Pullip

In July 2003 Jun Planning released the first of a new series of dolls. These dolls were Moon, Street & Wind. Unlike most fashion dolls they are fully poseable, with jointed arms and knees. Unfortunately they came with a few problems, for instance the necks were quite weak and have been know to snap. Also, Moon, in her black cat outfit is susceptible to staining so there are many cases of the bodies, hands and feet being stained. 

In January Jun Planning released Venus  who was first in the line for one of the type 2 bodies. These bodies to not have screws in them and the neck joints are stronger and, to a point, more flexible. Again, though, these bodies are not without their problems and many prefer the type 1 bodies. The hands and feet come off of the dolls easily, making them easy to lose, and the flexible rubber of the stomach does not always want to fit nicely into the moulded hip joints. Plus, they are again susceptible to staining.

Thus, in September 2005, Jun Planning released a third body, which is more like the first body in size and appearance (no soft fleshy middle and chest). However this body does not have as many screws that the original body has (just a few at the back) and is stronger and more like the obitsu bodies that have commonly been put onto pullips. Again, the reception has been varied, with some preferring the type 2 (or type 1) body.

Despite these flaws Pullips are becoming more and more popular. Each has its own distinctive hair, make-up and accessories, making them very different from each other, and the pose-ability makes them great subjects for photos. Their eyes can be moved from side to side and they all have closing eyelids. Another great thing (unless you are trying to find a rare doll like Leprotto) is that they are not made in huge numbers. The standard release dolls are limited to 1000, and others, such as Leprotto & Savon are limited to 300. Pullips seem to be released on average of one a month, and their male counterparts (Namu and then Taeyang) every few months.

The bodies of the dolls, both the new and the older types, are more mature than the average Blythe of Barbie body, with fuller breasts and more realistically proportioned legs. Their faces are also more mature and sophisticated (though equally disproportionate to their bodies) than the more child like Blythe doll.

If you have any information that is missing or incorrect on this site please email me the details at matilda@pullip.co.uk.