Mattell are releasing a new Barbie doll this Fall – but you may wish to pause before suggesting Granny buy it for little Jasmine – it’s modelled on a fish-net and bustier wearing super-hero.

The look of Black Canary Barbie is based on DC Comics’ Black Canary super-hero, but some have suggested she looks like S&M Barbie or lap-dancer Barbie.

Toys like this always cause controversy as they fall between two stools.  People associate Barbie with elementary school girls, but the marketing department at Mattell want to sell their brand to a wider audience, including adult doll collectors.  Hence, Barbie in a basque.  Media Mouths like to make a fuss about "S&M Barbie", but in the end there’s an effective buffer that keeps toys like this from children – their parents.