In case you need more proof that the beloved Ken doll is an inadvertent gay icon, may I introduce you to his latest iteration: a harness-wearing, pink-tailed, long-haired, muscular AF, totally accessorized hunk of a merman.
Yes, we're officially simping.
This new himbo Mer-Ken is a part of Mattel's 2020 Barbie Signature Doll Design Showdown, where the long-running and inclusive doll brand's biggest fans get to vote in an online poll to choose the next doll in Barbie's Signature line. The theme was apparently merfolk this year, and the final two designs to pick from (which were dreamed up by designer Angel Kent) include our aforementioned Sea Daddy Ken and an equally beautiful Barbie who is serving mermaid looks even Ariel couldn't fathom!
The winner of the online poll (which is open from now until December 6) will become an actual doll that paid Barbie Signature members will be able to buy in the near future, but as our friends at The Mary Sue point out, the decision between Queen of the Sea Barbie and her aquatic bestie Ken is actually quite a difficult one, since both dolls are absolutely stunning!
While we wouldn't be mad at having a new mermaid Barbie in our lives, we're definitely rooting for Ken in this race, since the world can definitely use more pure-hearted, good-looking himbos who wear sea-shell harnesses. And we're not alone in thinking that!
One last question, though: will Ken's boyfriend, er, I mean "buddy" Allan be getting a hunky merman makeover as well? Asking for a friend!
