Before you buy

"UV Glow" is a special method we originally developed to represent invisible conditions, now extended to cyber panel lines as well. This involves UV-reactive paint specifically designed for soft vinyl, allowing us to create designs that light up under UV light, revealing hidden, glowing markings. There are two types of UV Glow: Matte and Gloss. The matte version is subtle, becoming clearly visible under UV light, while the gloss variant, although transparent, is more noticeable and illuminates brightly upon UV exposure.

We employ UV light not just to highlight the complexities of invisible conditions, but to creatively bring them into view, offering visibility and representation. Our lineup respects and acknowledges the diverse experiences and challenges associated with these conditions.

The creation of UV glow products presents unique challenges, including the difficulty of not being able to see the paint during the painting process. Additionally, we must take extra precautions for safety and to minimize invisible splashes.

Given these complexities, ensuring constant availability may not be feasible. However, we will endeavor to produce them as circumstances allow, while prioritizing the well-being of our team members to prevent overwork.

Before purchasing a UV Glow product, there are several considerations:

1. Reactivity of Vinyl: When vinyl parts are cast from molds, they can sometimes contain pigments that react to UV light. This means that any vinyl part of your Smart Doll might display unexpected markings when exposed to a UV torch - please refer to the photos above.
   
   These markings can appear as white or blue dots, or even as glowing threads, reminiscent of visuals from documentaries about string theory. Whether your doll has intentional UV markings or not, exploring it with UV light can reveal these intriguing effects, adding a unique dimension to your Smart Doll.

2. Handling of UV Paint: UV paint can splash during application and is difficult to remove from vinyl. We strive to minimize significant splashes but might accept minor ones.

3. Visibility in Certain Areas: UV reactive paint may be visible in the neck socket, an area held during painting, but typically not visible once the head is attached.

4. Freckles and UV Markings: On characters with freckles, UV markings may seem absent due to the darker freckle color, but the paint layer is present.

For safety, use 3 - 5 watts UV light torches with caution: avoid direct eye exposure, never point at people, animals, or aliens, and avoid shining on skin, fur, or scales. Torches can be bought on Amazon and are not included with this product.

UV protective coating is not applied over the face design to prevent a washed-out look. However, exposure to UV or environmental light over time may lead to paint fading, not covered by our warranty.

The UV reactive paint subtly glows in sunlight, creating a soft, humming radiance. Note that photographs might show a glowing border, but this is a camera effect, not an actual feature.

Given the novelty of this UV technique, extensive testing hasn’t been conducted. It’s difficult to ascertain if paint fading is from UV light exposure or environmental factors. This uncertainty is something we want potential buyers to consider. If concerned, waiting for feedback from early adopters could be wise.

We understand that UV light contributes to vinyl aging, causing color fading or degradation. Other environmental factors, such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and airborne pollutants, also impact vinyl. Additionally, exposure to oxygen can lead to oxidation, which may further accelerate the aging process and affect the material's integrity. Proper care, including shielding vinyl from these environmental stresses, can significantly extend the lifespan of our products.

Considering the unique challenges of vinyl degradation, relocating to Mars might unexpectedly extend the lifespan of your Smart Doll. With Mars’ oxygen content being only about 0.13% compared to Earth's atmosphere, the reduced oxidation could practically pause aging processes. However, this benefit comes with a caveat: the UV light from the Sun is much harsher on Mars due to its thinner atmosphere. This increased exposure to UV radiation could counteract any benefits from the lower oxygen levels, posing new challenges for preserving materials on the Red Planet.

As always, we value your feedback and aim to provide all necessary information to help you make well-informed decisions about our products.

Who Is Legion?

In a world where many might sway,
Legion stands firm, come what may.
A symbol of strength, few but fierce,
Against oppression, she'll always pierce.

Defying those who take and deceive,
For justice and right, she'll never leave.
Solar Marines' mission, she does define,
A beacon of hope, forever to shine.

Legion stands as a beacon of defiance against oppression and entitlement. Symbolizing the power of a few to rival the might of many, she embodies the commitment to challenge those who dehumanize and take without consideration. Her presence has become synonymous with the unwavering resolve to champion justice where it's absent, capturing the very essence of the Solar Marines’ mission.

In a world where differences often become targets of oppression, standing firm in one's values becomes a beacon of resilience. It's not just about living but thriving authentically, refusing to be molded by the demands of oppressors. Their numbers may be vast, casting long shadows of doubt and fear, but they cannot shatter the indomitable spirit of those who resist. For in the heart of the marginalized, the strength of the few burns fiercely, proving time and again that their might can indeed rival that of the many.

About Legions story

Legion's story is inspired by the experiences of the dedicated team behind Smart Doll. Comprised of a passionate group of 17 wanderlust-driven nomads, our mission is to develop inclusive dolls that resonate with those often overlooked in the mainstream doll market.

While larger companies often have the capacity to produce a broad range of mainstream products, our smaller team chooses to concentrate on what truly matters to us, creating inclusive dolls. This deliberate focus, however, has often led us to face pushback from entitled individuals resistant to our vision.

Yet, our belief remains unshaken: even a small team, when united in purpose and vision, can rival the impact of much larger entities. Our journey exemplifies that the strength of the few can indeed match the might of many.

While Legion's tale is deeply rooted in our experiences at Smart Doll, the themes of her story echo across diverse landscapes of human experience. Our dedicated team has always strived to represent those who've been historically marginalized or overlooked. This includes championing dolls that resonate with individuals of plus-sized bodies, those who uphold pride beliefs, and those who were born with or navigate life with medical conditions.

These deliberate choices aren't just about inclusivity; they're about celebrating the rich tapestry of human experiences and identities. As we look around the world today, we see similar stories of resistance, resilience, and empowerment, where the strength of a few can truly rival the might of the many.

The essence remains the same across these narratives: unity, resilience, and the unwavering belief that a passionate few can make a monumental difference. This framework of perseverance in the face of adversity is a testament to the human spirit and can be observed in countless aspects of life and world events.

About the wig

The wig that comes with this character is designed with a "turnover" construction allowing the hair to be swept back while minimizing the amount of wig cap showing.
The challenge with this design is the initial difficulty in putting it on. On the upside, it ensures the wig stays firmly in place, minimizing the chances of it being whisked up by the wind and landing in dog poo.

For those with arthritis or similar conditions, it's worth noting that you can leave a note with your order requesting that the wig be attached prior to shipping. We typically add double-sided tape beneath the wig for an added layer of security, but be aware this may leave residue between the head and the wig cap. Check out the video below to see how to attach the wig.

The wig, similar to any tight-fitting apparel, can leave indentations on the vinyl. While all our wigs can cause such marks, this wig tends to produce deeper and more noticeable indentations due to its construction that does not employ elastic - photos on this page are an example.

The styling oil used for the wig might sometimes permeate the wig cap, producing a residue on the head. This residue can appear dark, but it's typically the oil rather than an ink stain.

It might be possible to mitigate some of these indentations by employing a hair dryer and rubbing with some thinner (like the Mr Hobby type shown in the photo). However, outcomes are not guaranteed. If you're planning to keep the wig on perpetually, these concerns may be negligible. But if they pose a potential problem, reconsidering your purchase might be in order. It's worth noting that we don't allow options to select specific wigs, omit the wig from the order, or adjust the cost by excluding the wig's value.

The 'Perfectly Imperfect' document further details issues with our wigs that you should be informed about.