4/03/2015

Tonner's Bombshell - Supergirl

Of course I needed another doll. Silly question.

We picked up "Bombshell Supergirl" from my dealer this morning and she doesn't disappoint! This doll is gorgeous. I purchased her for the love of the sculpt so the costume is going to be sold.

These are iPhone photos shot on my kitchen table.
 Is there something strange about the S on her belt? 



 She's got a nice curly, well-gelled hairstyle that will stand up to redressing.

 The applied eyelashes are strange. Usually I have to push lashes upward so they don't cover a doll's eyes. In this case, they were applied so they touch her brow. I'll have to fix them.


 I do have an issue with these gauntlets. There's nothing wrong with the fit but the part where the hands come out have unfinished edges. Sure it adds manufacturing time to finish edges but this is not OK. They're a bit frayed already and will continue to fray if handled. I'd advise any collector to use a product like Fray Check to seal the edges. I keep it handy all the time in my sewing room. Don't squeeze it directly onto the fabric. Put a few drops on a non-porous dish and dip your fingertip into it. Use your fingertip to skim the edges of the fabric with the product. It dries clear but if you glop it on, the results will not be good.


 The "fit" body is the same as Tyler's but with shapely arms. She'll be able to wear all of Tyler's fashions.

I've been in love with my first Supergirl, "Phantom Zone," (Tonner Doll Exclusive at San Diego Comicon, 2008) from the day I got her and I just could not pass up this new one who uses the same sculpt.

Phantom Zone Supergirl
Supergirl dressed dolls (not separate outfits) Tonner Doll has produced. The following are Tonner's photos.
13"
Deluxe
Phantom Zone
Supergirl 52
DC Stars 2007
 There's also Kara of Krypton who is Supergirl. (Kara Zor-El)




A Repaint by Lisa Gates and the Monster High Monster Maker

 The very talented Lisa Gates has repainted a Wilde Imagination Sad Sally. With her new face and grown up earrings, Sally is no longer an innocent little girl. She now looks like a teenager. It's quite a transformation!
 Visit Lisa's website here: http://www.dazzleemrepaints.com/


I love my original Sad Sally although I do believe her face could use a little blushing.

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While we're on the topic of a quirky little doll, I was browsing through pictures of Monster High dolls last week. I went through a period of buying and displaying them. To say the least they are unique and clever. Personally, I lost interest in them rather quickly. They are cute play-line dolls and what you get for your money is enough but I found them to be nothing more than decorative characters. I used some of mine to decorate one of my smaller Christmas trees.

In spite of all that, this particular one caught my eye. Her name is Wydowna Spider. She's a ToysRus exclusive. Mattel categorizes Monster High dolls as fashion dolls.  Well, she does come with two additional fashions although I'd call them outfits.

Apparently, many collectors do consider them to be fashion dolls so I'm out-voted. I posted the question on a Facebook board last week.  Six out of 29 respondents said no, they do not consider them to be fashion dolls.

Some of the more interesting answers:
-Yes but only because don't consider them to be baby dolls
-I consider them more Playline fashion dolls like barbie Fashionista dolls - though i do have a few and a few Ever After High dolls
-Yes! The details on their fashions is incredible. If you're not a collector, take a closer look next time you see one. You'll be amazed how the purses, jewelry, & shoes are all different for each character.
-Yes!! They are actually amazing little posers and for an inexpensive doll they are very detailed

-Yes, sure they're playline but still fashion dolls.
-I think the difference is Monster High is a Playline fashion doll. The 16 inch dolls like Tonner, Sybarites, Kingdom Doll, Fashion Royalty 12 and 16 inch are collectible higher end dolls.
-Yes, fantasy fun fashion dolls of a sort.
-No, though their premise might be fashion forward off springs of the our favorite ghouls, monsters and ghosts, but still they're character based, and the movement of their clothing leans on costumes more than fashion.
-Yes a fashion doll is a doll that comes with fashions! So yes it would be considered a fashion doll so thought many collectors say no because the consider realistic type dolls as being fashion dolls.

Other items I stumbled upon in the MH line that are appealing are the Monster High Monster Maker, the Monster Maker Primary Extension Pack,  and the Monster Maker machine. There are multiple add-ons and design packs. The Monster Maker is $49.97 (Amazon) and the Primary Extension Pack is $13.99 (Amazon.) The Mattel Shop lists the maker for $129.99 before a 20% Easter discount, way more than Amazon's price.

Here is the description:

Bring Her to Unlife!

Monster High® fans can create their own unique monsters using the ultimate customization tool: Monster High® Monster Maker. Simply select a style from the design software (desktop or app), then start creating your doll’s unique look using a variety of graphics and patterns or draw your own design. Transfer your scary-cool creation from your tablet or computer onto individual doll parts using the Monster Maker machine. Best of all, you can watch the whole design process as it unfolds.  
Monster High Monster Maker comes with Monster Maker machine, Monster Maker software (desktop and app), body part adapters, nine colored markers, three doll stands, an eraser, three blank fashions, a rooted wig, two wig caps and three “blank” bodies ready for monster customization.


These items are certainly not for young children to play with on their own. The machine requires that one installs the included software and is connected via USB to your computer be it PC or Mac.  I recommend reading the reviews of the products on Amazon.com and watching the instructional video prior to purchase.
Fascinating tech! I'd love to play with this toy.
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My Monster High tree in the process of being decorated 3 Xmas' ago.

A photo from a piece I did for FDQ's Vacation issue: