We’re going to go through a bunch of mini-size figures this week! A good look at how many companies have actually made these tiny-size figures! With one exception, most of these figures are sized well for scenes and dioramas with more traditionally larger figures. In keeping with the theme, I’ll keep it short (there’s only so much to say…)
Safari Ltd Good Luck Minis Red-Eye Tree Frog
Here we have the Red-Eye Tree Frog from the Safar Good Luck Mini series, number 341222. It’s hard to mistake what kind of tree frog it is meant to be, given the bright red eye–but it does lack the bright blue pattern along the sides that are also present. As it is, the figure is a decent little tree frog figure, but more suited to adding a little life to a larger scene or diorama than on its own. It could also stand in for one of the many related species of tree frog (bright red eyes notwithstanding). A decent little novelty but not especially notable. The figure is at least still widely available (Safari will even sell you a bag of dozens if you really need that many!)
Schleich Minis Short-eared Owl
The next mini is from the classic Schleich series, the mini owl figure, number 10026. It is assumed to be a Short-eared owl although like most of the minis the identification was never specified. As far as a mini figure goes it is quite nice, with lots of feathery detail and just a little bit of personality. As is also characteristic, the figure is essentially unpainted except for the eyes. Like the above frog, the small size and style makes this kind of figure ideal for filling in scenes, but unlike the Safari, these minis are generally sought after by collectors and vary in their availability (and price–scary, considering they were usually sold as impulse items for under $1 until they were discontinued in the early 2000s). Decent figure but could be tricky to find.
Ausini Bat-eared Fox
And now the quality drops…another of the mini animals from Ausini, this time a fox-like animal. Given the fairly big ears I have assumed a Bat-eared Fox, but it’s pretty generic and could be a stand in for any small fox-like critter. The size for it would be well-suited for placing alongside other figures; being roughly 1:20, this scale is fairly common for many prehistoric and modern mammals. Like most of the Ausini figures, it’s part of an interesting set but not exactly essential for most collectors. As for getting it, as I’ve said before I have no idea if the set is still available. I would hope so but couldn’t be sure.
COG Ltd Sea Creatures Manta Ray
Our final mini figure represents what is best thought of as a giant animal. This is a Manta Ray figure from COG Ltd. I’ve pictured or discussed a few of the figures from their reptiles bucket before, but there were several different sets at the time. In fact, there were several, all at dollar stores, with different animal themes. I had picked up most of them for my son at the time (probably 2009 or so) as they were pretty diverse and he needed his own animals! I don’t have most of them anymore, but I do have a couple of the figures from the Sea Life one, including this manta. Overall, the figure is pretty simple and doesn’t especially stand out–and let’s be honest, there is no shortage of manta ray figures. This would be good news for someone that needs a small manta ray, since I have no idea if this particular set is even still available.
