Tonner Doll Company : Poison Ivy

The Tonner Doll Company partnered with DC Comics to produce a series of dolls based on many of their famous comic book characters. In 2007 we saw the release of the DC Stars line; Poison Ivy was included in the collection.

I must say, these dolls are quite fabulous. Standing at a towering 16" they make quite a statement. The larger size allows for better made costumes and accessories. You see those green strapped boots? (Look left) They have actual working zippers going up the back seams. It's those types of details and craftsmanship that have made the Tonner dolls highly sought after by hobbyists.

And now for a bit of (my) history. I worked at F.A.O. Schwarz for a number of years; both in Denver and Seattle. My specialties were action figures and dolls. I preferred working in the doll boutique; the items and collectors were equally fascinating. It saddens me to realize that both of those locations are now closed; however, the New York and Las Vegas stores remain in business.

We sold a number of collectable fashion dolls; namely Mattel's Barbie brand. But there were two other dolls gaining in popularity. The first being Ashton Drake's "Gene" dolls (now produced by Integrity Toys). The second was Tonner's "Tyler Wentworth" collection. A few key similarities brought collectors to these lines. Both fashion dolls were unconventional in size, they were given "scripted lives", and the exquisite fashions. Needless to say I'm thrilled that the Tonner Doll Company has branched out into trademarked properties because the DC Stars collection is a hit.

On to Poison Ivy; from the offical site:

As a prime nemesis to BATMAN™ and BATGIRL™, toxic beauty POISON IVY™ joins the DC STARS™ TONNER CHARACTER FIGURES™ Collection as the first super villain based on DC COMICS™. She is dressed in a leaf-printed bodysuit with tights and cross-lace motif zip up boots. Her costume is wildly trimmed in ivy leaves and greenery. POISON IVY™ is app. 16” tall and she is crafted of fine vinyl and PVC plastic. She is fully poseable with 13 points of articulated movement, and she features high-end detail touches such as rooted saran hair and hand-painted face detail.; includes display stand.

It's a lovely interpretation of the classic Poison Ivy costume and a beautiful doll. That shade of red hair is gorgeous. As usual, the face paint/makeup is well done. I love the miniaturized accessories (those tiny leaves!); from the prickly feather-like boa to the ivy leaf belt. The boots are also nice. I would say the only thing a bit off here is the leotard. By that I mean the print; it's a bit too whimsical for me. Otherwise, it's a great effort and I will be adding this doll to my collection when I have the funds.

Be sure to check out Tonner's other Poison Ivy creations (of which there are many). The deluxe model is beyond fierce.

Credit for the face close-up photo goes to "Plastic and Plush".

*UPDATE: It has recently come to my attention that the leotard print in the promotional photo has been changed to something more flattering to this costume. Jolly good!

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