Most of what I’ve seen from Mattel recently has been underwhelming. However, the announcement of their newest doll, the 13th Doctor based on the long running (and highly entertaining) BBC series Doctor Who has me very excited! This is a doll I might actually buy, which I can’t say I’ve really felt like doing with many of Mattel’s Barbie products recently.
The 13th Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, is the first female Doctor (a time traveling alien who picks up companions and travels through time and space with them saving worlds) in the 50+ year run of Doctor Who. As the Doctor is a pop culture icon, I guess it should be no surprise that Mattel picked up the license to produce the first female doctor under their Barbie banner.
Based on promo photos, I’m very happy with Mattel’s interpretation of the 13th Doctor. They definitely captured her unique style. She wears a rainbow-striped t-shirt paired with cropped trousers and a trench coat. Additional true-to-character details include her signature suspenders and lace-up boots. Also included is her brand new Sonic Screwdriver!
This gold label doll is fully posable and sculpted to the likeness of Jodie’s Doctor. I think they did a fantastic job on the face. The face mold and paint choices really do make this 1/6 scale Doctor look like the actress! This doll sized version of the Doctor has the same alien sass Jodie is currently bringing to the character, based on the two episodes I’ve seen so far!
The one missed opportunity I have found with this release is the box. I would have loved if they had packaged her in a box that looked like her ship, the TARDIS (a blue police box), with doors that would open so you could then see the doll, like she was exiting the ship. The current box design is nice, too, but I would have loved if they’d used the TARDIS as the model for the entire box.
At $50.00, the doll is a bit pricey, but you know what? I think she looks pretty darn cool! I am definitely going to consider adding her to my collection! You can find her online and in stores. What do you think of the new 13th Doctor Barbie from Mattel? Are you going to pick her up? Share your thoughts in the comment area!