First Issue: 1st November 1985
Last Issue: N/A
Copyright: IPC Magazines
Barbie and Ken
Barbie Magazine was initially published fortnightly with the first issue covering the period 1st to 14th November 1985. However, the magazine is now published monthly.
The publication is inspired by the Barbie doll, which was the brainchild of American businesswoman Ruth Handler. With her husband Elliot, they created the global toy company Mattel. Handler had previously seen toy dolls whilst on a visit to Germany and realised that there was a gap in the market.
The Barbie doll was named after her daughter Barbara and Barbie’s boyfriend was named after her son Ken.
Barbie magazine was initially published by IPC Magazines under licence from Mattel. The magazine has undergone a number of changes in publisher including Fleetway / Marvel UK and Egmont UK.
In 2008, when the licence expired, the publishing rights moved from Egmont UK to Kennedy Publishing who are the current publishers.
The Mystery of Marsh Stables
Despite being titled as a magazine, the publication includes a number of comic strips. Unsurprisingly, the stories surround the adventures of Barbie, notably “The Mystery of Marsh Stables.”
As of writing, the latest issue of Barbie magazine is currently issue number 477 available October 22nd to November 18th, 2026. See Below.
Barbie Magazine First Issue
1st November 1985
Barbie Magazine
Issue Number 477
October 22nd to November 18th 2026
