Last year, I reviewed Maru from the Maru and Friends doll line. To my surprise, I received an e-mail early February from the company asking if I’d review another one of their dolls. Of course, I said yes! Up for review today is Maru’s friend Tanya. Tanya is 20″ tall and vinyl.
Meet Tanya!
If you’re familiar with Tanya’s original release, you may notice a small difference in the doll I’m reviewing. The original release had crimped hair with lots of body. The second version, the doll I’m reviewing today, has been out for two years and has silky hair with a light curl to it.
Tanya
With a face sculpt by Dianna Effner, Tanya is a cutie. Tanya has a pensive expression, which I love. If you look closely, you’ll notice that while Maru and Tanya share a sculptor, they’re not identical. That doesn’t always happen in doll lines of this size.
Maru and Tanya
Her almond eyes are a gorgeous coppery brown, very much like a Tigers Eye (the stone). They look amazing on her olive colored vinyl. Just like Maru, she has ‘real’ upper eye lashes and painted on lower lashes.
Tanya
Another feature I love on her face are her chubby cheeks, brushed with a light rouge. Her lips are a natural mauve like color. If it weren’t for the faces on these dolls, they’d be like any other 18″ doll line. However, Dianna Effner’s craftsmanship is seen clearly in this series and that is a huge reason why they stand out amongst others.
Tanya
And look at her profile. Gorgeous!
Tanya
Tanya is wigged. As I mentioned before, her silky hair is chestnut (with some red shades tossed in for good measure) with a light curl.
Tanya
When compared to promo shots, it doesn’t seem to have as much body as you’re lead to believe. However, it feels nice and, while it lacks body, the style (a basic side part) is very cute on her.
Maru and Tanya
For the most part, I like Tanya’s outfit. It’s a knit two piece that consists of a long turquoise sweater with hidden snaps and a belt, and leggings made in the same color. Under her sweater is a spaghetti strap top and, of course, white undies. I love the sweater. There are so many small details that they didn’t need to put on her outfit, but did anyway. Her pockets, for example. I love them!
Tanya
As far as cons, the outfit might do well with another snap, higher on the sweater. Sometimes, the garment puckers in a weird spot across the chest. However, I love the color, especially on this dolls skin tone.
Tanya
The outfit is completed with black riding boots. While I like the way they look with the outfit, the shoes seem to hinder Tanya in a way Maru wasn’t. Tanya has a really hard time standing and I think it has everything to do with the heel on her boots.
Tanya and Maru
To get Tanya to stand while wearing the boots, you have to stand her so her torso pushes forward more so than you might assume.
Maru and Tanya
Tanya
Speaking of joints, Tanya has a head that can tilt in multiple directions. She has shoulder and hip joints, as well. Tanya doesn’t have joints in her elbows, knees or ankles.
Tanya
I hope these dolls receive elbow joints one day. While her shoulder and hip joints allow her to move well in all directions and hold poses well, elbow joints would be a nice addition to her body.
Tanya
As far as quality is concerned, Maru and Friends are completely worth their price point. They have far more vibrancy than similar lines and have some of the best face sculpts I’ve seen. I highly recommend taking a peek at Maru and Friends.
Maru and Tanya
Tanya
You can find Maru and Friends online, on facebook and on youtube. If you live in the Florida area, you can actually see these guys in person at one of their showrooms in Miami and Coral Gables.
Do you own Tanya? What do you think of her? Which Maru and Friends doll is your favorite? Share your thoughts below!
*This product was sent to me for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Tagged: maru and friends, review, video review
