photos and brief comments:



A new princess wears gladiator sandals ... cool!




Jungle gym for the little ones ... cute.




Interesting ... the Pre-School Teacher uses the Asha head mold. For fans of the Asha head mold, that means a new doll.




Am I alone in this thought? This pink and white candy striper uniform for Barbie is cute, but it is made of vinyl. Do candy stripers really wear vinyl uniforms? Sounds hot as in suffocating, LOL.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Response From Toys R Us ... No We Can't

I sent a query to the Toys R Us Customer Service at ToysRUs.com about permission to scan a 1987 Toys R Us newspaper supplement and post that scan at my blog. I received a prompt and courteous response that no, they could not provide permission at this time. I don't think that they mean for me to re-send my query after the December holidays LOL.

So I will not scan any Toys R Us supplements here. I can respect their refusal without understanding why they say "no." It's their property.