Living Dead Dolls, a series of horror-themed dolls created by Ed Long and Damien Glonek in 1998, have gained a cult following worldwide. Today, collectors feverishly hunt for these sinister yet delightful figurines, each with its distinct aesthetic, quirk, and backstory. Many collectors even participate in The Living Dead Dolls Society, with members swapping tips, showcasing their collections, and sharing creepy stories.

But what makes Living Dead Dolls so captivating? What should collectors look out for when adding to their collection? Here’s a guide to help you navigate the spooky world of Living Dead Dolls:

The History:

In 1998, Ed Long and Damien Glonek met at a Halloween party where they bonded over their love for horror movies. From there, they started sculpting and painting scary dolls, eventually leading to the creation of the Living Dead Dolls brand. The dolls made their debut at the 1998 Toy Fair in New York City and have been a sensation ever since, with over 50 different dolls to the original line.

The Aesthetic:

Each Living Dead Doll comes with a unique backstory and aesthetic, including their outfit, hair, and makeup. The dolls range from undead babies to possessed nuns, gruesome clowns to ghostly brides. The designs are always dark, eerie, and spine-chilling.

The Quality:

Living Dead Dolls are known for their high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and details. They’re made from a combination of cloth and vinyl, with some parts made of porcelain or resin. The dolls come with their own stands or coffins, adding to the nightmare-inducing ambiance.

The Rarity:

While Living Dead Dolls are widely available, some dolls are more challenging to find than others. The rare finds are often more coveted by collectors and can include limited editions, convention exclusives, or discontinued dolls.

The Collectibility:

As with all collectibles, the value of Living Dead Dolls varies based on rarity, condition, and demand. Collectors can find dolls on eBay, at conventions, or through private sellers. The Living Dead Dolls Society also has an active Facebook page where collectors buy, sell, or trade dolls with one another.

The Community:

Collecting Living Dead Dolls can be a solitary hobby, but the Living Dead Dolls Society provides a community of like-minded horror enthusiasts. The group holds events, showcases extensive collections, and shares tips on display and storage.

In conclusion, Living Dead Dolls are not for the faint of heart, but for those who love horror, they offer suspenseful aesthetics, enticing rarity, high-quality construction, and an active community. If you’re not yet a collector, beware: one glance at a Living Dead Doll, and you might get bitten by the collecting bug. Happy hunting!