Now, Darling hasn't been introduced in the webisodes yet (although she has in the companion book series), so I pretty much bought this doll because I love the concept behind her. Darling is a Rebellious princess who can take care of herself. This princess would rather be the knight in shining armor rather than the distressed damsel sitting around and waiting to be rescued. She's strong, tough, capable, and disgusted by the idea that princesses have to be fragile, passive, and helpless. She is a warrior princess and I fully approve.
Her Signature (introductory) doll was released not too long ago, and I was able to pick her up on Amazon for $19.99. She, along with the other new dolls released recently, have been going in and out of stock, so if you head to Amazon and see her for any other price, that means she's out of stock and scalpers are taking advantage of the fact. Just keep checking back and be patient.
At first glance, I am struck by both her color palette and her overall design. She's been given a silver-and-blue color scheme, which is a combo usually reserved males. Granted, Mattel felt that they had to add in some feminine pink touches here and there, but for the most part, I like that they're breaking gender stereotypes here.
Initially, I wasn't too impressed with her outfit--okay, so she's a princess who wants to be a knight, so why is she in a dress and heels, you can't fight dragons in that--but once I actually had the doll in my hands, things made a bit more sense.
The material of the dress is stiff, almost hard. I thought of chain mail, then of cloth-of-gold. Both are essentially metal fabrics (in various ways), so it makes sense to me that Darling would wear a dress partially made of metal. If you think more about it, she's expected to dress in a manner that's at odds with the activities she wants to do. So she attempts to split the difference: something that will give her protection but also visually let her fit in.
Her personal appearance reminds me a bit of depictions of 18th century European aristocracy. (Look at her portrait on the cover of the "Semi-Charming Kind of Life" companion novel, she has a distinctly Marie Antionette type of vibe.) Very glamorous and elegant (even a beauty mark!), like a medieval Barbie. The two-toned hair is very interesting, although I would have liked her blond hair to be a bit whiter, like the books depict. (I really like how her hair is depicted there, like a huge powdered wig.) She's obviously Caucasian, but has a more tan skin tone, which is nice, compared to the overabundance of porcelain-skinned dolls. I like variety!
It took me forever to figure out how to remove her armor. (Hint: it unsnaps in the front.) She has a shoulder/breastplate piece, and a glorified corset, much like the one Duchess came with. I'll leave these on, mainly because it actually makes sense. (You can't dance ballet in a corset, Mattel. WTF?)
Taking a closer look at her shoes and purse, you can see that they're made of metal, as well. (How hardcore is Darling? Girl must have feet that are lumps of calluses and bone.) They're even riveted. I'd love to see her take down evildoers by hitting them with her purse. Wait, full stop. Mattel, make a spinoff. Darling Charming, vigilante crime fighter. She's the last remaining force of justice in this corrupted fairytale kingdom. And her justice...is street justice.
Her crown is significantly lamer than everything, given that it's festooned with feathers and hearts and crap. It doesn't fit. Bleh. (And they're all one lump of color, too.)
I'm seriously disappointed in the detail work, or lack thereof, which Mattel unwittingly (?) showcases. Compare the doll to the official portrait art right next to her. Note all the places where she has pink detailing in the portrait. Oh wait, they're not colored on the doll. Note all the places where she has pink detailing on the doll. Oh, wait, they're not present in the official character design. They even forgot her earrings. The decoration on her headpiece are blue in one design, and pink in another. Lazy, lazy, lazy. It screams "We're cutting corners and don't care." Ugh.
Overall, I like this doll, especially because of the character and what she represents. But negative points for lazy detail work, Mattel. Plus, she really should have come with a shield or sword or something instead of a purse. I'm not hopeful that a future doll will come with one, either. Oh, well. eBay time!
Miss Scarlett suggests: A good, solid addition to an EAH collection, or for anyone who likes warrior princesses. (Although you'll have to get creative to arm her.)
