1984 Sun Gold Malibu Ken, Sunsational Malibu Ken, Crystal Ken, Safari Ken, Campin’ Out Ken, Great Shape Ken & Hawaiian Ken

In 1983 Mattel created three brand new head-molds for Ken. The Hawaiian/Hispanic head was only used for three dolls, but the black Ken mold was used several times up to 1989, and the Caucasian head-mold was still being used up to 1990.


SUN GOLD MALIBU KEN #1088

Sun Gold Malibu Ken was to come in all three new versions. The first to be released was the Caucasian blonde. In France he was also known as Ken Saint Tropez. All versions came with the identical swimsuit and accessories.

1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken accessories
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken reverse of packaging
Reverse of packaging
1984 #1088 Malibu Ken / Ken Saint Tropez (European version)
1984 #1088 Malibu Ken / Ken Saint Tropez (European packaging)
1984 #1088 Malibu Ken / Ken Saint Tropez (European version)
Reverse of European packaging
1984 #1088 Malibu Ken / Ken Saint Tropez (European packaging)
Side of European packaging
1984 #1088 Sun Gold Malibu Ken
© 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong

SUNSATIONAL MALIBU KEN

Sunsational Malibu Ken already existed as a Caucasian Superstar blonde and a unique rooted-hair black Ken. Mattel now released a painted-hair black version and a Hispanic version.

SUNSATIONAL MALIBU KEN #3849

1984 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
Reverse of packaging
1984 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken original packaging
Side of packaging
1982 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #3849 Sunsational Malibu Ken accessories

SUNSATIONAL MALIBU KEN #4971

The Hispanic Sunsational Malibu Ken comes with the regular sunglasses, but has a turquoise towel and shorts.

1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken accessories
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken accessories
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken
1088-0500 5 © Mattel Inc. 1968 Hong Kong
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken side of packaging
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken in original packaging
1984 #4971 Sunsational Malibu Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

CRYSTAL KEN

Crystal Ken was also known in Canada as Ken Scintillant, in France as Ken Gala, and in Finland as Kavaljeeri-Ken. There is an even rarer Mattel France version called Ken Super Gala, with the code #266. Crystal Ken is the first Ken with the new less flexible body mold, which meant the head and torso could only turn sideways, rather than swivel around. However some rare early versions can be found with the previous body mold.

CRYSTAL KEN #4898

1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken accessories
1980 #1294 Sport & Shave Ken
© Mattel, Inc. 1968 Taiwan (on bottom)
1985 #9019 Day-to-Night Ken
Or: © Mattel, Inc. 1968 Taiwan (on back)
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken in original packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken in original packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken
Reverse of packaging

The two boxed versions of Crystal Ken below have the earlier, more flexible, body mold. The Canadian packaged version is especially interesting (for detail freaks like me, anyway!) as it has a typo (Scintillante – changed to Scintillant in later versions, as shown further below).

1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (with earlier body) in original packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (with earlier body) in original packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (with earlier body) in Canadian packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (Canadian version)
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (Canadian version)
Reverse of Canadian packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (European version)
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken in European packaging
1984 #4898 Crystal Ken (European version)
Reverse of European packaging

Between 1984 and 1986 the Kens produced under licence by Estrela in Brazil were called Bob. For more information see section 1984-87 Bob & Ken by Estrela Brazil.

1986 #105309 Noivo Bob
1986 #10.53.09 Bob (Brazilian version)
1986 #105309 Noivo Bob
Reverse of Brazilian packaging

CRYSTAL KEN #9036

I have read that this was a Toys “R” Us exclusive. This would help explain the 1984 box date and odd code number (which suggest he was released in 1985).

1984-85 #9036 Crystal Ken in original packaging
1984-85 #9036 Crystal Ken in original packaging
1984-85 #9036 Crystal Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

SAFARI KEN #4974

Safari Ken had an extremely limited release in Europe and Canada, and possibly Australia. In Canada he was also known as Ken au Safari. Notice how similar he is to the Campin’ Out Set Ken below.

1984 #4974 Safari Ken
1984 #4974 Safari Ken
1984 #4974 Safari Ken
1984 #4974 Safari Ken
1984 #4974 Safari Ken sneakers
1984 #4974 Safari Ken sneakers
1983 #4974 Safari Ken
1088-0500 6 © Mattel Inc. 1968 Hong Kong
1984 #4974 Safari Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #4974 Safari Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #4974 Safari Ken Canadian packaging
Reverse of Canadian packaging
1984 #4974 Safari Ken in European packaging
1984 #4974 Safari Ken in European packaging
1984 #4974 Safari Ken European packaging
Reverse of European packaging

(CAMPIN’ OUT SET) KEN #4984

This Ken was part of a larger set called the Barbie & Ken Campin’ Out Set. He is wearing a variation of the outfit worn by Safari Ken and the Fashion Classics outfit #2897. The set is dated 1983, so was released either late 1983 or 1984. I’ve read it was an Otasco store exclusive. I have yet to find any printed catalogue evidence, but the boxes seem to back this up, as they are only ever found with Otasco price stickers.

1984 #4984 Campin' Out set Ken
1984 #4984 Campin’ Out Set Ken
1984 #4984 Campin' Out set Ken
1984 #4984 Campin’ Out Set Ken
1984 #4984 Campin' Out set Ken sneakers
1984 #4984 Campin’ Out Set Ken sneakers
1983 #4974 Safari Ken
1088-0500 6 © Mattel Inc. 1968 Hong Kong
1984 #4984 Barbie & Ken Campin' Out set
1984 #4984 Barbie & Ken Campin’ Out Set in original packaging
1984 #4984 Barbie & Ken Campin' Out set
Reverse of packaging
1984 #4984 Barbie & Ken Campin' Out set
Top of packaging showing code number

GREAT SHAPE KEN

There are several versions of Great Shape Ken. He was also known as Enorm-in-Form Ken in Germany, Gymping Ken in Sweden, Jumppa Ken in Finland, Ken Palestra in Italy and Ken Super Sport 2 or Ken en Superforme in France. The British and (similar dark green) Canadian versions have a different code number. In Canada the dark green version was called Exercise Ken and Ken s’entraîne and the regular version was called Ken en bonne forme. Mattel Spain produced their own version called Ken Ritmic, and Rotoplast in Venezuela produced Ken Deportivo. In the UK there was also a set with Great Shape Barbie, Ken & Skipper packaged together in a gift box. In 1986 Mattel US released a version of Great Shape Ken with the addition of a Walkman (see the 1986 boys section).

GREAT SHAPE KEN #7318

1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken

Markings: © 1968 Mattel Inc. U.S. & For. Pat’d. Other Pat’s. Pending Hong Kong.

1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken accessories
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken copyright markings
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in original packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in original packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

Note that the variation below right doesn’t just have a missing yellow stripe to his t-shirt – his face paint is quite different, with oddly slanted eyebrows.

1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in Canadian packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken (Canadian version)
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken (Canadian variation)
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken Canadian packaging
Side of Canadian packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken (Canadian version)
Reverse of Canadian packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in European packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken in European packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken European packaging
Side of European packaging
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken European packaging
Reverse of European packaging

The Spanish version is dated 1985 on the reverse of packaging.

1985 #7318 Ken Ritmic in original packaging
1985 #7318 Ken Ritmic (Spanish version)
1985 #7318 Ken Ritmic (Spanish version) packaging
Reverse of Spanish packaging

GREAT SHAPE KEN #7310

According to the British Mattel trade catalogue, Great Shape Ken was released in 1985, so presumably the similar dark green version sold in Canada was also released in 1985.

1984 #7310 Great Shape Ken
1985 #7310 Great Shape Ken (British version)
1984 #7310 Great Shape Ken
1985 #7310 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7310 Great Shape Ken
1985 #7310 Great Shape Ken accessories
1984 #7310 Great Shape Ken
© 1968 Mattel Inc. Hong Kong
1985 #7310 Great Shape Ken (British version)
1985 #7310 Great Shape Ken (British) in original packaging
1984 #7310 Great Shape Ken (British version) packaging
Reverse of British packaging
1984 #7890 Great Shape Barbie, Ken & Skipper (British Gift Set)
1985 #7890 Great Shape Barbie, Ken & Skipper (British Gift Set)
1984 #7890 Great Shape Barbie, Ken & Skipper (British Gift Set)
Reverse of packaging
1984 #7310 Exercise Ken (Canadian version)
1985 #7310 Exercise Ken (Canadian) in original packaging
1984 #7310 Exercise Ken reverse of Canadian packaging
Reverse of Canadian packaging

KEN DEPORTIVO #51-0146

1985 #51-(0246?) Ken Deportivo (Venezuelan version)
1985 #51-0146 Ken Deportivo (Venezuelan version 1)
1985 #51 0146 Ken Deportivo (Venezuelan version)
1985 #51-0146 Ken Deportivo (Venezuelan version 2)
1985 Ken Deportivo (Venezuelan version)
Reverse of Venezuelan packaging

HAWAIIAN KEN #7495

1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken surf board
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken
1088 0500 5 © Mattel Inc. 1968 Hong Kong
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken in original packaging
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken in original packaging
1984 #7495 Hawaiian Ken original packaging
Reverse of packaging

NECK MARKINGS

© 1983 Mattel Inc. These markings are to be found on every regular Great Shape Era Ken, including the Kens produced by Mattel Spain (and presumably by Mattel in France and Mexico).

1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1984 #7318 Great Shape Ken
1985 #1020 Tropical Ken (Spanish version)
1985 #1020 Tropical Ken (Spanish version)

BOOKLETS & CATALOGUES

From 1984 World of Fashion booklet
From 1984 World of Fashion booklet
From 1984 Mattel Spring Promotion catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Spring Promotion catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys catalogue
From 1984 Mattel Toys Department Store catalogue
From 1984 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
From 1984 JCPenney Christmas catalogue
From 1984 Spiegel Christmas catalogue
From 1984 Spiegel Christmas catalogue
From 1984 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue
From 1984 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalogue
From 1984-85 Dolgins (Best) catalogue
From 1984-85 Dolgins (Best) catalogue
From 1984 Sears Wish Book
From 1984 Sears Wish Book
From 1984 Sears Wish Book
From 1984 Sears Wish Book
From 1984 Canadian Sears Christmas Wish Book
From 1984 Canadian Sears Christmas Wish Book
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Canadian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Dutch Barbie booklet
From 1984 Dutch Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie brochure
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
1984 Finnish Barbie booklet
From 1984 Swedish Barbie booklet
From 1984 Swedish Barbie booklet
From 1984 Swedish Barbie brochure
From 1984 Swedish Barbie brochure
From 1984 French Barbie booklet
From 1984 French Barbie booklet

The French brochure below gives the unique Mattel France code number (266) for Ken Super Gala, the French version of Crystal Ken, which I am yet to find NRFB. Est-ce que tu a cette poupée dans sa boite francaise? Ecrit-moi!: contact@somethingabouttheboy.com.

From 1984 French Mattel toy brochure
From 1984 French Mattel toy brochure
From 1984 French Mattel Toy brochure
From 1984 French Mattel Toy brochure
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 Italian Barbie booklet
From 1984 German Mattel catalogue
From German Mattel 84 catalogue
From 1984 German Mattel catalogue
From German Mattel 84 catalogue
From 1984 German Mattel catalogue
From German Mattel 84 catalogue
From 1984 German Mattel catalogue
From German Mattel 84 catalogue
From 1984 German Mattel catalogue
From German Mattel 84 catalogue
From 1984 German Barbie Journal
From 1984 German Barbie Journal
From 1984 German Barbie Journal
From 1984 German Barbie Journal
From British Mattel 1984 catalogue
From British Mattel 1984 catalogue
From 1985 British Mattel toy catalogue
From 1985 British Mattel toy catalogue

THE JAPANESE KENS

The Japanese Kens were produced under license from Mattel, but have little to do with Ken as he exists in the rest of the world. In true Japanese comic-book style these Kens have those huge scary ‘cute’ eyes, and look more like boys (or even girls) of eight, rather than eighteen. There are obviously collectors out there who like them, as they sell for huge amounts of money, but personally I think they are creepier than Chucky, so you won’t find any pictured here!

Mattel licensed two Japanese companies – Takara from 1984 to 1986, and Ban Dai from 1986 to 1989. Ban Dai Kens are usually marked Ma-Ba on the boxes (MAttel + BAn Dai). There are several Takara and Ma-Ba Kens, and Takara also produced several outfit sets.