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Saturday, February 12, 2011

Ultra Basic Russell Meets Ultra Basic Russell


During the recent Tonnerdirect.com one day sale, I ordered Ultra Basic Russell Williams #2 (UBRW2), pictured above.  As illustrated in the following images, he has undergone some pretty radical changes. 


L-R, Ultra Basic Russell Williams 1 and 2

Not only is his complexion several shades lighter, UBRW2's former green eyes are now brown.  His torso is jointed while #1's is not. 



His hair has also grown and the texture has changed.  Instead of short, curly hair, UBRW2's hair is now straight, styled in a ponytail. 

Perhaps the now ambiguous ethnicity is an attempt to appeal to a wider range of collectors.  I'm not sure, but I have noticed that girlfriend, Esme, has undergone some major changes as well.  These are discussed in squarepeg's blog, "What Happened to Esme?" 

Which one do you like better, UBRW1 or UBRW2?  (As always, for greater detail, clicking on any of my images will enlarge them in a new window.)

dbg

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5 comments:

  1. D7anaFebruary 12, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I prefer the first Russell. I prefer curly hair to straight hair in general. The second Russell's having a jointed torso would have shifted him to first place, but the first Russell having curly hair AND a darker complexion, gives Russell I first place for me.

    I don't care for the straight hair or the lighter complexion with this face mold.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jorge RamiroFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Hi,Debbie!!
    Charmming Guys!!
    I think The Guy Dressed In Suit Is Cool.
    Has A Handsome Male Face
    And Expressive Eyes!!

    He Has My Vote!!
    Hugs,Debbie!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. VanessaFebruary 12, 2011 at 2:25 PM

    I'm not going to get on my soap box. I will say that Tonner should have named the new Russell and the new Esme different names. These dolls are clearly not the same. I guess, now that I think about it, the Jac doll is somewhat similar. She has different looks too. However, for the most part I don't think her skin tone was changed so drastically. I like both Russells and both Esmes. I just wish they weren't named the same.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Doll PartyDecember 30, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Mmm. I will be bold enough to say I dont like doll number 2. As some one said these are two totally diffrent looking dolls.As adult collectors we are able to see so much more and are aware of the psychological effects dolls have had on black children in the past. As stated why not name them diffrent so we can appreciate diversity within cullture rather than make it look like you are transforming from dark skin to light skin.We want people to be proud and happy with the skin there in

    ReplyDelete
  5. Black Doll EnthusiastDecember 30, 2012 at 7:16 PM

    Thanks for your comment Doll Party. #1 is my favorite, too. I still don't understand the drastic change, but I guess it really doesn't matter now since Russell Williams has not surfaced again since this lighter version was released. He must be doll history now.

    dbg

    ReplyDelete

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