Looking back on everything I’ve done—and everything I’ve become—I can trace my confidence, my creativity, and my unwavering sense of self back to one animated character.

A being of pure love, light, happiness, and hope.

She taught me that even when the universe seems at its darkest, no one can take away your light. That there’s always a brighter tomorrow waiting just beyond the storm.

Even as a little boy growing up in the remote northeastern corner of Montana, people somehow knew that about me. They still do. Some even still call me by her name.

Rainbow Brite.

At one point or another, I’ve owned every single character from the original Mattel line. My original Rainbow Brite doll still lives with me, tucked safely away in a box filled with moments too precious to leave to time or sunlight.

Since 2024, Los Angeles–based toy company The Loyal Subjects (TLS) has been re-releasing a line of Rainbow Brite dolls that have not only outsold nearly every previous version (save for the original 1980s line) but also captured the hearts of fans and collectors alike—earning awards like Toy of the Year.

Now, the company has unveiled its very first retro edition, and she’s everything I hoped she’d be—right down to the box.

The packaging is a near replica of the original Mattel release, with that same shimmering sense of possibility. Even the feel of her plastic head is spot-on, though her hair—and the soft fuzz of her hand-sprite, Twink—feels gentler this time around. The dress is sturdier, the color belt is now printed on (a practical but welcome change), and though the star shoes are missing—a casualty of cost even back in the day—she’s as close to perfect as any reimagining has ever gotten. Even more so than the 20th Anniversary doll from Hot Topic back in 2004.

And with the 40th anniversary of Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer just around the corner, I can’t help but hope that TLS will finally give fans what we’ve been waiting for since 1985: Stormy.

A prototype was made, photographed, even promised that fall—but the line was discontinued before she ever hit shelves. Her arrival now would feel like a long-lost promise finally kept.

While Hallmark, and even TLS have released several versions of the character. A truly retro-style would be a welcome addition.

And something tells me, there’s more Rainbow Brite magic on the horizon, so…

Stay Tuned!