Living Dead Dolls

Living Dead Dolls is a line of horror dolls designed in the United States by Ed Long and Damien Glonek and manufactured by Mezco Toyz since 2000.[1]

Origins

The first Living Dead Dolls appeared for sale in USA in 1998.[2] They were craft dolls individually customised by either Ed Long or Damien Glonek. These customised dolls are called "handmades" by fans and collectors. The first doll was made by Long using one of his mother's doll kits. He showed the doll to Glonek, and they worked together to make 12 more. After the dolls sold out immediately, Long & Glonek decided to make more for sale.[3] These original handmade dolls were sold exclusively through Glonek's horror memorabilia mail order company Unearthly Possessions, as well as at horror conventions along the East Coast. It was at one of the Chiller Theatre conventions that Mike "Mez" Markowitz, the founder of Mezco Toyz purchased one of the dolls.[4] Mezco subsequently contacted Long and Glonek about manufacturing and distributing the dolls commercially.[2]

The first commercial series of Living Dead Dolls, Series 1, was released early in 2001.[4] Since then, new series have been released roughly twice a year.

Handmades

Handmades(1998–2001)

These customised craft dolls were individually created by Ed Long and/or Damien Glonek. The original handmade dolls did not have names, but can be identified by their design and costuming. The following dolls can be linked to dolls which were put into mainstream production:

These early handmade dolls have not been made as mainstream Living Dead Dolls as of January 2009:

Handmades (post-2001)

After the dolls went into production, it was possible to request custom handmades directly from the creators. These custom handmades originally cost $666 each, later increased to $800. A custom handmade was the prize available to anyone who opened one of the five Series 5 blood-spattered chase dolls. In 2004, Long & Glonek announced on the Mezco message boards that they would no longer accept commissions or make handmades to order, but would instead occasionally offer handmade dolls on eBay to the highest bidder.

Living Dead Dolls

Living Dead Dolls are 10" (28 cm) tall plastic dolls which are sold in coffin-shaped boxes. Most of the main series dolls come with a death certificate, except for the showbiz-themed Series 5, which had coroner's reports. The death-date on the certificate is typically that of a significant historical event, or somebody's birth or death. There is also a short poem about each doll printed on the coffin packaging and/or the death certificate.

Series 1 (March 2001)

Damien closely resembles his namesake from The Omen, a classic horror film trilogy.
This series was originally released in the United States, with a second edition released in Japan.
Limited to 40,000 sets.[4]

Series 2 (October 2001)

Lizzie Borden is the first doll to be explicitly based on a real person, in this case Lizzie Borden. While many of the dolls may appear inspired by specific individuals, only three in the main line are explicitly based on real people. See also Dahlia (series 5) and Bathory (Elizabeth Bathory)(series 15).
Limited to 75,000 sets[4]

Series 3 (March 2002[5])

Limited to 80,000 sets

Series 4 (September 2002[6])

With Macumba, Series 4 was the first series to have an ethnic doll.
Limited to 90,000 sets.
This series led to the Living Dead Dolls being banned in Greece.[7][8]

Series 5 (March 2003[9])

Dahlia is the second doll from the main line to be explicitly based on a real person, in this case Elizabeth Short, the Black Dahlia victim.
Limited to 10,000 sets
To commemorate Series 5, a chase doll in a closed-casket version was randomly inserted into factory-sealed cases. This contained one of the regular Series 5 dolls in a black-and-white colorway. Unless the casket was opened, the doll it held was a mystery. One of each chase doll was blood-spattered. This was a golden ticket that won the finder a free handmade doll. A limited edition of 500 sets of sealed open-casket versions was made available only to members of Mezco's online club.

Series 6 (2003)

Dottie Rose was available with or without eyebrows, in a 50:50 ratio. Each doll came with a pet.
Isaac is the only main series doll to be stuffed.

Series 7 (2004)

This series was inspired by the Seven Deadly Sins.

Series 8 (2004)

The Lost was made in two versions. The "Black Lost" wore a black dress, and the "White Lost" wore a white dress. There were two "Black Losts" to each "White Lost". Each doll also carried a miniature rag doll of the opposite color.
Angus Littlrot was made in three versions. A sack over his head concealed one of three alternative head moulds.

Series 9 (2005)

Elisa Day was based on the song "Where the Wild Roses Grow" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds featuring Kylie Minogue.
A set of limited-edition glow-in-the-dark variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store.
This was the first series to have a re-designed body articulation system, with ball and socket joints at shoulders, hips and neck.
Until Series 26, this was the only all female series.

Series 10 (2005)

To mark the tenth series, the lettering on the clear coffin lids was red.

Series 11 (2006)

Series 12 (2006)

Series 13 (2007)

To mark Series 13 each doll was based on a different superstition. For example, Evangeline had a broken mirror.

Series 14 (2007)

Series 15 (2008)

Bathory is the third doll from the main line to be explicitly based on a real person, in this case Countess Elizabeth Báthory.
A set of limited-edition variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store. Only 300 sets were available worldwide.

Series 16 (Halloween 2008)

This series was based on Halloween trick-or-treaters.
A set of limited-edition orange-and-black variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store. Only 300 sets were available worldwide.

Series 17 (2009)

This series is based on urban legends.

Series 18 (Halloween 2009)

This series was based on Halloween trick-or-treaters.
A set of limited-edition orange-and-black variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store.

Series 19 (2010)

This series is based on vampires.
A set of limited-edition black,-white-and-red variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store. (275 sets)

Series 20 (2010)

This series is based on the Mexican Day of the Dead and sugar skulls.
To mark the twentieth series, the lettering on the clear coffin lids was red.
A set of limited edition black-and-red variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store.

Series 21 (Things with Wings) (2011)

Series 22 (2011)

This series is based on Zombies.
A set of limited-edition black-and-white variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store. Only 275 sets were available worldwide.

Series 23 (July 2012)

This series represented a doll's tea-party. Each doll had a skull-shaped tea-cup except for Betsy, who had the teapot. They also came with legs which clipped to a box-lid to make a table.

Series 24 (September 2012)

This series is based on traditional ghosts and demons.

Series 25 (2013)

Series 26 (2013)

This series is based on witches and many of the names reference pagan holidays.
It is the second all-female series.

Series 27 (2014)

This series is based on myths and legends from around the world.
It is the first series to contain three boy dolls.

Series 28 (2014)

This series commemorates the sixteenth anniversary of the Living Dead Dolls.
After Series 9 and 26, this is the third all-girl series.

Living Dead Doll Exclusives

A number of Living Dead Dolls were made as exclusive issues to various distributors and retailers.

Living Dead Dolls Presents

The Living Dead Dolls Presents... line is a spin-off from the main line. The dolls are based on well-known characters from horror and gothic art, film, and literature. Nosferatu was the first Presents... doll to be released in 2003.

Living Dead Dolls Miniatures (2002–2009)

Between 2002 and 2005, scaled-down versions of Series 1 to 4 were produced, along with a number of exclusives. The first three series of minis corresponded to the first three series of the main line, with one exception. As a miniature School Time Sadie had been offered with the Living Dead Dolls Stationery Set, a new version of Sadie was designed specially for the Series 2 minis. This was Bed Time Sadie.[16] This version of Sadie eventually became a full-size doll in Series 7 due to popular demand. The miniature dolls came in small coffin boxes with separate miniature nooses to enable them to be used as key fob attachments. In 2009, it was announced that a sixth series of miniatures, depicting full-size Series 16, would be released.

Miniatures Series 1 (2002)

As well as being available individually, the complete set could be bought in a Mausoleum I box set exclusive to Spencer's Gifts with miniature versions of the red-dressed Sinister Minister and Bad Habit.

Miniatures Series 2 (March 2003)

These dolls were only available individually.

Miniatures Series 3 (late 2003)

As well as being available individually, the complete set could be bought in a Mausoleum II box set exclusive to Spencer's Gifts with miniature versions of that year's San Diego Comic Con exclusive, Blue Eggzorcist and a variant Bedtime Sadie.

Miniatures Series 4 (2004)

These dolls were only available individually. Unlike the original full size versions, these dolls were not exclusive to certain distributors. Mini Penny was based on the 2003 "Club Mez Penny".

Miniatures Series 5 (2004)

Although the fifth set of miniatures, this set depicts the full size Series 4. They were only available individually. They were the last full series of Living Dead Dolls miniatures to be manufactured and widely distributed until the release of the miniature set depicting Series 16 in 2009.

Miniatures Series 6 (2009)

Although the sixth set of miniatures, this set depicts the full size Series 16. A set of limited-edition orange-and-black variants was exclusive to the Mezco Direct store.

Miniatures Series 7 (2010)

The newest series of minis were put on permanent hiatus. Though they seem to have a fan base, there was no interest by retailers.

Exclusive Miniatures

Living Dead Dolls Figurines

The Living Dead Dolls Figurines: There are five main characters, and another five variants. You are guaranteed 1 complete set per case, but your chances of getting any one figure vary from 2%-16%. These figures are individually blind-boxed. Blind-boxed figures come sealed in “body bags”, without any clue as to which of the series is inside. The surprise stays secret until you open the box.

Figurines Series 1 (2012)

Figurines Series 2 (2013)

Figurines Series 3 (September 2013)

Figurines Series 4 (Fall 2014)

The promo of Series 4 was released early 2014 but Mezco confirmed that they were cancelled due of no interest from the retailers.

Living Dead Dolls Fashion Victims(2003–2004)

The Fashion Victims were 13" (33 cm) tall fashion dolls made of soft vinyl over a wire armature. They were based upon dolls from the original 11" line. They did not come with death certificates or poems, but did have a second change of clothing. The line was discontinued after Series 2.

Fashion Victims Series 1 (2003)

Sheena came with one of two eye paint versions. Lilith was also made in a non-bloody variant version.
This series came with "Deadmate of the Month" (a parody of Playmate of the Month) posters showing the dolls posed provocatively.

Fashion Victims Series 2 (2004)

Series 2, released in 2004, was redesigned with smaller breasts, making it markedly less provocative. There were no Deadmate posters, and no variants.

Living Dead Dollies (2004–2005)

The Living Dead Dollies were horror baby dolls similar to Krypt Kiddies and based on main series dolls. The line was discontinued after Series 2.

Living Dead Dollies series 1 (2004)

Living Dead Dollies series 2 (2005)

Living Dead Dollies exclusive

Living Dead Ragdolls

Series 1 (2004)

Unlike all other Living Dead Doll spin-offs, the Ragdolls were all-new characters.[19] Jeepers was later remade as a Club Mez exclusive Living Dead Doll, and a Living Dead Doll version of Orchid forms part of Series 19.

Living Dead Ragdolls exclusive

Other Official Merchandise

Barware

From May 2002 to 2004, three sets of drinking glasses were produced by Crystal Etching Co as part of their Drink With The Living Dead series of horror-themed barware. They featured original Living Dead Dolls artwork by Damien Glonek. In production order, they were:

Lunch Tins (2002)

At least three Living Dead Dolls lunchboxes were made in the following designs:

Stationery Set (2002)

This was a set of Living Dead Dolls themed stationery including a 6.66 inch ruler, erasers, writing paper and envelopes. A miniature doll of School Time Sadie was included in the set.[16]

Pencil Sharpeners (2003)

Two novelty pencil sharpeners were made based on the heads of Posey and Sadie. The pencil was inserted in an eye socket and the shavings came out of the mouth. The Posey pencil sharpener appears in a scene in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith.[20]

Head Knockers (2003)

Resin bobblehead figurines were made of four early series dolls. These were produced by NECA rather than by Mezco. The first two, Posey and Eggzorcist were released early 2003.[21] Lizzie Borden and Lou Sapphire were released later the same year, but no others were made.

Living Dead Dolls Board Game (late 2003)

The board game was designed by Matthew Nuccio and released in late 2003.[22]

Porcelain Dolls (2003)

In 2003, 18 inch porcelain dolls of Posey and Abigail Crane were made. They had porcelain heads, hands and feet. The porcelain Abigail Crane was exclusive to Mezco Online while the porcelain Posey (limited to 4000 pieces) was distributed worldwide.

Party Lights (2003)

This was a string of lights, similar to fairy lights. The bulb shades were transcluent vinyl heads with rooted hair depicting LDD characters Posey, School Time Sadie, Kitty, Schitzo, and Lulu.

Jewelry (2010)

A limited edition version of the necklace featured in the Twisted Love set. The necklace features heart and dagger charms designed in inky black with blood-red highlights. Each hangs from 17” individual, adjustable chains that can be worn solo, or paired together with the dagger piercing the heart. It is a limited edition of 200 pieces and is exclusive to Mezco Direct.

Pencil Toppers (2010)

A set of three individually packaged pencil toppers featuring Sadie, Sybil, and Schitzo.

Vinyl Banners

Printed on durable 10 oz. vinyl, the banners measure 18 inches wide by 36 inches tall (approximate).

Living Dead Dolls in Wonderland Book (Feb 2010)

A limited edition hardback book, limited to 1500 first edition printings, which re-imagines Alice's adventures in Wonderland with full color digital illustrations featuring some of the most popular Living Dead Dolls as Alice characters.[23]

LDD Retro Halloween Set 2010 Full Set of 3 (2010)

Three retro Halloween-themed boxsets that include an old school-styled plastic mask, exclusive 10" doll and a coordinating T-shirt designed by artist Dave Cook. The set includes Calavera, Pumpkin, and Gabriella.

Living Dead Doll Plushes: July 2011

Mezco Toyz launches Living Dead Dolls Plush. Each plush measures 8 to 9 1/2-inches tall; the first assortment includes two of Series 1s most popular characters - Sadie, sporting her signature black dress, and Eggzorcist featuring her fluffy bunny costume and noose. The second assortment includes two of Series 2s most popular characters - Sin and Posey.

External links

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ SD Comic-Con 2010: Exclusive Collectibles Checklist
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Interview with Ed Long & Damien Glonek, July 4th 2004 Accessed 23-2-2010
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Interview with Ed Long & Damien Glonek, 2002 Accessed 23-2-2010
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 http://www.toymania.com/columns/spotlight/sinminldd.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  5. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/1512.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  6. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/2261.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  7. ↑ Goodbye Barbie, hello Inferno the 'dead doll', 20 November 2002, IOL News. Accessed 1 March 2012
  8. ↑ News in Brief, 21 Nov 2002, The Telegraph. Accessed 1 March 2012.
  9. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/2897.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/1911.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  11. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/columns/spotlight/lddgraveabigail.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  12. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/3423.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  13. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/3078.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  14. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/3737.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  15. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/4662.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/2893.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  17. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/2809.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  18. ↑ ToyFare Magazine #83, July 2004 Accessed 23-2-2010
  19. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/5005.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  20. ↑ The Living Dead Dolls Archive: Pencil Sharpeners Accessed 23-2-2010
  21. ↑ http://www.toymania.com/news/messages/2583.shtml Accessed 23-2-2010
  22. ↑ Goth designer creates Living Dead Dolls game Accessed 23-2-2010
  23. ↑ Living Dead Dolls in Wonderland Cheshire Cat Released Accessed 23-2-2010