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Description

We're getting pretty obscure with this, but still a major part of history for the brand. Back in 1992, Mattel released a Ken doll in response to a notion that Ken needed to look cooler, and as part of the Earring Magic line, a Ken doll was produced with a gender non-conforming look. The release was polarizing in many ways, mainly as its massive attraction from adult gay men, but also a negative response to his "effeminate" look.
Ultimately, in about a year, the line was discontinued, and while Mattel argued that it was a part of standard discontinuation scheduling for the brand--Barbie and related dolls had a 98% discontinuation rate per year at the time--quiet resentment towards Mattel for the quick discontinuation of the doll as being "too gay" remained. The depiction of Earring Magic Ken in the Barbie Movie was very paired down as his mesh shirt was made completely solid, and his necklace was subbed for a simple Barbie-lettermark necklace.
I was barred from Ken dolls as a kid, and while I don't remember seeing this one--I was five at the time--I always wanted a Ken doll. Not so much a Barbie, but I liked the idea of having a male doll to dress up. Conservatism killed that for me.
Partly for missing out on ever getting a Ken doll, and also partly for his mediocre depiction in the Barbie movie--absolutely loved the Barbie movie so it's a miniscule complaint--I decided to draw Ken in his look. Had a lot of fun with this, but it was quite challenging!

Description

We're getting pretty obscure with this, but still a major part of history for the brand. Back in 1992, Mattel released a Ken doll in response to a notion that Ken needed to look cooler, and as part of the Earring Magic line, a Ken doll was produced with a gender non-conforming look. The release was polarizing in many ways, mainly as its massive attraction from adult gay men, but also a negative response to his "effeminate" look.
Ultimately, in about a year, the line was discontinued, and while Mattel argued that it was a part of standard discontinuation scheduling for the brand--Barbie and related dolls had a 98% discontinuation rate per year at the time--quiet resentment towards Mattel for the quick discontinuation of the doll as being "too gay" remained. The depiction of Earring Magic Ken in the Barbie Movie was very paired down as his mesh shirt was made completely solid, and his necklace was subbed for a simple Barbie-lettermark necklace.
I was barred from Ken dolls as a kid, and while I don't remember seeing this one--I was five at the time--I always wanted a Ken doll. Not so much a Barbie, but I liked the idea of having a male doll to dress up. Conservatism killed that for me.
Partly for missing out on ever getting a Ken doll, and also partly for his mediocre depiction in the Barbie movie--absolutely loved the Barbie movie so it's a miniscule complaint--I decided to draw Ken in his look. Had a lot of fun with this, but it was quite challenging!