Best of 2021 - # 8

On July 26, 2020 a new doll line was introduced.  It started with a cartoon series on Youtube about a group of girls (and guys) that attended a magnet high school for individuals gifted in the fashion industry.

I saw these dolls often at the store.  I picked them up frequently and looked at them.  They were very interesting.  I was able to resist.

On December 8, 2020 MGA, the parent company, released a Cheer Series for the core six dolls:  Ruby Anderson (Red), Poppy Rowan (Orange), Sunny Madison (Yellow), Jade Hunter (Green), Skylar Bradshaw (Blue),  and Violet Willow (Violet).   There was a seventh doll in the original seven that was supposed to be a black character, but MGA didn't like the production and postponed its release.

My first doll purchase of 2021 was Ruby Anderson Cheer Series because she reminded me of a UGA cheerleader.  

Then on January 10, 2021 Series 2 was released.  

Collectors finally got the Indigo Color (Krystal Bailey), and there was also a boy character included this time, River Kendall.  I had figured that everything would center around the Rainbow High Colors, but it turns out there are many more colors in the the MGA Coloring Box.  Several "Special Edition" dolls have been released as well.

Excluding the Cheer Series, each doll came with a stand, a comb, and a second outfit which included footwear.  The retail cost in U.S. dollars was approximately $26.   There is a great deal of attention to little details in the clothing.  The dolls have fantasy hair colors.  Their clothing is very on trend.   The dolls have articulation.  It was very easy to be lured into this alternative universe!

This past summer MGA offered a Winter Break Series using the core dolls.  This time, there were snowboards and skis.  The price climbed to about $39.99.   When the Winter Vacation dolls arrived in stores, all of the older dolls went on clearance.  Some of these dolls sold for less than $10.  I lost my resolve.  

There is a very healthy adult collecting community for Rainbow High Dolls.  They have a facebook group, Rainbow High Adult Collectors.  The youtube channel continues to release video episodes and introduce new characters.  There are plenty of backstories.  Check out this website:  Rainbow High Character Information.

Adult collectors had one major complaint about these dolls.  They lacked neck articulation.  You could turn their heads from side to side, but not up and down.  MGA fixed that with Series 3, released in late Summer 2021.  Realizing they had attracted a strong adult collecting group, MGA decided to "amp" up their line.  Rainbow High became a pretty serious commodity.  Here is a photo of one of the dolls, Sheryl Meyer (if you are a fan of cult classic Clueless, you see the connection).

Rainbow High took off!  These dolls no longer "languish on the store shelves".  You can't hardly find them!  Not to mention the Slumber Party dolls just released (exclusive to Walmart) or the Rock Band dolls (exclusive to Target).    As popularity increased and production improved, the cost also started climbing.   Here are two of the dolls from the Rock Band series, Carmen Major and Vanessa Tempo (each doll retails for $49.99, but look at how extraordinary these dolls are).

There have been clothing racks, mannequins, a car, dressing closet, and even a house!  It just seems fitting that on Christmas Eve, when children are all nestled in their beds with visions of Rainbow High dancing in their heads (and I'm sure a few adults too), that I give my Best of 2021 - # 8 spot to Rainbow High.  (I came very close to having this doll line in the top five!  An articulated doll with such attention to detail, a second full ensemble, and so much creativity for $26; what's not to love!)