When was Malibu Ken launched, the first African-American Ken doll?

The Malibu Ken doll was the primary African-American variant of Ken.
The doll had a hazier complexion, dark hair, and a more athletic form.
Mattel has kept on presenting different renditions of Ken throughout the long term, reflecting changing mentalities towards variety and inclusivity in the toy business.

The send off of the Malibu Ken doll in 1982 was a huge crossroads throughout the entire existence of Barbie and Ken’s development.

With the forthcoming arrival of the surprisingly realistic Barbie film featuring Margot Robbie, many devotees of the notable doll are investigating her set of experiences and advancement. One significant piece of Barbie’s set of experiences is the presentation of Ken, her sweetheart, and his advancement throughout the long term.

In 1961, only two years after Barbie’s presentation, Mattel presented the primary Ken doll. He was named after the child of Mattel prime supporters Ruth and Elliot Overseer and was planned to be Barbie’s sweetheart. For a long time, Ken stayed a Caucasian doll with a blondie team cut, blue eyes, and a solid form.

1982: Sunsational Malibu Ken doll, the first African American Ken doll is introduced with a rooted Afro hairstyle. #kendoll

— FLOWWETRY (@flowwetry) November 3, 2021

It was only after 1982 that Mattel presented the Malibu Ken doll, the principal African-American form of the Ken doll. The Malibu Ken had a hazier complexion, dark hair, and a more athletic form. This was a huge crossroads throughout the entire existence of the Ken doll, as it marked a step in the right direction concerning variety and portrayal.

Throughout the long term, Mattel has kept on presenting new variants of the Ken doll, including various nationalities, body types, and haircuts. Lately, there has been a developing accentuation on variety and inclusivity in the toy business, and Mattel has been at the front line of this development.

The forthcoming Barbie film, coordinated by Greta Gerwig, vows to be a new interpretation of the notable doll and her reality. While insights concerning the film are still scant, obviously the producers are focused on investigating new parts of Barbie’s set of experiences and development.