Just as I mentioned in my previous post that the W Club offerings were being released late this year and lo and behold: the fourth one is released just a bit after the third! This time it is a Jem doll, to tie with the 30 years celebrations for Jem and The Holograms. Award Night Jem is a companion piece to "HOLYWOOD JEM", the doll that marked the return of the franchise. Featuring Jem as she appeared in the closing scenes of the fan favourite two-part episode "HOLLYWOOD JEM", as she was presented with her very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Every year, Jem fans eagerly await the announcement of the Integrity Toys San Diego Comic Con exclusive Jem doll - much desired and sought after all over the world. This year's special release is a Quick Switch Jem/Jerrica doll (for me this is probably the reason this system was developed in the first place), in a special package, courtesy of the multi-talented Alain Tremblay from IT. Let's find out more about the doll:

This fully articulated, Special Edition Twilight in Paris™ Jerrica Benton/Jem doll stands 12.5 inches tall and features all of the components needed to transform the doll from Jerrica Benton into Jem via Integrity Toys' QuickSwitch system that allows users to easily pop the head sculpts on and off, as well as the corresponding clothing components.


As a bonus, this highly sought after collectible is brought to fans intricately packaged in a custom souvenir box that turns into a 30" tall diorama of the Eiffel Tower to use as a background to display Jem And The Holograms. Doll stand and certificate of authenticity included. Following the convention, a limited number will be available on HasbroToyShop.com.

The outfit is based on a vintage 80's Flip Side Fashion, which was called "Like a Dream" back in the day, now paired to go with movie director Anthony Julian. Instructions are provided to help turn the package in the the Eiffel Tower Diorama:

As I mentioned in the introduction, the packaging was created by Alain Tremblay, The actual doll was designed by Vaughn Sawyers. Both guys are huge fans of the series and they keep on proving it with each successive release in this line.

The price of $149.99 announced above does not include California Sales tax, so the actual price at the SDCC show will be $162.00 tax included.

Important: This release is a HASBRO exclusive and neither the W Club or IT Direct will have any quantities available of this doll or have access to it in any way. IT will not be able to help anyone pre-order this exclusive either and does not have further information about timing or anything else at this time.

The last doll line presentation for Integrity Toys in 2013 was last Friday. Two emails were send to W Club members, who always have the privilege of getting first the relative information. The first was about a Jem And The Holograms giftset. Based on one of the most popular looks of the original TV series, the giftset, named "Who Is He Kissing",  features both Jem and Jerrica Benton dolls wearing their corresponding version of the Flip Side fashion called "Getting Down to Business", which was sold as a stand alone costume in the original 80's toy line by Hasbro. The two-doll set arrives at Integrity Toys dealers soon and is available for pre-order now.

What are Flip Side fashions? According to Integrity Toys, they were created as a clever way to "transform" the original Jerrica Benton doll into her alter-ego, the mysterious rock star Jem. "Flip Side" fashions are basically reversible or transformable costumes that can be used to create multiple looks out of the same matching pieces. Flip Sides were typically composed of a more conservative, yet ultra-feminine "business like" look to match Jerrica Benton's stoic personality and a more fun/glamorous stage look for Jem. The various looks could be achieved by either removing or adding certain parts of the costume or sometimes, by turning the components inside out.

The original Flip Side fashions always came with a hat to hide the doll's pink hair strands to further help create the illusion that the doll was in fact two dolls in one. The updated version by the Integrity Toys design team, the two looks are clearly defined on separate dolls and more in-tune with the way these cool costumes were portrayed on the original TV series. All of the pieces are included to create the two distinctive, yet matching looks that totally pay homage to the creative work of the team who worked on the original Hasbro line back in the 80s.

This set includes two complete, fully-articulated 12-inch fashion dolls with rooted hair and hand applied eyelashes. Both dolls come with JemStar earrings, are dressed in a complete costume with shoes, accessories and each has her own doll stand. For adult collectors ages 14 and up.

While I am sure this will make Jem fans really happy, and also give the chance to those who missed the first Jem and Jerrica dolls to get one now, I have one simple question: why not use the quick switch system and make one doll with two different heads able to switch to achieve each different look? Wasn't that the reason the system was invented in the first place?

**Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications. Dolls are sold together as a set. Available from  Integrity Toys dealers.

Along with the giftset, two stage accessory packs were made available to order as well. These will be available from IT Direct only. Each set comes with a band-themed bomber jacket, which pays homage to the special offer jacket that was available with the original line, a rockin' guitar case, three glittery guitar straps, color variations of some of the most requested musical instruments of the series, including Stormer's bright yellow keytar, Kimber's bright pink stand-up keyboard and various other accessories that will both amaze and delight die hard fans! Accessory sets only, no dolls included. For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.

The Holograms set includes: 1 White satin bomber jacket with the JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS logo on the back, Kimber's synthesizer, Aja's special on-stage guitar, 1 Guitar case, 1 Amp (made of cardboard, assembly required, instructions included), 2 Power cables, 1 Picture of Emmet Benton, 2 Music sheets, 3 Glittery guitar straps (silver, blue and hot pink), Instruction sheet, Certificate of authenticity.

**Dolls not included, some minor assembly required (instructions are included). For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.

Bonus: this set includes special cardboard accessories based on the episode "In Search of the Stolen Album", in which Pizzazz steals The Hologram's master tapes and sends Jem and her friends on a wild treasure hunt to retrieve them! The Misfits set includes: 1 Black "pleather" jacket with "The Misfits" logo on the back, 1 Guitar case, Stormer's signature keytar, Roxy's alternate guitar, 1 Amp (made of cardboard, assembly required, instructions included), 2 Power cables, 4 Ransom notes, 1 Music sheet, 1 Master tape reel, 1 Master tape reel box, 3 Glittery guitar straps (gold, green and black), Instruction sheet, Certificate of Authenticity.

**Dolls not included, some minor assembly required (instructions are included). For adult collectors ages 14 and up only.  

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS and all related characters are a trademark of HASBRO and are used under license. ©2013 HASBRO All rights reserved. **All photos and information contained herein is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2013 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.**

For the Jem and the Holograms fans, the San Diego Comic Convention surely is a high point as it is the place where exclusives are to be presented - and sold! So it is no surprise that Integrity Toys and Hasbro announced the dolls that will be available there. The original  Glitter 'N Gold was designed to be the bold new look of the second wave Jem and the Holograms collection originally released in 1987. So let's see how the new dolls following in those footsteps look! One is a Comic-Con exclusive and one is an IT-Direct exclusive. Read on!

This fully articulated 12-inch fashion doll features hand-applied eyelashes and pink and golden blond accented rooted hair, styled in Jem's signature look. As a tribute to the original doll from 1986, this themed mini gift set includes two complete looks:

The gift set includes the Jem doll, two outfits, two pairs of shoes, Jemstar earrings, the Glitter 'N Gold Award (with removable gold album), a new wireless microphone accessory, a limited edition Glitter 'N Gold vaccu-chrome plated doll display stand and exclusive certificate of authenticity.

Please note that the Wave 1 Jerrica Benton doll is not included and they used her as a model in the photo above to show off the second dress included in this set.

This fully articulated 12.5-inch fashion figure features dark purple fully rooted, middle parted hair styled in Rio's 80's" look. As a tribute to the original doll from 1986, RIO PACHECO's outfit comes complete with a golden jacket, white pants, a long sleeve shirt, bow tie, shoes and socks. Rio also sports an exclusive gold watch and comes complete with a miniature gold record, a rose for Jem and champagne! It also includes a limited edition Glitter 'N Gold vaccu-chrome plated doll display stand and exclusive certificate of authenticity. For adult collectors ages 14 &up. 

How to get the doll: This doll will be available on-line directly from Integrity Toys via the IT Direct shop starting Wednesday July 17th, 2013 at Noon EDT. The purchase of this doll will be open to the general public, however, W Club members will be given a special 24 hour priority pre-order window starting Tuesday July 16th, 2013 at Noon EDT. This product will be offered on the Integrity Toys site on a first-come, first-served basis and will be available until quantities last only. This product will be on-hand and ready to ship approximately the week of July 22nd. Payment plus shipping will be required in full and will be due at ordering time.

They may not be to my taste, but the Jem And The Holograms dolls surely have a big fan base. Most dealers are already out of stock on pre-orders for these new releases from Integrity and Hasbro. The tacky 80s styling and fashions leave me uninterested but fans of the cartoon series are clamouring for the dolls and were waiting breathlessly for this release. Let's see what the new line is comprised of.

Item #14021 

JEM, the lead singer of famous 80's girl glam band JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS is always ready to make an impression as she makes a noted command performance in her fan favorite classic look, as first seen in the first episode of the famous 80s cartoon titled "The Beginning".
CLASSIC JEM is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl adult collectible doll with hand-applied eyelashes and a fully rooted 80s hairdo. CLASSIC JEM comes dressed in her iconic, truly outrageous pink ¾ sleeve mini-dress, cinched at the waist by her signature silver new wave belt. Sassy metallic fishnet stockings, hot pink metallic pumps, a totally fashionable bracelet and of course, her "JemStar" earrings complete her totally hot look. It also includes a microphone with an adjustable base and miniature amp cord accessory, an additional set of interchangeable hands, adjustable doll stand, instructions and a certificate of authenticity. For collectors 14 & up only.

Item #14022 

JERRICA BENTON 

Adult Collectible Dressed Doll 

The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collection 

Limited Edition of 850 Dolls 

Suggested Retail Price: US $119.00
Estimated Delivery:  November 2012

Charismatic music executive by day, truly outrageous rock star by night, JERRICA BENTON is a determined and driven individual! Using a cutting edge computer named SYNERGY capable of projecting highly realistic holographic images, JERRICA transforms into JEM using the holographic micro-projectors hidden inside her star shaped earrings! Based on the lead character of the famous 80s cartoon JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, this high-end collector doll marks the first time that the character of JERRICA BENTON is seen as a stand-alone doll.

JERRICA BENTON is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl collectible doll with hand applied eyelashes and fully rooted hair. She comes stylishly dressed in with her classic "oh so 80s" white and aqua striped shirt-dress  perfectly cinched at the waist by her extra wide fringed belt. Her signature matching beret, blue pumps, new wave sunglasses and highly detailed pleather purse complete her truly outrageous look. JERRICA BENTON also comes with doll sized JEM album and music industry magazine accessories, an additional set of interchangeable hands, adjustable doll stand, instructions and a certificate of authenticity. For collectors 14 & up only.

Item # 14023
SYNERGY
Adult Collectible Dressed Doll
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collection
Limited Edition of 750 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $119.00

Estimated Delivery:  November 2012

A highly advanced computerized artificial intelligence capable of projecting truer than life holographic 3D images, SYNERGY is the secret hidden behind JEM AND THE HOLOGRAM's success! SYNERGY projects a lifelike hologram over JERRICA BENTON and instantly turns the charismatic music industry mogul into one of the 80s most memorable and beloved characters, the truly outrageous JEM. SYNERGY is all set to add some magic to your doll collection today!

 SYNERGY is a 12-inch fully articulated vinyl collectible doll with hand applied eyelashes and fully rooted bright purple hair and comes dressed in her iconic glittery holographic techno bodysuit. SYNERGY also includes interchangeable metallic "gloved" hands and lavender coloured hands, high-heel boots, tiny miniature gift box containing a pair of JemStar earrings for JERRICA BENTON, as well as other miniature screen-accurate surprise accessories that fans will recognize and adore! An adjustable doll stand, instructions and certificate of authenticity are included. For collectors 14 & up only.

Item # 14024
RIO PACHECO
Adult Collectible Dressed Doll
The JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS Collection
Limited Edition of 850 Dolls
Suggested Retail Price: US $119.00
Estimated Delivery: November 2012 

Sweethearts since high school, JERRICA BENTON and RIO PACHECO were destined for each other, but lately, his crush on the mysterious JEM is putting doubts in our hero's heart... But little does he know, the woman he loves and the woman he's infatuated with are one in the same! JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS' road manager is always there to come to the rescue of a rock star in distress, but will JERRICA BENTON ever reveal her mysterious secret to him?
RIO PACHECO is a 12.5-inch fully articulated vinyl fashion figure with rooted hair and interchangeable hands! JEM's leading man comes dressed in a highly detailed screen-accurate costume, which consists of a pair of 80s style high-waist pleated trousers, a crew neck t-shirt and "pleather" varsity jacket with working tiny-zippers and includes hand-made deck shoes, a miniature new wave watch, an official miniature JEM crew duffel bag, miniature V.I.P. back stage pass and concert hall layout schematics. An adjustable doll stand, instructions and certificate of authenticity are included. For collectors 14 & up only.

Please note that the photos are of prototype dolls and subject to changes and modifications.

All text (apart from my comments). photos and information is copyrighted Integrity Toys, Inc. and Intercap Merchant Partners, LLC 2012 and may not be reprinted or disseminated without express written permission.