Kidrobot collectors go crazy whenever the hip toy maker releases a fresh wave of designer Dunnies decorated by renowned artists at toy boutiques around the country.

For proof of this phenomenon, stop by either of the two release parties being held this Thursday night at Red Hot Robot and the Zia Record Exchange on Indian School Road, as both stores will unveil the latest series of Dunnies for public consumption.

As is the case with each year's batch, a few surprises will be in store for collectors. Read on for a look at what's in this year's series, as well as the exclusive figure that will be available to a lucky few.

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​Since it debuted in 2004, the 3-inch tall Dunny -- dreamt up by Kidrobot's Tristan Eaton and Paul Budnitz -- became a wildly sought-after plaything and helped put its creators on the map. 

Dunnies usually comes in two varieties: undecorated blanks (which creative types around the world have transformed into some uniquely customized works) and imaginatively-designed versions created by renowned toy artists that are released every year by Kidrobot. 

It's a highly anticipated event that comes with a catch: Like most collectible figures, the designer Dunnies are sold in "blind-boxed" assortments, where buyers don't know what they're getting until they open the packaging. Those who wind up disappointed in their selection can also trade with other collectors then and there. 

Folks who turn out to Thursday's release parties will probably buy more than a couple figures, especially since this year's series will feature 18 designs from 15 different artists (including such veteran Dunny designers as Le Merde, Aya Kakeda, Dirty Donny, and Elphonso Lam). 

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And while a special alternate version of Huck Gee's zombie figure (pictured above) will also be available for those purchasing an entire case at Red Hot Robot, Zia's clerks will offer a "buy-four-get-one-free" deal to its customers.  

Release parties for the 2011 Dunny series will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday at Red Hot Robot, 6042 North 16th Street, and Zia Record Exchange, 1940 West Indian School Road.

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