Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Twilight Saga Collection: Twilght Bella and Edward Barbie & Ken


I’m rather embarrassed to admit this, but I’m a HUGE fan of the Twilight series! I bought the first book in 2009 after the release of the movie on DVD thinking that I should read it to find out what the fuss is about. I was instantly addicted to the book, and thought Edward Cullen was just smouldering on the page – literally smould-er-ing! I went to buy the remaining three books the very next day, and read the whole series in a week! Yes, all four books in one week , even though I was working long hours, but I just loved Edward*.



When the Bella Swan and Edward Cullen Barbie and Ken dolls were released, I just had to buy them. The Bella Barbie is pretty with her long brown hair swept back with a black hair band, brown eyes and pink close lip smile. She wears a denim jacket (ahem, with nothing underneath!) and jeans with sneakers – and looks like a typical teenager. I think the brass zip looks big and clumsy and out of proportion with the doll, the pockets on the jacket are poorly sewn and Mattel should have at least have dressed her in a t-shirt under her jacket.



The Edward doll is a huge disappointment because he looks nothing like Robert Pattinson – who is incredibly handsome in the first movie. His auburn hair is just a mess and looks nothing like it did in the film, and his facial sculpture is poorly chiseled and just looks odd. The doll’s complexion is pale with glitter, and I know you are wondering whether he glitters all over, the answer is no. The glitter is only on his face and torso, and his limbs are pasty white. Before you ask, the answer is "no", I did not undress Edward (I'm too much of a lady), I just peaked up his sleeves and pant cuffs! Edward wears a blue shirt under a thick wool coat teamed with black pants and black leather shoes.

It is a Pink Collection and the quality of the dolls and clothes is disappointing. Did anyone from Mattel read or watch the movie?


* The sensible side of me knows that the story is wrong on so many levels, but Edward was such gentleman. I know, I’m full of contradictions...

Release date: 1 October 2009
Mattel price: US$24.95 each
Label: Pink
Ebay price as at November 2012: US$19 - $30

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Barbie and Ken as Arwen and Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings


JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings books (and films) have such a huge following, but it’s not a genre that I’m particularly keen on so I’ve only watched the first film of the trilogy. Barbie and Ken as Arwen and Aragorn is a popular set among Barbie collectors as well as fans of the books and film which have seen a prices on the secondary market reach up to US$250. Arwen gave up her immortality to marry mortal Aragorn so this set depicts their wedding.


Barbie as Arwen wears a pale green gown with long billowing sleeves which appears to be made of light velvet. The neckline and cuffs are embellished with silver braids, and a white chiffon stole is drapped around her. Like LivTyler who plays Arwen, Barbie has a beautiful face with brown eyes and red lips. She has long, wavy brown hair and wears a narrow crown with strands of green beads adorning the sides. What makes this Barbie unique are her elf ears and I’m pleased Mattel made the effort to include this detail even though they are covered by her hair.


Ken as Aragorn, played by Viggo Mortensen, appears very masculine, and unlike The Waltz Ken who I said looks sleazy with his pencil thin mustache, Aragorn’s goatee looks pretty hot. He wears a silver crown and has shoulder length brown hair. His body armour is well made and looks heavy over his steel mesh tunic. Ken wears a deep red cape (capes now make me laugh ever since Iron Man made a snide remark about Thor wearing his mother’s drapes in The Avengers). Ken carries a sword and wears sturdy looking boots.


I've always been tempted to sell this set, but on further reflection, the quality and detail of his set is superb and I don't think I can part with them. 

Date of release: 1 November  2003
Mattel price: US$59.97
Label: Collector Edition
Ebay price as at November 2012: US$200 - $250

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Model No. 05 — Collection 001


My Aunty Jenny took one look at this Model No. 05 and shook her head in disgust saying she looked like a vixen, which isn't a compliment if you are Chinese (see Huli Jing)!

Model No. 05 features the Kayla/Lea face sculpt and is made to look "ethnic" (cringe). She has long black hair, blown eyes with dramatic smokey eye makeup and full red lips. Her finger and toes nails are painted in the same shade of red.

Barbie wears a tight fitted strapless knee-length dress, and black open toe high heels. I wasn't a huge fan of the Basics Collection, but Mattel had so kindly modeled this Barbie after me, I couldn't resist buying her!


Date of Release: 19 November 2009
Mattel price: US$19.95
Label: Black
Ebay price as at November 2012: US$35 - US$80