January 23, 2007
OSWALD AT YOUR SERVICE
(Click on pictures for a larger version of each)
Aren't these cool? Too bad we may never get a chance to buy 'em.
Disney character merchandise designers Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily (recently let go after two decades at the studio) produced these last summer - the first Disney Oswald merchandise in approximately 80 years. Despite being unveiled to the public at a recent Disney collectibles show, it now appears that these items may be scrapped altogether. As Kevin notes:
At the moment, it seems that Oswald (as a merchandise character) is "on hold" while Disney Consumer Products creates a style guide to streamline him. Disney eliminated the creative department that we worked for, so these may have fallen by the wayside after our departure from the company, but I thought you'd be interested in seeing the first Oswald figurine (in resin, at right) and the first Oswald 'plush' doll (actually he's made of soft-sculptured suede!)There is a small chance these babies will be offered as limited editions at the Disney theme parks or through Disney's website. But don't hold your breath. Personally, I hope they are mass produced. I know a few of our readers would be interested in them.