Is this 'tanning mom' action figure appropriate?

A New Jersey woman who has come to be known simply as "tanning mom" or "tan mom" is marking her meteoric rise to fame this week with something usually reserved for established stars and superheroes - her very own action figure.


This undated photo provided by HeroBuilders shows the novelty company's new "tanorexic" action figure based on Patricia Krentcil. (AP Photo/HeroBuilders)

Patricia Krentcil made headlines on May 3 when she was accused of bringing her five-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. She denied the allegations, pleading not guilty to felony child endangerment charges, and was been released on a $25,000 US bond.

Images of the deeply bronzed 44-year-old have since circulated the globe, making her fodder for many a mocking blog post and parody sketch. Her likeness even popped up in the form of an orange-painted Kristen Wiig on Saturday Night Live.

Krentcil told the New York Post that Wiig's parody was "hysterical" and "well done."

Krentcil is also a fan of the "Tanorexic Action Figure," according to Emil Vicale, of toy company Herobuilders.com, who created the doll based on her image.

"I think she's ordered one and people she knows," Vicale told the Huffington Post. "We're getting orders from her part of the country."

The Connecticut-based company, which specializes in customized action figures, is selling their tan mom action figure for $29.95 US.

Only the head of the doll is tanned, said Vicale, a decision meant to expedite production. Her body is the same one used by the company for Sarah Palin action figures, according to CNN.

Reception to the doll has been mixed. Many are poking fun at the concept, while others decry it for a variety of reasons:

I would not buy the "tan mom" doll, fame should be about the good we do in the world, not self sabotage & harm to our kids

-- Natasha DeLima (@Natasha78d) May 9, 2012

Obviously "Tan Mom" is outrageous, but she needs help. So, how is the media frenzy surrounding her & now a new doll different than bullying?

-- John J. Tierney (@JJT) May 10, 2012

Ok there is now a doll of the "tan mom" - really? Who would seriously by that?

-- Tina Seitzinger(@TinaSeitzinger) May 9, 2012

Wait...you can now buy a "tan mom doll"!!!!!! Thanks New Jersey! You have officially destroyed our youth!!!!!!! #newjerseyisntamerica

-- William Hirsch (@Capsfanatic_wvu) May 9, 2012

What's your take? Is this "tan mom" doll inappropriate?



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