There are several reasons why I shouldn't review today's doll. 1. This is the second DT Lagoona Blue doll to be released. 2. The other two dolls in this wave -- Robecca and Spectra -- are the first DT dolls we're getting for those characters. Technically they should take precedence as review subjects over Lagoona. 3. Over the course of Voicething's history I've reviewed a hell of a lot of Lagoona dolls. More than Spectra, and way more than Robecca. When I look at reasons for why I should review DT Lagoona instead of the others, really only one comes up: she's simply the doll I want to review.
There are a few other things at play here. In my opinion, with the right framing, a unique perspective, and an at least so-so grasp of the ability to discern and contextualize, a review for any doll can be interesting and engaging. It also helps if you feel passionate about the thing you're reviewing. And hey, if some of you are just really annoyed that I'm reviewing such a basic doll, one who's been out for a while now and that's for a character whose dolls are notoriously "samey", there's relief in sight. In a weak moment, I bought two new dolls online a couple nights ago. (Here's a hint: their names rhyme with Schmew Schmemester Schmawdeen and Schminafire.)
So, uh, what was I doing? Oh yeah, doll review! This is Lagoona's second Dead Tired doll, following on from her Wave One doll, which was sold exclusively with a pricey playset. I liked that first DT Lagoona so much I went ahead and bought that playset, and that was back when I didn't give one single crap about the playsets. Since that first doll was only available with the pricey set, it actually makes sense to release this new one. Yes, this is Lagoona's first solo DT doll. Dead Tired Wave Three isn't exactly a wide release line -- it's one of those that falls in that purgatory of "Not at Target and TRU and Walmart, but random other places. Uh, try Big Lots! Yeah. Good luck!" -- but it's wide enough that this will be the first solo DT Lagoona to reach most people.
Mmm, here's some groovy MH box art goodness for y'all...
Considering the pride I take in collecting these boxes, and the amount of practice I've had opening them without ripping anything, I'm pretty embarrassed that I tore this one. But not so embarrassed that I won't go and point it out anyway! I'm nothing if not self-effacing.
... is to ask them if they prefer Apple White or Raven Queen. If they say Apple, you've got a non-shallow keeper of a friend! (Naw, I'm just messin' with ya! Love you guys!)
And here's the doll herself...
Whoa. What a beauty!
In a fun turn of events, DTW3 Lagoona is a bit of a "kissing cousin" (it's a turn of phrase, get your minds out of the gutter) to Swim Lagoona from earlier this year. Both have mid-length hair in a middle part, similar streak placements, with the front portion of the hair pulled tightly. They both also have incredibly silky hair. (Squee!) There are some differences, as well. DT Lagoona's streaks are much darker than the Swim doll's, the way their hair was pulled was achieved differently, and DT Lagoona has a big fat wave at the neckline. (That said, I would still ultimately consider this hair "straight", even with that fat wave.) Both dolls continue the tradition established by her Dance Class doll -- and seen on almost all of her dolls since -- in which her usually overtly sweet face carries just as much sultriness. We all know I've been totally loving "sultry Lagoona", and the DT doll confirms that, for me, this is a look I hope sticks around on her for a while longer.
I was putting the doll into a whimsical, hanging upside down from the bars pose, when I realized this was a perfect way to showcase how her hair is bound underneath.
True, Clawdeen's neon green tights take what could've been a pretty cute clothes swap (with Swim Frankie), and turns Swim Lagoona into a campy Vegas showgirl on ecstasy.... but I kinda like the look. (Don't judge!)
Lagoona has a really simple faceup. I know, surprise surprise. But it really does work wonderfully here. Her eyeshadow comes in aqua that encircles the entire eye. We've seen aqua eyeshadow on Lagoona a million times, but to me this shade looks just a tad different from the usual color used for her. It's a tad lighter than usual, as if it has been lightly kissed by the sun. Her lips come in pure pink bordering on coral. Again, the shade is light, perfectly matching the tone of the eyeshadow. I was about to say these colors make the more electric tones used on most of her previous doll's faces seem thematically incorrect, then I remembered this is a Dead Tired doll. Of course the makeup would be lighter! (Then again, we'll always have those bold Wave Two faces that clearly proved Mattel sometimes just doesn't care, themes be damned.) It's just that DT Lagoona looks so beachy, so relaxed and natural. It's easy to forget this is a Dead Tired doll.
Speaking of, Lagoona's outfit does indeed look pretty pajama-y. (About as pajama-y as Dance Class Howleen's outfit, which is one of the most pajama-esque outfits we've gotten to date from MH. Zing!) Seriously though, this is a really cute outfit and thematically correct, but it could just as easily be worn as beachwear. Are you starting to see where my "beach-bedtime" confusion regarding this doll comes from? Lagoona wears a black tank top hemmed with hot pink thread. It bares a funky pink skullette on the front wearing a polka-dotted sleep mask. One of the tank's sleeves is dropped and a white sleeve rests above it, creating a layered look. Her pajama shorts come in a smooth knit (think MH swimsuit material) bearing an aqua print of scales and bubbles, and are hemmed with cotton ribbing in hot pink. A non-functioning hot pink drawstring is tied into a bow in front. These pj's could definitely double as beachwear. I'm not pointing this out to try and say Mattel got it wrong, I'm pointing it out because I think it's actually very clever. Bedtime or beach time, with this Lagoona it's all up to you! I like it! Her sleep mask and slippers do take away from the beach aspect of this look. The mask is aqua with a print of both white and hot pink bubbles. The elastic back simply wraps around her head. Her slippers are the usual for Dead Tired. They're aqua and each one has a monster face framed by pink fins. They're cute, but as you probably all know by now, the DT shoes just aren't my thing. (They're too thematically specific to work with other looks, something I don't like. It's the same type of thing that keeps me from liking the overly costume-y dolls. But give me some great basic-style outfits and accessories and I'm in heaven.)
Being a budget doll, Lagoona comes with one lone accessory: a curious aqua-shaded drink spilling out of a pink cup. Little ice cubes float around on top. In a true victory for painted details, everything in and on this little cup is painted it's own color. I appreciate this but it leaves me wondering -- if Mattel can put in the effort to make this tiny cup look superlative, why can't they do the same for MH shoes and purses??? If you ask me, as cool as little extras like this cup are, they're nowhere near as important in the grand scheme of these dolls as shoes and purses. I know the majority of you feel the same and are also wondering what's going on with the flat, uninspired paint schemes (or lack thereof) we've been getting on the accessories for so long now.
Overall: Even though I kind of ended on a bad note there, it doesn't pertain to this doll. (The details of her cup are exquisite.) So, anyway, I really love this doll! In fact, I'd go so far as to say she's my favorite of the Wave Three DT dolls! Do I like her more than Wave One DT Lagoona? No. But there aren't many Lagoonas I like more than that one in the first place! This is a beautiful doll with a mellow, sensual faceup, a cute outfit (among my favorites of any of the DT pj's), and great hair. Keeping in mind she's a budget doll with no stand or comb and scant extras, I'd say this Lagoona is more than worth your time.
