Fannish Dolls
| Synonyms: | |
| See also: | Dolls (online), Paper Dolls, fanart, fancraft, Fannish Crochet, Fannish Knitting, Customized Action Figures, Ken Dolls |
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Fannish Dolls are dolls made by fans to look like pre-existing characters or, sometimes, objects associated with the fandom such as video game consoles. Characters with speaking roles are the most common inspirations, but there are also a lot of dolls made for "mascot" type characters, such as animals or objects. They may be crocheted or knit, made of cloth or other materials. Such dolls may also be called "plushies," particularly in anime, manga, and webcomic fandoms.
A fan-crafted Vincent doll from Beauty and the Beast, available for $199, is described as being "approximately 18 inches tall, his head, hands, and boots sculpted and fired in porcelain clay, 'Vincent' is poseable and huggable and is dressed in the finest "tunnel toggery," complete with hooded cloak and leather belt and appointments. He wears a white rose in a leather pouch hung around his neck. Garments are created for each doll and will differ from doll to doll. If you have a preference of outfit, please state at the time of ordering which episode and scene, and we will do our best to duplicate that outfit (though some modifications may occur due to scale). Expect a three-month wait. We do not have dolls made up ahead of time and these things take time. If Vincent will forgive the metaphore [sic], we make each doll from scratch," from Solstice Press.
In the early 80s, US-based fan, Francine Ellison, created fabric unicorn and Pegasus Christmas ornaments, sehlats, and Star Trek baby character dolls of Vulcans and Andorians in diapers. Ian McLean commissioned her to fashion a three-armed, three-legged baby Edosian (Star Trek: The Animated Series), which was then sent to his home in Australia.
Fan Lori Custer sold miniature character sock monkeys through eBay for many years. They were often dressed as superheroes and TV icons. Ian McLean's Custer-created sock monkey resembles a Star Trek Andorian redshirt and has travelled Australia (and the world) and visited many fannish locales.
Sometimes fans dress up existing dolls in clothes that make them look like characters from shows. Other popular activities include posing Ken Dolls in suggestive positions or using dolls to enact episodes (for example, Wobblevision). The annual Shore Leave convention in Baltimore conducts a costume competition for its official Bunny mascot. Con attendees create costumes which are displayed in the foyer.
Examples
Links
Images
a Vincent doll
a Vincent doll from Solstice Press
Vincent in repose, Beauty and the Beast
a Francine Ellison-created baby Edosian from Star Trek: The Animated Series, 1983, owned by Ian McLean
a Francine Ellison-created baby Andorian attends the Sydney gala premiere of Star Trek III with "parents" Therin & Tharrah, 1984
artist unknown, hand-crocheted Wraith Queen doll (approximately 8.25" tall)
customized Barbie and Ken as Catherine and Vincent
a Lori Custer-created Andorian sock monkey, owned by Ian McLean, at Vasquez Rocks,Los Angeles, 2013
a Lori Custer-created Andorian sock monkey, owned by Ian McLean, visits Shore Leave 36 in 2014 to hang with the convention's official Bunny mascot
a Lori Custer-created Andorian sock monkey, owned by Ian McLean, disguised as Robin at The Hollywood Museum, 2018
Jean-Luc Picard dolls for sale (1995), flyer printed in Beyond Farpoint USA #5
Patrick Stewart dolls for sale (1995), flyer printed in Beyond Farpoint USA #5
Ian McLean's interview in Australia's Ralph magazine, featuring his customized action figures, 1999
A knit doll of singer Zac Hanson
Kuu from Haibane Renmei. (Mid-2000s, artist unknown.) 6cm mini-doll with a pinback to be worn as one would wear a button.
Ashley Lacour and her dolls for sale at HavenCon in 2019. Characters from My Hero Academia, Voltron: Legendary Defender, Critical Role, MCU, Pop Team Epic, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, The Adventure Zone, Steven Universe, Overwatch, and more.
A doll of a Vulcan child made by Devra Langsam.
C is for Clara (Edward Gorey tribute) by Woodedwoods (2011)
Frost Giant Loki by 53Stitches (2014)
Aziraphale and Crowley dolls by c_nilsen (2020)
Fan-customised TAS finger puppets by Ian McLean join licensed "Star Trek" crew from Unemployed Philosophers Guild, 2021
some Julian Bashir dolls, half in Starfleet uniforms, half in racquetball uniforms -- created by Joan Marie Verba and used as centerpieces at the second Lunch with the Doctor
