What's the most popular doll? Why?

I think its Pukis. Lots of people seem to have a puki, and if you go on to the tiny's discussion thread pukis have NINE threads just for them. This is just what I see though.

 

It comes and goes with the generation (aka. the new onslaught of companies and changing market every few years, as well as the change of dynamic in doll owners), but back in my day, when the forum started up, you could click on the Gallery and you would be bombarded en masse by Els and Lishes.

As newer, cheaper dolls were released (like the Puki, or even, the original MNFs- remember the MNF Shiwoo 'heart hands' epidemic?) popularity has shifted. Once the tinies started hitting the market, as well, many people started gearing down thier collections.

Volks molds remain popular to die hard collectors. They have a very loyal fanbase. But as for most dolls, it depends on the price availability, as well as 'what the popular owners have'. And by that, I mean, pupularity by example, only. When Bermann/Hound came out he wasn't that popular, and neither was Woosoo, actually (he stayed on Luts marketpage for about three-four months!). But thanks to some gorgeous boys on the forum, the molds became popular by association. The market price increased dramatically. For some, like Woosoo, the price has gone down (just a little), for others, it continues to soar because the doll remains popular (Bermann).

Right now, we're enjoying an influx of Soom dolls. We are already seeing the hype die down a bit, but I predict that, as with Volks' Limited models, they've got the making of a very strong database.

 

CP El has always been popular, but I think that right now everyone is talking about the Soom Monthlies.

And I agree with Splynterhayde: Volks molds remain popular, because that company has a loyal fanbase.

 

Well, it's easy to find out, at least in the range of this forum. If you sort the database by the number of replies, you'll see that EL still leads. Excluding threads for companies and dolls of same line, this is the top:

Luts Delf El
Luts Delf Shiwoo
Fairland MNF Shushu
Luts Delf Lishe
Narae
Fairyland MNF Shiwoo
Volks F01
DOT Ducan
Luts Delf Chiwoo
Luts Delf Breakaway
Luts Kid Delf Bory
Luts Delf Soony and so on.

It's relative though, because Unoas for example don't have separate thread for each mold, otherwise Lusis might have probably beaten Narae.

 

I think Littlefee Ante can be put on the list. They're popping up EVERYWHERE

 

The age of the thread is irreverent though. The question was which are most widely-owned dolls. If the discussion was - what are the most recent populars, then sure, the answer would be different: Soom MDs, Littlefees, Pukis and so on. When a well-established company comes up with an interesting line, it often becomes a hit, but that usually lasts a year or two tops. So are we discussing what's hip right now, or which ones are all-time favorites?

 

I apparently have pretty common taste in dolls, based on the databases. I think in reality it comes and goes. Something will be super-popular for a while, then fade back a bit, then fall into balance later. The one thing I notice on the most popular ones in the database is that they mostly have a balance - neither too super stylized and cartoony nor super-realistic. They're beautiful in a way that has a wider appeal than either extreme. They are also for the most part not at the top or bottom of the price range, and within reach of those of us who have to save up for our dolls without taking so long as to be disheartening.

I agree the databases are not the be-all and end-all of popularity, though. Not everyone puts their dolls in the databases. And one that's limited in number just can't have as many database entries as a standard no matter how popular it is.

I think the most popular doll also would depend somewhat on the type of owner. Someone who only displays their dolls behind glass may have a different favorite than someone who shoots photostories constantly which may be different from the person who spends hours modding and customizing each doll to suit a specific character's look which may be different than the person who wants a doll to carry around everywhere.

My favorites are Ducan, El, Breakaway, Lati Aida, DZ Mo, Dolkot Day, and MNF Shiwoo. And about 50 others I forgot to list. Miho, Shushu, Karsh...

 

I think that is has to be Volks dolls, ( limiteds and 4 sisters?) then Luts (El, Lishe and Shiwoo sping to mind!).

 

I also find Bunny Boos lists, if not completely true, of good value. Of course, there are always old entries that have been sold on, but purely on registered popularity basis throughout the years, it does document the market swings I was talking about.

If you were to add in age for every database, from the day the database was created, then divide it by the number of entries each database has, you could then decipher which dolls have the most 'rising popularity', like the Pukis, etc, because in the end, popularity can be deciphered in many ways. Like the value of a house.

Then of course, there's figuring out popularity by market demmand. It doesn't go just one way, so all opinions are in thier own right valid if supported by fact.

 

I have three little fees; Ante being one. I think popularity is also a factor of accessibility. Dolls that have limited availability are an issue as there is more demand than doll. I wanted a full set so I waited to order. I think one should also consider resale. Dolls that rarely show up as a resale could be considered more popular that those that are purchased and then sold.

Popularity across size classes may be very difficult as some owners are very baised to size and stick with it.

 

^ Also a point worth mentioning. Limited dolls, even if all sold out, will seem less popular statistically speaking because of thier release count.

So when judging the popularity of limited dolls, one must take into account the market value. Is the market value greater than the original price? If so, by how much? Is it less? Even for a damged doll? Etc.

 

As far as I can tell, Angel of Dream's Raos are the 'most popular' from that particular company.

And tinies, PukiPukis in particular, are hugely popular.

(Actually, Fairyland in general is!)

 

I'm just gonna be a little generic here, but...

There will always be a popular doll. Apparently that is the CP El and a few others from Cerberus Project (Luts and Fairyland combined).

However, it seems to me that the most popular company will always be Volks. Their fanbase is strong and they're the first ABJD company.

 

I really dont know much about this topic since I am still a newbie, but I see Iplehouse Jessicas EVERYWHERE. O_O there are so meny out there not just in DoA.

 

I don't know if you can really answer this question. But come to think of it.. I, for instance, noticed, that many many other German BJD owners have and love Dollzone dolls. I guess this is partly because they're relatively easy to obtain through dealers here, unlike other dolls.
In general, I just saw a lot of Els and Shiwoos (*Shiwoo lover myself*).
And almost everyone I know who is into BJDs likes (or did like at some point) DOD's Ducan.

 

I think, personally, DoD Ducans are like influenza...
And I myself don't like the face, so I don't get it.

And Shiwoos... everywhere...

 

I also think that Volks is the most popular...I would have 2 of them if they weren't limited and extremely expensive >.< but my favorite right now is Luts.

 

Els seem to be perennially popular, as are Shiwoos. The Puki plague has taken over tinies. I think Volks is pretty popular too but I think the price tag and scarcity scares off most potential owners. A company like Luts has accessability going for it. Same with Fairyland, and Soom (which I appreciate.)

DoD is also a very popular company.