Hudson photos by Magnita
Art Design: Window box has an "Out with the Girls" motto & generic Baseball theme. Is Hudson "Getting Ready" to muscle in on GI Joe's legendary status?
Headsculpt: The My Scene dolls all have massive heads that are closer to 1:4 scale (18" dolls) than 1:6 scale (12" dolls). Even though this is a Barbie My Scene doll, Hudson seems a lot tougher than Ken. Hudson is channeling Jon Voight's mean character in his face. You can sense a lot of repressed anger in Hudson's face. Hudson looks like the kind of kid that would cut ahead on the hot dog line, or push someone out of the way in the restroom at the ballpark. The way he wears the ball cap backwards implies some gang membership. Then there are the GI Joe dog-tags. Did Hudson take those dog-tags from some veteran GI Joe action figure, or did he buy them at the Army-Navy Store? Is Hudson giving GI Joe some attitude? Is he disrespecting GI Joe? Look at the body language of the boxed figure (right). His hands are open and spread out, as if he is challenging GI Joe to a fight. Mattel has laid down the gauntlet, implying that My Scene has the toughest 12" figures in major retail stores. Hudson is the new, improved GI Joe.
Outfit: Like most things made for Barbie, the outfit is well tailored and looks good. Powder blue on dark blue polyester might have been nice in the 1970s (Elvis had one of those), but it looks a little too hot for a summer baseball game. The Keds style sneakers are nice, but the baseball cap is the size of a GI Joe combat helmet, and only fits on a My Scene or Bratz doll.
Gear: Is Hudson dissing GI Joe again? Check out the size of those weiners. Not just regular Barbie hot dogs, but these are oversized foot longs (see photos!). The hot dogs, two soda cups (with straws), food tray, and sun glasses are excellent accessories! Hudson also has a red gym bag. Is Mattel taking another slap at GI Joe? Mattel is saying "Hudson works out, he looks tough like Jon Voight, he likes baseball, he wears GI Joe's dog-tags, and the 12" GI Joe line is dead." Did Hudson put the smackdown on GI Joe? Did GI Joe surrender his turf? Will today's kids grow up with Hudson instead of GI Joe? Market: $4 at Dollar General, but he is still around at most retail stores.
Overall: The gigantic head is a downer, but the outfit and gear are excellent.
Grade: C
