A: Alan

 Blogging A to Z 2024 has begun. My theme this year is Barbie. For Day One:

 

Alan

"There is only one Alan," so says the narration to the Barbie movie. Indeed, Alan's best-known version is the one depicted by Michael Cera in the film, in the multi-color striped shirt. Originally spelled Allan, the character was introduced as Ken's friend in 1964. He was named for Mattel founder Ruth Handler's son-in-law.

Allan was discontinued after 1965, but reintroduced in 1991 (and the spelling of his name changed to Alan), when he and Barbie's friend Midge were married, in the Wedding Day series. A year later, a proposed line with Alan and Midge with twin babies was shown in promotional booklets, but never made.  

In 2002, the Happy Family set with Alan, Midge and their son was produced, with Midge pregnant with their second child. This caused controversy, and Walmart pulled the dolls from their shelves. Read more about the doll series here. An African American version of the series was also released; this was the only time Midge and Alan were portrayed as such. 

The pregnant Midge was depicted in the film, but apparently has no relationship with Allan in the striped shirt. This despite Alan being discontinued a second time. More on Midge herself to come.

One of Barbie's younger sister Skipper's early friends, Ricky (pictured below), bore a strong resemblance to Allan. Ricky was often thought to be Allan's brother, though that was never said to be true.

End of Day One.