CUSTOM: LEGO Collectable Minifigures Series "Universe"

[Dorayaki]

Hello everyone,

I'd like to introduce my original Minifigures series. While I use the title "Universe", which is based on "LEGO Universe"-- the massively multiplayer online game developed by NetDevil, I also included some other LEGO's original characters who's never been phsycal minifigures due to many different reasons.

The parts are designed in 3D modeling softwares, then use 3D printings with ABS. There is still much room for improvement (decals, paintings..... etc), so most of the figures still look pretty sorrowful. Even worse, my camera had problems so I could only shoot with cellphone in super low quality t . If you guys don't mind hurting eyes, please follow this post below.

0) The righteous Natalia Kowalski from City Undercover

Natalia, once the most popular reporter in LEGO City, now drives an ambulance to save anyone who has supported her. Previously in the witness protection program, she keeps a low profile to hide from the man she helped put behind bars—Rex Fury, and later begins a complex relationship with her police boyfriend Chase McCain.

I gave her number 0 because she was a trial prototype of my decal practices, and she comes without any new mold. I wonder why TLG didn't actually include her in any medical-related set since she's really easy to deal with.

1) The imaginative Doctor Overbuild from Universe

As leader of Assembly, Doctor Overbuild is a very intelligent genius as well as rather eccentric, much like the famed physicist Albert Einstein. His passion is building and pushing the uses of Imagination. He spends months at a time locked in his building laboratory, creating the visions in his head.

Okay, when I began the project I just found Mr. Kaminoan, a talented MOC designer also made a different version. I only managed to get the paintings without transparency. Dr. Overbuild's design is the most complicated unconventiona; one among the four, IMO he's the one really represening the Universse style among the four leaders.

2) The charming Peg Mooring from The Adventures of Clutch Powers

Peg Mooring is a marine biologist who worked for the LEGO Organization. She is calm, relaxed, kind-hearted, but sometimes can be bossy. She is also very intelligent and knows a lot of things to specific detail. Her only issue could be that those immediately coming missions leave her very little time to take care of her beauty.

And here is a note, I didn't do Clutch Powers himself because Mr Kaminoan also made him. Peg probably one of my favorite non-physical LEGO female characters.

3) The wicked Madam Frost from Belville

Madam Frost, the coldest witch of all, is best known for using ice-type magic and being in charge of the seasons in the land of Cold North. Even hough she tries to have her own remote lifestyle in Frost Forest, she never has a good time with her close neighbor --- the Cold North Royalty. She seems to be an annoying person, but deep in her heart, she wishes to have someone talk with her and share a hot cocoa sometimes.

There are actually several different (but similar) witches throughout the Belville history, but Madam Frost is the only noted one in Cold North storyline. It shows that villainess is not very common in LEGO world, especially in girls-oriented themes nowadays.

4) The enraged Rex Fury from City Undercover

Escaped from his incarceration in Albatross Island Prison thousand times, Rex Fury is the most ruthless criminal in LEGO City. He's been with different masterminds behind the current crime spree, but unfornately it never works when Chase McCain intervenes.

Time for some LEGO City villain variations! We've had enough with those roublemakers from LEGO City physical sets who mostly wear black-white stripes. Rex represents a good image how a nature street muscle ruffian could look like.

5) The heroic Duke Exeter from Universe

Duke Exeter is charismatic and brave, serving as an inspiration to everyone around him. He refuses to compromise his principles, and so far he has always been prepared to take on challenges and find a way to achieve victory with honor. Always trusting that the right will win, Duke Exeter also gives everyone second chances.

Among the four leaders, Duke Exeter was often the spotlight in most Universe advertisings, and IMO he looks more heroic than most of the physical LEGO characters.

6) The arrogant Lacy from Friends

It's not easy to keep the record as the champion of Heartlake City Horse Riding Competition every year. Becasue of this, Lacy, the talented girl never show respects and compassion to her rivals. Surprising to the others, she is actually a person willing to offer helps when she sees people having trouble.

Despite having a role in the animtion, Lacy didn't actually get to any of the official sets along with many other generic female figures, as well as Tanya from later storyline. We actually don't really often see this kind of LEGO characters, so it would be nice to have her in order to create more storytellings.

Additionally, despite her hairpiece appeas to be generic in the cartoon show, it's weirdly not a physical mold.

7) The decisive Sky Lane from Universe

Sky Lane is a Venture League Explorer and former captain of the late Venture Explorer starship. After her starship was invaded by Maelstrom, she could only give up it and escape to Avant Gardens. Her wish is to start a Bowling Night and performs her best moves against her sisters.

Well, I made her simply because she was one of the very early characters in the gameplay. I always wonder what the "Bowling Night" could be :p.

8) The sweettooth Frank Honey from City Undercover

Frank is as green as they get on the LEGO City police force. He's been given the chance to show his idol Chase around the precinct on his first day, and couldn't be more excited about it. But in most times, his commander Ellie and donuts would make him even more excited.

Frank played a successful jackpudding role in the whole Undercover storyline, especially compared to the depressing prequel when Chase didn't get along with his chief. He is definitely a welcome addition to the LEGO City Police scenarios.

9) The valiant Barresh Barbarian from Heroica

Raised in the harsh northern mountains of Barresh, the barbarian is as strong and fierce as he is wild. While traveling the world he found out that his home had become overrun by monsters. Now he has vowed to free his people and has started to recruit other heroes to his cause.

While Collectible Minifigures already had a Barbarian, I chose to do a version based on the microfig Barresh Barbarian from LEGO's Heroica, one of the discontinued Lego Games theme. He's look is more close to his original design shown in the 3D animation, this includes an actual fur decoration part on his arm.

PS, I personally call him "Barret" in my headcanon. :p

10) The fierce Vanda Darkflame from Universe

A ninja warrior, Vanda Darkflame's background is shrouded in mystery. Some sources suggest that she was an archaeologist, while others claim that she was a ninja princess. She was once the protégé of Baron Typhonus. One day, the Baron left her in charge of his work while he and Doctor Overbuild searched for Planet Crux. After the fateful event that shattered Planet Crux and created the Maelstrom, Vanda was recruited to form the Nexus Force and later becomes one of the four leaders.

I always think some of the Paradox members like Vanda could be reintroduced to the Ninjago series since they're pretty compatible, much to the dismay that Ninjago was once part of the Universe too.

11) The commanding Ellie Phillips from City Undercover

Ellie's a real tomboy and a darn fine cop. Her wicked sense of humour comes bundled with a maturity that others her age simply don't have – which could explain how she rose to the rank of Lieutenant so quickly. She's got one ear to the police channels, and keeps Chase informed of anything big that's going down.

Compared with Natalia, Ellie seems to be the heroine that players are actually more familiar with, via the communicator. She is also a fairly great addition to physical LEGO Police Stations where police ladies aren't that inspiring :p.

12) The venturous Hael Storm from Universe

Hael Storm, the Venture League Faction leader, is a notorious space pirate who plundered many worlds and is wanted on most of them. He is daring and cheerful in times of danger, adventurous and curious when exploring, and fearless and and wisecracking even in the darkest moments. His specialty is the sea and he is a seasoned explorer of all the oceans in the Universe.

Hael Storm is my favorite leader among the fours. In his bio he should be originated from a Space theme, but his look is nothing different from an ordinary pirate captain.

13) The sunny Marvin from Friends

A country boy living as a young farmer alongside with his father, he's much more capable than most of those Heartlake City teens in his age. He's not sensitive when being with any opposite gender, thus, his feeling for a girl from the neighbor farm is not noticed.

Despite being featured in another Friends episode, Marvin also had nothing to do with the physical Sunshine Ranch set. I think he could beat down all other physical male Friends characters, but, perhaps an ordinary country boy doesn't cater to most FOLs' tastes?

14) The refreshing Velocity Lane from Universe

Velocity Lane, the sister of Sky Lane and one of The Bowling Lanes, is a professional racer that guide and train rookies who just join Nexus to go on the racetrack.

Just like Sky Lane, I chose her due to her likeable appearance. She feels like a good candidate for any LEGO racer-related theme.

15) The dedicated Daniella Capricorn from Hero Factory

As the most popular reporter in Makuhero City, Daniella devotes herself to get every single detail from the powerful heroes. She can be truly dedicated by reporting during battles while nearly getting struck. However, she seems to have a very different side of personality when her Camera-Bot is off.

Some other technic figure FOLs had tried to capture the physical shape of Daniella, and I try to capture her in a minidoll form instead. The last subtheme of Hero Factory, "Invasion from Below" featured a series of minidroid, unfortunately Daniella wasn't considered to be part of the line. The main defect is that minidolls height is not longer than HF minidroids, since Daniella should be taller than the heroes in the show.

16) The high-strung Bernie Von Beam from The Adventures of Clutch Powers

Bernie is an engineer who worked for the LEGO Organization. He is rather nervous at times, and appears to be quite high-strung, although a bit shy. Bernie repetitively tries to gain Peg's attention by supporting whatever she says, although sometimes she fails to notice, embarrassing himself.

Bernie is the other jackpudding character in the CP story, and yet another my favorite LEGO guy.

17) The graceful Princess Vanilla from Belville

Born in the Royalty Family of Cold North, Princess Vanilla is pretty close to the cold nature. She is born to be a talented ice-skater, and she befriends with lots of arctic animals including Snowy the polar bear. She frequently invites Madam Frost to her parties, but inadvertently provokes her as result.

Last but not the least, here is Princess Vanilla, the leading character of the Cold North storyline from 2001 to 2003 and rarely one of the recurring protagonist in the whole Belville theme.

Conclusion:

There are several reasons why I plan this series. One of them especially be The LEGO Movie. As discussed much in TLM canon thread, the main idea of TLM is to represent real experience of playing physical LEGO toys. Yes, that means any of the nonphysical themes or characters in the LEGO franchise has nothing to do with TLC's marketing trend.

Though it makes sense, it's also a denial to all FOLs who have also been supporting the nonphysical LEGO world. But still, why can't the other side of LEGO world be AWESOME too? LEGO actually draws an invisible line to differentiate the two different realms.

Other than TLM which was already tied with toy productions and marketings, recently, the success of several LEGO TV cartoon series do bring up some examples that cartoon exclusive characters can reintroduced to phyical sets, such as Dareth from Ninjago series. However, it seems like certain themes or discontinued mediaworks would not be able to have the same treat.

The other main reason is the game: TLC is currently running their next MMO game --- Lego Minifigures Online, which is developed by Funcom and also directly based on the Minifigure series replacing the original . And after TLM, LEGO also keeps cooperating with WB and declares their very first interactive video game series--- LEGO Dimensions, which tells about heroes from different kinds of LEGO themes gather together and fight the evil.

But somehow, even though both games share similarities with LEGO Universe, in the aspects of game systems or theme crossover ideas, none of both actually inherit the Universe characters or the storyline to give an official end to Universe. It's kinda like LEGO is wasting every single chance that can compensate for the loss of original LU fans. Again, both games have special associations with phyical minifigures, but sadly, at this point LEGO seems not to do anything more for LU. It would have been a good idea--- even if the game deceased, we could still have something left for us. After all, LEGO is "bricks", not "clicks".

Several notes to the themes mentioned above:

Clutch Powers:

Although Clutch Powers was a crossover canon that involves several different LEGO themes, The LEGO Movie canon didn't actually refer to the "LEGO Organization" from this series. The reason may be some plot needs (new quirky characters instead of mature agents), but as mentionted above, it could also be due to the fact that Clutch Powers isn't considered as a "physical" canon.

Recently we just got Ultra Agents, a new continuation to the agent themes, where the main hero Jack Fury looks pretty much like Clutch . Since LEGO Organization also happens to be an agent organization, I somewhat believe that Clutch Powers could have been part of the Agent subtheme and storylines if LEGO designers add some adjustments.

City Undercover:

While being the very first WiiU game, it was meant to promote the LEGO City line, but its influence on the whole City lineup is pretty insignifcant and not even to talk about Dimensions. I believe that providing some Undercover characters or materials along with the generic ones would enrich our conservative LEGO CITY Police line.

Friends:

As mentioned in Ninjago's example, despite Friends keeps extending their storyline and Heartlake City details as much as other story-based themes do, the original characters/settings from the 3D cartoon and webisodes aren't reintroduced to the physical line so far. LEGO should push it harder if they expect Friends to keep going to appeal their targeted market.

Belville:

Uhrrrrr ..... you hus know that CMF series introduced "Fairytale Princess" and "Witch" in the recent series while I was still making the figures . Belville has been a pretty underrated theme in LEGO's history, both due to their failure to appeal the market and their non-mainstream figure scale. However, I think Belville could be part of the regular Castle line to make up for the lack of princess side story (not the damsel-in-distress, though) if LEGO can seriously treat this theme.

Promotional poster

Hope that everyone endured the whole boring post. Comments and criticisms are strongly welcomed. Although I'm not sure if I'd go further to make more, I'd like to know which other non-physical characters (with non-physical molds) or themes weren't mentioned but also deserve to be noticed by LEGO official?

Edited July 30, 2015 by Dorayaki

[Krikkit]

Very interesting set. I like the cyberpunky ones.

[Wout]

Hope that everyone endured the whole boring post. Comments and criticisms are strongly welcomed. Although I'm not sure if I'd go further to make more, I'd like to know which other non-physical characters (with non-physical molds) or themes weren't mentioned but also deserve to be noticed by LEGO official?

Don't worry I read most of your post.

They look al good, but I like the Heroica barbarian very much. I liked the design they made for these guys very much and it was a pity they didn't insert such sort of figs in the castle/kingdoms or CMF line.

[Robert8]

I didn't read a thing but these look outstanding!!!

Congratulations! Pretty well done :thumbup:

Edited July 31, 2015 by Robert8

[Murdoch17]

As a Lego Universe player from the Launch to the very end, I must say you've made the faction leaders look very good.... however, all you are missing is a Baron Tyhonus / Darckitect figure to lead the Maelstrom. Other than that, I must say you've done the Nexus Force proud!

[Dorayaki]

Very interesting set. I like the cyberpunky ones.

Great !

They look al good, but I like the Heroica barbarian very much. I liked the design they made for these guys very much and it was a pity they didn't insert such sort of figs in the castle/kingdoms or CMF line.

Thanx. It's like we have to wait for while to see the next Castle series. The new Castle members in recent CMF series go in a more publicly favored direction, while Herica is more similiar with common RPGs. Hope that we can see some of the Heroica roles in CMF series too.

As a Lego Universe player from the Launch to the very end, I must say you've made the faction leaders look very good.... however, all you are missing is a Baron Tyhonus / Darckitect figure to lead the Maelstrom. Other than that, I must say you've done the Nexus Force proud!

Well, yes. My intention to include characters that need original molds, with Natalia being the exception. I know some others had tried to do him but...

In Baron's case, the wand can be assembled by physical parts. The top hat looks abit different from our common one which seems to be shorter. As for the "cape-like" part, I've never seen physical ones in my memories? And it doesn't look like fabric, but more plastic.

I didn't mean to forget him but just not sure if he is an option for me to persue the details. If you guys, think so, then I'll consider to make it happen in the future.

Edited August 1, 2015 by Dorayaki

[Exetrius]

Other than TLM which was already tied with toy productions and marketings, recently, the success of several LEGO TV cartoon series do bring up some examples that cartoon exclusive characters can reintroduced to phyical sets, such as Dareth from Ninjago series. However, it seems like certain themes or discontinued mediaworks would not be able to have the same treat.

The other main reason is the game: TLC is currently running their next MMO game --- Lego Minifigures Online, which is developed by Funcom and also directly based on the Minifigure series replacing the original . And after TLM, LEGO also keeps cooperating with WB and declares their very first interactive video game series--- LEGO Dimensions, which tells about heroes from different kinds of LEGO themes gather together and fight the evil.

But somehow, even though both games share similarities with LEGO Universe, in the aspects of game systems or theme crossover ideas, none of both actually inherit the Universe characters or the storyline to give an official end to Universe. It's kinda like LEGO is wasting every single chance that can compensate for the loss of original LU fans. Again, both games have special associations with phyical minifigures, but sadly, at this point LEGO seems not to do anything more for LU. It would have been a good idea--- even if the game deceased, we could still have something left for us. After all, LEGO is "bricks", not "clicks".

First of all, I am just very happy to see something physical of Lego Universe , thanks for that Dorayaki!

Isn't it ironic: the LU trailer back then said "Answer the call!", so we did and we entered a wonderful realm. Nowadays, TLG purchases licenses of shows, movies and games which are just unknown (to a certain extent) to most of today's children, like Back to the Future, Ghost Busters, Doctor Who, Big Bang theory, Wizard of Oz and Portal. After the fall of LU, we have been the ones to call out, yet our call hasn't been answered!

Why can't we have LU characters? There are differences between the target audiences of the aforementioned licensed themes and the LU one. Those licences are running on nostalgia, a great advantage is that they also appeal to a non-FOL public, which indirectly leads to more AFOLs. However, if you haven't seen the movie/show or haven't played the game, the sets are quite unappealing. That is certainly not the case with the bulk of the LU characters. LU minifigs won't bring in many new AFOLs, but they will undoubtedly appeal to children. Adding those children to the (desperate) LU fanbase, we can conclude: Target audience: no problem!

The fanbase isn't satisfied with similar characters, we need the real deal, right? Producing characters that already exist in digital Lego form, proven to be much-loved by a sufficiently large target audience, how hard could that be? Well, the sheer amount of 'new' molds is the biggest obstacle. 'New', because all the ones that we want, again, already exist in digital form. Admittedly, a lot of them will probably require some adjustments to reach TLG's standards, but still: it's cheaper than designing something from scratch I suppose. Those highly detailed molds will be more expensive than the average detailed 'accessory' mold, judging from the marketing of complicated, detailed molds in the CMF line, Ninjago and Ultra Agents theme, this won't be much of a problem. Production at an acceptable price: no problem!

Speaking of marketing: in what form should the LU characters be released? Dorayaki has pointed this out already: TLG has missed every single opportunity! They made sure that LU embodied as much existing themes as possible, yet they didn't let LU show up in later themes! I don't think the fanbase cares much about the type of product in which they come, may it be a Minifig series, a single set, some battle packs, a whole theme or a selection of cameos in other themes. At the time, a CMF probably wasn't an option and nowadays, it isn't really an option either. It would be confusing and alien to the young (and therefore probably largest part) of the hypothetical target audience. A stand-alone set including all five faction leaders would appeal to a very broad audience without a doubt. Think of: the LU fanbase, kids, the non-die-hart LU FOLs and maybe even some former LU players that are not FOLs but interested due to nostalgia. As for the rest of the characters, one could think of battlepacks, each including the most popular 3-4 playable characters of the faction. The most wanted NPC characters can be distributed as cameos over various sets from other themes, for maximum profit. Opportunities: plenty!

Someone should design a proper LU set for Lego Ideas, start a petition and have this topic read by a few influential TLG officials Please answer our call!

some of my personal favorites:

Keep up the good work, Dorayaki, and the rest of the Lego Universe fanbase!

[Hidronax]

I wish LEGO released some minifigures/sets from LEGO Universe, I think that might have lenghened the game's life.

The faces of the minifigures look extremely good!

[Dorayaki]

I wish LEGO released some minifigures/sets from LEGO Universe, I think that might have lenghened the game's life.

The faces of the minifigures look extremely good!

Well the faces are mostly good works from pad printings. But I think there are still some problems, especially Lacy and Marvin's faces look abit too big.

First of all, I am just very happy to see something physical of Lego Universe , thanks for that Dorayaki!

Isn't it ironic: the LU trailer back then said "Answer the call!", so we did and we entered a wonderful realm. Nowadays, TLG purchases licenses of shows, movies and games which are just unknown (to a certain extent) to most of today's children, like Back to the Future, Ghost Busters, Doctor Who, Big Bang theory, Wizard of Oz and Portal. After the fall of LU, we have been the ones to call out, yet our call hasn't been answered!

Keep up the good work, Dorayaki, and the rest of the Lego Universe fanbase!

Very, very glad to see comment from such a passionate fan . As you say, even if LU ended, these characters and materials would still be useful in any of the future LEGO crossovers or independent themes. Not reusing any of them physically/nonphysically seems to be a big rejection to all the supportors.

Still, there is a possible factor that NetDevil or other designers might hold the copyrights to this game, just like TLM is actually a product between WB and TLG despite it looks like a pure LEGO original thing. I'm not quite sure about this, hope that anyone who understand LU or copyrights can explain this.

Just in my personal veiw, I think LU would have been the most feasible choice for the LEGO Dimensions representive or even a starter world to introduce the backstory. But it's now difficult to forsee because maybe Lord Vortech's storyline would have something different than Baron's.

And yes, if any LEGO Ideas expert is willing to help me, I'm glad to offer these figures for further uses rather than just putting there.

[Oky]

Cool Customs! It's neat seeing all these characters in physical form. But why did you make every CP character except for Clutch himself? And if this is supposed to resemble a CMF series, why have 17 figs instead of 16? I would take out the Belville figs since they don't fit the "non-physical characters into physical minifigs" theme of this series and instead put Clutch in. Or maybe a bad guy from LU.

To be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of all the LU fans clamoring for the game's return in some way. I have never played LU, so I can't say how good it was, but in TLC's eyes it was a flop, so they're never gonna bring it back. It's time to move on.

That said, I am glad that some people are using their love for the game to do something productive such as these customs. And I agree that if TLC would have produced physical tie-in products for LU and Clutch Powers, it probably would have helped the popularity of those things. But I think they were just meant to advertise products that were already on the market rather than sell new ones.

And while we did get some physical products based on Lego City Undercover, they still kinda squandered its potential to spice up the repetitive City line. The problem with that game was the stupid decision of making it a Wii U exclusive, which at the time was a failing console (and arguably still is), meaning that not many played it. Another reason why we didn't get more LCU sets, I think, is that TLC wants to keep City a non-story driven theme in order to keep it timeless.

As for Belville... meh. I think the minidoll themes have successfully replaced this theme, so no need to bring it back in my opinion.

I also don't agree that every single piece of Lego Media needs to be connected. Crossover games and movies are usually just meant to be self-contained stories that promote Lego themes that are currently out and it's probably best if they stay that way. As you said yourself, it wouldn't have made sense for Clutch Powers and LU characters to appear in TLM. Not to mention that most kids who are growing up with TLM, Dimensions, and Minifigs Online probably don't even know what CP and LU are. If these old non-physical characters would appear in any media today, it would be for pure fan service for the few people who still remember and love these characters, which is not TLC's main goal.

So let's not wait for TLC to bring these characters back for us and instead honor their memory with tribute creations such as these customs!

[Lind Whisperer]

Great customs! It's nice to see what old digital friends look like in minifig form.

To be honest, I'm getting a bit tired of all the LU fans clamoring for the game's return in some way. I have never played LU, so I can't say how good it was, but in TLC's eyes it was a flop, so they're never gonna bring it back. It's time to move on.

It's one of those things where you had to have been there, had to have played it. It actually wasn't a flop, it was just poorly handled. In MMORPG terms, it was a smashing hit.

That said, I am glad that some people are using their love for the game to do something productive such as these customs. And I agree that if TLC would have produced physical tie-in products for LU and Clutch Powers, it probably would have helped the popularity of those things. But I think they were just meant to advertise products that were already on the market rather than sell new ones.

Actually, besides Ninjago, the majority of LU celebrated products that were off the market. It was, in many ways, a tribute to the best themes LEGO's offered us.

I also don't agree that every single piece of Lego Media needs to be connected. Crossover games and movies are usually just meant to be self-contained stories that promote Lego themes that are currently out and it's probably best if they stay that way. As you said yourself, it wouldn't have made sense for Clutch Powers and LU characters to appear in TLM. Not to mention that most kids who are growing up with TLM, Dimensions, and Minifigs Online probably don't even know what CP and LU are.

Read the forums. They do remember LU and CP, very, very well.

But yes, TLM and CP don't mix very well. TLM is its own canon, CP is its own. Two different universes, two different products. Although a cameo fig of Clutch would have been nice, if just to finally have an official one.

[Dorayaki]

So let's not wait for TLC to bring these characters back for us and instead honor their memory with tribute creations such as these customs!

Clutch, as well as Brick, is not my main target since they can be achieved with existed molds. Still, say a sorry if you expect to see them here.

My choice is abit too arbitory, of course . I'd consider to make other bad guys like Baron next time if most opinions think so.

It's sad, but I agree with most of your points.

Belville, yes, this is kinda relunctant I admit. IMO, I think the truth is that LEGO now devotes to do licensed princess's rather than introducing original princess themes, much like that any Superhero must come from Marvel or DC. Duplo had made some original princess figure before, but now they also focus on the Disney heroines (which sucks because Warnar Bros hates Disney and Elsa is not playable in Dimensions).

Overall, what I mean is expecting to see a princess view in any future Castle revival since LEGO is willing to introduce Belville-like minifigures.

In the canon part, I think LU only used some references but is the most original theme among these examples. While TLM also had many LEGO references, its own world is very independent, much like how LEGO Dimensions gives its own map.

Clutch Powers shows to be the least original crossover, and I agree with you that Clutch Powers' original intention was more like to promote those mentioned regular themes, not the protagonists themselves. But it kinda missing the point since the character design was too eye-catching, as much as Wyldstyle and Emmet, just as if they would have been a good commercial case with physical tie-in products.

Actually I wonder why LEGO didn't just use the Agent viewpoint for this story but choose to do the LEGO Organization setting. Obviously they don't think LO is useful in any further Agent theme or crossover.

Just like you say, the current children who watched TLM are pretty young, not knowing too much LEGO history, and the original LU players are not the targeted consumers anymore. It's never the most feasible plan to ask a toy company to promote a discontinued theme no matter whether it's physical or not.

But IMO, beside the sad fact that those mdia stories didn't get physical figure tie-in, the more important fact is that LU and other themes aren't even mentioned in later themes/media. As long as other old references like Johnny Thunder are permitted, they could be, too. It's more like LEGO consider them a "black history" that they even don't want to notice common audience, which is the main reason why LU fans feel offensed (as much as current Friends fans feel). Since TLM is a free viewpoint of a kid and Dimensions is all about breaking the border, it wouldn't lack sense if any LU character suddenly make appearance.

Perhaps there is a day when TLM would actually be forgotten and a new media crossover story would replace it to attract kids, this is something that had happend in Disney, DC or Marvel crossovers. Just in the current view, I'm unhappy with the fact that the new media stories totally ingore these non-physical themes while keep favoring some of the other themes with lots of tie-in's. We don't have to bring the whole LU game back (it's abit too radical, as you say), but I believe that they're significant enough to be the references for other LEGO themes and crossovers. They may still have a chance to get physical products if chances permit.

And finally, I think my opinion about Friends is correct. The cooperation between products and cartoon is not very strong, or not as successful as Ninjago series. Hope that future Friends sets can justify this.

Edited August 8, 2015 by Dorayaki

[Exetrius]

There I am again, revisiting this topic! Sorry in advance for straying off-topic!

And yes, if any LEGO Ideas expert is willing to help me, I'm glad to offer these figures for further uses rather than just putting there.

I am seriously considering to do a LU Ideas project. I should find time (and perseverence) for that in the coming holidays. I have a rough idea for a play&display set, the hard part is to make compromises in terms of amount of pieces, detail and minifigs. The biggest problem, however, is that that Lego ideas does not allow the use of new moulds. Some things that I can think of:

- A well-designed, play&display set, which represents several locations of the game and each faction, with printed and recoloured bricks and minifig parts. This applies in any case.

- Options:

1. No new moulds, be satisfied the accurate prints, useful recolours and with recognition of the fanbase.*
   
2. Ignore the rule. Use of (obviously quite some) new moulds.**
   
3. Same as option 1, but incorporate a link to a poll in the project's description. Just a few questions that will give an indication of how great the additional value is of new moulds and an estimation of the size target audience.***
   

- A promotional campaign across Lego news sites and social media. This is needed in any case (to some extent).

* Conforms entirely with the system, but capturing the exact look of the minifigs will be impossible, therefore, the project won't be that successful, presumably.

** Probably the worst option, though it might work if the project gets a massive support from the start.

*** Sort of combines the best of both.

If (big if!) a LU set with no new molds makes it through the review stage and turns out to be a big hit, it might even open up possibilities for a few sets with new moulds. I know this isn't a very good comparison, but Lego Minecraft, Ghost Busters and BTTF all get or have gotten new moulds, so you know... a man can dream...

[Aveal the black sheep]

Good job, specially like the universe ones cause ya I played it too and miss it too. I vaguely recall the orange wizard(can't remember the name) that I thought would be a cool fig. Thinking of doing him?

[Ttimman]

I absolutely love this idea! You did a great job on the fashion leaders!

[Plokman]

Hmmm not bad not bad at all. I do have a few questions. 1. No Lego Island love? Pepper, Mama, Papa, Nubby, Nick and Laura are awesome characters (I'm not talking Lego Island 2 since Pepper was released in that I mean the first.)

2. What 3d printing service did you use? I'm looking into options for custom parts myself so any advice on how best to make themfunction with the real thing is mucho Appreciated.

[Dorayaki]

Sorry for being so late for months!! I've been pretty busy on my work and personal artworks. Hopefully I can keep up with this forum more frequently.

Hmmm not bad not bad at all. I do have a few questions. 1. No Lego Island love? Pepper, Mama, Papa, Nubby, Nick and Laura are awesome characters (I'm not talking Lego Island 2 since Pepper was released in that I mean the first.)

2. What 3d printing service did you use? I'm looking into options for custom parts myself so any advice on how best to make themfunction with the real thing is mucho Appreciated.

1) It came out when I wasn't old enough to touch PCs. Well, as said, my project aimed at figures that needed new parts. So if we need to make Island characters return, their looks need redesigns, too.

2) It's my local studio who aided me so not sure if you can ask for help too.... as I know they own Makerbot printers.

Thanx!

You mean Mardolf the Orange or Baron?

There I am again, revisiting this topic! Sorry in advance for straying off-topic!

Obviously I'm the one who's not on-topic. So not sure if you have tried any idea? Just curious.

I understand the part that new molds are not automatically allowed, but they mays still be posted in the projects. If they're allowed, it's the best luck. If not, they wouldn't bother LEGO's decision unless most votes directly relate to the molds.

In other words, Ideas projects have to focus more on buildings than figures.

Social media is the part I'm nor good at.... make a introduction is fine, but just like those approved licensed projects, they know how to send messages to other fan bases.

[Exetrius]

Obviously I'm the one who's not on-topic. So not sure if you have tried any idea? Just curious.

I understand the part that new molds are not automatically allowed, but they may still be posted in the projects. If they're allowed, it's the best luck. If not, they wouldn't bother LEGO's decision unless most votes directly relate to the molds.

In other words, Ideas projects have to focus more on buildings than figures.

Well, I said I would try something in the holidays. I did quite some stuff (for a non-LDD builder using LDD) before them, but I lost motivation/inspiration during the holidays and haven't done anything on it ever since. In short: I have something, not much. I will share my work of substituting parts on the figs:

It is hard to not focus on the figures (and new moulds), since these will be the main selling point. Anyway, I will still continue with this project.