![]() Runaway Bride action figure |
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The latest offering from a company known for culturally relevant action figures is a doll in the likeness of Jennifer Wilbanks, the Georgia woman who disappeared days before her wedding date and ended up in New Mexico by way of Las Vegas.
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HeroBuilders.com rushed into production a limited-edition doll sporting Wilbanks' shoulder-length dark hair and pearly-white smile. It is featured with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Sen. Hillary Clinton in the "Female Heroes" section.
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"Now you too can own your very own runaway bride without the heartache and expense," said a promotional e-mail from the president of the company, Emil Vicale.
"We call her Vegas, and she comes complete with trademark towel and jogging T with Vegas Baby logo."
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![]() Wilbanks used blanket over her head on return trip |
Wilbanks disappeared after going for an evening jog. The towel that comes with the doll looks strikingly similar to the colorful, crocheted blanket she used to cover her head when videotaped by a television crew after coming out of hiding.
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Yesterday it was announced Wilbanks entered a medical treatment program "to address physical and mental issues," said a family spokesman. The woman claims she did not run away because of her impending large wedding, but because of "a host of compelling issues, which seemed out of control."
Duluth, Ga., Mayor Shirley Lasseter estimates the search for Wilbanks cost taxpayers between $40,000 and $60,000 in overtime pay and resources. In the '90s, Wilbanks was twice accused of shoplifting. In one instance she pleaded guilty and spent two weekends in jail; in the other charges were dropped after Wilbanks completed a counseling program from shoplifters.
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![]() "Iraqi Dis-Information Minister" doll |
Herobuildings.com has come up with many new action figures as specific stories dominate the news. Two years ago, for example, the company rushed to production a "Baghdad Bob" action figure after the former Saddam Hussein staffer had made a name for himself making laughable contentions about the strength and status of Iraq's defense against invading U.S. forces.
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