Jacko dolls have real Character
Reporter: MARTYN TORR
Date published: 19 July 2010
OLDHAM toy company The Character Group has unveiled plans to distribute a collection of official Michael Jackson dolls.
The group’s principal trading subsidiary Character Options Ltd, which owns Toy Options at the Leesbrook Mill, Lees, has unveiled the official Michael Jackson figures.
These are the first images released by Playmates Toys, who earlier this year signed a deal with Bravado, the world’s leading global music merchandising company, to create collectables based on the legendary ‘King of Pop’.
The figures will be launched in autumn from both retailers and collectors’ websites.
Jon Diver, joint managing director of The Character Group, said: “Michael Jackson’s incomparable style comes to life with these unique new 10in-scale collectibles, which capture his likeness and the incredible fashions which have become legendary.”
The first style is “Billie Jean”, capturing the bold and flashy outfit worn in the short film. The other is “Thriller”, featuring the iconic red with black trim outfit from the most famous short film of all time.
The two styles will be followed by additional models later this year.
Mr Diver added: “We are privileged to be working with Playmates Toys on this project and are delighted that we can finally reveal the first two figures to be released for sale.
“Since first reporting our agreement during the London Toy Fair in January, we have been inundated with requests for further details.
“Now that the first images and product details have been released, we are amazed at the likeness to the legend that was Michael Jackson. We have no doubt that they will become treasured pieces for any fan.”
Character Group chairman Richard King added: “It is remarkable how the legend of Michael Jackson lives on.
“I expect the range of Michael Jackson dolls to reflect this continued interest.”
