Globally embraced fashion doll line Monster High is returning on Oct. 1, introducing a new line of characters which highlight the inclusive messaging at the core of the brand. The characters, including revamps of popular fan favorites, represent a wider array of cultural and ethnic backgrounds, body shapes and sizes and gender identities.
Since launching in 2010, Monster High has been one of the most beloved and successful properties that's part of the Mattel brand. The property encourages a more accepting world where everyone can let their inner monster shine and be their authentic self.
The refueling of the franchise kicks off with the reproduction of the original dolls, which haven't been available since 2018, as well as accessories and play sets. Each doll has 12 points of articulation, detailed fashion, a pet and accessories that further add to the storytelling play element. And, the characters are dressed in their most fang-tastic back-to-school looks.
"Monster High fans have always been deeply connected to themes celebrating individuality and acceptance — the same themes that powered the brand to become one of the most successful and beloved kids' properties of all time," Lisa McKnight, global head of Barbie and dolls portfolio for Mattel, tells Yahoo Life. "From the beginning, Monster High has stood for creating a more accepting world where everyone feels proud to be their authentic self, and as we refuel the franchise today with reimagined dolls and characters, a live-action movie and animated series in partnership with Nickelodeon, we encourage fans both original and new to embrace what makes us all unique."
The series launch includes characters Draculaura, Clawdeen Wolf, Frankie Stein, Cleo De Nile and Lagoona Blue. Three additional retail exclusives will also be available: Deuce Gorgon (an Amazon exclusive), Toralei (a Walmart exclusive) and Ghoulia Yelps (a Target exclusive). Deeper backstories will be explored amongst the character collection.
Clawdeen is half-werewolf, half-human and biracial, born to a werewolf mother who is Mexican and a human father who is Black. Her werewolf-inspired look includes an animal-print jumper and a long-sleeve top with crescent moon print.
With Dracula as her father, fans will be introduced to Draculaura's mother, a vampire of Taiwanese descent, as her storyline will dive deeper into her heritage. In embracing body diversity, the revamp of the original character has made her shorter and curvier than before. Draculaura's look is vampire chic with heart-print shorts, a vampy corset blouse with sheer sleeves and sheer, ruffled stockings.
Frankie Stein, the child of Dr. and Dr. Stein, is determined to not let societal norms get in their way. Frankie is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. Frankie is the tallest of the other ghouls and uses a prosthetic leg. Their look includes platform sneakers, a plaid skirt and lightning bolt-printed blouse.
Lagoona is from the coast of Honduras and a proud Latina. Lagoona's look is sea monster-inspired with fin detailing throughout her wardrobe. In Deuce Gorgon's story, fans who were already familiar with his mom, Medusa, will finally be introduced to his mother, Lyra. His look uses snake elements including engraved sunglasses.
Accessory kits include the Coffee Bean Lounge play-set, which can accommodate up to five Monster High dolls for interactive play. There is also a Draculaura Gore-ganizer which includes a coffin and makeup set.
Embracing its mission of acceptance and cultivating community, Monster High is partnering with DoSomething.org, one of the largest organizations exclusively for young people and social change that brings kids together and gives them a sense of belonging. Monster High and DoSomething will help teenagers foster meaningful relationships by providing a template for students to create welcome guides and welcome notes to share with younger students in their schools, to help them feel a sense of welcome and belonging at the start of the 2022 school year. Additionally, Mattel will donate $1 to DoSomething for each Ghoulia Yelps doll sold at Target. The funds will go directly to support mental health initiatives for young people.
Fans can get to know the reimagined characters in an entirely new medium, including the first ever live-action movie musical, Monster High: The Movie (premiering Oct. 6) and animated series, Monster High: The Series this fall — in partnership with Nickelodeon.
The reimagined Monster High collection will be available starting Oct. 1 at major retailers for a suggested retail price of $24.99.
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