That Sharpie Scavengers Series by Kathie Olivas

Remember the speculation last month about a possible “DIY Scavenger Series” by Kathie Olivas? The rumors were the result of pictures found on J.ME’s blog and spanned the gamut of whether this was a PhotoShop hoax, the ultimate fan tribute or a new DIY production series. Well, the answer is none of the above. It turns out that these are part of a blind-box series based on characters from Scavengers series 1 and 2, all primed and hand-Sharpied by Kathie Olivas herself. In order to get these rare figures to her most devoted fans, the Sharpie Scavengers are being offered to mailing list members only. Publicizing the web link is strictly forbidden, as it encourages flippers, while the fans miss out. I support that, as people are flipping mini-Hazel’s for $200 on the bay. So this is a heads up informational message only: if you’re hard at work in your cubicle and happen to be on K.O.’s mailing list, take the risk and check your personal email now!

MINDstyle’s Kathie Olivas NYCC Exclusives

Kathie Olivas’s Scavengers is undoubtedly one of the hottest art toy lines. So collectors will be eager to know that MINDstyle will drop two NYCC exclusive figures from Olivas, a black/yellow Beaumont mini (200 pcs, $20) and a gorgeous Gray 9” Two-Faced Hazel (200 pcs, $100). Both figures will be available from Toy Tokyo’s booth (#858). A limited quantity of the NYCC exclusive Hazel will be available at the show with the remainder to be sold at a later date online through Toy Tokyo.

Kathie will be signing at Toy Tokyo’s booth on Saturday February 7th from Noon to 2 PM and will be joined by her Husband Brandt Peters who will be signing his Peacemaker 32.9 which debuts at the show. In fairness to the many fans expected for this single signing, Toy Tokyo will limit each person to having two items signed – one purchased toy and one additional item (diy, print, book, sketch, etc). Lev, owner of Toy Tokyo explains that "We anticipate a huge turn out and demand, so this is the only fair solution to everyone in attendance. Our goal is to be able to accommodate as many fans as possible in the time allotted."

MINDstyle's Hazel Minis by Kathie Olivas in Silver, Red & Blue

Collectors have made MINDstyle's Scavengers mini-fig series (1 & 2) by Kathie Olivas one of the hottest in recent memory. Perhaps the hottest of all is the Two-Faced hazel. The original black chase from S1 is in high-demand and currently commands prices north of $150 if you're lucky enough to find one.

To add even more excitement to the hunt, MINDstyle and Kathie Olivas have recently dropped three special Hazel minis -- silver, blue and red. Each edition is available through its own way. The Silver Hazel Mini edition will be available exclusively from Kathie via circusposterus.com as part of a special Book set.

The Red Hazel Mini is a friends and family edition, given out to celebrate Chinese New Year and is not for sale (NFS). "It's our way to say thanks to fans and friends who have made the MINDstyle's Scavengers mini figures series a huge success," stated Emi Uchiki (MINDstyle's Relations Manager). " The Red Hazel will also be available to Art Toy Society (ats) members with renewal and to all new members. If you would like to join the ATS, please email info[at]mindstyle[dot]com. Finally, we're pleased to reveal as a special bonus and thank you, the Red Mini Hazels will be randomly packed-in with the 9" Two-Faced Hazel FDR figures which were sold through Vinyl Pulse Exclusives and will be shipping shortly.

The Blue Hazel Mini is available as randomly packed-in chase figures (1 in four) with both the Asian and European editions of the 9" Two-Faced Hazels. So that's two opportunities to score the Blue Hazel mini for free (no additional cost). The Asian edition is currently available from retailers in Asia. The European edition will be released through select MINDstyle EU retailers in late spring and later online through Cardboard Spaceship.

MINDstyle’s Two Faced Hazel Asia Edition and Chase Blue Mini

MINDstyle has released the Two-Faced Hazel Asia edition by Kathie Olivas. It’s available at numerous retailers in Asia. Within the USA, it’s available exclusively from Gunnzo in SD. Limited to 500 pieces, the Asia Exclusive is likely to continue Kathie’s extremely brisk sales. Especially considering that MINDstyle and Kathie are celebrating Chinese New Year by releasing the Blue 3” Hazel as a free randomly packed-in chase with the 9” Asia edition. Hazel in all her forms, especially the 3”, is in extremely high-demand. So this very sweet bonus is bound to drive frenetic action by serious collectors.

Kathie Olivas’ Scavengers mini series silver Winston figure release

Tenacious Toys have just launched a preorder for their first ever exclusive release, a silver version of “Winston” from Kathie Olivas’ Scavengers mini series. This vinyl figure is about 3″ tall and limited to 200 pieces. You can preorder one now for $15 at TenaciousToys.com.

MINDstyle’s Two Faced Hazel Asia Exclusive by Kathie Olivas

MINDstyle’s recently released Two Faced Hazel (9”) by Kathie Olivas is red hot with the original and the all-white FDR releases selling out quickly. Based in Asia, MINDstyle will celebrate Chinese New Year (1.26.09) with a special Asia exclusive Two Faced Hazel. This red edition is limited to 500 pieces and will be carried by numerous asian toy spots.

For US collectors, the great news is that MINDstyle has reserved a special limited allotment of the figure to be sold through Gunnzo, a new toy spot in San Diego and the official USA source for MINDstyle Asia exclusives. Gunnzo is offering pre-orders for the Two Faced Hazel Asia exclusive for the retail price of $90.00.