A Look At The 1984 Michael Jackson LJN Toy Dolls
In 1984 LJN Toys introduced a series of Michael Jackson dolls that allowed fans to recreate his iconic dance moves. These 11.5″ high collectible figures featured moveable parts (head, arms, waist, legs and knees) and were all adorned with the same glittery socks, a single glittery glove, and classic black shoes. The dolls embodied the essence of Michael Jackson’s electrifying performances. Additionally, they included a microphone that perfectly fit into his open left hand.
The dolls boasted an impressive array of outfits, showcasing Michael’s diverse style. The collection featured seven distinct ensembles: “Thriller,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Human Nature,” “Motown 25,” “Grammy Awards,” and “American Music Awards.” While four of the outfits were sold along with the doll, the remaining six outfits were available for separate purchase, allowing fans to expand their doll’s wardrobe.
To cater to the diverse fanbase, LJN released the doll in four different box variations. These variations included different skin tones and mustache options. The box designs encompassed a dark skin color with a mustache, a dark skin color without a mustache, a light skin color with a mustache, and a light skin color without a mustache.
Each doll was accompanied by a stand, providing a stable platform to display the figure. Below we take a closer look at each doll.
American Music Awards
This doll commemorates the iconic red awards outfit worn by Michael Jackson on January 16th 1984, when he received multiple awards that night.
This outfit includes:
- Red glittery military jacket adorned with intricate gold embellishments on the front and along the arms.
- A striking gold sash with a contrasting blue piping running through the center, elegantly encircling his torso.
- Shiny black pants featuring red piping accents on the sides, complementing the overall ensemble.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove, capturing the essence of Michael Jackson’s signature style.
- Classic black shoes, adding a touch of sophistication.
Notably, the jacket features a convenient front velcro closure, allowing it to be easily opened and closed. Similarly, the velcro sash can also be undone for added realism. This particular outfit was exclusively sold alongside the doll and was not available for separate purchase.
“Thriller”
Featuring the iconic red leather outfit that embodies the spirit of Halloween, this hauntingly stylish ensemble for the doll includes:
- A captivating red pleather jacket accentuated by sleek black piping on both the front and back.
- A black sleeveless shirt, adding a touch of edginess and enhancing the overall allure of the outfit.
- Red pleather pants that perfectly complement the jacket.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove.
- Classic black shoes, ensuring a truly authentic representation.
For added realism and versatility, the jacket features a convenient velcro closure, allowing it to be easily opened or closed. The back of the black shirt also features a velcro closure. Additionally, the pants feature a velcro closure on the back, ensuring a secure fit.
This outfit was available without the doll, making it one of the six outfits available for separate purchase. However, for collectors seeking the complete package, the doll was also available for purchase with the Thriller outfit included.
“Beat It”
This features the iconic red leather jacket and black pants ensemble famously worn by Michael in the “Beat It” music video. This outfit includes:
- A vibrant red nylon jacket adorned with silver painted zippers on the front and silver pads on the shoulders. The jacket also features small silver balls down the front, capturing the distinct style of the original attire.
- A sleek blue sleeveless shirt, which can be undone at the back.
- Stylish black pants with red thread accents.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove.
- Classic black shoes, ensuring a faithful representation of the original attire.
The red jacket, emblematic of the “Beat It” short film, does not feature a velcro closure or any fastening mechanism; it is designed to stay open, mirroring the iconic style of Michael Jackson’s performance. The pants feature a velcro closure at the back, providing a secure fit.
LJN offered the option to purchase the “Beat It” outfit separately without the doll, making it one of the six outfits available for individual purchase. Alternatively, the doll can also be acquired with the Beat It outfit included.
“Billie Jean”
The Billie Jean doll featured the iconic black leather outfit and pink dress shirt famously worn by Michael Jackson in his 1983 “Billie Jean” short film. This outfit includes:
- A sleek black pleather jacket with a glittery collar.
- A pink long-sleeve shirt adorned with white quilted fabric down its front and a red bowtie with white polka dots, mirroring the iconic shirt from the “Billie Jean” video.
- Black pleather pants that perfectly complement the jacket and shirt.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove (specifically needed when representing “Billie Jean”).
- Classic black shoes.
The shirt features a velcro closure at the back, allowing for easy dressing and undressing of the doll. Similarly, the pants also have a velcro closure at the back, ensuring a secure fit. LJN Toys offered the “Billie Jean” outfit for separate purchase, allowing collectors and fans to acquire this iconic ensemble individually. However, the company did not produce or sell the doll with this outfit included, making it a unique and sought-after addition to any collection.
Motown
The Motown doll was meant to be inspired by his famous performance at the Motown 25, where he debuted the moonwalk for the first time. However this never reflected anything Michael actually wore. Famously he wore a sparkly silver shirt and black sparkly jacket.
This ensemble includes:
- A silver jacket with a yellow belt.
- A sleeveless black glittery shirt, adding a touch of sparkle to the outfit.
- Black pants with silver piping on the sides.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove.
- Classic black shoes complete the doll’s outfit.
The back of the pants and the shirt feature velcro closures, allowing for easy dressing and undressing of the doll. However, the jacket does not have a velcro closure; it is designed to remain open.
The LJN Toys Motown outfit was available for separate purchase, allowing collectors and fans to acquire this ensemble individually. The company did not produce or sell the doll wearing the Motown outfit, making it an exclusive and highly sought-after addition.
“Human Nature”
The Human Nature doll, depicts Michael from the single cover of the hit song.
This outfit includes:
- A vibrant yellow vest adorned with small gray balls, and featuring a silver shamrock on the right side.
- A crisp white long-sleeve dress shirt paired with a yellow bowtie.
- Black pants.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove.
- Classic black shoes provide the finishing touch.
For ease of dressing, the vest and shirt feature velcro closures on the front, while the back of the pants also features a velcro closure. The “Human Nature” outfit was available for separate purchase, offering collectors and fans the opportunity to acquire this iconic ensemble individually. However, the doll was not produced or sold wearing the Human Nature outfit, making it a rare and highly coveted addition to any collection.
Grammy Awards
This doll replicates the outfit Michael wore to the 1984 Grammy Awards, where he swept up a record breaking amount of awards for the “Thriller” album.
This stunning ensemble includes:
- A blue jacket with a sparkly collar, capturing the attention of onlookers.
- A sleeveless white shirt.
- A golden sash with blue piping in the middle, serving as a visual highlight that emphasizes the doll’s prestigious award-winning status.
- Gold pants that complement the jacket and sash.
- Glittery white socks and matching glove.
- Classic black shoes.
For ease of dressing, the jacket features a velcro closure on the front, while the shirt has a velcro closure at the back. Similarly, the golden pants also feature a velcro closure at the back, allowing for easy dressing and undressing of the doll.
The gold pants are made of a delicate metallic fiber and with the age of the dolls now, it will be prone to damage. Care should be taken to preserve the integrity of the pants. LJN Toys made this outfit available for separate purchase, allowing collectors and fans to acquire this iconic ensemble individually as well as with a doll wearing it.
