Friday, August 14, 2015

Project Mc2 Dolls ♥ STEM

Project Mc2 dolls by MGA Entertainment are:  Camryn Coyle (C2), McKeyla McAlister (Mc2), Adrienne Attom (A2), and Bryden Bandweth (B2).  These dolls come with a science experiment.

It was through an article in the Daily Mail that I discovered the Project Mc2 dolls and their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) theme, which I think is quite refreshing.  According to Daily Mail, the manufacturer's "aim is to create a new image of girls who are into sciences -- away from the traditional 'geek' character associated with STEM... subjects."

Initially, I incorrectly assumed the dolls were only available in the UK; however, the dolls are already here in the US, available online at Amazon.com, ToysRUs.com, and Target.com.  In his overview of the dolls, one vlogger indicated he purchased his "at Target," which leads me to believe they are also available at physical Target stores.

There are two versions.  One version comes with a different science experiment or project for each doll and retails for $24.99.  Experiments/projects include making a volcano, a lava light, a skateboard, and a glow light.   The core version, priced at $14.99 (the version the vlogger reviewed) includes the doll and a beaker-shaped comb.  In addition to their STEM interests, the dolls already have their own TV show on Netflix:  Project Mc2 (see the link below).

Project Mc2 core dolls include only a beaker-shaped comb.

As shown in the above two images, the two versions are dressed differently.  The doll with experiment appears to be fully articulated.   At 11.75 inches, both versions are playscale in size.
Those with an aversion for dolls with oversized heads, however, might not find either version appealing, even with the STEM theme, as the heads and bodies appear disproportionately sized.  

Close-up of core doll, Bryden Bandweth 
One Amazon.com reviewer gave Bryden Bandweth a 3-star review based on her eye color alone. The reviewer's desire was for brown instead of green eyes for her 5-year-old.  The reviewer pointed out that brown eyes were used for the doll's box image and questioned the reasoning for green eyes.

The actress who plays the role of Bryden Bandweth on Netflix appears to have brown eyes as well.  So I also wonder about MCA's eye color choice for the doll that represents her.  I am happy, however, that her complexion is brown and not tan.

Links and resources for this post:
Daily Mail article
Vlogger's review.
Season 1 of  Project Mc2 on Netflix


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28 comments:

  1. I was excited when I found out about these dolls a couple weeks ago. Being a science geek myself, I love the theme. I got a chance to see them in person Tuesday at a local Target. They are very nice dolls, but can't really fit in with the Barbie families. Their heads are huge! At 14.99 for the doll without the extras, I was willing to add one to the collection. As it is, I left them in the store. If I ever start a big head doll collection, they will be first on the list.

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    1. "If ever start a big head doll collection..." cracked me up.

      I am headed toward Target now. I might stop in to see if they have them in stock. Knowing my Target, they do not.

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    2. I was half joking and half serious. There are some really cute big headed dolls coming out now. Disney just put out their Descendants dolls and even though they are kids of normal sized Disney dolls, their heads are huge. So the big heads are starting to outweigh the regular heads. These companies must know something we don't. If I had the time, I would start a big head doll storyline.

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    3. I guess the big headed dolls appeal to little girls and based on sales so companies keep creating them. I just got back from Target where I was able to see these dolls in person. Their heads are not as oversized as I imagined. There was only 1 each of the core and the experiment Bryden. I was tempted to buy the articulated version but she had a vinyl rub on her forehead, which was my cue to leave her there. Cute doll, though.

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  2. I also saw the unarticulated version yesterday at Meijer's. Like Vanessa, I am not a collector of the big headed dolls. They are very cute though!

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    1. I think they are cute, too, Phyllis (from what I have seen online). I think the concept is pretty cool too (for girls).

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  3. I saw the articulated versions at Target last week, and then the un-articulated ones a few days later. Having both strikes me as a bit of a strange choice - at first glace I assumed the higher price-tag was only because of the experiments or project that are included with the articulated ones, so I can easily see people picking up the basic versions and being disappointed when they unbox the stiff-armed dolls.

    Still, I like the concept behind them!

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    1. I don't understand why the company chose to make two bodies either, jSarie. The nonarticulated dolls might come as a surprise to those expecting articulation, but from what I read forward in Robotica's comment, those who purchase the articulated version might not be too happy with the flimsy bodies.

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  4. Debbie check ToysR Us. I believe that I saw the AA there last Saturday. They had others, but this is the one that caught my eye.

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    1. Thanks for the TRU suggestion, GG. I was able to see both versions at Target yesterday. They have pretty faces and their heads are not as oversized as I had imagined. They had one of each version of Bryden. The project Bryden was tempting but she had a vinyl rub on her forehead so I left her there. I might purchase one later if I find a flawless (in the box) appearing one.

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  5. I saw both versions at Target and ToysRUs in my city. They remind me of Liv and Moxie Teenz dolls. That's the only reason I'd like to get one. Some reviews on YouTube said the articulated dolls bodies are flimsy and cheap. If I got the AA doll I swap her eyes with the brown eyed one cause I don't like her eyes at all.

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    1. Thank you for sharing the YouTube reviews of the articulated body. Articulation is good; flimsiness is not. An eye swap sounds interesting.

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  6. Looking at her eyes reminds me of the blue eyed AA male on ANTM. Did you see him? His eyes are sky blue! Of course the judges and the contestants all thought they were fake, but they aren't. They regularly show his baby pictures with those blue eyes. It is wild.

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    1. Yes, I saw him! He has the bluest eyes. The contrast between his eye color and complexion is uncanny but becoming. I heard the hating contestants commenting that his eyes and hair were fake and the judges thought they were too, but he has a baby picture to prove they are in fact real. I watched this week's recorded episode this morning.

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    2. Although his eyes are not blue, TV and radio host Donnie Simpson's complexion and eye color are also extremely striking! He'll be returning to radio soon on Washington DC's WMMJ MAGIC 102.3 FM and to TV on TVOne.

      Then we have Smokey Robinson, Gary Dourdan, Michael Ealy and the list of dark skinned celebrities with light eyes goes on. So it happens. Bryden is not such an anomaly.

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    3. Oh no you didn't bring up one of the loves of my life, Donnie Simpson. I started a new line dance class 3 weeks ago and the teacher has that Donnie Simpson look, bu his eyes are even lighter. He is quite the motivation to get me to class every week! And it's 4 hours!

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    4. LOL! That is too funny. Four hours... goodness, but with those eyes, I probably wouldn't miss a class either!!!! Have fun!

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  7. I just saw these dolls at my Target, too. They made me stop and really take a look. I'm loving the different skin tones, and, like you mentioned, Debbie, that her skin is brown, rather than tan. The inset eyes are very pretty, and I love the concept. In the past, I didn't care for "big-headed" dolls, but since I started collecting Ellowyne, they have grown on me very much. The larger heads are usually to appear more youthful, like a young girl, and not a grown woman. I like that these dolls are encouraging intelligence and STEM, and are aged younger. Many dolls (like Barbie) have a focus on adulthood, and how much 'fun' it is, and I think it's important to enjoy our younger years, because being an adult is not always as much fun as Barbie makes it out to be, haha.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your opinion on the Project Mc2 dolls, mortmortmorty. Thanks for that insight into the reasoning behind the larger heads. I do agree that dolls that celebrate girlhood are necessary and those that encourage learning are always welcome in my book, even if I don't desire to add them to my doll family.

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  8. I saw the unarticulated ones at Walmart and I could have sworn they were $9.99. My store sometimes does that for new releases so I don't imagine it's the normal price. Even though I liked their clothes, I didn't buy any.

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    1. I looked for these dolls at Walmart prior to seeing them at Target. Had Bryden been in stock for $9.99 (core, nonarticulated doll with vinyl forehead rub or not), I would have purchased her in a heartbeat.

      :-)

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  9. project mc2 - moje nowe szaleΕ„stwo!
    czekam, aΕΌ siΔ™ panienki pojawiΔ… w
    Polsce - nachΔ™tniej zgranΔ™Ε‚abym 4 ♥

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  10. I'm going to check these dolls out tomorrow at TRU. I don't care for the big heads either but her body might just come in handy, lol.

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    1. Brini the body is not articulated on the one priced $14.99. The one that comes with the science project does have an articulated body.

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  11. i so want one of these since i saw them at target a few weeks ago. do you know offhand if blythe dolls can wear her clothes?

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    1. Hi Marlena,

      Since I did not buy one, I am not sure if Blythe dolls can wear their clothes. I do know that Blythe dolls can wear Sparkle Girlz clothing. Based on their similar heights, I'd take a guess that Blythe probably can wear them.

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