The adult collector reaction to Moonspell Magic has been varied and, honestly, somewhat disappointing. I just have some thoughts on this that are going to go untagged. Everyone is, obviously, free to be disappointed in the dolls to whatever degree they are. That is not what my feelings are about, even if I very much disagree and am delighted by the dolls and what they mean for the future of Monster High G3 and for the kids that get to play with them. Open to discussion, just tired of unending negativity
The biggest complaints I've seen thus far are:
- The dolls stray too far from Monster High by being human
- The dolls come with "useless plastic" in the form of the cauldrons / The dolls are "too childish"
- Wildly, many adult collectors don't feel the line is cohesive while also hating their hats for being "the same"
Monster High, at it's core, regardless of the generation, was intended to celebrate the differences in yourself and others. Monster High G3 took this a bit further by introducing more body types to the line and redesigning characters with more intentional knowledge about their monster types and their heritage. We're seeing this seep into the Fang Vote dolls, (looking at you, Abbey!!), and it's been central to G3 in all forms of its media.
While these updated designs are more thoughtful and inclusive, it's still important to recognize that these dolls are lacking in other areas, and that definitely is human skin tones. Mattel is still a money mongering company, obviously, but they have seen success with Barbie by introducing more body types and skin tones to their dolls. I am glad that they are allowing this designer lead line star so many characters of color. I do wish we could have gotten at least one other character with either Abbey or Catty's body type, but there may be potential for side characters in the future! I don't think they are gonna give us anymore masc characters, but god, PLEASE.
It's so wonderful for children to get to see themselves more clearly in the Monster High world. The changes made to characters like Draculaura, Venus McFlytrap, Catty Noir, Abbey Bominable, Lagoona Blue are invaluable, and I think Moonspell Magic is the next step in continuing diversify the portfolio.
Many adult collectors have voiced hating how "childish" G3 as a whole is and Moonspell is facing the same backlash. These dolls are not collector dolls intended for adult audiences. Mattel MAKES collector dolls and sells them as collector dolls separately. Not every Monster High IP doll is meant for adults. Adults can and do still enjoy them, but it's important to note that the playline dolls are NOT TARGETTED TOWARDS ADULT COLLECTING.
I love that these dolls come with more lore/story driven accessories like cauldrons and and magic focuses. It helps children build a story and world for their pretend play. These skills are SO vital for kids to have. Pretend play allows kids to safely process their world and thoughts. Pretend play builds problem solving skills, cooperative skills when playing with friends, self expression and even the ability to express their emotions. Providing these world-building props is for the kids these are meant for, not necessarily the adults wanting to be catered to. But also, I LOVE these accessories way more than the abundant food accessories that come with MHG3. (which, again, is NOT for me! kids love miniature food!!!)
For years, adult collectors have been wanting more designer lead doll lines from Monster High. Moonspell Magic is one of those lines and the number of adults that are upset about it is baffling me. They get a unified, cohesive line with diverse bodies, heights, faces and skin tones and the response is embarrassing. "The hats aren't even pointed" "tumblr 2010 era dolls" "they come with useless plastic"
its not for you and its not about you. you are never going to get a 100% catered-to-you line of dolls without making them yourself. don't like the clothes they come with? buy second hand bodies and dress them how you want. don't like that they come with human skin tones? buy MHG3 dolls instead. people genuinely be throwing fits i'd expect from 2 year olds over these dolls not meeting their specific expectation.
people need more whimsy and joy. just like. chill
