Dolly Review: Headless Headmistress Bloodgood
The Headless Headmistress is in the building! My Toys R Us exclusive Bloodgood arrived last week. Of the three dolls hinted at during SDCC 2010, I was most excited about this doll. How could you not love a doll that is meant to be headless? Plus, she’s one of the few adult characters created for the Monster High line. I’m a huge fan of the traditional gang, but I do enjoy when we get a new ‘first edition’ doll. It’s refreshing!
Introducing The Headless Headmistress
Bloodgood, as a doll, is neat and screen accurate. She is packaged as a two set, alongside her trusty stallion Nightmare. They’re sold exclusively through Toys R Us and are priced around $40.00. $40 is a lot to ask for a playline doll set, even one with two pieces. Is it worth it? For the most part, yes, but it really depends on how badly you want this doll in your collection!
Nightmare
Let’s start by talking about Nightmare. Nightmare isn’t anything special. Barbie has had horses before and Nightmare is pretty similar to those that have been released. Ironically, while the dolls are heavily jointed, Nightmare isn’t.
Nightmare
Nightmare has no joints whatsoever. He (or she?) stands relatively well, but has less weight to him (or her) than I would have liked. In the end, Nightmare is just an overpriced prop for Bloodgood.
She ain’t called the Headless Headmistress for nothing!
Now on to the good stuff– Headless Headmistress Bloodgood. I love idea that this doll is designed to go headless. It’s probably the most macabre thing we’ve seen in the Monster High line to date. In terms of her body. It’s constructed the same as traditional Monster High dolls. The joints are no different than what we are used to. Bloodgood is taller than your traditional Monster High doll, however.
The Duo
Bloodgood, like the rest of the line, looks nearly identical to her cartoon counterpart. Her head is easy to pull off and push back into place. You’ll notice when she’s headless, you’ll still see the neck knob on her body, but I don’t think Mattel could have realistically done anything to cover that up.
Hair
Bloodgood’s hair is rooted and styled well. I was a little worried, to be honest, because having pre-ordered this doll, I didn’t have the ability to select the ‘best’ doll on the shelf. Hair is a huge thing for me and my Monster High purchases. I’ve passed on many a Monster High dolls because the hair was unevenly cut or the highlights were terribly uneven. Thankfully, this Bloodgood came styled well out of the box!
Riding ‘Boots’
Headless Headmistress’ snazzy top
Fashion isn’t lost on Bloodgood. She’s decked out in a very chic horseback riding style outfit. I don’t love the fabric that Mattel used for the purple duster. It’s a little stiff. However, the stiffness works in a way to create the affect that Bloodgood, when riding Nightmare, is moving fast.
There are many things I like about Bloodgood. Mainly, what I like is that her doll does a good job of embodying the character that we’ve seen numerous times in TV specials and online in webisodes.
There is one slightly important issue that Mattel forgot when putting Bloodgood together, though. And it’s kind of a big one. Bloodgood’s character is seen many times holding her head in her arms. This was, of course, the first thing I tried to do with my Bloodgood when I deboxed her.
Figuring Mattel had realized this, I thought they would have made allowances for the extra weight Bloodgood may hold in her hands, but apparently not. While Bloodgood’s joints aren’t loosy goosy like the original releases, they don’t exactly love holding her head. With a bit of guess and check, eventually you can get her to hold it so it looks okay, but it would have been great if Mattel had thought about adding a bit of support to the arm joints.
Bloodgood and Nightmare
The weak posing ability while headless aside, I am glad I added Bloodgood to my collection! She’s pretty cool. Do I wish she’d been released without her steed and offered for a better price? Oh, yeah. But, overall, I’m happy Mattel decided to go forward with releasing Monster High’s Headless Headmistress!
SDCC 2013 Monster High Exclusive, plus more!
San Diego Comic Con is one of the biggest pop culture events in the world. It is filled with celebrities, star studded panel discussions and phenomenal exclusive merchandise. Since 2010, Mattel has released a SDCC exclusive Monster High doll. These dolls are almost always hard to find and very expensive on the second hard market post convention.
Matty Collector has recently posted a sneak peak of this years SDCC exclusive. The official picture will be posted on May 15th. However, this sneak peak gives a lot away!
SDCC 2013 Teaser Image of Exclusive
The exclusive looks a lot like Wydowna, Daughter of Arachne. Wydowna actually made her debut at SDCC 2011, where she was one of three dolls displayed at the Mattel booth. The two dolls that accompanied her, Scarah Screams and The Headless Headmistress, have been or will be released, so it makes sense that we’d be seeing Wydowna.
Wydona at SDCC ’11
Will we see the Wydowna above that was displayed years back at SDCC or will we see a more comic/super hero themed version of this doll? My bet is that this doll will follow the ‘Power Ghouls’ line. The coloring in the promo image definitely has a ‘Spider-Man’ type of feeling to it.
As far as SDCC exclusives go, I own two of the three released, black and white Frankie (2010) and Deadfast Ghoulia (2011). The exclusive is available for pre-order on Matty Collector for those who are attending SDCC only. After the convention, if they have stock left over, they usually sell it on Matty Collector.
Now onto a few non exclusive Monster High reveals…
Catty Noir, Ghouls Night Out
While we still don’t know much about her, promo shots of Catty Noir have hit the internet. She’s a werecat, as you can see here, and looks to be part of the ‘Ghouls Night Out’ line (though that isn’t confirmed).
Heath and Abbey 2 Set Promo
The new classroom 2 pack featuring Heath and Abbey is something I’m really looking forward to. Mattel posted this and other pictures on the Monster High facebook page. Do I wish they’d released Heath as a single basic? Yeah, but the Abbey looks kind of cute this time around.
So, that’s the scoop for now. When the final pictures of this years SDCC exclusive go live, I’ll be sure to let you know! Until then, what do you think of Mattel’s choice of character for this years SDCC? Do you plan on getting one? Have thoughts on the other MH dolls featured here? Share your thoughts!
My Top 10 Favorite Monster High Dolls
After many, many dry months with no new Monster High dolls in sight, I’m looking forward to the next few months. We have a ton of releases due out during the summer, including the The Headless Headmistress, 13 Wishes (July 2013), Music Festival (July 2013), and new Picture Day (July 2013).
While we continue the wait for the new releases, I thought I’d take you back in time a bit and let you in on my favorite Monster High dolls (in no particular order).
My Top Ten Favorite Monster High Dolls
SDCC Black and White Frankie:
Black and White Frankie
I love this doll. Frankie looks great in black and white and I love the throwback to old school movie monsters. The best part is I didn’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get her back in 2010!
Sister Set Howleen:
Sister Set Howleen
For a doll with ‘complicated’ hair, it looks great out of the box. Also, I love the orange hair on this Howleen release. Her overall look is just fantastic.
Basic 1st Edition Lagoona:
Lagoona
Lagoona was my first Monster High doll. Monster High was new and exciting and hasn’t hit store shelves yet. Until it did and my mom and I stumbled upon the line at Toys R Us. We had a few choices on which dolls we could get. I chose Lagoona. My mom chose Frankie. I still love Lagoona’s big, round eyes.
Scary Tales Clawdeen and Draculaura:
Scary Tales Clawdeen
The Scary Tales line is adorable. And even more importantly, it brought back some of the ‘life’ that was missing from the previous lines. Scary Tales Clawdeen and Draculaura are both on my top ten list.
Scary Tales Draculaura
Basic 1st Edition Holt:
Basic 1st edition Holt
Holt, hands down, is my favorite Monster High male doll. He’s just sooo awesome looking from the top of his molded hair down to his shoes. He looks good with all the other female dolls, too. I wish they’d make more Holt’s!
Basic 1st Edition Ghoulia:
Basic 1st Edition Ghoulia
Ghoulia was one of my favorites since the beginning. Do you remember the craziness that was ‘The Ghoulia Hunt’? Ghoulia didn’t come out until after Frankie, Lagoona and the rest so it seemed like everybody wanted her. But why wouldn’t they? Ghoulia is such a neat doll!
Dot Dead Gorgeous Spectra:
Dot Dead Gorgeous Spectra
Spectra is one of my favorite Monster High characters and this version of her is adorable. She has character, pizzazz and a great look!
Home Ick Frankie:
Home Ick Frankie
I love Frankie with bangs. And this outfit? Adorable!
Basic 1st Edition Venus:
Basic 1st Edition Venus
Seriously, how cool is Venus? I love her hair style and color pallet.
I’ve compiled my Top 10 Favorites into a YouTube video below.
Now that I’ve shared my favorites, why not share your favorites. Who are your top three all time favorite Monster High dolls? Share your thoughts below!
Monster High Article Update
A few months ago, I asked for all you awesome Monster High collectors to answer a few questions for a spec article I was writing about (you guessed it!) Monster High. It’s about time for an update on that article!
Write, write, write!!!
I officially finished it late last month and have since submitted it to the two doll magazines I could find. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find editor information on some websites. It’s like they try to hide it! The article ended up being 1,898 words and, I think, freakishly fabulous! 1,800 words comes out to about 4 full typed pages.
Now, the wait begins!
I couldn’t have written the article without everyone who was awesome enough to answer my questions. I haven’t heard back from either magazine yet, but I plan on following up this week. Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t get lost or ignored!!!
Monster High Fearleading Trio, Version 2
During my weekly ‘lurking’ of Monster High Dolls, I stumbled upon news of a Monster High three doll set. For the moment, it looks like this will be exclusive to Toys R Us. What three dolls grace us with their presence in this new set? None other than Toralei, Purrsephone, and Meowlody, dressed to slay their competition in their fearleading uniforms.
Fearleading Trio, Version 2
Borrowed from eBay, here’s an image of the trio. Personally, I don’t think I’ll be picking this up for my collection. I have the original Fearleading three pack with Cleo, Ghoulia, and Draculara. I have an extra Frankie wearing the fearleading outfit that was sold separately. How many dolls do I really need dressed in fearleading outfits? Not to mention, I don’t feel there’s enough of a difference in the Werecat Twins. Besides the outfits, their hair styling and overall look is nearly identical to their original release.
What do you think of this new TRU release? Share your thoughts below!
(Note: I purposely did not leave a direct link to the image source, because I don’t like promoting overpriced Monster High dolls. My recommendation? Wait till these hit stores before you buy, unless you are in dire need and don’t have a local TRU. Your wallet will thank you!)
Review: Monster High Picture Day Spectra
The Monster High Picture Day dolls have finally hit my area! Earlier this week, we found ourselves in the same Walmart, three days in a row. The first two days? Nothing. The last day? We struck gold. While not all the dolls were on the shelf, some of the new and elusive Picture Day dolls were! Smelling a challenge, my mom and I decided to go to the neighboring Walmart as well, and somehow in one evening we found the entire line in our shopping bags!
Monster High Picture Day
The Basics: Spectra is one of my favorite Monster High characters. Picture Day Spectra is the third Spectra to be released and my favorite of this specific line. I don’t see many changes from her earlier releases, but as always, this Spectra stands out.
Spectra, Picture Day
Face/Hair: Spectra has a head of soft lavender hair with dark purple highlights. Mattel didn’t try to over style her hair like a few of the past Monster High releases and I’m happy to say Spectra has none of that annoying hairspray in her hair! Spectra’s make up is spot on. Sticking with her ghostly image, Spectra’s skin is stark white, which contrasts nicely with her dark purple make up.
Great Make up!
Clothing: I love Spectra’s outfit, as usual. It’s perfect and a lot of thought was put into making it ‘ghost-like’. Her necklace of chains is a nice touch and her shoes! Her shoes are fantastic. Seriously, the effect that Mattel crafted with the see-through limbs and Spectra’s shoes? Love it! (Picture further down.)
Picture Day Spectra’s outfit
Body: I think Mattel is long past the loose limbs phase. Yeah, I’ve had a few newer dolls with a loose elbow or two, but the bodies are far better put together than they were when they premiered. My Picture Day Spectra has no loose limbs that I can tell and holds poses well.
Back are Spectra’s see-through limbs!
Accessories: Spectra comes with a comb (basic black), a Fearbook (paper with stickers), a purse and a stand. Forgetting the comb and the Fearbook, the purse is cute, but too small and pretty useless. It doesn’t open and like I just mentioned, is far too small. I wish Mattel would go back to the days of purses that didn’t just feel like last minute add ons. And the stand? Well, cheers for including a stand with the doll, but jeers for including a stand that doesn’t work. The peg doesn’t fit the base, which is a theme for all the recent dolls it seems.
Spectra’s profile
What I Like: Spectra’s design and overall look stands out amongst the recent Monster High releases. Her hair, while simple, is easy to manage and not dipped in hair spray. Her outfit, including her shoes, rock. Last but not least, Spectra’s make up is just right– not over done or under done. It’s perfect!
Love the chain link shoes!
What I Don’t Like: I don’t like the Monster High stands as of late. I don’t think I’ve purchased a doll with a good stand in a long, long time. Also, the purse seemed like a throwaway. Next time, I hope they package Spectra with more thought out accessories.
Spectra’s Fearbook photo
For those who are interested, I posted a video review of Picture Day Spectra on YouTube. You can view it below.
What do you think of the new Monster High Picture Day Spectra? Share your thoughts below in the comment section!
Anniversary Giveaway 2012
Unbelievably this little ol’ blog has been on the web for 3 years!! In celebration, I thought I’d reward one lucky reader with some swanky (okay, maybe swanky is going a bit too far) Monster High awesomeness!
In honor of Confessions of a Doll Collectors Daughter’s 3rd anniversary, I’m giving one lucky reader the chance to win a Monster High prize pack that includes: a mini Monster High mouse pad and a cool Monster High Keychain! Both of these were purchased at the Mattel Store and I have yet to see them in Toys R Us, Justice, or other retailers that sell Monster High dolls!
You can WIN this keychain and mousepad!
Unlike most of the contests I host, I am requiring all who enter to subscribe to this blog via e-mail, Facebook, or Youtube. Why? Because this blog wouldn’t have lasted this long without those who took the plunge and hit subscribe or (more recently) ‘like’ on Facebook.
Here are the rules:
-You must subscribe to one of the following: this blog via e-mail or my new Facebook page or my Youtube Channel.
-The contest is open to everyone, worldwide!
-You must leave a comment letting me know a) if you subscribe via e-mail or Facebook or Youtube and b) who your favorite Monster High character is on this post.
-For an extra point, share this contest with your friends. Leave a separate comment letting me know you spread the word!
-Minors must have their parents permission before entering.
-The giveaway ends December 8th, 2012.
The winner will be contacted by e-mail so make sure you have the proper email address attached to your comment. For those typing it out in your comment, feel free to type out ‘at’ and ‘dot’ (ie: your name(at)gmail(dot)com).
Many will enter, but only one will win! Good luck!!!!
Monster High Collectors, I Need Your Help!
Hello good readers!
This is a different sort of post than I usually do. I need your help on a project of mine! I’m writing a spec article about Monster High collecting and would love some input from you! Here’s a few details about who I am looking to speak to regarding my Monster High article.
I’m looking for Monster High collectors (male or female) who are over 18 that don’t mind sharing their opinions on the doll line and their attachment to it. The questions will be pretty simple (ie: why do you collect, what drew you to MH). I may ask you for further information and/or photos of your collection, if you wish to provide them. (No worries, you’re under no obligation to go the extra mile with images!)
By participating, you are giving me permission to use your quotes and/or image (if submitted) free of charge. I am submitting this piece to doll magazines for print after it’s completed. Since this is meant to be my ‘breakout’ piece, I am hoping your responses will help the publishers see that this piece is worth printing!
You can e-mail me at taps1223(at)sbcglobal(dot)net. Please put ‘MH Article/blog’ in the subject.
I thank you all for taking a peek at this message and look forward to chatting with you!
New Monster High AMV, A Dolly Review, and More Monster High news
I don’t know about you, but October definitely snuck up on me! It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the New Year with board games, pizza, and sparkling cider.
One of my plans for October was to produce a new Monster High anime music video (AMV) for my YouTube channel. I had the music set months ago, The Monster Mash. Last week, I sat down at my computer, sorted through clips from all three ‘seasons’ of Monster High and put them to the popular Halloween song. Below, for your viewing pleasure, is the finished product!
Also recently posted on my YouTube channel was my video review of Ghouls Rule Abbey. As far as Abbey’s go, she’s not my favorite. I don’t think she fits in with the other Ghouls Rule dolls. Abbey looks more like a figure skater, in my opinion, than an abominable snowperson. The other thing that bugs me about Ghouls Rule Abbey is her facemold. It is far different than her original facemold. This new facemold is larger than past releases and not angular like her original.
On the upside, I like her hairstyling this time around. We finally get to see the colors in her hair, as opposed to have them covered up by the white layers. For more information, check out the video review below!
Last but not least, keep your eyes open for the official release of ‘Monster High: Ghouls Rule’, the first direct to DVD film released in the Monster High line.
Displays have been popping up here and there for the DVD, even though the ‘strict on sale’ date isn’t until 10/9/12. ’Monsters High: Ghouls Rule’ is being released in a few different versions. For a two disc version of the film with an addition 15 shorts included, you’ll need to head over to Walmart. Other stores are doing different deals for the single disc edition that incudes three never before seen shorts.
With the laydown date just a day away, keep your eyes peeled for this DVD release!
Last but not least, it looks like the new small box ‘Dance Class’ dolls are popping up online. Featured in this line are Lagoona, Operetta, Robecca, and Howleen! While I’ll hold final judgment till I see these in person, I am loving that there is a new Howleen! I do wonder, however, if she is still on the small body, like she was in the sister set. I can’t tell from the box shots!
It looks like it will be an exciting time for Monster High collectors after what have been some pretty slow months! As always, feel free to share your comments below! Happy hunting!
Mattel’s Crazy Monster High Release Schedule
Oh, Mattel, Mattel, Mattel… Well, it’s no secret that Mattel releases Monster High dolls in very strange ways, but this current release schedule? I’m sorry, but it just doesn’t make any sense. It seems like Mattel has released a whole years worth of lines in two months time.
For everyone’s sake, I thought I’d put together a quick guide on what you should be looking for when you go Monster High hunting. All of the below dolls have been spotted somewhere within the continental United States. Last count, there were 20 separate dolls, 4 total playsets (3 with dolls included), and the Create a Monster Lab. And, in pure Mattel fashion, these releases all hit within the last month or so.
Personally, I think Mattel is out of their mind releasing so many dolls in such a short time. There are too many dolls to keep track off. If you’re reading this Mattel, please have a better plan for future releases. This ‘lets release the whole catalog’ just doesn’t work very well for us consumers!
New Monster High Releases Currently Being Spotted on Shelves:
Dot Dead Gorgeous (DDG) Operetta, Lagoona, and Spectra
Ghouls Rule Frankie, Draculaura, Cleo, and Clawdeen
I tend to side with the collectors who believe that this Ghouls Rule line was accidentally released early. The DVD is halloween themed, so it would only make sense to release the dolls with the DVD or at least after the summer months. I’m thinking the warehouse screwed up and started producing the Ghouls Rule line too early. That would explain why the box is so different from other Monster High boxes. Where as the back of most Monster High boxes is pretty detailed, Ghouls Rule boxes have two lines of text translated into a large number of languages. The front of the box has a sticker that says ‘Ghouls Rule’ instead of the usual cardboard.
Venus McFlytrap
