R is for Rainbow Brite

Full series and process: 90s TOYpography
Website: noahcampdesign.com
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Rainbow Brite dolls and a ton of other merchandise all came about as Hallmark’s way to get into the licensing game when they introduced her in 1983. The Rainbow Brite animated television series first aired in 1984, the same year Hallmark licensed Rainbow Brite to Mattel. I had the classic plush doll with yarn hair and matching Starlight. You know you’re jealous.

The whole premise of Rainbow Brite was that she brought color to the world with the help of her magical Color Belt, her friend Twink, her flying horse Starlight, and the Color Kids. And Murky Dismal and Lurky, were always trying to steal Rainbow’s belt and destroy all colors to no avail.
Here are a few facts I didn’t know:

-Rainbow Brite’s real name was Wisp. Her name only changed to Rainbow Brite in the cartoon series’ second episode after she defeated the Dark One and became the keeper of the Color Belt.

-According to the books, Twink was a red sprite until Murky threw him into The Pits, which drained him of his colors.

-Six years old at the time, actress Bettina Bush provided the voice of Rainbow Brite AND My Little Pony.

-Rainbow Brite was super popular in Germany where her name was Regina Regenbogen.