The Magic Loop Ken doll is an innovative and unique toy that brings the world of magic into the hands of children. This doll offers a captivating and interactive experience for kids, allowing them to perform their very own magic tricks. What sets the Magic Loop Ken doll apart from other dolls is its ability to perform tricks using a special loop feature. This loop allows the doll to make objects disappear and reappear with a simple wave of its hand. The doll also comes with a variety of accessories, including a top hat and a wand, which further enhance the magical experience. Not only does the Magic Loop Ken doll provide entertainment, but it also encourages children to use their imagination and creativity.
Obviously, none of those little girls told the Mattel researchers that they wanted Ken to wear a cock ring around his neck. It is probably true that the adults designing the doll saw the fashion out of context and never thought to dig deeper. Mattel staunchly denies the doll was intended to have anything to do with homosexuality at all. The early '90s was a time when queer culture was just starting to blossom in the open, still reeling from the horror of the AIDS crisis. Queer culture and pop culture were beginning to mingle in a way they hadn’t before, and Earring Magic Ken is an example of what happens when you pay attention to the what of trends and not the why.
Queer culture and pop culture were beginning to mingle in a way they hadn t before, and Earring Magic Ken is an example of what happens when you pay attention to the what of trends and not the why. Other branded products are also gaining popularity from the film, including Ken-focused swag like I am Kenough sweatshirts and other Ken-ergy apparel, are currently for sale by Mattel, as well as from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon and Walmart.
Not only does the Magic Loop Ken doll provide entertainment, but it also encourages children to use their imagination and creativity. Kids can come up with their own tricks and routines, and even put on their own magic shows for family and friends. In addition to its magical abilities, the Magic Loop Ken doll is also a well-crafted and detailed toy.
He’s ‘just Ken’ but will the ‘Barbie’ movie change his popularity?
NEW YORK (AP) — On and off the big screen, it’s Barbie’s world and Ken is just living in it.
As reflected in Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster movie that tackles the legacy Mattel’s famous doll, Barbie has always been more popular than Ken. For every Ken doll sold today, there’s generally eight to 10 Barbies sold, according to Jim Silver, a toy industry expert and CEO of review site of TTPM.
AdvertisementIt’s unclear if Warner Bros’ “Barbie,” which was also co-produced by Mattel, will increase Ken production and sales. But Silver noted that the movie “gave Ken more attention than Ken has received” in decades.
Ken was first introduced back in 1961, two years after Barbie hit store shelves. But he hasn’t had nearly the same impact on the Barbieverse since.
Advertisement“Barbie’s world is about Barbie. And (to some), Ken may be an accessory of sorts,” said Ed Timke, an assistant professor of advertising and public relations at Michigan State University, pointing to years of marketing that has, naturally, put Barbie at center stage.
The new attention around Ken following “Barbie’s” release has also received pushback. Many note that the movie is about Barbie — not Ken — and that’s where the spotlight should stay.
Still, the dynamic between the film’s Barbie and Ken may get people to reflect some big questions about gender as well as Ken’s own evolution over the years.
Who is Ken as a toy and how has he changed?
Ken’s relationship to Barbie has been up for debate since the two hit the toy aisle together. While Mattel long-advertised Ken as Barbie’s boyfriend — and even detailed their 2004 split and subsequent reconciliation seven years later — many also saw Ken as Barbie’s best friend, and sometimes queer icon. One 1993 version of Ken in particular, Earring Magic Ken, became notably popular among LGBTQ consumers, the New York Historical Society notes. At the time, Mattel denied the Earring Magic Ken was queer and later pulled him from shelves.
Other popular versions of Ken ranged from the tuxedo-wearing 1984 Dream Date Ken, to 1978 Superstar Ken and 1979 Sun Malibu Ken, which became one of the doll’s most iconic looks (as reflected in Ryan Gosling’s character). While Ken has gone through far fewer career changes than Barbie, his resume boasts job titles like astronaut, barista, country western singer and doctor.
“A wonderful thing is that through play, children are free to have their dolls take on any type of role that they wish,” said Ann Herzog, a clinical instructor of child life and family-centered care at Boston University.
She also underlined the importance of diversity in toy collections and providing “open-ended play opportunities and not to endorse stereotypes that the Barbie collection and dolls in general are only specific to a particular gender.”
AdvertisementWhile children of all genders, including young boys, have played with Barbie and Ken over the years, Timke notes that “there’s definitely the gendering of marketing toward girls” for both figures, pointing to contrasts in advertising for products historically seen as “boy toys,” such as G.I. Joe. That legacy, as well as other socialization, still impacts who plays with certain toys today.
Still, Ken — like Barbie — has evolved over time and become more diverse, particularly after Mattel rolled out more skin tones, body types, hairstyles and more for Ken dolls in 2017. Some Kens also have prosthetic legs, wheelchairs and hearing aids. Increases in diverse representation — with similar changes seen since 2016 for Barbie — has boosted the dolls’ popularity and comeback sales, Silver said.
Will Barbie (and Ken) sales increase following the movie’s release?
Mattel did not respond to The Associated Press’ requests for data or comment on specific Ken and Barbie sales seen before and after “Barbie’s” July 21 release. But according to market research firm Circana, Barbie sales overall for the U.S. toy industry increased 40% in the last two weeks of July compared with the same period in 2022.
Circana doesn’t break out Ken from Barbie sales. Still, “I suspect that, with the movie, sales of Ken dolls will experience a strong lift in sales,” Juli Lennett, VP, U.S. toys industry advisor at Circana, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. Additional experts also expected a spike in interest, but weren’t sure about the long run.
Lennett did note that the top-selling “Barbie” movie item for those last two weeks of July was the Barbie Gingham Dress followed by the Ken Doll Set. Between those two items, Barbie outsold Ken nearly two to one, she said.
AdvertisementFor the second quarter of 2023, which ended weeks before the movie’s release, worldwide sales of Barbie to retailers excluding adjustments actually fell 6%. Mattel executives told analysts that sales had improved in July, and it expects the movie will have a halo effect on the brand for years to come.
There was a carryover of inventory across the toy industry for the first half of the year, Silver explains, noting that record sales in the first years of the pandemic led to over-buying at the end of 2022. He predicts a rebound in Barbie sales heading into the holiday season, when toy spending is high and after “Barbie” eventually makes its way to streaming.
And of course, sales following “Barbie’s” release won’t be limited to the toy aisle. Other branded products are also gaining popularity from the film, including Ken-focused swag like “I am Kenough” sweatshirts and other “Ken-ergy” apparel, are currently for sale by Mattel, as well as from third-party sellers on sites like Amazon and Walmart.
It is made from high-quality materials and features realistic facial expressions and clothing. This attention to detail adds to the overall appeal of the doll and makes it a favorite among children and collectors alike. Overall, the Magic Loop Ken doll is a captivating and enchanting toy that brings the world of magic to life. Its unique features and ability to perform tricks make it a must-have for any child who has an interest in magic. With the Magic Loop Ken doll, children can explore their imagination, engage in creative play, and have a magical and memorable experience..
Reviews for "The Art of Knitting Ken Doll Accessories with the Magic Loop Method"
- Jane - 1/5
I was very disappointed with the Magic Loop Ken Doll. The packaging made it seem like this doll was supposed to do amazing tricks and stunts, but it was just a regular Ken doll with a loop accessory. The loop itself was flimsy and kept falling apart, and it didn't even work properly when trying to make Ken perform any tricks. It was a complete waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and interactive toy.
- Mark - 2/5
I bought the Magic Loop Ken Doll for my daughter and she was not impressed at all. The doll itself was poorly made, with cheap plastic and easily breakable parts. The loop accessory also felt like it was going to snap any minute. The tricks advertised on the packaging were difficult to perform and the loop didn't seem sturdy enough for any advanced tricks. Overall, I think there are much better toys out there for the same price or even lower. I wouldn't buy this doll again.
- Sarah - 2.5/5
I had high hopes for the Magic Loop Ken Doll, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The concept of the loop was interesting, but it wasn't executed well. The doll's limbs didn't move smoothly, making it difficult to perform any tricks. The loop itself was also too flimsy and would often come apart. While it was an okay toy to play with for a short while, it quickly lost its appeal. I wouldn't recommend this doll unless they come up with a more durable and functional version.