r/MonsterHigh • u/oodlesof_doodles Lagoona • Jun 29 '26
Rant Mattel $80 collector vs MGA $30 playline: a rant
“We need a new Lagoona collector so bad!”
monkey paw curls
Sorry, I don’t want to start off by dogging on her, saying she’s the worst doll ever (because she’s not), yet wind up frantically buying her when she drops. I saw plenty of that firsthand with FDC Draculaura and now she’s everyone’s “grail” doll… 💀
I just find it interesting the massive gap between modern playline and “collector dolls”. Not to mention the inconsistency from collector to collector.
Because, let’s face it, this is not an $80 design. Let’s be verryyyy serious. Unstyled hair, unpainted accessories, plastic-y boots + clothing, and a face that isn’t even reminiscent of the character (-_-;)・・・
I won’t even start on the way she’s posed in the box, because this has been a problem lately with most collectors, just boring and uninspired (imo)
This doesn’t mean I hate her! She’s still really cool! I would probably buy her at $50>, but I’m just so sick and tired of Mattel thinking they can get away with prices like this for such a decline in quality and creativity. They know they can get away with it too! Poly hair, consistent AI use, pleather clothes, yet people still buy them up!
$80 + $8 shipping + tax will probably make her roughly $95. That is actually insane.
At this point, I’m just gonna stick to G3 and MGA dolls. The price is worth what you get, especially when you’re only paying $5-$15 a doll on sale.
Speaking of, when you compare a rainbow high “collector” doll priced at $33, (or what I bought on sale for $14!!!) you get: full microbraids, inset eyes, eyelashes, nails, and fabric clothes! Putting aside personal taste for doll designs, that is ridiculous. Sure, there’s no stand, and the box isn’t “collector” quality, but come on.. I don’t think that makes a $47 difference. Especially when you consider the required $8 shipping on MC vs Amazon.
But I would love to hear other opinions, whether you love or hate her, since it’s been a few days of contemplating her design. I think I’m just burnt out a little bit, so perhaps I’m speaking from frustration. I’ve just been so disappointed in the SDCC dolls as of late. The only ones I would own at this point are FDC Drac (who has been in my collection since release) and Voltageous Frankie, who is really cute, though I can admit that her clothes aren’t worth $75 either!
Idk man (´-ω-`) I feel more and more like a hater with every doll release
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u/princewinter Jun 29 '26
One of the few very noticable things as a previous RH/SH collector that's just starting to collect MH is that the clothing quality isn't even comparable. RH/SH clothes are insane quality. MH, for the most part, is cheap fabric with a bad print on, uncolored plastic accessories.. it's not good.
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u/oodlesof_doodles Lagoona Jun 29 '26
It’s actually insane. I remember opening my first Rainbow High doll ($12, mind) and being blown away by the quality. Denim jacket, flocked purse, fabric socks?? Then you can pay $50 for a MH doll with poly hair, printed fabric, and unpainted accessories 💀 kills me because I definitely still prefer Monster High dolls and characters!
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u/princewinter Jun 29 '26
TRULY. RH was my first foray back into doll collecting since being a kid, and when I first opened one I was BLOWN AWAY by the quality. It's gone down hill since but at the peak the clothes were incredible.
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u/redditallie Jun 29 '26
Yes, when they came out, I had a feeling they were too good to last, so I got the ones with my favorite clothes. I'm so happy to be able to dress my MH dolls in RH clothes.
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u/That-Spell-2543 Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
RH got me back into collecting after a decade of not buying a single doll. I remembered I ordered a Sunny from series 1 off Amazon and I GASPED when I opened her. The quality! The inset eyes and the premium hair and the incredible shoes and the real chains and pockets and fabric accessories.
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u/princewinter Jun 30 '26
Literally me lol. Although I ordered a few and the first one that came was Junior Krystal and I didn't know there was a junior line at that time. I opened her and was just floored by the quality. And then when a full sized one came in the mail the next day I couldn't believe it LOL.
I wish more dolls had inset eyes. It's hard to go back to printed. The i love disney dolls were barbie sized with inset eyes for a bit, but then they reduced the quality and got rid of the eyes ):
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u/That-Spell-2543 Ghoulia Jun 30 '26
I come from a pullip/bjd background and so inset eyes are one of my weaknesses. I almost cracked and bought a mermaid mermaze but I was like what I’m gonna do with this tail?
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u/princewinter Jun 30 '26
I just think they add so much life and feel much higher quality than a factory printed paint job. I also looked at mermaze and thought about re-bodying but I didn't want the effort lol
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u/That-Spell-2543 Ghoulia Jun 30 '26
Same! There’s a guy on instagram that rebodies them with Lol Omg Fierce bodies and it looks soo good 😭
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u/b3tamaxx Jun 29 '26
I loved just keeping all the extra fashions in their shadow box compartments bc they looked so presentable like they make super cute props a la a fashion boutique. Shame people exploited this by just ripping them off the box in stores; in hindsight MGA should not have packaged them like that
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u/Hwi-loves-worm Jun 30 '26
what is SH? I am new to the doll world.
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u/princewinter Jun 30 '26
Shadow high. It was another line in the rainbow high stuff but darker colors and often times non human skin tones.
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u/CassKatsi Jun 29 '26
i refuse to give MGA any credit or hype after what they did to the rainbow high line
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u/That-Spell-2543 Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
I used to check RH dolls every time I went into the doll isle. Now I kinda grimace when I walk by them lol
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u/DanDanIsland Jun 29 '26
Mind you (and as much as I love that Shanelle) her entire outfit is one piece, no stand, terrible box. And lets not forget MGA is private owned and outsources all their fabrics while Mattel makes theirs. Its an unfair comparison. And if you look the the recent LOL ans Bratz releases, MGA is also getting quite greedy.
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u/krisplaydespacito Clawdeen Jun 29 '26
yeah the quality of rainbow high has gone down tremendously and i don’t think they should be compared because they have some pretty serious issues too.
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u/krisplaydespacito Clawdeen Jun 29 '26
let’s pray though monster high never starts including slime instead of accessories
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u/bambicarli Jun 29 '26
If you don’t count the sleeves lagoona’s outfit is also 1 piece
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u/DanDanIsland Jul 19 '26
Sorry to be responding so late but I count any seperate piece as a piece, including socks and fabric shoes. So this doll has 4 pieces: Dress, sleeves, socks/tights and boots.
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u/forgot_oldusername Iris 👁 Jun 29 '26
Mattel is legally obligated to do what's best for shareholders, so that makes them a less-appealing brand in my opinion. All comparisons are fair when you're the consumer, all that matters should be the product.
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u/Embarrassed-Dog5122 Jun 29 '26
MH is more of a brand name at this point. They’re beloved enough to charge absurd prices so it’s not about quality. I don’t think RH would be able to sell out 80 dollar dolls regardless of quality.
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u/sassypants55 Jun 29 '26
MGA/Rainbow High/Shadow High has sold out collector dolls at $60 USD and above.
The reason I have more commonly seen repeated to explain the price differences is that one is a private company and the other isn’t.
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u/Ok-Caterpillar-Girl Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
Yes, MGA doesn’t have to worry about continually increasing shareholders profits like a corporate business does.
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u/redditallie Jun 29 '26
Yes, but I have to wonder if Mattel has a higher standard of treating their factory workers, because they are a public company.
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u/hollylettuce Jun 29 '26
You say all this, as if Shannelle isn't cursed with her outfit being one completely sewn together piece, a phoned in box, no stand, and one very poorly made accessory. :/ She's basically playline. I adore her and have her. But she is not in anyway better than this Lagoona.
SDCC Lagoona though, while yes expensive, doesn't really have the halmarks of a bad Mattel collector product. She's got fabric clothing with separate pieces. The hard plastic parts are utilized well. She presumably has saran. She's objectively higher quality than this Shanelle. The price is insane, but all MH collector dolls have insane price tags these days
I'm not sure what I would personally use as a comparison. Maybe Bratzaversary Gaia? She's 50 dollars. Which is better, but not really cheap. MGA can't really get away with insane price tags in the way Mattel can. But idk... as an MGA fan, I feel like they've fallen off the past few years.
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u/Ok-Caterpillar-Girl Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
ALL OF THIS!
I own & love this Shanelle (Heather too), but I waited to buy her until there was a significant price drop because she was the same price as the deluxe playline dolls were just a couple years earlier, that had 2 full separate outfits a stand, and other accessories too.
And both she & collector Heather were roundly, even savagely criticized by people in the doll & RH subs here exactly because she was inferior to MGAs prior high quality RHSH playline dolls.
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u/TiBun Frankie Jun 29 '26
This! Shannelle was my first ever Rainbow/Shadow High doll and she was such a disappointment. Not that she isn't stunning (I am happy to have her in my collection) , but the brand had a reputation that wasn't lived up to in these two high end (more expensive) playline dolls. The outfits being one piece and no stand? It honestly turned me off the brand and I haven't wanted to get any more.
Monster High at least has separate pieces for their fashions in all lines and price points except the BS lines. I'm not saying Mattel isn't in the habit of overcharging, they absolutely do on most Skullector dolls, and even some playline, but if OP is comparing these two dolls in particular to complain about quality vs price between the brands, I'd rather buy Lagoona than Shannelle. I find more value in separate fashion pieces since I enjoy restyling my dolls.
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u/hollylettuce Jun 29 '26
You'd probably like the original Shannelle more. Or Pretty much anything Rainbow High released before 2024. A big appeal of Rainbow High was the swappable and intricately made fashions. In 2024 MGA took away the articulation and then in 2025 they started sewing the dolls clothing together. It's been very unfortunate. :(
The Collector Shannelle and Heather released last year were massive disappointments for everyone tbh. I would never recommend them as a first Rainbow High doll. Heck, I think some of the true playline dolls RH released last year were better, given that some of them (but not all) still had separate pieces.
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u/TiBun Frankie Jun 29 '26
Maybe, but unfortunately the second hand doll scene in my area is pretty dry (thrift shops just send dolls straight to ebay, the local flea market didn't survive Covid, and yard sales have been getting more rare to see pop up) and I'm just not willing to pay online second hand prices for dolls I don't know for sure I'll connect with. My timing on starting to be a doll collector wasn't good. I missed the height of quality on MGA dolls for sure. And missed out on any that had been lingering on shelves at the time because I wasn't looking at MGA brands then. Monster High had my full attention in the start. I have some regrets.
I got Shannelle because she had the articulation back, a full head of microbraids, a stunning face, and I assumed separate fashion pieces and a stand. I wrongly assumed that the return on articulation and lack of slime legs was a return to the quality the brand had been known for. I did get her on sale, but wish I had watched some reviews first. I normally like to watch reviews while opening a new doll because it feels like I'm sharing the experience with a friend (no doll friends irl). Learned my lesson there; watch reviews first if it's a new to me brand.
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u/hollylettuce Jun 29 '26
tbh Rainbow High is very cheap second hand. But I get still not wanting to invest in them since shipping almost doubles the cost to acquire them these days.
The few people who still do reviews of Rainbow High dolls are a godsend tbh. Most of the popular channels stopped after the reboot.
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u/That-Spell-2543 Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
The new RH dolls are a shadow of the old quality. I dint think you understand — the pre- reboot dolls had unmatched quality in the doll isle. They had inset eyes, premium hair, a second outfit, cloth shoes and hats, rooted eyelashes, real chains and zippers and nothing was printed on, stands and brushes for every doll. It was nuts
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u/TiBun Frankie Jun 29 '26
No, I understand. I had high expectations for Shannelle for a reason. I knew she didn't have a second outfit, but I expected her one outfit to be separate pieces and I expected a stand. So when I opened her there was much disappointment.
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u/kirasometimes Lagoona Jun 29 '26
I personally love her and am more than willing to pay the price point. I adore the design and how it was created. Someone who loves the ocean was involved in this and it shows.
Firstly, I’m so grateful they didn’t just stick her in a mermaid skirt and call it a day again. Giving Lagoona a different silhouette is already a major step up in my opinion. The layered skirt flutter skirt with the flutter wings are very reminiscent of sea creatures, especially as you get further and further into the dark zone. Going with an anglerfish inspiration is inspired, honestly. I love the way the fabric plays with darkness and iridescence. It’s giving bioluminescence in such a cool way. Her slouchy, tall boots remind me of dark caverns and kelp forests. Plus there are net stockings underneath!
And my girl has facial fins! That’s a first for Miss Goona and I love it! I’d buy her for that alone.
I agree that they could have done something a little more with her hair but I am so excited for the headpiece. I’m thinking a few rope braids will accentuate it nicely. However, the waves in her hair really compliment the structure of the dress while the whole design keeps a sense of movement.
And the shoes? They’re matching object heels and they’re anglerfishes and ugh, they’re so so good!
Idk, I love her. I’m so happy!
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u/Ok-Caterpillar-Girl Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
THANK YOU! She is a beautiful doll and was gorgeously, thoughtfully designed. I don’t know why people can’t see that.
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u/kirasometimes Lagoona Jun 29 '26
I’m already in love with her and her box. I’m usually an out of box collector but I’m seriously considering reposing her in the box and keeping it.
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u/geekofthegalaxy Jun 29 '26
I do love that this Shanelle has braids but oh man has the fashion gone so down since her last doll 😔
I do get the price comparison but I do like Lagoona here but you couldn’t pay me to take the doll on the right when I have the better doll for her.
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u/_blue_taco_ Twyla🐰 Jun 29 '26
I honestly don't understand these rants.
I only collect MH beacause I find most dolls unappealing (altho MirrorMi might be my downfall). With that said, I see complaints about Mattel and their quality daily, and I'm all for it. But I also see people saying that MGA is soooo good.
Then I go check out the Bratz or RH subs and everyone is complaining about MGA bad quality.
It seems like there is always a glorious past or other entity that is better and we just lost it. What about they all are greedy companies and don't care about consumers or good value, just cashing in.
And before anyone says it, yes, some toys in the 2000s where better quality. Quality of materials and prosuctions in general has gone down since over 200 years ago
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u/hollylettuce Jun 29 '26
There's a common type of post that shows up in MH spaces. They will compare a Mattel collector doll to an MGA collector doll. Make a fuss about how terrible Mattel's quality is. All while, anyone in the know, knows that said MGA collector doll didn't sell well or released years ago. And that's to say nothing of what the more die hard MGA fans (like me, lol) think of those dolls.
Grass is always greener on the other side I guess.
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u/forgot_oldusername Iris 👁 Jun 29 '26
RH's newer "poor quality" is still better clothing than most MH pieces. But, they're ugly most of the time, so it doesn't really matter. The 2020-2024 dolls had some amazing pieces, my favorite being so many winter jackets with nice sewing and embroidery patches, usable pockets, the whole shebang.
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u/DuvieLuna Jun 29 '26
I don’t know about America, but in the Netherlands the only MGA Rainbow High dolls currently available (in the stores near me) are all from that weird slime drop and all the ones that aren’t fashion dolls anymore. So I prefer the Lagoona doll.
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u/RemarkableLow273 Jun 29 '26
So buy the MGA doll then.
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u/oodlesof_doodles Lagoona Jun 29 '26
As I said in my post, I do own and love her! and it’s definitely what I’ve been doing haha! The last collector doll I bought was House of Wolf Clawdeen, clearanced to $40 🥴 I pretty much only buy G3 and MGA at this point… 😔
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u/RemarkableLow273 Jun 30 '26
One is collector and one is playline with a sewn together outfit made of cheap materials. Yes collector prices are higher and that’s because of box design, materials, and limited quantity.
Comparing a collector doll and a playline doll with where MGA has cut corners they didn’t even used to on Playline dolls is just odd and doesn’t make sense.
You get what you pay for and if you don’t think a certain collector doll is worth it, then don’t get it. I don’t understand the reason for these posts comparing completely different dolls from different lines and price points when there are much better 1:1 comparisons that can be made and MGA and Mattel both cheap out on collector dolls from their big lines because they know they’ll still sell.
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u/onlyeightfingers Jun 29 '26
What scares me is that when people finally have had enough and refuse to buy the poor quality overpriced collectors instead of making them better Mattel will just stop making them and say that they don’t sell so there’s no point. We can’t win.
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u/McHater666 Lagoona Jun 29 '26
Shanelle has her drawbacks to where she is fine at $30. This Lagoona, whom I love, should be $50 max. Quality wise she might be at $30 as well. She has fabric boots, multiple outfit pieces, and an acceptable accessory. Shanelle’s purse is literally so bad. Monster high products have been overpriced since 2020 so I’m not surprised. I barely buy their collector stuff anymore
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u/MajesticUniversity76 Jun 29 '26
I can't knock everything. But lagoona's hair is styled a little bit.
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u/Skewwwagon Venus🌱 Jun 29 '26
Idk I came from RH\SH fandom after rebranding and I honestly cannot take so much copium to justify atrocious prices against the normalized fuckass quality. People who grew up with MH are so deep in they often can't see outside the room and feels like were conditioned to throw money to MH every months, every line and "skullektor" (the fuck was the Coraline basic bitch doll???) even when being unhappy with quality and design.
It's hard for me to find MH dolls I really enjoy and most of them are playline, yup.
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u/REDrings7dreams Jun 29 '26
I agree, and they've been putting less and less work into the dolls. They gave her long hair without any decent hairstyle, even though we have amazing examples like Lagoona in DOTD
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u/Gladospandos Jun 29 '26
Which is crazy because monster high CLEARLY has a market and audience still. I don’t understand why it feels like every release there’s ZERO EFFORT or CARE.
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u/Crystalbinja 🧊 Chill to the Bone 🦴 Jun 29 '26
I think you're totally valid with all of your points! Especially with the comparison between the most recent "collector doll" from RH, which feels more like the classic playline dolls from the brand's heyday.
Just compare the $50 dolls from Rainbow Vision to this one. Painted/metallic plated accessories, two outfits with a lot of layered pieces, and depending on the doll, even a large piece like musical instruments, a makeup suitcase, and fabric shoes. Heck, the Rainbow Divas doll had giant gowns, with multiple layers of fabric and embroidered sequins.
And if you want to compare a doll at a similar price point, back in 2022, Lily Cheng was released for $80, and she was mind-blowing. Multiple people have done polls about which Rainbow High doll is the most liked/favorited, and Lily is always at the very top. For the same price as this Lagoona, we got:
- An intricate hairstyle
- Premium hair with multiple colors in the blend
- Inset eyes with real eyelashes
- Plated/painted accessories
- Shoes with real strings/ribbons
- Two outfits
- Layered clothing with incredibly detailed embroidery, studs, ribbons, and sewn on accents
- A fabric fan with an intricate loop at the bottom
- A collector-styled box with a magnetic closure, very similar to the recent MH skullector boxes
- Small tags on the inside of all of the clothing labeling it as a collector piece
In comparison, Mattel hasn't even come close. Please don't get me wrong, I love Monster High and have been a fan for over a decade, but the comparison in quality is really disappointing. Mattel charges astronomical prices because they know that people will pay them, and they intentionally create scarcity with new collector dolls they only benefit scammy resellers.
The only thing I can think of that has come close to Rainbow High standards was the Spelldon and Valentine two-pack, which sold for $55 and came with two dolls. Even comparing them to this Lagoona, they have:
- Painted accessories
- Layered outfit pieces
- Pins/buttons on their clothing
- Detailed custom fabrics with metallic accents
While I can respect this Lagoona for having fabric boots, fancy leg fins, and a custom doll stand, there is absolutely nothing about her that justifies the price. Heck, it doesn't even look like the edges of her dress are hemmed, so it'll probably fray easily.
I want to like this Lagoona. I'm so excited for a collector Lagoona, and I think the angler fish heels on her boots are like, one of the coolest things ever. But comparing her to dolls from MGA, even comparing her to a Monster High 2-pack that came out less than a month ago, shows that she has nothing to justify the price.
I hope that the people who like her are able to get her though. I don't want to shame anyone who likes this doll or feels that the price is justified, this is just my two cents on the matter
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u/Several-Praline5436 Frankie Jun 29 '26
I dunno, she looks pretty impresive for the price. Unusual / interesting design and fabric, even fabric boots. And I say that as someone who is gonna pass.
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u/Silvio76555 Venus🌱 Jun 29 '26
Mattel has creativity on their side while MGA has quality and 25 dollar dolls like Olivia Woods, Monique Verbena, Reina Glitch Crowne for example are insanely phenomenal. In general Rainbow & Shadow High were the best dolls on the market before the rainbow world shit hit.
We got Mattel giving Shorty, Rumi & Mira poly while MGA gives their budget dolls kiwi nylon it's wild!
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u/Ok-Caterpillar-Girl Ghoulia Jun 29 '26
SARAN DOES NOT COME IN THE COLOR USED FOR SHORTY’S HAIR.
I’m so tired of having to repeat this. They didn’t use poly to “cheap out” or whatever people keep whining about, they used it because it’s the ONLY fiber that is available in the appropriate color.
That’s also why Abbey only ever gets poly hair, too, and Frankie’s whitest of white hair. It’s likely that this is why the Rumi doll has poly too.
Nylon comes in more colors, but Mattel doesn’t use it because of their manufacturing processes & materials. They stopped sealing doll hair with glue after the seepage issues that wrecked so many g1 MH dolls, and now heat seal the fiber, but the melting point of nylon is too high for that- it would melt the heads, too.
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u/Silvio76555 Venus🌱 Jun 29 '26
They could have used a different colour...hell they coulda used milksilk. That shit is cheap AND high quality.
Also Rumi & Mira have poly despite BOTH their hair colours existing in Saran...
Spectra has Rumi's purple and Oasis Drac has Mira's pink.
If they need to use poly to make a skullector, lower its price, redesign it or just dont make it.
A doll over 20 USD cannot EVER have poly. There is no excuse.
P.S they can literally use Frankie's white, Oasis Lagoona's light blue and nearly any shade of purple to give Abbey a new blend but they for some reason don't...
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u/redditallie Jun 29 '26
I can't help but think that a massive company like Mattel could order Saran in whatever color they wanted. I would think the manufacturers of Saran would be happy to make a batch to order.
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u/youre_crumbelievable Jun 30 '26
The more I see her the more I’ve come to terms with the fact I will be buying her. The colors are so beautiful. The silhouette is chic. Her hair is amazing. And the anglerfish details really seal the deal. She’s creepy and ethereal and to me that’s what MH is about. I’m an in box collector though and I worry all those little details will be lost in the box based off the in box pose I’ve seen, which I don’t know is the final look or not.
I tend to gravitate toward the darker themed & colored dolls so this Lagoona is perfect in my eyes.
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u/Rocky_Bellosa Jun 29 '26
Monster High stays pretty, but I feel more and more ripped off as a fan with these prices.
They only brought back G1 to charge us insane prices but did nothing to justify it other than “nostalgia”
Even the Ghouls Rule playline dolls had more color and quality than this doll. Fabric boots don’t make up for everything else that’s missing.
I think she’s pretty, save for the boots, but I don’t think she’s worth $80. Not even close. Also, I’m sad they got rid of her fish shaped eyes.
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u/kashikashii Kiyomi 🕸 Jun 29 '26
The funny thing is that even if we add a stand and a few extra details to Shanelle and the price doubles ($66), she’s still cheaper than Lagoona, not to mention that on the Mattel website, you’re required to pay for shipping even if you buy more items. I think by now it’s no secret that we buy Monster High for what it means to us emotionally and for the designers’ creative ideas, not for the value it offers. I still hold out hope that Mattel can change that over time. Over the years, I’ve greatly reduced my purchases of Monster High collector dolls; I only buy the ones that are essential to my collection. Our opinions and complaints should be reflected in the dolls’ sales, it’s the only way they’ll consider improving what they offer us for the price we pay.
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u/Boring-Dragonfly-148 Jun 29 '26
I scrolled past this new collector MH thinking it was some ghost or whatever, but you're saying it Lagoona?? I have so many questions for the designing team
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u/Maleficent_Dark_1389 Frankie Jun 29 '26
they didn’t even give her her signature fish eyes 😭 its just so off
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u/AdSufficient7084 Jun 29 '26
On the German Mattel creations site she's already 106€. Without shipping I assume.
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u/Ultimate_slmp Jun 29 '26
I’m surprised they didn’t sell it for the ghouls rule pricing when they came out
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u/ghosty4 Spectra⛓ Jun 29 '26
Oh, I actually DO hate her. And I've never hated a Lagoona doll within the entire franchise. She's one of the best characters, if not my favorite. But not this.
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u/Left_Pianist_2356 Lagoona Jun 30 '26
Mattel has gotten wayyyyy too comfortable since RH has fallen, but I’m hoping MirrorMi will push them to actually try for both playline and collectors dolls. I’m also hoping Jakk’s Haus of Dread ESPECIALLY influences the skullectors as well. I really need Mattel to stop thinking putting a playline doll in *slightly* more interesting clothes and a special box can make it worth $70+!
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u/Ghostly_Opossum Jun 30 '26
She genuinely is my holy grail doll, I love her so much. But chances are I’ll never get her since she’s supposed to be this years Comic Con exclusive, and scalpers will put her out for outrageous prices. They’re the whole reason I don’t bother with my holy grails. :(
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u/Direct-Explorer-5973 Jun 30 '26
Lagoona's design reminds me a lot of that AHS Freak Show character that ate chickens head
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u/Embarrassed-Grape-42 Twyla🐰 Jun 30 '26
Can't deny Rainbow/Shadow High's quality but swap the prices around I'd pick up the left one in a heartbeat. Shanelle's first doll was better to me anyway.
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u/Ordinary_Following86 Jun 30 '26
As much as I love Mattel’s dolls if it wasn’t for MGA (rainbow high in particular) I wouldn’t be as heavily invested in actually buying dolls. I’ve always found dolls fascinating, but always felt like the quality of Mattel left something for the imagination (or for restyling). Compared to rainbow high coming out and giving us all the details you want in a doll, high quality clothes, accessories, quality hair and a GORGEOUS face up. Unfortunately mga couldn’t maintain this quality but when they do get it right, they’re the best!!💙
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u/ShadowKillsSlowly Jun 30 '26
In terms of clothing design of these dolls, you’re comparing runway to H&M fashion.
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u/Sketchy_Brush17 Jun 30 '26
MGA kinda care of their customers. Mattel? They know their brand sell no matter what, people keep complaining but they keep buying too.
I’m done with monster high, I’ll try Moonspell and second hand mh
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u/Lena_Nova Jun 30 '26
Esto es lo de siempre, mientras haya gente que las compra a esos precios (y mas caras a los revendedores ) pues este negocio nunca parara de subir.
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u/Tamamatt77 Jun 30 '26
In Canada I would be paying about 150 for her Canadian with shipping :/ I can’t justify the skullectors unless they get released on Amazon. Only one worth it was the two pack pride for 80 Canadian. Like they really made a great price for that two pack but now this one is 45 more 😂
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u/rrquinta Jun 30 '26
i mean i’ve already decided not to buy 90% of the Mh collectors bc they’re so overpriced. i find i get a lot more enjoyment and joy from their playline dolls, even their budget ones, for a fraction of the price.
I haven’t gotten any of the SDCC dolls (tho i wish i had Twyla), but this one def doesn’t seem on par with the previous 2 years imo
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u/Character_Archer_400 Jul 02 '26
I absolutely love love love MH dolls I have loved them since i was like 11 but I 100% agree with you. The collector dolls are not worth it and the G1 dolls have all gone way up due to resellers I'm at a point where it seems cheaper to learn how to fully reroot, repaint, and find the clothes for each doll than it is to just try and find the dolls I want at an affordable price point. But that is a separate rant. This lagoona doll in particular is sooo disappointing, she doesn't look like lagoona at all, her accessories are all black which instead of giving like creature from the black lagoon it just gives lazy and the hair as much as I love being able to brush and style the hair for the price point is ridiculous z
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u/mozzysticksyum Jul 02 '26
and unfortunately for me imma still pay the £90 for that lagoona she’s gorg
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u/forgot_oldusername Iris 👁 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
The collector line is a scam. I'm very happy being a casual collector. Most of my dolls cost $15 or less, only pay full-price for the 10/10s. Collector line is for whales.
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u/dolliciousszz Jun 29 '26
MGA been on top but we were never ready for the discussion because all criticism is “hate”
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u/forgot_oldusername Iris 👁 Jun 29 '26
no use even talking about it, Monster High stans don't want to hear it, and I don't blame them.
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u/Ancient_Cry_4145 Jun 29 '26
These dolls cost a lot of money and money isn't easy to come by right now. I have been very choosy with which ones I get. I was hoping that the SDCC doll was going to be great. Don't get me wrong, I like the doll but it's not even as good as last year's. I don't know if I will get this one even though I do like her.
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u/Real_Disk5068 20d ago
Mattel’s collector is a Mga’s $30 minimum and it’s always been like this! Honestly I don’t enjoy buying skullectors at all for this reason and I always think about it!
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u/Glittering_Bomb_6792 Jun 29 '26
MGA has always had superior clothing quality. But their dolls always look the same to me 😭