LIBERATION 56: RAQUELLE
Capitalizing on the success of their Monster High web series, Mattel has launched a new series for their main girl Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse! Featuring both classic and new Barbie pals, I find myself drawn to…
LIBERATION 51: BARBIE AS WONDER WOMAN
Wonder Woman is an unusual figure in the world of comic books. When she was created in 1941, comic books were read by an overwhelming number of children and adults of both sexes, and the story goes…
LIBERATION 49: LOS ANGELES DODGERS BARBIE
Last fall, Mattel produced three fabulous Major League Baseball Barbies- one for the Dodgers, one for the Yankees, and one for the Cubs. Designed for the Barbie Collectibles line, as opposed to the play line, these dolls…
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 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 43: WINTER IN MONTREAL BARBIE
The City Seasons line has been one of the best of Mattel’s attempts to appeal to the adult collector. Each doll was designed with a gorgeous, realistic seasonal themed outfit. Unfortunately, Mattel decided to end the line…
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 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…
LIBERATION 36: BRANDY
If you’ve visited this site before, you probably know that I really like celebrity dolls. When properly done, I think dolls based on real people can add some much needed variety to a fashion doll collection. Just…
