On the Upcoming Pullip Releases
Well, it looks like I'm safe for another month. I'm not really digging the latest Pullip doll announcements. Zuora isn't my style, and Shade is just okay. Shade is a little too feminine looking for my tastes, but you know, he sort of reminds me of a customized Namu I really loved. It was auctioned off on Yahoo! Japan around a year ago and was sold for a whopping 35,500 yen! (No, I didn't actually remember that price, just checked it on a forum where I mentioned it to somebody.)
The two dolls don't have much similarity, but I guess it's the patterned suit and matching hat that make me think of it. It's sort of a wonder why I liked that doll because I'm not usually attracted to the blond hair and blue eyes look, but the customizer did a great job! (^_^) You can see more customs at the customizer's website, Succubus. The site is really worth checking out and easy to navigate even if you cannot understand Japanese; the customs are beautiful.
Since I haven't browsed any Pullip forums for months and just didn't pay it too much attention, Monomono DAL is supposed to be dressed as the monkey king from the Chinese novel Journey to the West, isn't she? I watched a few English subtitled episodes of a TV series adaptation years ago. Basically, the story is about a monk who goes on a journey to obtain Buddhist texts. One of his companions on the journey is a monkey king who is kept under control due to a band on his head that inflicts pain when the monk recites an incantation. I did wonder what that thing was on her head, but it wasn't until I saw the updated photos that I realized that it looked liked the monkey's band. She's also dressed in what looks to be a Chinese costume and comes with a cloud. Silly me. (^^;)
You know what I found out just last night? Believe it or not, there's going to be a Journey to the West musical! =O I've read a few good comments about it on a Broadway forum. It's supposed to have some Cirque du Soleil elements, being that the director, Richard Oberacker, has conducted for their shows. The production also incorporates elements of Kabuki, Peking Opera, and martial arts. It seems like it will be a visually interesting show, although I was a bit underwhelmed by the songs. The last musical I saw was Movin' Out in February last year, but that was only because I won free tickets. I used to watch shows frequently, but collecting Pullips and other toys really eats up funds. (^^) I kind of want to see that monkey king musical. The price, at only $20, is right, too. =)
Speaking of musicals, it's interesting that in the next batch of Pullip costumes there is a Phantom [of the Opera] costume. If I were to dress any of my dolls as a character from a musical, it would be MJ. I've thought for a long time that he could make a great Emcee from Cabaret. =P That-well, the Sam Mendes-Rob Marshall 1998 revival version, at least-is probably my favorite musical. :) (Sorry, Avenue Q.) I went to see it when Neil Patrick Harris (a.k.a. "Doogie Howser") played the role of the Emcee and Deborah ("Debbie") Gibson was Sally Bowles. Don't know what the Emcee looks like? Brace yourself:
Because it's so easy to find a NPH as the Emcee photo...
"Do you like sandwiches?" ;P
Okay, I'm pretty sure I laughed when I first saw that picture-I mean, what happened to you, Doogie?-but anyway, I don't think Jun Planning would ever make a costume like that. :P Somehow, I think it would be popular, though. Well, perhaps one Halloween I'll dress up my MJ as that character. Maybe. (^^)