Barbie and Ken (1962) 1

Available in over 150 countries, Barbara Millicent Roberts may have the highest Q Score of any female on Earth. The trouble is, most know her by a different name:  Barbie.

Barbie and Ken (1962) 1

And, today is her day: National Barbie Day.

Her humble origins stem from a German staple called Bild Lilli. Mattel’s co-founder’s wife, Ruth Handler, and daughter found the doll while visiting Germany. Handler returned home and discussed the find with husband, Elliot Handler.

He took the idea to partner Harold Matson and turned the project over to designer Jack Ryan. The doll was named Barbie after the Handler’s daughter.

Her coming out party was held in 1959 and Barbie has part of the popular landscape ever since. She made her way to Europe in 1961 and is currently sold in over 150 countries.

Barbie became part of the comic book community in May of 1962. Teamed with soulmate Ken, the series lasted a dismal five issues. She would not return to the medium until 1991 when Marvel optioned the license. The run lasted till 1996 for a total of 63 issues.

Barbie Fashion, a separate title, also launched in 1991. It would be cancelled after 53 issues.

In 1993 Barbie branched over to the horror genre with two books simply titled Barbie Halloween Special.

She returned in 2019 with two issues from publisher Papercutz.

If you don’t feel up to visiting the world’s largest Barbie Museum in Montreal or exploring the Toy Hall of Fame, scrounge up an issue chronicling Miss Roberts. For the guys, show ‘em you’re a real man and even post your celebration to #NationalBarbieDay. Just be careful what you do post.