It happened in 2020. Mattel Creations dropped a bomb on the doll community that basically changed the trajectory of adult collecting forever. They took the most terrifying clown in cinematic history and gave him a high-fashion, "ghoulified" makeover. We're talking about the IT Monster High doll, officially known as the Pennywise Skullector edition. If you weren't there for the launch, honestly, it was a bloodbath. The website crashed. Hearts were broken. Scalpers had a field day.
Why? Because it wasn't just another toy.
Before this, Monster High was mostly seen as a kids' brand that had a "cool aunt" following of adult nostalgics. But the Pennywise release signaled something deeper. It was the birth of the Skullector series. Suddenly, the line between "creepy plaything" and "high-end horror memorabilia" blurred into this weird, beautiful gray area. If you look at the secondary market prices today, you’ll see people dropping $500 to $1,000 for a mint-in-box specimen. That's not just hype; that's a cultural shift in how we view plastic.
The Design Details That Actually Matter
When you first see the IT Monster High doll, the sheer amount of texture hits you. It’s not just a basic printed fabric. The designers took the 2017 Bill Skarsgård aesthetic and ran it through a Victorian runway filter.
The ruff collar isn't just one layer. It's multi-layered organza that feels delicate but holds its shape like a dream. Then you’ve got the bodice. It has these tiny red pom-poms that look suspiciously like droplets of blood if you catch them in the right light. The sleeves are puffed, the silk-screened details on the pants mimic the antique aesthetic of the film, and the shoes? Total showstoppers. They are clown shoes, sure, but they have these platforms and intricate lacing that make them feel like something you’d see at a dark avant-garde fashion show in Paris.
The face sculpt is where things get really interesting.
Monster High dolls are known for their "Ghouls Rule" big eyes and pouty lips. To bridge the gap between "scary" and "pretty," the artists gave Pennywise a cracked porcelain skin effect. It's subtle. You have to get close to see the fine lines etched into the vinyl. The signature red lines stretching from the corners of the mouth up through the eyes are there, obviously, but they’re painted with a metallic sheen. It gives the doll this eerie, lifelike shimmer. It’s definitely not for kids. Honestly, if you left this on your nightstand, you might wake up feeling a little watched.
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And let’s talk about the balloon. It’s not just a piece of red plastic. It’s translucent, and it has "S.S. Georgie" written on it. It’s those tiny, brutal nods to the source material that make collectors lose their minds.
Why the Resale Market is Basically a Horror Movie
If you want an IT Monster High doll today, you better be ready to pay the "collector's tax."
Mattel used a "made-to-order" or limited-drop model that created an immediate scarcity loop. Because it was the first of its kind, nobody knew if there would be more. When the IT doll sold out in minutes, the FOMO (fear of missing out) hit the community like a freight train.
- Initial retail price: Around $60.
- Current eBay average: $700.
- Box condition: Matters more than your first-born.
The packaging for this doll is a literal diorama. It’s designed to look like the Derry sewers, complete with a pop-out S.S. Georgie paper boat. Because the box is so integral to the "vibe," finding a "Never Removed From Box" (NRFB) version is the gold standard. Once that tape is cut, the value plummets by hundreds of dollars. It’s a stressful way to own a hobby, frankly.
Collectors often debate whether Mattel will ever "re-re" (re-release) these. History says no. The Skullector series is built on the premise of "get it now or cry later." While they’ve since released the Grady Twins from The Shining, Greta from Gremlins, and Chucky, the Pennywise doll remains the "Holy Grail" because it was the catalyst. It’s the origin story of the adult-centric Monster High era.
The Technical Artistry Behind the "Monster"
Creating a doll that captures a demonic entity while maintaining the "Monster High" brand identity is a tightrope walk. The team at Mattel, led by designers like Rebecca Shipman, had to figure out how to translate Bill Skarsgård’s massive forehead and predatory grin into a fashion doll silhouette.
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The hair is a standout feature. It’s not the cheap, crunchy nylon you find on play-line dolls. It’s a soft, mohair-adjacent fiber in a vibrant, burnt orange. It’s rooted in a way that allows it to stand up in those iconic clown tufts without looking like a wig.
Then there's the articulation. Most people don't realize that the IT Monster High doll uses the "G1" (Generation 1) body style but with updated joint tension. This allows for much more cinematic posing. You can actually make her look like she’s stalking a victim or floating. It’s those small engineering choices that separate a "toy" from a "collectible."
The "New" Monster High vs. The Skullector Aesthetic
It’s worth noting that the current Monster High dolls you see at Target—the G3 line—are very different. They are sturdier, friendlier, and built for play. The Pennywise doll exists in a vacuum of "G1.5" styling. It retains the spindly, elongated limbs and the ultra-sharp facial features that fans fell in love with back in 2010.
For many fans, the IT doll was a validation. It proved that the brand could grow up with its audience. The kids who played with Frankie Stein in middle school were now 20-somethings with disposable income and a love for Stephen King. Mattel saw that. They leaned into it. And frankly, they nailed it.
Common Misconceptions and Fakes
Because of the high price tag, the market is currently flooded with "customs" and, unfortunately, some straight-up bootlegs.
- Customs: Many talented artists take a basic Draculaura or G3 doll and paint them to look like Pennywise. These can be beautiful, but they aren't official. Always check for the Mattel stamp on the back of the neck.
- The Box Trap: Some sellers will sell the box only for $100+. Read the fine print. People get scammed every week thinking they found a "deal" on the doll when they’re actually just buying cardboard.
- Condition Issues: Be wary of dolls that have been displayed out of the box in direct sunlight. The orange hair is prone to fading, and the white "porcelain" skin can yellow over time if not kept in a cool, dark place.
Buying an IT Monster High doll is an investment. Treat it like a stock. Or a very creepy, very stylish pet.
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How to Source One Without Getting Ripped Off
Look, you’re probably not going to find this at a garage sale for $5. If you do, buy a lottery ticket immediately.
To get a legitimate Pennywise, your best bet is specialized collector groups on Facebook or reputable sellers on platforms like Mercari and eBay with 100% feedback. Ask for "dated photos"—where the seller puts a piece of paper with the current date and their name next to the doll. This proves they actually own the item and aren't just using a photo they found on Pinterest.
Also, check the "eye wonk." Even high-end dolls sometimes have one eye printed slightly higher than the other. If you’re paying $800, you want a doll that isn't looking in two different directions. Unless, of course, you think that makes her scarier.
Actionable Steps for Collectors
If you are ready to hunt down the IT Monster High doll, follow this checklist to ensure you’re getting the real deal and protecting your investment:
- Verify the "Skullector" Seal: Ensure the box has the matte finish and the specific Mattel Creations branding. The original shipping brown box (the "shipper") adds about 10% to the value.
- Inspect the "Crackle" Paint: On genuine dolls, the face-paint crackle is precise and doesn't rub off. If the lines look thick or hand-painted with a brush, it’s a custom, not an original.
- Check the Balloon String: The official balloon uses a stiff, translucent wire to give the illusion of floating. If it’s a limp string, it’s a red flag.
- Storage is Key: If you buy it, keep it away from UV light. The red pigments in the outfit and the orange hair are the first to degrade. Use a UV-protected display case if you plan on showing it off.
- Join the Community: Before buying, join the "Monster High Collectors" or "Skullector" subreddits. Post the listing photos there. The community is incredibly fast at spotting "wonk" or fakes that a casual buyer might miss.
Owning this piece of horror-toy history is a major flex in the doll world. It represents a moment where a massive corporation took a risk on something genuinely weird and unsettling, and it paid off. Whether you love the movie IT or you just love the "monstrous" fashion of the dolls, Pennywise remains the undisputed queen (or king? or cosmic entity?) of the shelf.