Kids
LIBERATION 48: ROMAN XENA
Every now and again, a TV spin off takes on more life than the original show. Such is the case with Xena, the fantasy adventure show starring Lucy Lawless. The fabulous action sequences and convoluted story lines…
LIBERATION 47: PAJAMA FUN COURTNEY
Ever since Skipper was promoted to “Teen,” Mattel has done a fabulous job of giving her and her friends fun themes for their annual dolls. This year, the theme is sleepovers, an idea that brings to mind…
LIBERATION 46: SUPER MODEL CLUB NAOMI
Takara Japan’s lovely and perky Jenny dolls have been coveted by collectors worldwide since the ’80s, when they had obtained a license to produce Mattel’s Barbie character for the Japanese market. Thankfully, when Mattel terminated the license…
LIBERATION 45: NIGHT COMBAT MAX STEEL
Mattel has been hungry for a big share of the action figure market ever since the decline of their last big success, He-Man. While their Disney based action figures continue to sell, they don’t have the marketplace…
LIBERATION 44: BANDAI ASIA SPECIAL EDITION SAILOR MARS
The Sailor Moon license has gotten a steady workout since the first line of dolls was produced in 1993. In every country where the show has aired, fans of all ages have clamored for dolls of their…
LIBERATION 42: BRITNEY SPEARS
Every new group of high schoolers, it seems, promotes one of their own to the position of ‘video diva’. This position is usually held by a young woman with an overstated sexuality, a peppy song, and a…
LIBERATIONS 40 AND 41: THE TOY STORY 2 WOODY & BO PEEP GIFT SET
To mangle an old phrase, “Irony, thy name is Mattel.” When the original Toy Story movie was still in the very early stages, Mattel flatly refused permission for Pixar to use Barbie in the story, feeling that…
LIBERATION 39: SMARTEES’ ASHLEY THE ATTORNEY
The motto for the Smartees dolls is “Smart friends for smart girls.” It’s an ambitious premise, but I have to admit I like it. Rather than attempting to have one doll that is everything to everybody, Smartees…
LIBERATION 38: WALT DISNEY WORLD 2000 BARBIE
The Disney family of companies and Mattel have had a long and profitable relationship, happily intertwining their respective specialties to part the consumer from their money. They have also created some wonderful exclusive dolls. (Anyone else remember…
LIBERATION 37: TREE TRIMMING BARBIE
Tree Trimming Barbie is this year’s supermarket store doll. If you enjoy informally-dressed holiday themed dolls, this line can be a real treasure. Each year’s doll is dressed in a casual outfit in preparation for a holiday…
