The Ultimate Collector's Guide To The 2024 Wizard Of Oz Squishmallows: 7 Must-Have Characters And Rarity Secrets
The highly anticipated Wizard of Oz Squishmallows collection is the biggest plush event of the year, officially rolling out in late 2024. This new "Squad" is not just a standard release; it’s a special edition celebration marking the 85th Anniversary of the beloved 1939 Warner Bros. Discovery film, bringing the magic of the Yellow Brick Road into the world of ultra-soft collectibles. The collection has sparked a massive rush among collectors, who are scrambling to complete the full set of iconic characters, from Dorothy Gale to the Wicked Witch of the West.
This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date information on the entire Wizard of Oz and related Wicked Squishmallows line. We’ll cover the full character roster, where you can find these limited-edition plush toys, and—most importantly—their official rarity status on the collector’s market. Whether you're a long-time Squishmallow collector or a new fan of the franchise, you’ll need this guide to secure your favorite characters before they disappear over the rainbow.
The Complete 2024 Wizard of Oz 85th Anniversary Squishmallows Roster
The 2024 release is centered around a "Complete Set of 7" plush toys, celebrating the 85th Anniversary of the classic film. This collaboration, produced by Jazwares and Kelly Toys, features the core adventurers and antagonists, each meticulously designed to capture their on-screen persona with the signature Squishmallows softness.
- Dorothy Gale: The brave protagonist, often seen in her classic blue gingham dress and ruby slippers. She is a core piece of the collection and one of the most sought-after.
- The Cowardly Lion: Styled with his signature mane and a soft, plush crown, representing his quest for courage.
- The Tin Man: Featuring a unique silvery-metallic fabric and his iconic funnel hat, symbolizing his desire for a heart.
- The Scarecrow: Designed with patches and straw-like detailing, reflecting his journey to find a brain.
- The Wicked Witch of the West: A key antagonist, typically featuring her green face, black hat, and broomstick accessory.
- Glinda the Good Witch: The benevolent sorceress, a beautiful plush adorned with a sparkling crown and pink dress.
- Winged Monkey: Often released as a smaller, 4-inch plush, sometimes bundled exclusively with the Wicked Witch of the West, making the pairing a crucial collectible.
These characters are primarily available in the 8-inch size, though some retailers like Five Below have carried a smaller, 6.5-inch version.
Why the Wizard of Oz Collection is a Collector's Dream: Rarity and the Select Series
For serious collectors, the Wizard of Oz line holds a special significance because of its official rarity designation. This collection is not considered a common release; it falls into the highly coveted "Select Series" on the official Squishmallows Rarity Scale.
Understanding the Select Series
The Squishmallows Rarity Scale helps collectors determine the production quantity and potential future value of a plush. The Select Series is the third highest tier, indicating that these plush toys are produced in smaller, more limited quantities than standard releases and are often exclusive to specific retailers or events.
- Increased Value: Being part of the Select Series means the secondary market value for a complete set, or even individual characters like the Tin Man or the Wicked Witch, is likely to remain high, especially in "New With Tags" (NWT) condition.
- Limited Retailers: The Select Series designation often means you won't find the entire set everywhere. Retailers confirmed to carry parts of the collection include major stores like Walmart and GameStop, as well as specialty gift shops and discount retailers like Five Below.
- The Winged Monkey Factor: The smaller Winged Monkey is often packaged as a 2-pack with the 8-inch Wicked Witch of the West, making the duo a "Select Series" exclusive set that is especially difficult to track down.
The combination of a major intellectual property (IP) like L. Frank Baum's classic story and the limited-edition Select Series status makes this 85th Anniversary collection a must-have investment for plush enthusiasts.
The Wicked Crossover: Elphaba and Glinda Join the Squad
Adding another layer of topical authority and collectibility to this release is the crossover with the highly anticipated Wicked film, which is also set for release in 2024. Jazwares and Universal have officially collaborated to bring the main characters from the musical—Glinda and Elphaba—into the Squishmallows lineup, creating a "Wizard of Oz/Wicked Squad."
Key Wicked Characters and Exclusives
While the classic Wizard of Oz set focuses on the 1939 film, the Wicked additions expand the universe, appealing to fans of the Broadway musical and the new movie adaptation. The initial releases include:
- Elphaba: The future Wicked Witch of the West, often released in a 10-inch size, featuring her signature green hue and distinctive black outfit.
- Glinda (Wicked Version): The Good Witch of the North, distinct from the classic film version, sometimes released as a smaller 3-inch keychain plush alongside Elphaba.
This dual-release strategy—celebrating both the 85th Anniversary of the original film and the debut of the new *Wicked* movie—ensures that the entire "Squad" remains fresh and relevant throughout the 2024 holiday season and beyond. Collectors should be mindful that the *Wicked* characters are often sold at different retailers and in different sizes than the core *Wizard of Oz* set, requiring a more extensive hunt.
Tips for Securing the Full Wizard of Oz Squishmallows Set
Because this is a Select Series collection, finding all seven plushes can be a challenge. Here are the best strategies for collectors to complete their set:
1. Target Specific Retailers
Do not rely on a single store. The different characters and sizes are often distributed unevenly. Check the stock at:
- Walmart: A reliable source for the 8-inch main characters (Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, Scarecrow).
- GameStop: Known for carrying the 8-inch characters, including the Wicked Witch.
- Five Below: The best bet for the smaller, 6.5-inch versions, which are often sold at a lower price point.
- Specialty Shops: Online retailers like Owl and Goose Gifts sometimes carry exclusives or the full set bundle.
2. Be Wary of Secondary Market Prices
Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy have already seen the "Complete Set of 7" listed at inflated prices, sometimes exceeding $100. While convenient, this is a premium for a set that is still actively being released. Search for individual characters at MSRP first before committing to a high-priced bundle.
3. Look for the Select Series Tag
Always verify the authenticity and rarity of your purchase by checking the official tag. The Select Series designation is a crucial detail that confirms the plush's limited-edition status, which is important for long-term collection value. The 85th Anniversary branding will also be prominently featured.
The Wizard of Oz Squishmallows collection is an undeniable highlight of the 2024 collecting calendar. By understanding the character roster, the importance of the Select Series, and the exciting *Wicked* tie-ins, you can confidently follow the cuddly road to the Emerald City and secure this rare, magical set.
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