LEGO Collectable Minifigures General Discussion

[blueandwhite]

Some of the minifigs are rarer than the others , I don't remember well but I think the spaceman and other two figs are the rarest.

Several people have purchased full boxes. The breakdown of figures is the same between each box. For the most part, none of the figures is particularly rare (at least in series 1).

As I understand things, the breakdown is as follows:

3 Hunter

3 Cheerleader

3 Clown

3 Luchador

3 Nurse

3 Zombie

3 Skater

4 Robot

4 Magician

4 Spaceman

4 Forestman

4 Cowboy

4 Caveman

5 Diver

5 Ninja

5 Dummy

[joeygunns]

I just wish the stores in Australia could start stocking them..like cant TLG send some more our way! also when people buy like 60 bags..its pretty selfish..meh im not even gonna bother with the minifigs anymore.

[natelite]

people asking about how rare they are, just look at blueandwhite's post.

depending on how people in your area are buying them (eg. some prefer zombies, others the clowns, etc) the rarer figures are those in 3s.

i was able to get 7 complete sets and rifling through the boxes i can say i agree with this assessment. skater was particularly hard for me to complete. next were the cheerleader, clown, westler, nurse.

in my area, the dummies, magicians and ninjas were available by the bucketload.

all of my purchase were from borders using the 25% off everything coupon ($2.24 after coupon). a bit of a mark up but still cheaper than getting from S@H with that insane limit and shipping charge or from TRU now with their mark ups ($2.49 ea).

i still left plenty on the shelves and counters. like the 12 dummies, 10 magicians and 8 ninjas.

oh, and i got 2 more boxes coming from EE. that is when they still have for pre-order.

i don't see what the fuss is about though... plenty of bricklink stores from germany selling for $2 each (the germans must have cornered the euro market since S@H is sold out in EU). buy from them and just peddle the extras.

Several people have purchased full boxes. The breakdown of figures is the same between each box. For the most part, none of the figures is particularly rare (at least in series 1).

As I understand things, the breakdown is as follows:

3 Hunter

3 Cheerleader

3 Clown

3 Luchador

3 Nurse

3 Zombie

3 Skater

4 Robot

4 Magician

4 Spaceman

4 Forestman

4 Cowboy

4 Caveman

5 Diver

5 Ninja

5 Dummy

[jamtf]

I went to Germany twice this past week and it appeared I was just in time. I visited 4 smaller townships with 1 or 2 privately owned toy stores, i.e. no TRU, no Lego Store and no larger wholesalers such as Galeria Kaufhof or Woolworth since I expected them to be either out of stock or picked over by German collectors with only the least desirable figs left behind.

Due to taking exams, I had no time to go to Germany as of early June as I had to study. But I am glad to say that I was not too late since I managed to get a good number of nurses, clowns, forestmen, demolition dummies (yes, I like that yellow guy!) and cowboys. And I have been hoarding some ninja's as well since I missed out on the ninja castle theme due to having a dark age at the time + their torsos are ideal for making custom sith lords. And I managed to get 2 empty storage boxes that had been used as a display in the stores.

I hear people talking about "abuse" or "cheating" by using barcodes. Well, I am glad the barcodes were there. What's the use of buying the figs blindly (unless you think that's exciting) and ending up with lots of unwanted minifigs such as a shedload of divers or magicians. For me it is simple. If you want to buy blindly not knowing what you will get eventually, go ahead and do it. If you only want a small number of figs, use the barcode for identification. I consider myself a collector and like to know what I will get in order to avoid disappointment. People who say that buying all the cheerleaders and zombies is selfish, do not understand. It is a free market and it basically is all about liberty. Everyone should be able to act and buy the way he or she wishes. And for those who get there too late, all I can say that you were unlucky. And as an answer to those who posed the question about how I would feel if someone before me bought all of the most desirable minifigs, I can honestly say that I might be ticked off a bit but would not give up and say: done, on to the next store and do the same.

[tiggerkiddo]

I think someone else said it earlier in the thread but it's probably too soon to be worried about not getting any. They haven't been out for long and I imagine (Or hope) that they'll still be around for a while (Perhaps winter?) and by then the furor over them will have died down so we'll be free to get what we wish. I'm a bit bummed about the fact that the barcodes will be gone for series 3 (Artanis did bring up a good point as to what the purpose of the second barcode is for.) but Lego lovers are a determined lot and will figure out an easy way to figure out how to identify the figs they want.

That aside...I had a fantastic idea for a MOC and will have to file it away until I can get a couple more duplicate figs. I guess I could go the Bricklink route if I want but I'll just wait.

[escortmad79]

I think someone else said it earlier in the thread but it's probably too soon to be worried about not getting any. They haven't been out for long and I imagine (Or hope) that they'll still be around for a while (Perhaps winter?)

Each series is out for a limited run, series 1 is already sold out on S@H in europe so not sure anymore will be produced.

TLG will also be gearing up to start producing series 2 as they're due for release in a few months time

[natelite]

I think someone else said it earlier in the thread but it's probably too soon to be worried about not getting any. They haven't been out for long and I imagine (Or hope) that they'll still be around for a while (Perhaps winter?) and by then the furor over them will have died down so we'll be free to get what we wish. I'm a bit bummed about the fact that the barcodes will be gone for series 3 (Artanis did bring up a good point as to what the purpose of the second barcode is for.) but Lego lovers are a determined lot and will figure out an easy way to figure out how to identify the figs they want.

That aside...I had a fantastic idea for a MOC and will have to file it away until I can get a couple more duplicate figs. I guess I could go the Bricklink route if I want but I'll just wait.

like what escortmad79 said, once sold out, series 1 is gone for good. i would just buy them from BL if they are cheaper or just go to your nearest borders and get what you want before they are gone.

fyi, series 2 will start in august, or in about 2 months. by then series 1 won't be sold anymore and if you want any by then, you know BL sellers will be jacking up the price even more.

these are meant to sell out very quickly like the vintage minifigs series and not your regular sets. i missed out on the earlier vintage minifigs too.

[squiz]

these are meant to sell out very quickly like the vintage minifigs series and not your regular sets. i missed out on the earlier vintage minifigs too.

See thats another thing i dont get. They are aimed at kids collecting them and trading them right ? Well surely that takes time, for a kid to get pocketmoney, get to the shop etc. I can see alot of kids only getting 1-2 minifigs a week and then aiming to trade them to complete the set. But with the run only going on for a couple of months it doesnt allow time for average jo to get them all. The demand for these figs is there but the supply really isnt.

[jamtf]

See thats another thing i dont get. They are aimed at kids collecting them and trading them right ? Well surely that takes time, for a kid to get pocketmoney, get to the shop etc. I can see alot of kids only getting 1-2 minifigs a week and then aiming to trade them to complete the set. But with the run only going on for a couple of months it doesnt allow time for average jo to get them all. The demand for these figs is there but the supply really isnt.

Well, us AFOLs and the resellers are to blame for that. If we had not been buying as much as we did over the last couple weeks, the "real" kids would have had more chances to get a complete collection.

Since scarcity of these items will get in the way, my guess is that prices on eBay and BL are certainly going to rise over the next couple months. I have already seen some of these figs sell for 5 euro's and up on German eBay.

[tiggerkiddo]

Tis true that they are sold out in S&H in Europe but remember they were available a bit earlier in Europe as opposed to the rest of the world. I wager the rest of us have a little more time (Maybe).

Now if this August release date for Series 2 is worldwide as opposed to Europe first and then the rest of us get it a month or two later...then yea, better Bricklink soon.

[squiz]

Well, us AFOLs and the resellers are to blame for that. If we had not been buying as much as we did over the last couple weeks, the "real" kids would have had more chances to get a complete collection.

Since scarcity of these items will get in the way, my guess is that prices on eBay and BL are certainly going to rise over the next couple months. I have already seen some of these figs sell for 5 euro's and up on German eBay.

thats probably it. I can imagine people buying whole boxes just to put on ebay. I guess as this is the first run tlg didnt know how people would respond to them. Hopefully series two will be produced in greater numbers!

[Mr. Elijah Timms]

all of my purchase were from borders using the 25% off everything coupon ($2.24 after coupon). a bit of a mark up but still cheaper than getting from S@H with that insane limit and shipping charge or from TRU now with their mark ups ($2.49 ea).

Did I read that correctly...? BORDERS is selling the minifigs in the US??

[Wout]

When I first read about this not-knowing-what-you-get idea from the minifig packages, It was obvious the special minifigs would be populair. it was obvious, some figs would be more populair then others and some Afols With Money would buy much of some sort of figs. Also that some afols don't want to get, or get to many of some other minifigs. So it was obvious some people tried to break the code and generously give the information to the other Afols, so you can pick the minifig you want.

Strangely Tlc didn't think about that. Now they heard of the great demand and the broken code, they stop with this code. I'm not an important economist, but could it not be a better idea to make the packages to see through, so you can see which figs inside and also made more figs? I think they would also be sold like warm cupcakes. (sorry, dutch saying, because I don't know the english version of it.)

[Lego_Hero]

When I first read about this not-knowing-what-you-get idea from the minifig packages, It was obvious the special minifigs would be populair. it was obvious, some figs would be more populair then others and some Afols With Money would buy much of some sort of figs. Also that some afols don't want to get, or get to many of some other minifigs. So it was obvious some people tried to break the code and generously give the information to the other Afols, so you can pick the minifig you want.

Strangely Tlc didn't think about that. Now they heard of the great demand and the broken code, they stop with this code. I'm not an important economist, but could it not be a better idea to make the packages to see through, so you can see which figs inside and also made more figs? I think they would also be sold like warm cupcakes. (sorry, dutch saying, because I don't know the english version of it.)

MMM... Cupcakes!

If you put them in see-thru packaging, no one would buy the diver. You would be looking at a shelf full of divers and whatever else isn't popular. I'm much more at ease knowing only people "in the know" have the ability to pick and chose. I'll take my chances.

There's alot of talk here about kids and AFOLs and the different perception each should have about the collection. To be honest, in the two places I've been to that had them in stock at the time, I've only seen one kid. And he was a young teen with the bar code print-out. As I said on some other thread, I had to tell one grandparent about them at our TRU because the box was located on an upper shelf with no special advertising or anything. Had I not been looking specifically for it, I would have missed it. The two TRUs near me only received a box each and one of those boxes was bought outright by a guy as soon as it hit the shelf. The nice young lady on the phone thought it was odd, but I assured her that it was happening all over.

As I have little use for easch minifig as a whole unless it fits my hero universe, I'm just happy there are new parts coming out. I really need more skater hair, robot faces, and an honest to goodness fedora (I'm hoping for a gangster from the 1930's in a future series).

[natelite]

the quality of these figures is horrible. they have a strange foul odor. almost like rotten eggs. it's not strong but you can definitely smell it if you hold them next to your nose.

and the legs are not even. the left is usually about 0.5mm shorter than the right. it's noticeable if you line them up on the stand. there is a gap on one foot.

the colors are also not of the usual lego palettes. they are a little transparent and darker than usual. like the magnet sets. see the red imperial guards to see what i mean. the clown's torso is of the same material. transparent and darker red than usual. if you are buying for parts, it'll be hard to mix with your regular higher quality figures, but if you are using them whole then it's a little better. will be strange lining these next to the higher quality figures.

[jamtf]

If you put them in see-thru packaging, no one would buy the diver. You would be looking at a shelf full of divers and whatever else isn't popular.

The two TRUs near me only received a box each and one of those boxes was bought outright by a guy as soon as it hit the shelf. The nice young lady on the phone thought it was odd, but I assured her that it was happening all over.

I really need more skater hair, robot faces, and an honest to goodness fedora (I'm hoping for a gangster from the 1930's in a future series).

The diver is a great fig if you are into Atlantis or Aquaraiders.

It is true that the stores got up to 2 or 3 boxes max. It really is no wonder that they are sold out so quickly. In a particular store, I purchased all of the 28 figs that were left (and yes, the box had been picked and there were mainly divers, ninja's, robots, spacemen and magicians ) and got the storage box for free. Basically, I decided to buy all of them just to have a copy of the original yellow series 1 box and did not even care to look at the list of barcodes.

Hmm, for parts only you could turn to Bricklink although I noticed that some parts will cost you nearly as much as a complete fig (blond cheerleader hair for example).

the quality of these figures is horrible. they have a strange foul odor. almost like rotten eggs. it's not strong but you can definitely smell it if you hold them next to your nose.

and the legs are not even. the left is usually about 0.5mm shorter than the right. it's noticeable if you line them up on the stand. there is a gap on one foot.

the colors are also not of the usual lego palettes. they are a little transparent and darker than usual. like the magnet sets. see the red imperial guards to see what i mean. the clown's torso is of the same material. transparent and darker red than usual. if you are buying for parts, it'll be hard to mix with your regular higher quality figures, but if you are using them whole then it's a little better. will be strange lining these next to the higher quality figures.

Quality issues from China again, eh? There is a separate topic about that somewhere in the general discussion forum if memory serves correctly.

[Scott]

Bought 37 today. Got 7 robots, 7 divers, and 5 spacemen. Somebody picked through the box. I'm missing Skater, nurse, and ninja, if anybody wants to trade let me know. I'm in the U.S.

Thanks

Scott

Edited June 14, 2010 by Scott

[WesternOutlaw]

the quality of these figures is horrible. they have a strange foul odor. almost like rotten eggs. it's not strong but you can definitely smell it if you hold them next to your nose.

I've got a complete set and don't have an issue with the quality. In fact, I was just comparing them to some of the figs from my more recent City Modular sets. I think they're pretty much the same as current figs right now. Some of the newer figs (even in regular sets (many in newer colors)), seem to be a slight softer quality, but nothing that looks really off. They are definitely not the same quality plastic as used in Classic LEGO sets.

As for the smell, I haven't noticed any 'rotten egg' smell. In fact mine smell more like bacon (oh, that was what I had with breakfast this morning (just kidding )). Seriously, if they have any new plastic smell, it will probably wear off over time. That is weird though.

I'm really having fun with the figs and I hope that series 2 and 3 will be available without buying 100s to make a set of 16.

[fyparr]

The legs are not even. the left is usually about 0.5mm shorter than the right. it's noticeable if you line them up on the stand. there is a gap on one foot.

The vast majority of mine are this way as well. Furthermore, what would be considered their pelvis is flexible, if you hold the base and press down/wiggle their head side to side, you can see their hip joints flex left and right.

They are definitely not the same quality plastic as used in Classic LEGO sets.

I'm really having fun with the figs and I hope that series 2 and 3 will be available without buying 100s to make a set of 16.

Agreed. Reportedly series 2 will still have barcodes while series 3 will not.

Visited a few TRUs as my local LEGO store was out of stock, and it was interesting to see how different locations sold them. One store had the box in with the regular sets (one lonely magician left when I got to it), another had them behind the customer service counter with a limit of 5, and another kept them behind the registers in the electronics department, with no limit. Between the 3 TRUs I visited I was able to score 13 of the 16 (missing nurse, cowboy, and wrestler). Not bad, but $2.50 adds up quick.

Edited June 14, 2010 by fyparr

[WesternOutlaw]

Not bad, but $2.50 adds up quick.

It certainly didn't take TRU long to jack up their price. At mine, they were initially $2. While they haven't got in any more, the price in their computer is now $2.50.

[tiggerkiddo]

Ugh TRU. Why are they marking them up now? It's a recession!

[Blondie-Wan]

Several people have purchased full boxes. The breakdown of figures is the same between each box. For the most part, none of the figures is particularly rare (at least in series 1).

As I understand things, the breakdown is as follows:

3 Hunter

3 Cheerleader

3 Clown

3 Luchador

3 Nurse

3 Zombie

3 Skater

4 Robot

4 Magician

4 Spaceman

4 Forestman

4 Cowboy

4 Caveman

5 Diver

5 Ninja

5 Dummy

This is the reported breakdown for all boxes - but just in Europe, right? I wonder whether the breakdown might be different in North America. It could be that all the figures actually are produced in equal numbers, but distributed in slightly different proportions between different regions. Does anyone here have any info on box breakdowns for the US and / or Canada?

[Rick]

This is the reported breakdown for all boxes - but just in Europe, right? I wonder whether the breakdown might be different in North America.

WhiteFang reported these exact same numbers for Singapore. It might be different for the North-American market (they have different barcodes as well), but I doubt it. But I'm sure someone who picked up a box in North-America can easily tell us...

[Blondie-Wan]

the quality of these figures is horrible. they have a strange foul odor. almost like rotten eggs. it's not strong but you can definitely smell it if you hold them next to your nose.

and the legs are not even. the left is usually about 0.5mm shorter than the right. it's noticeable if you line them up on the stand. there is a gap on one foot.

the colors are also not of the usual lego palettes. they are a little transparent and darker than usual. like the magnet sets. see the red imperial guards to see what i mean. the clown's torso is of the same material. transparent and darker red than usual. if you are buying for parts, it'll be hard to mix with your regular higher quality figures, but if you are using them whole then it's a little better. will be strange lining these next to the higher quality figures.

In all honesty, this isn't the case with the 20 I've personally had contact with (19 of my own, plus one I gave my girlfriend). If you'll pardon my asking, are you actually reporting your own experience with these, or simply what you've read in others' posts here?

I don't have a lot of the magnet minifig releases, but I do have the Santa Claus one, and I can personally attest that a) the plastic quality of the Santa minifig in the magnet set is, unfortunately, vastly below LEGO's usual standards, and b) fortunately, the collectible minifigs are vastly superior to the magnet set Santa, and are much more comparable to regular minifigs in general quality. I personally will have no problem using any of the collectible minifigs in conjunction with ones from other sets, whereas I wouldn't want to use the magnet Santa.

[Matn]

My dad got me 10 bags today, what a total surprise! It's definitely a welcome diversion for all the learning I've done this afternoon for the exams. So far I opened up 3 bags, which contained the Cowboy, the Spaceman and the Cheerleader. I like them all! I immediately saw the "quality issues", it's softer and lighter than common pieces. It doesn't bother me at all, the indent on the arms also don't bother me, because it will be purely used as display figures. There's one thing that bothered me at first though, the colours don't look that bright and very soft. But the printing is great, I like the feeling of relief when you rub over the torso.

All in all, great figures to be used as collectible items! I just hope I'll be able to not use any of the parts for MOCs. My father will get 10 more tomorrow, and I'll open them later on. I've already saw (with the bar codes) that I have one Cowboy extra. I'll probably keep it in its bag closed, but it still is a very nice figure. Maybe I'll open it as an extra to use in creations.

TLG did a great job with these figures, although there are some minor quality issues. For the low price you have some exclusive parts and awesome minifigures. It's nice that they are so widely available, I first thought they could only be bought in official LEGO stores, but no, you can even buy them in the bigger supermarket (although I haven't found them in the toystore yet). I can't wait for the new series!