Review: New Scaremester Jinafire Long

Picture it: Japan, 1990. A certain cone bra-wearing pop star is set to open her world tour at Chiba Marine Stadium, but torrential downpours are quite literally putting a damper on things. What to do -- cancel the show or soldier on somehow? To quote said pop star, "Just put on your Vogue costume. Put your jacket on and that's your costume for the night." And the show went on. Today's review is my Vogue costume and jacket. There aren't nearly as many pictures as usual for this review, and they're not as specific to what I'm critiquing. Between the two teasers I posted you've actually already seen many of these. But it's been storming 'round here lately (metaphorically, of course), and a full scale photo shoot just wasn't in the cards. Luckily the written portion should be about on par with the usual reviews. (Oh, and if you want to see the 1990 tour in question, just watch Truth or Dare. That or take a look at pretty much anything Lady Gaga has ever "created". Zing!) Anyway, on with the review!

Back when Jinafire Long and Skelita Calaveras were introduced via last year's Scaris: City of Frights themed line, many -- including myself -- wondered if we would ever see these characters in doll form again. And beyond that, we wondered if/when new dolls came, would they be basics or themed dolls? Although the Scaris dolls did feel strongly tied to that line, they also seemed kind of basic-y, you know? As we now know, Skelita has returned in the form of an Art Class doll. And even more excitingly, Jinafire is back, too -- and she is indeed a new signature/basic doll!

As part of the New Scaremester line, Jinafire has transferred to Monster High alongside Catrine DeMew. Clawdeen is their Goodwill Ambassador, helping them acclimate to the exciting new world they're entering. Rather than a diary, Jina comes with a planner that includes a map of the school and a minimalist, but very pretty, centerfold of doodles. Probably my favorite thing about Jina's planner, however, is the cover itself. An oval frame contains a drawing of that devilish little monster face we saw on her Scaris doll's headpiece, and the frame is topped by a skullette featuring scales on it's "scalp". It's very cute.

Being a designer, Jina has a good eye not just for clothes but also accessories and makeup. This comes through on both of her dolls. For her relocation to Monster High, Jina wears bold green eyeliner that encircles the eye. It splits dramatically at the outer edge, mimicking the fins of her tail. It is surrounded by matte eyeshadow in lime. Her wine-colored lips have a moderate shine to them, a nice contrast to the lime and lemon striped irises of her eyes. As expected, her pupils are a vertical slit -- she's a dragon, after all. The two-tone green eyeshadow and liner is a bold choice and stands out just a tad more than her Scaris doll's purple eyeshadow. It's also the first of many instances of that Scaris purple being replaced by various hues of green. Perhaps most importantly, the shadow matches her irises to a "T", and combined with her green hair give Scaremester Jina a slightly more realistic -- in doll terms -- dragon vibe.

Speaking of hair, Jina's comes in the same colors as her Scaris doll's hair -- bold green with thin black streaks. It actually seems to have the same part as her Scaris doll: on her left, with the right-hanging portion banded in front of her ear. However, I never took my Scaris doll's hair down so I can't say that with 100% accuracy. All of Jina's hair has been pulled into a thick ponytail to her back-right. Unlike the Scaris doll, NS Jina's hair has an ever-so-mild wave throughout. Like her outfit, this hairstyle is equal parts formal and casual.

Jina's strength as a designer is seen in her ability to use prints that feel vintage and modern at the same time, and in cuts that are hip but never "trend-chase-y". Jina's clothes always feel classic to me. Her top, for instance, takes cues from Halston, but with the eclecticism of von Furstenberg. Black ribbon featuring a print of shining gold, abstract flames and spikes wraps her neck from her right. It gives way to a smooth knit of lime emblazoned with diagonal, purple flames. Thick, black ribbon featuring the same print as the neck piece hugs her torso. The top is paired with ruby red, denim-look pants. The red is shiny except for punk-inspired dry splotches scattered throughout. Midway down the shin the red denim gives way to a much softer material featuring a grid of black hearts against a shining gold backdrop. In a clever touch, this heart print closely resembles dragon scales. The only problem I have with these pants is the same problem I have with all MH denim-look pants: it's virtually impossible to keep the Velcro fastened. Especially when you have her tail attached. But no matter, these things are gorgeous! They match the top well thanks to the black and gold, while the contrast of the ruby red with the lime and purple of the top keeps everything eclectic and funky. Mmm, couture -- you do it so well when you really try, Mattel. Kudos!

Each of Jina's worn accessories all come in one solid color, a choice that could be seen as a disappointment until you realize that going all paint-happy on them probably would've made the overall look a little too busy. Her earrings are orange and come in the shape of Chinese lanterns. There is some moderately detailed molding encircling the bulb. Her shimmering, emerald heels rest on the hooves of fully molded qilins. These are beautiful shoes but they're a bit squishy and I have trouble keeping them on her feet. Otherwise -- yeah, they're pure win. Matching them is her simple beaded bracelet. We've seen these a million times now. Still, it's better to have this simple piece than no bracelet at all. And it plays perfectly with her lime top and bold hair.

Jina carries an orange purse with small gold embellishments that's shaped like a fan. It features a black shoulder strap that rotates in its sockets. And yes, the purse does function! Hooray! Her last accessory is an orange Trapper-Keeper style folder (are we back in Picture Day?), with a dramatic gold dragon dancing across the front. It snaps in back under a skullette tab.

Overall: It ain't all sunshine and roses. As I mentioned, keeping her pants Velcro'd is nigh impossible and her shoes have a knack for falling off almost constantly. Her tail doesn't always stay in as it should, either. Although she has all those same wonderfully creative body mods that blew my mind on her Scaris doll, overall NS Jina feels just a tad cheaper. The plastic feels lighter, the shimmer of her skin just a little less luminescent. Okay then, so what's good about this doll? Everything else. She has a bold faceup that cleverly plays on her dragon theme and smartly matches her hair and elements of her outfit. And about that outfit -- wow! I adore the playful prints, the lux textures. It works perfectly as a signature outfit for a fashion designer. It's couture done in a light, casual way. If I were to ever meet a Chinese dragon girl in real life I can't picture her in anything else but this, it all works so perfectly. Indeed, I would hope this is exactly what she would be wearing. (And that she'd think I'm totally cool and wanna hang out. Hey, I ain't ashamed to admit I'd wanna be this girl's BFF!) Even though overall I prefer her Scaris doll, New Scaremester Jinafire is a more than worthy followup. Color me pleased.

Review: New Scaremester Clawdeen Wolf

I'm not proud of myself. Here's the deal: if there's one thing I always tell MH newbies, it's to never order their dolls online. With Mattel's fluctuating quality control standards you just never know what you're gonna get -- especially in regards to Monster High. Your best bet is picking a doll out in person at the store. But it seems I'm a "do as I say, not as I do" kinda guy, because the moment I saw New Scaremester Clawdeen available online I folded like a deck of cards being shuffled by an ADD-addled dealer in Vegas in a rush and ordered that chick quicker than you can say "who needs standards?" I haven't been silent in my admiration (more like boisterous fawning) for NS Clawdeen ever since her NYCC reveal and, well, I just had to have her. ASAP. She's here at home now (obviously), and happily there are no Catrine-esque disasters this time around. She has a touch of wonk-eye but it's not, like, looking in two different directions bad. And so for once I'm not regretful for ordering an MH doll online. Huzzah!

No, I'm not trying to subliminally tell you guys to go toke up. That's just how the cropped scan came out.

The very first thing I noticed when I unpacked Clawdeen was that the box is considerably smaller than the usual basic doll boxes. It's not budget doll slim but it's definitely scaled back compared to the signature boxes of yore. (Not that I'm complaining. This box was far easier to scan than the ginormous Picture Day boxes.) As for the box art, it's pretty fantastic. Clawdeen looks a little different here, and I'm not talking about the hairstyle. Something about her face. Definitely different. Again, I'm not complaining, as Clawdeen looks as fierce as ever, strutting her stuff as she checks her iCofiin or tablet or whatever it's supposed to be. Her hair is pretty poofy in this drawing, something that doesn't come through on the doll. (Thankfully. I like it for the artwork, but am glad the doll's hair is different.) The line's name appears over a locker dial and says simply "Scaremester", leaving me wondering if the name of the line is actually New Scaremester, or simply Scaremester. I'll go with the former for now.

The box back features Clawdeen's full length drawing and a page from her planner. We learn Clawdeen will be the Goodwill Ambassador (MH speak: Ghoul-Will Ambassador) to new students Catrine DeMew and Jinafire Long. I like this setup a lot. It's thematically fitting for all three characters, gives the line a stronger sense of identity, and gives us some nice continuity within the MH universe. The storyline is elaborated on in Calwdeen's included diary, which is actually a full planner. I really have to hand it to Mattel in this regard. The first two basic waves included diaries, Picture Day had Fearbooks (which offered no story but brought focus to the wide array of characters), and now we have planners. So clever!

That entry about Wydowna has me wondering if we'll be seeing her in a wave two for this line this spring. Hmm...

Amidst all these planners and drawings and logos is a doll. Would you like to see her?

Ever since her NYCC debut I've been all but salivating at the chance to see this doll in person. Through multiple comments I've made it clear that based on pics she was my favorite of the NS dolls. I have another doll from the line on the way to me, but Clawdeen made it here first. It's not surprising that I'm glad it was her. The running theme of this particular Clawdeen is zippers, while her color scheme is purple, green, black, and gold. None of these are new for Clawdeen. But with these dolls it's all in the execution. And the details, the subtle stuff. Does she succeed? Let's take a closer look...

NS Clawdeen has the larger Deena eyes. Lime green eyeliner gives way to lavender eyeshadow that encircles the eye. There's no glitter or shimmer to be found, nor is the makeup matte. There is, however, one very important new addition to this Clawdeen: laid over her shadow are purple leopard spots! This is a very cool, very unique addition. Yes, we saw some spots wrapping one of her Ghouls Rule eyes, but that was silly, over the top, and costume-y. It was camp, not fashion. On the NS doll, it's used much more subtly. Paired with her shiny, blood red lips, it gives the look just the touch it needs to stand out, without being overbearing. It's perhaps a tad out there but rooted in reality nonetheless. There's something else I'm picking up on in this Deena's face as well. Remember in my Scaris Frankie review how I noted that there was a sort of melancholy expression on her face? I'm getting something similar from this Clawdeen. And as with that Frankie, I simply can't put my finger on what it is here. Sure, this Clawdeen is fierce and fun, but there's just a hint of that melancholy vibe. It's very subtle. Suffice it to say I absolutely love it, and this faceup in general.

Clawdeen has two-toned (or is it three-toned?) hair. It's a slightly side-parted pageboy that curls inwards above the shoulders. Purple hair falls to her right while neon green falls to the left. Underneath, her hair is the usual chocolate brown. It's layered underneath so it all lands at her shoulders. Contrary to the box art the purple and green streaks do, in fact, fall behind her ears. Actually, the colored streaks behind her ears are pretty thick. There's a lot of purple and green back there! Clawdeen's hair comes gelled into a hard helmet. A warm water rinse and light brushing fixes it right up! Once it dried I was met with some of the nicest, silkiest hair I've ever seen on a Clawdeen doll. It's just so soft! I literally can't stop touching it, even as I'm writing this review. Sooo nice. And of course, what kind of fan would I be if I didn't mention that this hairstyle is brand new for Deena. It's a great look for her, and the fact that the texture is so incredibly lush makes it even better.

There is some oddness with the rooting around this ear. Looks like those strands got double rooted or something.

This side's fine.

Some pretty thick streaks in back.

All things considered, this is a pretty simple outfit for Clawdeen. She wears a tunic dress paired with a pleather-look jacket and the usual accessories. Compared to some of the wacky Picture Day ensembles we got last year it's downright pedestrian. The dress has a lime green bodice with neon green and white leopard spots. It features simple ribbon straps in green. Below the hips it flares into a pleated black skirt with a shiny, purple zipper print. Under the skirt is a short layer of black netting. The collared jacket comes in black and has three-fourth length sleeves. The breast pieces are split between black and gold on each side, giving way to a non-functioning gold zipper. The gold "pleather" features a non-functioning black pocket on each side. MH has really been bringing it with jackets in their fashion lately. PD Operetta and Frankie got great ones, and even lame-wad Howleen got a good one for her 13 Wishes doll. Clawdeen's is super cool, what with the extra-shiny pleather and that gold thrown in to give it just the right amount of "1978". Love it!

Clawdeen's boots are solid black but feature lots of great molding. Too bad none of these details are painted in. The heels are purple and, well... see for yourself...

Uh... how do you even describe these heels? I'm at a loss. They sure are wicked, though!

Her purse is a shell tote that, like her boots, has so much fantastic molding of which none is actually painted. Regardless, this is a fantastic purse! It has huge gold handles meant to look like zipper tabs. They swing freely, creating an eyecatching kinetic effect. And unlike most of the Picture Day purses, this one actually functions! It's big so you can fit a lot in there, including the iCoffin/tablet/whatever she comes with. These are the epitome of an "empty accessory". They're filler at best; I'd be just as happy without them. Her belt is solid gold and continues the zipper theme, with the actual belt being the teeth while the buckle is the tab. It's the same shape as the tabs on her purse, and like those, it's kinetic (though it's mobility is a tad more limited). In any case, it's very cool. Her necklace is solid gold and matches the belt, while her earrings play around with color asymmetry. Her right ear has a black, studded hoop and gold zipper tab; her left has the same earrings, with the colors reversed. Her bracelets are very simple: two plain black bangles on her right wrist; a gold, studded hoop on her left.

This pic makes me laugh. (Because I have the mind of a ten year old boy.)

Overall: It's funny. I definitely love this doll. I had incredibly high expectations for her, and she met them. And yet something feels redundant about her. I'm not talking about the reused color schemes and zipper theme. I'm fine with them using these again for this Clawdeen because the doll is absolutely gorgeous and everything here is well made and perfectly executed. No, the problem is this doll has come so soon after her I Love Fashion doll. And with the exception of her face and hair, everything seen on the NS doll reminds me in some way or another of the ILF doll. And obviously face and hair are extremely important so if those are different then that is enough. But considering that the ILF dolls already feel like basic versions of the characters, I wonder if Clawdeen's slot in the New Scaremester line could've gone to a different character. Say, Ghoulia, for instance. Don't get me wrong -- I love this doll. I'm so glad to have her. She's so beautiful and that face and hair are wonderful and the outfit is so cool and the purse gives me life and oh how I adore her. She really is a slam dunk for Mattel as far I'm concerned. I'm just starting to wonder about some of their decisions. Hopefully Ghoulia shows up in a wave two for this line. Anyway, NS Clawdeen is pure win regardless and hey, if you love Clawdeen chances are you're gonna love this doll a lot. Seems like that magic that made almost all her 2013 dolls keepers hasn't run out because 2014 is off to a great start for the ghoul.