LEGO Collectable Minifigures Series 5 discussion

[Dunjohn]

Awesome. Credited in every series. Nice work, Mr. Timms! Now if I can just have my Japanese Magical Girl or Statue of Liberty in S6 I'll be just fine.

[tazosaure]

Boxer: Lord Embo—Pg12, Dec10

Damned!!! Reading your post I was expecting to be credited for this one but between the day I voiced my wish in another thread and the day I actually posted all my suggestion to the embassy, Lord Embo came in with a similar suggestion :(

Anyways, thanks for compiling this it's a very nice feeling to know that we're heard!

[Blondie-Wan]

Just a quick comment here. It's a very personal opinion, but I would rather have a wide spectrum of generic accessories than over-specialised accessories that cover little ground. For example, many people have posted lists of every animal that ever set foot on the surface of the Earth, every possible fish and bird, and then demand new moulds for every one of them. I am happy with the new animal moulds that are being introduced in 2011, but do we really need different types of snakes, different birds, different dog breeds? I wouldn't want TLG to focus (ie spend money) on an infinite array of slightly different animals, long bows, weapons, to the detriment of introducing more generic items or accessories that can hardly be reproduced with existing parts.

I agree with you, Fugazi. Too specific accessories are not needed, better with generic ones that can used for many different purposes (isn't that the idea with LEGO?). Some people in this topic seems to be disappointed that there aren't more new pieces in series 5, but I think it's much more important to get nice and interesting minifigs than just new pieces. The new axe for the Lumberjack for example is surely a nice and detailed piece, but I find the rest of the fig much more interesting with new head and torso print. If the axe had been the old one it wouldn't have changed my opinion of that fig.

I can agree with that a new snake piece, perhaps in shape of a cobra, would have been a nice one to go with the Cleopatra fig. But the one we got work very well too IMO. It's a rattle snake sure, but it's quite generic at the same time and it's not difficult to ignore the "rattle".

And I do believe that it cost more to make a completely new mould then making one they have already used. Designing isn't free. Anyway, it's also much cheaper to not have too many different moulds, that's part of what caused TLG to nearly go broke in the early 00's.

As a general rule I'd actually be inclined to agree with you both, but in this one particular instance I think designing a new snake would actually be the preferred way to go, since a new snake could actually be a much more general, non-specific snake figure than the rattlesnake we have now. I'll admit I'd love cobras and other readily identifiable snakes, but as long as we've got just one snake "figure" (well, aside from the ginormous one from one of the earlier Harry Potter sets), I'd rather it would be non-specific, since it could easily be used as any of a large variety of snakes. It'd be different from the usual case of TLG replacing or supplanting a more general, more versatile element with a more specific one - pretty much the exact opposite, in fact.

(And if nothing else, if they must stick with the classic snake for all future snakes from now until the end of time, I'd really like to see them at least start molding snakes in colors other than green, red and black.)

A few more comments on Series 5 as a whole: it would seem that we will get about 17 new moulds, which is on par with Series 3 and slightly less than Series 4, but still quite impressive. There will be about 8 existing parts in new colours, which is much lower than what we have in Series 3 and 4, but similar to Series 1 and 2. And finally, we will get 4 female minifigs in Series 5, which is more than in any of the previous series! Overall, the stats are good.

Here, we're in perfect agreement. I'm really enjoying this whole series. Bring on Series 4 and 5 (and 6, and beyond)!

[Sirens-of-Titan]

Regarding new molds for animals, I don't think the issue is cost or difficulty in the manufacturing process, it's more of LEGO's restraint in producing extremely large quantities of very specific molds. If they released a ton they would stoop to the level of numerous other building block toys and create a specific model for every single new item. (very much against Lego mentality)

They counter this balance with collectible figures which have (usually) one-off new molds that don't release at the same time as mainstream sets and themes. That's why i want to see as many super specific and otherwise never before seen items appear in these sets as they will never see the light of day on the main stage of sales.

[Aanchir]

Regarding new molds for animals, I don't think the issue is cost or difficulty in the manufacturing process, it's more of LEGO's restraint in producing extremely large quantities of very specific molds. If they released a ton they would stoop to the level of numerous other building block toys and create a specific model for every single new item. (very much against Lego mentality)

They counter this balance with collectible figures which have (usually) one-off new molds that don't release at the same time as mainstream sets and themes. That's why i want to see as many super specific and otherwise never before seen items appear in these sets as they will never see the light of day on the main stage of sales.

That last sentence has proven itself not to be true so far. Many of the collectible minifigure parts haven't made it into mainstream sets, that's true. But a couple have: notably, the Spartan Warrior's helmet and the Series 1 Skateboarder's hair (it appeared on the Max minifigure before the collectible figs, but I hardly consider that a "mainstream set", and I'm pretty much certain it was originally designed with the collectible minifigures in mind). If our first glance at the minifigs in the Alien Conquest theme proves itself to be true, the ray gun introduced with the Series 1 Spaceman and also featured on the Series 3 Space Villain and Space Alien will be appearing in System sets as soon as this summer.

There were early reports from reliable sources of the collectible minifigure parts not appearing in mainstream sets. But it's been nearly a year since the collectible minifigures were first announced. LEGO could have changed their mind in the meantime, assuming that their original statement was delivered and interpreted correctly in the first place-- need I remind people of the big "purple parts" scare just a couple years back?

Anyway, I think that the collectible minifigures should still adhere to the "LEGO mentality" in many ways. In the very least, they should be considered-- realistically-- not unlike the BIONICLE theme. With all its specialized parts, it nevertheless kept the release of new parts steady and moderate (no matter how much people whined and complained about the reuse of existing parts). Reusing older parts shouldn't be considered a bad thing. If it makes the sets less desirable for you, then you don't have to buy them, but there's no reason to act like LEGO's doing you some disservice by getting a reasonable amount of creative and unique uses out of already-existing molds. The complaints about fishing rods, for example, strike me as unreasonable. If you don't want the eskimo/ice fisherman to have a spear or a fishing rod, then you're basically saying we shouldn't get an eskimo or ice fisherman. Because those are the two most reasonable accessories for such a minifigure-- they may already exist, but having one of those two doesn't reduce the uniqueness of the minifigure at all.

[kevin1990]

lego should just keep the new molds used in the minifigures collection serie exclusief, there is otherwise no other reasons to keep them interesting for the kinds and us. (mostly us since kids dont really look for specific parts)

[Aanchir]

lego should just keep the new molds used in the minifigures collection serie exclusief, there is otherwise no other reasons to keep them interesting for the kinds and us. (mostly us since kids dont really look for specific parts)

I personally like the collectible figs with or without new molds. For instance, I'm personally a fan of the Series 2 Lifeguard, but don't give a crap about her little float-thing. Likewise, I'm a big fan of the Disco Dude, but even if the afro had appeared in mainstream sets he'd still be a unique and desirable fig-- unless there were some disco nightclub set released, which we all know there wouldn't be. I didn't buy the Pharaoh for his snake-staff (to be perfectly honest I doubt I'll ever find a use for that thing), or the Space Villain for his ray gun, or the Vampire for his... well, case in point, he doesn't have a single accessory that couldn't have been made with already-existing molds. My first collectible minifigure was the Series 2 Jungle Explorer, and he, too, is entirely without unique accessories (besides, obviously, the retooled molds that are inherent to most collectible minifigure parts, and which rarely are superior in any obvious way to the older versions).

The point is that a minifig needn't use purely unreleased parts to remain a new and innovative concept. I don't foresee a stereotypical green-faced witch appearing in a mainstream set no matter what parts she uses. But even without fancy new part designs, the collectible minifigures make the ideas possible. I think that, for those of us who aren't already experienced customizers with a knack for making and waterslide decals, this is the most important aspect of the collectible minifigures.

[vexorian]

It seems there is a correlation between a new mold actually being useful and it appearing in real sets. I think for example that CM hair pieces have been appearing already in sets. Then we have the space gun, which we will soon have many of in the upcoming alien conquest theme. I have the feeling that most of the useful CM molds will go mainstream, for example, I really see no reason TLG won't start using the elf's bow or the Haz mat suit. In fact, I think that in the third wave of alien conquest (you know, since it is becoming a habit to change everything in these last waves) the agents will use the hazmat suit. Hey, who wants to bet?

I think the only thing Lego got wrong is calling them collectible minifigs. Using that C word seems to send people of a certain mentality into a Pokemon-esque feeding frenzy. Yes there are 16 per series to collect but nowhere does it say you MUST collect all 16. or do it with every series. The whole thing is just a smorgasbord. pick and choose, grab some, leave some. wait til the next series hunt out the old series. don't take it so seriously.

As long as there is random packaging, people will be forced to get the filler minifigs. The dot system seems to change with batches, and you don't always really have the chance to pick your bag. So, a series better have mostly good minifigs and not mostly filler.

Edited February 8, 2011 by vexorian

[Paul Sinasohn]

I personally like the collectible figs with or without new molds. For instance, I'm personally a fan of the Series 2 Lifeguard, but don't give a crap about her little float-thing. Likewise, I'm a big fan of the Disco Dude, but even if the afro had appeared in mainstream sets he'd still be a unique and desirable fig-- unless there were some disco nightclub set released, which we all know there wouldn't be. I didn't buy the Pharaoh for his snake-staff (to be perfectly honest I doubt I'll ever find a use for that thing), or the Space Villain for his ray gun, or the Vampire for his... well, case in point, he doesn't have a single accessory that couldn't have been made with already-existing molds. My first collectible minifigure was the Series 2 Jungle Explorer, and he, too, is entirely without unique accessories (besides, obviously, the retooled molds that are inherent to most collectible minifigure parts, and which rarely are superior in any obvious way to the older versions).

The point is that a minifig needn't use purely unreleased parts to remain a new and innovative concept. I don't foresee a stereotypical green-faced witch appearing in a mainstream set no matter what parts she uses. But even without fancy new part designs, the collectible minifigures make the ideas possible. I think that, for those of us who aren't already experienced customizers with a knack for making and waterslide decals, this is the most important aspect of the collectible minifigures.

Hey, Kevin.... Send your unwanted rayguns my way, OK?? :-)

[Ro87n]

I know I'm not the only one that thinks too many pieces or even a wole fig will be re-used.

Don't we all want unique figures that don't even look the slightest on any other?

Like I said about the Zookeeper it seems a female verion of the Explorer or to much the same IMO.

I just want to see complete new stuff, completely different figures and no repetition for the collectable figures themselfs.

They could do that in sets, but not for those series. It feels like cheap not getting unique pieces all the time on each single minifig (incl. head piece, hair piece and accessoires).

As it seems to hard to get the legs different too. I dont realy mind that and sometimes the legs are printed (which is very lovely!)

Edited February 8, 2011 by Ro87n

[Fugazi]

I just want to see complete new stuff, completely different figures and no repetition for the collectable figures themselfs.

With all due respect, this is what you want, TLG did not promise anything of the sort. So I don't know why you should feel so disappointed by Series 5, it really not that different from any of the previous series.

[Muddy]

First we had monkey suit now we have a lizard suit - all we need is a wolf costume and we can have a real Rampage MOC from the NES

Okay animals have exploded

- they added ostrich, camel, (gorilla), goats, chickens, pigs, now a new monkey

Anybody else hope that Lego makes a Lego city zoo?

It would be easy to add a zebra, elephants have been around for awhile, just need giraffe, lions, and maybe hippos...

They could have a insect section, amazon, swamp, and an aquarium...

[IAmWillGibson]

There are only two figures in this season that I'm bleh about, which is better than season 3, all of which I now really like. The Snowboarder is... questionable, but I guess the mission to represent every winter sport with a male and female must continue [there will be a lady skier in season 6].

Other than that, this is a great set of figures. I'll need to start saving up for 13 Dwarves for my Hobbit set [along with figuring out some way to differentiate them].

PS Forgive my use of "season" instead of "series." That's weird that I did it all the way through. I'm watching too much TV on DVD lately, I think.

BIG EDIT

Nevermind, way late to the party.

Edited February 8, 2011 by IAmWillGibson

[Sirens-of-Titan]

The point is that a minifig needn't use purely unreleased parts to remain a new and innovative concept. I don't foresee a stereotypical green-faced witch appearing in a mainstream set no matter what parts she uses. But even without fancy new part designs, the collectible minifigures make the ideas possible. I think that, for those of us who aren't already experienced customizers with a knack for making and waterslide decals, this is the most important aspect of the collectible minifigures.

I completely agree with you about variety and and using your imagination to think of new uses for already existing parts; this is the premise of Lego after all, creativity and a not too many specialized parts.

The only thing is the issue of scale. Minifigures are finely detailed, but their world is blocky and massive in comparison. To give minifigures accessories not designed for their level of detail kind of violates the gentle boundary between the outside brick world, and their miniature printed world. This is the reason animals should be molds in myt opinion and not brick build unless they are huge.

[Aanchir]

I completely agree with you about variety and and using your imagination to think of new uses for already existing parts; this is the premise of Lego after all, creativity and a not too many specialized parts.

The only thing is the issue of scale. Minifigures are finely detailed, but their world is blocky and massive in comparison. To give minifigures accessories not designed for their level of detail kind of violates the gentle boundary between the outside brick world, and their miniature printed world. This is the reason animals should be molds in myt opinion and not brick build unless they are huge.

I agree completely. And I also agree that a snake without a rattle would be nice. I'm mostly speaking against the idea that a collectible minifig is no good without unique or exclusive parts-- as well as the idea that a minifig that uses the parts from other collectible minifigs is by default unimaginative or "the same" as the other minifig containing those parts.

[Sirens-of-Titan]

I agree completely. And I also agree that a snake without a rattle would be nice. I'm mostly speaking against the idea that a collectible minifig is no good without unique or exclusive parts-- as well as the idea that a minifig that uses the parts from other collectible minifigs is by default unimaginative or "the same" as the other minifig containing those parts.

You're right, I wouldn't call a minifigure without brand new molds boring because it isn't. I agree that people seem to neglect the printing as something that's a given and therefore not worthy of mention, but as you said we've found some incredibly useful new torsos and legs, and not to mention the vast array of new facial expressions and female faces.

[vexorian]

With all due respect, this is what you want, TLG did not promise anything of the sort. So I don't know why you should feel so disappointed by Series 5, it really not that different from any of the previous series.

He was clear and verbose in saying that it is what he wants. I don't see what the problem is with him stating his opinion about it.

I am not sure what the issue is exactly with series 5 but I am still underwhelmed by it. It may have something to do with series 4 being very nice. I don't care if minifigs are repeats or not but they ought to be interesting and series 4 had about 10 figs that I would really like getting whereas with series 5 none really calls my attention, except for the Godzilla costume. It is always a matter of opinion.

I want more space stuff with new and useful sci-fi molds.

Edited February 9, 2011 by vexorian

[Geki Brick]

Will probably skip the Sherlock Holmes figure because I am very positive there will be a Lego Sherlock Holmes theme in the near future.

[prateek]

Will probably skip the Sherlock Holmes figure because I am very positive there will be a Lego Sherlock Holmes theme in the near future.

How are you so sure?

[Geki Brick]

How are you so sure?

It just seems plausible that there will be a Lego Sherlock Holmes theme.

[prateek]

It just seems plausible that there will be a Lego Sherlock Holmes theme.

How? There was a Sherlock Holmes movie a couple of years ago, so I don't think there will be another one any time soon. Licenses usually correspond to movies, so I don't think it's plausible at all.

[Dunjohn]

I can't really see what sets such a theme would produce either, even if it was unlicensed.

[Sirens-of-Titan]

Will probably skip the Sherlock Holmes figure because I am very positive there will be a Lego Sherlock Holmes theme in the near future.

There very well may be, but take my advice:

Never pass up a sure thing!

[Jargo]

That 'Sherlock Holmes' figure could just as easily be Van Helsing hunting dracula. It could also fit very well with the explorer and pilot.

Also wouldn't Lego use a name like 'Slueth' rather than Sherlock Holmes? Unless they've paid for the right to use a particular literary character name. I mean the vampire was called 'Vampire' not Dracula.

Also also the 'Zookeeper' looks more like a female companion to the Explorer than a zookeeper to me. I'm half expecting a Tarzan inspired 'King of the jungle' minifig in series 6.

[Aanchir]

That 'Sherlock Holmes' figure could just as easily be Van Helsing hunting dracula. It could also fit very well with the explorer and pilot.

Also wouldn't Lego use a name like 'Slueth' rather than Sherlock Holmes? Unless they've paid for the right to use a particular literary character name. I mean the vampire was called 'Vampire' not Dracula.

Also also the 'Zookeeper' looks more like a female companion to the Explorer than a zookeeper to me. I'm half expecting a Tarzan inspired 'King of the jungle' minifig in series 6.

They probably will use a generic name like "Sleuth" rather than the specific name "Sherlock Holmes", but not for legal reasons. I'm pretty certain Sherlock Holmes is out-of-copyright.