By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Mattel’s American Girl brand is raising the dead — or at least reanimating one of pop culture’s most electric icons — with a new collaboration featuring Monster High’s Frankie Stein.
The companies announced their first-ever partnership Thursday, unveiling an 18-inch collector doll that reimagines Frankie Stein through American Girl’s signature craftsmanship.
It marks the first time the two Mattel-owned brands have joined forces, bringing together American Girl’s four decades of doll-making pedigree with Monster High’s more than 10 years of “fangtastic” fashion.
American Girl launched in 1986 and has spent nearly four decades making premium dolls paired with storytelling meant to build courage, confidence and compassion in kids.
Monster High came along much later, debuting in 2010 as a line of bold, fashion-forward dolls built around the idea of embracing what makes you different. Its characters are the teenage kids of classic monsters like Frankenstein’s monster, Dracula and the Mummy.
The new collectible doll goes on sale online at AmericanGirl.com and in stores beginning Aug. 31 for Berry Rewards members, with general availability starting Sept. 1. It carries a suggested retail price of $225.
According to the companies, the doll captures Frankie Stein’s signature look in exacting, high-voltage detail: streaked hair, a blue-and-black plaid dress accented with sparkly mesh, a lightning bolt belt, layered chains, platform Mary Janes, and a quilted skullette purse.
The doll arrives in blue-and-black packaging designed for the occasion. Fortunately there’s no assembly of mismatched body parts required, despite the character’s origins.
In bringing the two brands together, the companies said the collaboration is designed to appeal to fans of both.
“Designed for Monster High and American Girl collectors alike, this limited-edition doll captures every shocking detail that has made Frankie Stein a fan favorite for more than a decade,” Mattel said. “It’s a charged-up collector piece that proves some icons are simply meant to be stitched together.”
Mattel is clearly betting this unlikely mash-up will strike like lightning with fans of both franchises this fall.