Monday, November 26, 2012

Review: Picture Day Spectra Vondergeist

Welcome to my review of Picture Day Spectra Vondergeist, in which I have questions. So very many questions. Such as, what exactly is this Picture Day line? When it was first announced it was assumed these were new basics, but when you actually get the dolls the box says very clearly Picture Day, and the booklet included emphasizes that specific theme. This is pretty different from last year's basic 2.0 dolls, which had pretty generic boxes -- no specific theme was connected to them. Their booklets were straight-forward diaries, a direct correlation to the original basics. And yet when you de-box these new dolls they kinda feel like basics, you know? Is this going to become one of those grey areas, where half the fan community considers them new basics while the other half considers this a purely themed line? Because that can get real confusing real fast, especially for newbies. And moving beyond the confusion surrounding the line, why does this Spectra doll look so different? Well, I know the answer to that one -- Mattel has used a new head mold for this Spectra doll (??!!). But why? The old Spectra mold was totally fab. In my previous Spectra posts I commended Mattel for giving us a fashion doll who looked a bit more mature than the other dolls, and pretty much wrote an all-out love letter to her fierce cheekbones and pouty lips. Why change it when it was already so great? And then there's Picture Day Spectra's purse. What the hell is it? I mean, I know it's a purse, but seriously, what is it? Because it really bares only a vague similarity to any kind of purse I've ever seen (and for a guy, I really have seen a lot of purses in my time, from all eras and in a multitude of styles). And as I continue to cover more of the Picture Day dolls in later posts you'll see there are still many questions to come. So very many questions.

Okay, let's back up. If you've been following the blog for a bit now you've probably picked up on the fact that I'm a pretty big fan of the MH paper ephemera that comes with these dolls. I love the diaries, the Scaris travelogues, the collector's cards they occasionally throw our way, and even the drawings they include on the boxes themselves. Spectra drawings in particular are always fantastic -- I think it's the ghostly eyes combined with the vibrant purple shades. This new Spectra drawing is no different. In fact, I think this drawing is possibly my all-time favorite yet, of any of the characters in any lines. I love her look, I love the pose, the charmingly surprised look on her face -- it's all just really cool and unique and fun. In a clever touch, the surprised pose plays right into the worry teens have about looking silly in their school pictures. Take a look--




Mattel was even gracious enough to repeat the drawing on the back of the box, in black and white mirror image--




Spectra includes a booklet but instead of being a diary it's a "Fearbook". There's no continuation of Spectra's story and no new character development. Instead, the Fearbook consists of a page highlighting the MH faculty, a page where Spectra has voted for different personality categories, a couple of pages where you can cast your own vote for the categories, and finishes with a pic of the entire MH character brigade next to a page of signatures. The coolest thing, however, is that a sticker sheet of 16 different characters is included. Each doll has a different sticker sheet with different characters. Between the three Picture Day dolls I bought I'm pretty sure the only character I don't have represented in sticker form is Nefera. Anyway, take a look--





How about we take a look at the actual doll? (A disclaimer: Spectra is notoriously hard for me to photograph due to her pure white face. My lighting set up is pretty warm and gives her a yellow tint. I have a cleaner back up lighting system but it totally washes her out. Just be warned. And yes, I'm working on it.)






With PD Spectra Mattel has given us a new facemold. It's not a major change from the original mold, but it's definitely different enough to give the doll a very different vibe. First, let's stand the new Spectra next to her Dot Dead Gorgeous doll. The most immediately noticeable difference is the cheekbones. DDG Spectra's are far more pronounced. It's pretty easy to see why, too. PD Spectra's face has been widened. Her forehead is wider, her jawbone is wider, everything's wider. And it eats up those previously pronounced cheekbones. PD Spectra's eyes are a little bigger, as well. In profile the dolls looks exactly the same as far as I can tell (but I've been wrong on these things before). You'll also notice that DDG and PD Spectra have almost the exact same faceup. The lip color is pretty different but the eyeshadow is almost exactly the same shade. The actual shape of the makeup and design of the eyes is definitely exactly the same. They also share the exact same earrings. To be honest, looking at these two, I could almost say I might prefer the new facemold. Almost.





Now let's take a look at our new Spectra next to basic Spectra. Here, for me at least, there's no contest -- basic Spectra wins hands down! I love her faceup, I love those cheekbones, and in general she just comes across as more "otherwordly" and "ghostly" than the new doll. Plus I just think she's really gorgeous, gorgeous in a sort of smart, mature way the new doll could only dream of. At the risk of sounding weird, the new doll comes across as "pretty", where the basic doll reads as more "sexy", know what I mean?


Picture Day Spectra: "Can you help me find my puppy?" Basic Spectra: "I'm sexy and I know it."



But hey, this isn't the first time Mattel has changed a MH doll's facemold on us; it's not the end of the world. So with the new facemold acknowledged and discussed, let's take a look at PD Spectra on her own terms.





She has the usual Spectra hair of purple and lavender streaks. It's in a sidepart on her right. This time the purple is concentrated at the front, with the portion falling to her left banded near her forehead. I wish they would've used an actual barrette here, but whatever, the band works fine. The rest of her hair is lavender. It's the usual texture -- soft, silky, smooth. As always, I love her hair. The whites of Spectra's eyes are purple while the irises are half purple, half turquoise. She has a dark purple divider line at her lids, while the entire eye is surrounded by magenta shadow. Her lips are dark purple. No doubt about it, this is a beautiful face and some great hair.




Picture Day Spectra comes in what I'd call a rather wicked outfit. It's layered and uses several textures and interesting prints and it all looks and feels high quality. Her top is made of a smooth knit that fits tightly. The bodice has a print of white circles that looks a bit like stylized wire, or ghostly wisps. Behind it, the top has a gradient flow of colors, starting with black at the top, purple in the middle, and pink at the bottom. At the bottom the top curves upward in the middle, like an upside down U, while the sides hang in thin, dramatic pieces that end at the knees. The sleeves are black netting that split at the elbow and droop under the arm. This is a really cool top, one of the best we've seen to date in my opinion. Under the shirt she wears a black "leather" miniskirt. The upside down scoop of the top creates an interesting shape over the pure black skirt. When I first saw pics of this doll I thought this was all one piece due to the way the top naturally lays over the skirt creating that unique contrast. Under the skirt Spectra wears a pair of tights that land just above the ankles. The tights are knit and have an abstract print of white chains with splashes of purple and pink behind them. I like these tights a lot, mostly because the print is just so different and eye catching. I tried the look without the tights and liked it just as much. I also did the reverse, keeping the tights but ditching the skirt, and, well, the less said about that the better. Let's just say if Spectra went out in public wearing it she'd probably be arrested, and with Christmas coming I can't afford to bail a girl out of jail because she took bad fashion advice from me.










Spectra's shoes are silver molded heels. The hood has a chain that rises to connect to an ankle wrap. The ankle wraps have more dangling chains while the back of the heel has several small spikes. The heel itself is flat and squared, giving it an industrial edge.




Spectra's purse is... odd. When I first de-boxed her I just held it for a minute, looking at it in confusion. I was pretty sure it was a purse, but what on Earth was it supposed to represent? How did it function? It's molded silver and has two connected portions. One of these is kind of round-ish, with some folded detailing and a large dip in the top (or is it the bottom?). The other portion is flat and has an oblong loop where it connects to the previous portion. It doesn't open. Winded around the purse and through the loop are black molded chains. They're not actually molded onto the purse; they are completely separate. They have a tab you can unfasten to remove it. So are you supposed to loop the chains around Spectra's arm and she carries the purse that way? Or do you put Spectra's hand through the same loop the chains are threaded through? I'm not sure. It works both ways though I prefer looping the chains around Spectra's hand. This purse honestly looks more like abstract sculpture than anything else. That said, I like sculpture, and even though it kind of baffles me, I like the purse. If nothing else you have to admire it's uniqueness.






Spectra's other accessories are her earrings (a repeat of her DDG ones -- one a white skullette key, the other a silver heart lock), a necklace of five strings of molded black chains that hangs just so over the bust, a matching arm cuff of molded black chains, and a Trapper Keeper style folder. I didn't get a pic of the folder, but you've seen these before. For what it's worth, Spectra's is hot pink and features a molded pattern of swirling chains.






Overall grade: A- As I was taking pictures of the doll for this review I found myself totally into it, having a blast posing her and getting lost in the moment. Really though, I think it had less to do with the doll's face (pretty as it is), than with how much I love the outfit. This layered look totally works, and the rich colors and detailed patterns add so much. This is easily one of my favorite MH outfits. It's unique -- it feels like something I've never seen before on a fashion doll, which is impressive. It reads like genuine modern fashion while playing perfectly into Spectra's established theme of fem metal. As for the new facemold, I'm so torn. I like this new face a lot, it's genuinely gorgeous. But it's lacking the ethereal look of the original mold, and all the previous fierceness is completely gone, replaced by a rather sweet expression. This exact same doll, with the same clothes and accessories, but with the old facemold, would've been an A+.




24 comments:

  1. She's very pretty. I'm little disappointed to the cheeks... But I like new outfit a lot. Black accessories suits her.

    I have more questions too. In the Fearbook, there is picture of Invisi Billy. What does it mean? New guy doll perhaphs?

    And the most relevant question, do you have PD Cleo? I need to see more pictures of that beauty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mattel has been teasing Invisi Billy for forever now. I wish they'd just get on with it if they're gonna release a doll of him. Even though I don't collect male dolls I have to admit he looks like he'd make a really cool one.

      As for PD Cleo, oh yes, she's coming. And I have much to say! ;)

      Delete
  2. Yeaaaah, a new review, was so looking forward to it and you never disappoint, detailed as always, well done, very intetesting reading. I was on the fence about her but after reading this no more. I totally loved her cheekbones, with this new face she doesn't excite me. Had I not read this I might gotten her and would be disappointed. Might just get her for the outfit as you said, it's great!!! A+ to youf review, keep them coming, can't wait to see Cleo!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Mauro! Really, your compliments mean so much to me. I would say, however, don't completely close yourself to this doll until you've seen her in person. She really is gorgeous, even if she doesn't quite compare to the old Spectra. But yeah, for me the real draw with this doll is the outfit -- it's amazing and just plain cool.

      Delete
  3. You mention another doll's face mold being changed, but I can't think of any other doll that's been released that has been changed. The only thing I can think of is the SDCC11 Scarah - which was an altered Frankie and the final Scarah, but I wouldn't count that since the first was a prototype.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Draculaura's smaller head and rounder face is what I had in mind. Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
    2. Draculaur's head never changed? Just the eye placement/size changes between factories at times.

      Delete
    3. Some contest it but I stand by it -- that face is rounder. Her head has definitely gotten smaller.

      Delete
  4. I am actually happy about the new face mold as, for me personally, the strength of her cheekbones & how they played with lighting made it hard for me to shoot her in a flattering way. The more filled out cheeks still retain her overall premise but make her look cuter. I definitely get the sexy vs. cute comparison & do love the new face but both molds are quite nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I definitely like the new facemold, not as much as the old one but it's really pretty. I think a lot of it was that I liked that there was a MH doll who looked older lol.

      Delete
  5. Here's a photography tip... To correct your lighting for more color-balanced images, change your bulb to either a bright white bulb (gives neutral light, though images may still come out a little warm due to camera settings) or a day light bulb (which gives tungsten light, and will cast a bluish tint to whites and neutrals - great for photographing cool toned dolls, not so great for warm-toned or neutral-toned dolls).

    Great post! I recently picked up this doll and wasn't loving her in package. So, was considering returning her. But, I do like her in your photos. If I de-box her, maybe I'll fall in love!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tips! I'm currently working with a point and shoot which I'm trying to make the most of lol. I'm hoping to upgrade soon!

      Delete
  6. Hi! Awesoem review! I have this doll too and I really love it
    The details on her are just perfect but I prefer the old face mold.

    Can I ask you for something? Can you post Spectra's full body box art?
    the one that came in the back of Abbey's box.. Please! I can't find it anywhere.

    Greetings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Thank you! I can definitely scan it for you, no prob :)

      Delete
  7. Thank You so much! ^^ I'll wait for it!

    Thanks to this i'm watching your other reviews... and i really like them! the photos, comparisons and comments that You do

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Darko! I've uploaded the full body drawing of PD Spectra to my Flickr account -- you can see it here -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/siggy79/8333594001/in/photostream

      Unfortunately, since the drawing is so tiny on the box it was impossible to scan it in any decent size without losing some picture quality. The scan isn't perfect, but hopefully it helps! Thanks again for stopping by!

      Delete
  8. Hey! Thank You so much! Yeah i know the drawings are really small, but thank you for the picture, is much better than what I have!

    I'll come around for some more reviews, they're great!

    BTW tomorrow I'm getting My Rochelle Scaris, so exiceted and I know
    it's Your favorite, mine is Spectra and second one Rochelle.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome, glad it was to your liking! Congrats on your Rochelle - I'm sure you'll love her!

      Delete
  9. I love this Spectra so much!
    Spectra and Lagoona are my favorite ghouls but I never got my hands on a Spectra. The only Spectra I ever saw in stores was 1 DDG and I didn't have the money to buy her!
    I love her old mold but I also really like this one, I totally understand your cute-sexy comparison.
    I went on a hunt for PD Spectra but I only found 2 PD Draculaura's. I love her too but I like Spectra more. Since I bought Skelita yesterday I don't have enough money to buy PD Spectra but if I ever see here I'll just beg my mom to buy her. Yes, I'll go that far for her ;)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I must admit, when I first saw pics of this Spectra, I hated her. Not because of the cheeks (I like them, they make her look more like a teenager), but because she was covered practically head to toe. I like it when her transparent limbs are showing, and skirts make her look more ethereal (like her moniker "A Haunting Beauty"). But I changed my mind when I saw her in person. She's just so strikingly beautiful; I love how her dark, edgy outfit contrasts with her silky, flowing purple hair.
    So now I have 3 of the picture day dolls; Cleo, Draculaura and Spectra. I'm also going to get picture day Operetta and Frankie when they release in NZ. I love this line. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Had we never gotten those first few Spectras with the other facemold I would absolutely LOVE this Spectras face! I just prefer the first one. But I can see why people love this Spectra's face so much. It really is gorgeous. Ironically enough, this is actually my absolute favorite Spectra outfit! It does cover her clear limbs more than her other outfits, but I love all the layers and textures. As you say, it makes such a nice contrast to her silky hair. I also feel this outfit most successfully conveys her femme metal look.

      I also love this line a lot. My favorite outfits in general are the ones that are more "basic-y", like these PD clothes have all been. I have a feeling you're going to *love* PD Operetta when you get her! The outfit alone is worthy of her purchase price! Let me know what you think of her when you get her!

      Delete
  11. I got my first Spectra and it's PD! I have so much to say about it. Mine came from Germany. The Fearbook is butchered in 4 languages (none of which is English) and I came to this post to try to make sense of it. Turns out, they didn't bother to translate past the teachers' names. The next page has a picture of Spectra, the 4 little icons and students' names next to them. No voting, no nominations! There is no text on the next 2 pages either. Is there any text in the English version? The biography bit from the box is missing too - only says "voted the most creative".
    I love the doll though, but I hate the hair. It feels similar to Ghoulia's and I'm worried it will become crimped and papery when I boil/straighten the kinks from packaging. Have you ever tried to fix a Spectra's hair? If so, how did it behave?
    The purse makes no sense. It looks like a warped old-timey iron to me. Mom thought it's a melted shoe or skate. I like the chain it comes with. It makes a good necklace with nicer texture than the original one. I like the new face too. Still not crazy about the mouth shape, but I can enjoy the colour theme without thinking how much the head looks like a suitcase fish. I was wondering why I suddenly started liking Spectra, when I discovered your blog and found out about the faces. I've read somewhere that Abbey's face was changed too. I have to look at them and see which ones I like. Thanks for the Fearbook scans - now I can fill in the text by hand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hmm, I guess for the international box art and booklets they don't use as many descriptions to make them more "universal"? The English version of the booklets doesn't have much text either, but it's definitely there -- it has category descriptions like "Nicest" and "Scariest" next to where you're supposed to place your sticker to place your vote.

      I'd be leery of boil washing her hair if I were you, Kitty. Like you say, the kanekalon fiber has a tendency to "crimp" when boil washed. I've never boil washed any of my Spectra doll's hair but I have done it to a few of my Ghoulia's and they've gotten that annoying crimped look. In my experience, those kinks from being held in the box go away on their own over time. :)

      With Abbey, from what I can tell, they only changed the shape of the eye paint, not the actual mold. Nonetheless, I do miss the "old" Abbey eyes -- they looked much more monstrous to me. The newer eye shape makes her look angry all the time imo. Lol.

      You're very welcome! :D

      Delete