Monster High

Monster High Dolls

The Saga of Monster High

For decades, people have been claiming that Barbie looks like an alien or a monster, not a real human woman. It only seems fitting then that recently Mattel, makers of Barbie, began developing the Monster High franchise. Monster High and Monster High dolls represent a place where everyone is a little bit weird and different, to the point where weird and different becomes the new normal.

What is Monster High?

Monster High is a school for children of various monsters and horror movie icons, such as Frankenstein, Count Dracula, the Mummy, Medusa, and even the Phantom of the Opera to name a few. The teachers are also monsters and include characters based on the Headless Horseman, Leatherface, and the Invisible Man.

The Monster High characters mirror some of the typical high school stereotypes, such as the clumsy kid (Frankie Stein, whose body parts sometimes fall off during gym class), the popular girl (Cleo de Nile, captain of the "fearleading" squad), the punk guy (Deuce Gorgon, who has a mohawk made of snakes), and the nerdy kid (Ghoulia Yelps, a smart, glasses-wearing zombie).

There is even a star-crossed lovers theme, involving two sea monsters who find it difficult to be together because one family lives in salt water and the other in fresh. In keeping with the theme of celebrating differences, the characters sometimes break with stereotypical monster lore. For example, the vampire Draculaura is actually a vegan who faints at the sight of blood or meat.

Monster High Media

The stories of the Monster High characters are developed primarily through webisodes, which are available on the Monster High site and on YouTube. There have also been a series of Monster High books, as well as a few Nickelodeon TV specials and a direct to DVD movie. Rumour has it that there will be a feature film musical in the future.

Another important part of the Monster High franchise is games. Many games are available on the website, and there are also apps to be played on iPhones and other mobile devices. Monster High: Ghoul Spirit was released for Nintendo DS and Wii in 2011.

Monster High Dolls and Merch

The Monster High dolls are collectibles designed for preteen girls. Though they look a bit like the Bratz dolls, with big eyes, pouty lips, round faces, and slender bodies, they are actually a radical departure from traditional fashion dolls. Each doll has monster-like attributes, like scars, fangs, stitches, wolf ears, etc., according to their character story.

Available dolls include Frankie Stein (daughter of Frankenstein), Clawdeen Wolf (a werewolf), Draculaura (daughter of Dracula), Cleo de Nile (daughter of the Mummy), Deuce Gorgon (son of Medusa), Lagoona Blue, (a sea monster), Ghoulia Yelps (a zombie), Toralei Stripe (a werecat), Robecca Steam (a robot), and Sarah Screams (a banshee). Each doll has his or her own pet that fits in with their character background and personality, as well as a diary and other accessories.

In addition to the dolls, Mr Toys is a great place to get all of the other Monster High products too like stationery, bags, and key chains.