The Brick Rat

There are no hard and fast rules in any of these definitions, I'm just relating what I have observed over the years. I haven't encountered many Type 3's either, but I have encountered them. In fact, I could've spun the 3's into Type 3's and Type 4's. 3's being those who will use custom minifig accessories, but think that using any custom element in the actual MOC crosses the line and 4's being those who believe that using a custom element to achieve a goal where there is no Lego solution is fine. As for why fan made elements are acceptable, but clone elements are not, you're guess is as good as mine. Most AFoLs either love fan made customs or take no strong stand either for or against them. But, both sides are universal in their contempt for clone brands. Why is a Brickarms weapon ok, but a clone weapon anathema? I don't pretend to understand it (well, actually I do. I think it's simply that clone brands are competing with Lego in the marketplace and fan made stuff isn't). Anyway, I would class Type 1's as the fundamentalists of the purist world. Type 2's as your average "joe" purist. And Types 3 and 4 as close, but not true purists - like Ivory soap they're 99.44% pure. And then there are folks like me, who own modded, custom and clone elements and make no pretenses of being pure at all.

After ten years on various Lego forums, here's how I understand these terms: MOC(My Own Creation): Just about any model that is not an official Lego set or copy of another builders' model. It can come from the builders' imagination or be based on something that already exists (i.e. a Star Wars ship or a real world firetruck). MOD(Modification): There are two types of modifications that come to mind: Set Mod: Taking a Lego set and 'tweaking' various aspects of it to improve appearance, functionality, etc. Examples would be, beefing up a weapons array on an Exo-force set or changing the red elements in a model to yellow elements, etc. When all 'tweaks' are done however, the model should still be instantly reconizable as the set pictured on the box. Part Mod: Taking a Lego element and modifying it. Examples: painting or cutting an element, or gluing two or more parts together to make a new element. Custom: Another term with at least two meanings: Custom Set: A MOC that the builder sells in the marketplace. Sometimes just the instructions, but often the instructions and Lego elements needed to build it. Custom Parts: Lego compatible parts that a person makes from scratch. Examples: Brickarms minifig weapons, Big Bens' train wheels, stickers or decals, etc. Kitbash: This is a term that I've never heard used in relation to Lego building. In say, model railroading it means to take 2 or more plastic model kits and cut, glue and paint the pieces it until you have a unique model that doesn't look like the models on everybody elses' layout (essentially they are making a MOC). When the first Star Wars was made the model builders kitbashed hundreds of plastic model kits to make the Death Star and ships seen in the movie. I can think of one way that the term Kitbash could be used in regard to Lego building. Sometimes builders make MOCs or hold a contest where the object is to make a unique model using only pieces from a chosen set. If you built a MOC using pieces from 2 or more different sets, I suppose it could be called a Kitbash. For example, if you held a contest where the contestants had to build a Batman vehicle using only pieces from 1 copy each of sets 7780, 7781 and 7782, it could be called a 'Kitbashing Contest'. Purist: From what I can tell there are 3 types of purist (and they may or may not agree that the other types qualify). Purist Type 1: Builds with only basic pieces (i.e. bricks, plates, slopes and tiles). Purist Type 2: Builds with any element that TLG has officially produced. Purist Type 3: Same as purist 2, but also believes that a fan made custom minifig accessory or sticker/decal is ok (some might also accept a fan made custom element like Big Bens' train wheels, but in all cases only fan made parts - Lego competitor made clone elements are verboten). Ah, Xevoz. In my list of best toys ever Xevoz comes in second only to Lego. Curse Hasbro for cancelling such an excellent toy line.

All three soldiers in 7622 Race for the Stolen Treasure use recycled heads. They are: 1)Bruce Wayne (also Arkham Asylum Guard) 2)J. Jonah Jameson 3)Viktor Krum (from the Harry Potter line)

Minifigs with yellow skin? Now there's a silly idea! ;-)

Thanks. But like you and others have stated, Joebot said it best: "As for the sets being influenced by B:TAS, I think it's more of a case of B:TAS and TLC both trying to do the same thing -- create a very iconic, stylized, almost "timeless" look." Well, there isn't "much thats better". But, I do watch the show and occasionally there are things that I really like, even if it's flawed (and being "The Batman" it often is). A few examples: 1)The Riddler. I've never been a big fan of the Riddler and B:TAS takes a very classic approach to the character. With a Goth look and an attitude, "TB" gives us a Riddler unlike any other I've seen. He's still the cerebral, riddle obsessed villian and can't compete physically with the Dark Knight, but he has an edge about him that other versions of the character don't. He's the only "TB" character that I like better than his B:TAS counterpart. 2)Punch and Judy. B:TAS gave us Mo, Cur and Lar - Joker henchmen based on The Three Stooges. They're funny enough, but just ok in my book. I don't know if Punch and Judy are "TB" creations or borrowed, but it's a brilliant idea. You have The Joker (jester), Harley Quinn (harlequin) and 'Punch and Judy ' - very thematic. Of course, "TB" goes and spoils it by making them mute shapeless blobs with no personality, but I like the idea. I would've loved to have seen B:TAS versions of these characters. 3)Harley Quinn. No I haven't lost my marbles (yet). The B:TAS version of Harley beats "TBs" version hands down. But "TB" did one thing with her origin that I rather liked. In B:TAS and comic book continuity, Harleen Quinzel meets the Joker through her job as a staff pyschologist at Arkham Asylum. In "TB" she's introduced as a ditzy pop pyschologist hosting her own tv show. Even though "TBs" execution of the idea was rather weak (IMO), I liked it. Considering some of the nutcases that host hit tv shows in real life, I can see Joker taking a shine to Harley as he watches her dispense wacked-out advice on the tube. 4)Second tier villians. "TB" did a very nice job with Black Mask (there's a bat-villian I never thought I'd see on Saturday morning). And the Killer Moth episode was fun in a goofy sort of way. I wish B:TAS had done their own versions of these characters (although in the mid-nineties they may have been seen as too dark/violent for a kids show). Well, after that let's see if I can say something that's more on topic for this thread (i.e. 2008 Batman sets). I noticed at the Toywiz website that they're listing the Batman Buggy set as a June release. That's great as I thought they would probably come out in August. A June release gives me hope that we may get a set or two in the second half of 2008. I'd love to see a playset of the GCPD Headquarters with Jim Gordon and Batgirl (in the animated style black and yellow costume). I'd also like to see a UCS Joker sculpture done in the style of the Darth Maul Bust (set 10018) or like the Giant LEGO Mini-figure (set 3723). Ken

Keep in mind that B:TAS owed it's existence to the success of the Burton 'Batman' film and as such, the movie influenced the look and feel of the TV show. I'm sure when the LEGO designer sat down to make the Batwing, he/she used both the movie and tv Batwings as inspiration. Two main differences are, as you noted, the shape (the movie Batwing is circular, the tv Batwing longer and somewhat rectangular) and the existence of two 'wings' just behind the cockpit of the movie Batwing that aren't part of the tv version. The LEGO Batwing has the longer shape of the B:TAS version and the cockpit wings of the movie version, not to mention many design elements found in both versions. I'll still maintain though, that the main inspiration for the LEGO Batwing SET was the '89 movie. Batwing aside, look at the goon-piloted helicopter with rope ladder (and check out the sticker of Jokers' head on the side - it's the same exact image found on the side of the movie helicopter). Now you're preaching to the choir. :-P For me, the B:TAS universe (i.e. the Timmverse) is the definitive version of Batmans' world. However, that's not to say I hate 'The Batman'. Although there are plenty of things I dislike about the show, there are a few things that I think they have done better than B:TAS!...blasphemy, I know. Ken

LEGO can produce sets based on: 1)DC Comic's comic books. 2)Warner Bros. Animation TV series 'The Batman'. 3)Warner Bros. Pictures' feature film 'Batman Begins'. 4)Any related theatrical releases or television programs produced while LEGO holds the license (i.e. 'The Dark Knight'). See the original press release: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?threadid=47589 However, LEGO won't be making sets based upon 'The Dark Knight'. Several months ago the (reliable) Batman website 'Legions of Gotham' reported: My guess is LEGO is avoiding 'Batman Begins' and 'The Dark Knight' because they aren't kid films. But they do know that fans want the Tumbler. So, they're giving us a Tumbler, but in a set not actually based on the movies (there probably won't be an ice cream truck in 'The Dark Knight' and the Joker fig will most likely be the same one from the Batwing set). And the Batwing set is a good example. It is heavily based on the '89 'Batman' movie (the design of the Batwing and the Joker-Copter with rope ladder), but it's not technically a 'Batman' movie tie-in (the Joker minifig isn't a Jack Nickelson Joker). Ken

Agreed. And as it turned out, making 6 films for SW didn't turn out that great either! ;-) Ken

I'd like to see: *2x2 tile with center stud. *Arches like Athos mentioned and the Gothic Arches posted by Brick Miner. *A rectangular window 1 x 2 (wide) x 3 (high) with lattice insert. Stacking several of these on top of each other and topping them off with the current 1x2x2 and 2/3 rounded top version would make for some great tall thin medieval windows. *Old Battle Droid arms in a straight version. *New Battle Droid/Skelly arms in a bent version. *Medieval musical instruments. Specifically a lute and harp. *A closed umbrella. Dr. Jones Sr. and The Penguin could really go for these. :-) *A Jesters' cap headpiece. Hopefully the rumors of a 2008 Harley Quinn fig will make this a reality. Ken

I don't see anything nefarious going on here. Like so many LEGO families, these folks don't have stairs to the second floor. So, when bedtime comes, Dad catapults the baby up to Mom, who tucks the little tyke right into bed. Of course, if these folks hadn't spent their money on gold tableware and plumbing fixtures, they could have afforded to put in stairs - not to mention some real walls. With those lattice walls in the bedroom, the neighbors must get an eyefull when Mom and Dad get amorous! 8-

Thanks for the great review Hinckley. Am I correct in believing that the box pieces will stack directly on top of each other, so that you can build square columns with them? I am glad to see the new window piece (if it does what I hope it will). Old Windows: Pro: When closed, window panes sit flush against lip inside window frame. Con: Shutter clips sometimes get in the way of building. Train Windows: Pro: No shutter clips to get in the way of building. Con: Lip inside window frame set farther in so that when closed, window panes sometimes get pushed inward. Hopefully the new window frames incorporate the pros of both the old windows and the train windows. Yes? Ken

Mars Mission may be getting a better showing in 2008 than we think. There are the 2 confirmed sets: 7647 MX-41 Switch Fighter 7648 MT-21 Mobile Mining Unit Plus the 2 Impulse sets: 5617 Mini Robot 5618 Alien Jet Then there are the 3 sets from the 2008 rumored sets thread: ???? MT-61 Crystal Reaper ???? ETX Alien Infiltrator ???? MX-81 Hypersonic Operations Aircraft If the rumored sets are real, that's 5 sets (plus 2 Impulse sets) - I wish Batman had that good a showing in it's second year. Ken

When I was in Target today I noticed that this set had been reduced to (USD)$14.99. Ken

Like darthperson8 said, check Target. But don't look in the LEGO aisle for it. Check the endcaps of each aisle - there is a "Wonder Emporium" display that has a variety of movie tie-in toys including the LEGO set. Ken

Nighthawk? LOL! In the comments section below this article there is entry from someone named rachel that sheds some light on this: Even if we never get a Man-bat in the 'ABS' it's still nice to know that the game will not be limited to just the ten villians that have been released so far (as earlier news had reported). Ken

A Batman themed version: Gotham City 1)Bank: Automatic teller machine and drive thru on the outside; counter and bank vault on the inside. Minifigs: Ventriloquist/Scarface, bank teller (double-sided female head with scared face) and bank customer (double-sided male head with scared face). 2)GCPD Headquarters: With interrogation room, jail cell, lineup wall, Commissioner's office inside. Bat signal on the roof. Minifigs: Commissioner Gordon and Batgirl (Barbara Gordon). 3)Joker's Hideout: Abandoned toy factory with various traps inside. Minifigs: Joker (new version) and Harley Quinn. 4)Gotham Cemetary: Small green plate with fencing and large gravestone inscribed with the name 'Wayne'. Minifig: Batman. 5)Three Vehicles (small 4 wide versions): Batmobile, Jokermobile and GCPD squad car. Ken

I'm in Charlotte, N.C. Got mine at the Stonecrest Target. Last night there were 8 sets on the shelf when I bought 2 copies. This afternoon when I was there, I checked again to see if anymore had sold and they had 8 copies on the shelf again. Since only 8 sets will fit on the shelf, they must have sets in the stockroom waiting to be put out. The TIE Crawler however, only had 4 copies on the shelf last night when I bought one copy. Today there were still only 3 on the shelf, so evidently no backstock on that set.

Hi. I'm the one who wrote the 'mini' review at CC. Just to clarify, I don't want anyone thinking that the dwarf beard/hair actually goes under the helmet. Rather the back of the dwarven helms and the top of the hair sit flush with each other so it looks as if the hair is flowing out from under the helm. It's a very nice effect, but also has some drawbacks. Most Castle headgear won't work with the dwarven beard piece. The ones I found that did: Forestmen's Hat - But there is a gap between the hat and the hair that exposes the back of the minifigs head. Vikings Hat - Same gap as noted above. Wizards Hat - Actually looks pretty good. Castle Helmet with neck protector - It doesn't sit completely flush, but the flared neckpiece allows it to sit far enough down for a somewhat snug fit (and it looks good). Another piece that fits is the Flat Top Hair - The back of the hairpiece sits fairly flush with the dwarven hair for a decent look. Ken

legomilk, are you sure about this? I know you are a reliable informant, but I've heard other claims to the contrary. Here on Eurobricks, in the "Indy Lego!!" thread, member DJSaulTNutz said he knew the set names and numbers for January 2008 LEGO Batman sets (June, 17, 2007). And over at the Legions of Gotham forums, webmaster Matt wrote on July, 2, 2007: "Legions of Gotham has confirmed with LEGO corporate... While LEGO will be producing more Batman product next year, there are currently no plans for LEGO toys based on the film, 'The Dark Knight'." I find it hard to believe, with a new Batman film and the LEGO Batman video game coming out in 2008, that LEGO would not capitalize on this by releasing new Batman sets. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time that LEGO did something that made me shake my head in disbelief. After all, DJSaulTNutz never did release the names of the sets that he claimed to know (perhaps he heard it was cancelled?) and the Legions of Gotham post just said "Batman product" which could just be the video game and more magnets/keychains. Could you look into this further legomilk? And perhaps DJSaulTNutz could chime in too? I would be sorry to hear that LEGO would abandon such a promising license. Ken

If LEGO makes an Indy theme, we should wait to see the sets before passing judgment. And if the sets do suck, I'll still be cool with it. For years I wanted to see a LEGO Batman license and was excited when they finally got it. But when the sets came out, I was disappointed with LEGOs execution of the theme. However, I'm fine with it because the sets provide me with the minifigs, minifig accessories, and other theme specific elements to make my own Batman MOCs. I'll feel the same way with Indiana Jones sets if they prove to be a less than stellar. Several people have questioned this so you provided the following link: Nowhere in that article does it state that parents are suing LEGO over the new minifig guns (on what grounds could someone sue LEGO on this issue anyway? Organize a boycott sure, but sue?) In fact, although the headline says parents are upset over this issue, the actual article doesn't produce any upset parents. It mentions adult fans, an anonymous Brickish Association member talks about policy change at TLG and Huw Millington of Brickset says some people think licensing has hurt LEGO but he doesn't agree. I don't see alot of angry individuals. It seems like poor journalism and much ado about nothing to me. In the comments section of the linked article, you also claim that Wild West, Pirates and Knights Kingdom were retired by LEGO because the proliferation of weapons in those themes weren't "politically correct". Where did you get the idea that LEGO is motivated by political correctness? Knights Kingdom ran its' course and has been replaced by the new castle line (which is more violent - and better - if you ask me). Similarly, Wild West and Pirates were retired to make way for new themes like Adventurers (a theme that reused the Wild West weapons). If you are going to make these kind of statements, you should really have facts to back them up. If LEGO does make Indy sets, I'd say it's almost certain that there will be weapons. I doubt we'll see new weapons though - they'd probably use Adventurers and Batman weapons. This is a given. My understanding is that it's forbidden to use the swastika in many European countries (not to mention that it would have lots of people up in arms). Considering the direction of LEGO themes of late and that we're talking about Indiana Jones, violence is almost guaranteed. Lets see: LEGO = greatest toy ever. Indiana Jones = some of the best adventure cinema ever. But, LEGO + Indiana Jones = boring? That must be the new math! ;-) Ken

This got me curious and so I decided to do a little homework. The following is a list of the beginning of each license by year: 1999 Disney Star Wars 2000 No new licenses 2001 Bob the Builder Jurassic Park Harry Potter 2002 Galidor Spider-man 2003 NBA 2004 Dora the Explorer Ferrari 2005 Thomas and Friends 2006 Batman Nickelodeon 2007 No new licenses 2008 Indiana Jones (unconfirmed) That's ten years worth of LEGO licenses. In the first five years eight licenses were added and in the second five years six licenses. So, instead of becoming more frequent, licenses are becoming a little less frequent - which is in keeping with LEGOs announcement of a few years back when they said they were going slow down some and be more choosy in what licenses they aquired. Of the licenses from the first five years only two seem to still exist: Star Wars (currently running until 2011) and Harry Potter (and this years castle may be the last set we see from this theme). Bob the Builder may also be current (the last new set was released last year - I don't know if any new sets are in the pipeline). Of the licenses from the second five years only Dora the Explorer is defunct. In 2008 I would guess the following themes will see new sets: 2008 Star Wars (of course) Ferrari (most likely) Thomas and Friends (maybe) Batman (I'm hoping that the release of 'The Dark Knight' will give this theme a second wind) Nickelodeon (Spongebob almost certainly and perhaps a new 'Nick' property) Indiana Jones (I hope) To be fair, the LEGO suckage that started in the late '90s had nothing to do with licensed products. LEGO has admitted to straying from it's core product (the brick) during this time. However, it's ironic that what saved LEGO financially during the 'dark years' ('97-'03) was a licensed product (Star Wars) and a non-system product (Bionicle). I've seen horrid licensed sets and I've seen licensed sets with great builds. I can say the same about LEGOs non-licensed themes. I like both licensed and unlicensed themed sets because they provide me with 1)general parts to build MOCs and 2)Minifigs and minifig accessories to add 'life' to MOCs. As for #2 I currently lean to licensed sets since I've become sold on flesh-toned figs. In my book the new castle sets can hold their own against any castle subtheme of the past. However, I agree about the new space theme. Mars mission is the Knights Kingdom of outer space. I'm not sure Indy would be 'replacing' Johnny Thunder since we havn't had an Adventurers theme in four years. I do believe that an Indiana Jones license would be a good thing for LEGO for the following reasons: 1)LEGO has spent the last nine years developing a strong relationship with Lucasfilm. I'm sure the possibility of an Indy license has been discussed. If LEGO turned the license down and then turned around and released a new Adventurers sub-theme I'm sure a lot of feathers would be ruffled at Lucasfilm. 2)If LEGO turned down an Indy license it could go to MegaBloks. If I were a bigwig at LEGO, I wouldn't want Lucasfilm and MegaBloks getting all friendly like. 3)Indiana Jones has always been popular worldwide and next year will be a hot property. If it came down to an Indy license or no adventurer type theme at all, I would opt for the license. I don't, but I read several different LEGO forums and know that you are in good company. Ken

I must admit to being a little bummed that only 2 new Batman sets are coming out this summer. After the rumor that there would be 4 sets this year I still hold hope that TLG will surprise us with 2 sets for the fall, but I don't really expect such will be the case. Anyway, what I would like to see in the future: FALL 2007 *GCPD Patrol Blimp: The search for Man-Bat ($19.99 - $24.99) (Batman and the Gotham City Police Department are searching the skies for a new villian in town - Man-Bat!) Includes: - GCPD Patrol Blimp (using the Adventurers Zeppelin piece from set 5956) -Bat-glider - 3 Minifigs: Batman, Man-Bat and GCPD blimp pilot. *GCPD Headquarters ($79.99 - $99.99) (Gothams' Finest are on the job when the villian Firefly is on the loose. But, when Joker and Harley Quinn terrorize Gothams' skies Commissioner Gordon lights up the Bat-signal to summon the Batman and his newest ally - Batgirl!) Includes: - 2-3 story GCPD HQ (with working Bat-signal on the roof) - GCPD Helicopter - GCPD Squad Car - Joker Hot Air Balloon (with brick-built balloon shaped like Jokers' head) - 10 Minifigs: Batman (with 'Jet-wing' rocketpack), Batgirl (Barbara Gordon), Joker (with green 'Gilderoy Lockhart' hair), Harley Quinn, Firefly, Commissioner Gordon, Detective Harvey Bullock, GCPD helicopter pilot, 2 generic GCPD officers. SUMMER 2008 With the release of the 'Batman Begins' sequel, 'The Dark Knight', 2008 would be the perfect time for sets based on both movies. 'The Dark Knight' sets: *3-4 sets base on the new movie. 'Batman Begins' sets: *UCE Tumbler ($69.99 - $89.99) *The League of Shadows: Batman Begins ($49.99) (In the mountaintop abode of the League of Shadows, Bruce Wayne begins his training under the watchful eye of the mysterious Ra's al Ghul) Includes: - League of Shadows fortress - 5 minifigs: Bruce Wayne (in ninja training outfit), Henri Ducard, Ra's al Ghul, 2 ninjas. *The Tumbler: Race to the Narrows ($29.99) (Ra's al Ghul has the powerful microwave emitter and plans to use it to destroy Gotham City. Can Batman get to the Narrows in time to stop him?) Includes: - The Tumbler - SWAT Van - Brick-built microwave emitter - 5 Minifigs: Batman, Ra's al Ghul, The Scarecrow (on horseback) and 2 League of Shadows minions (in SWAT team disguise). Ken

I hope he also realizes that that Spider-man set isn't new. It came out a couple of years ago. However, I think I can put to rest all the speculation about who currently holds the Spider-man movie license. When I was in TRU the other day they had three small Megabloks Spider-man sets with the Spider-man 3 movie logo on the box. For the curious, they were: 1947 Spider-man (with 40 pcs. to build a 'Spider-car'). 1948 Symbiote Spider-man (with 45 pcs. to build a 'Spider-boat'). 1949 Battle Damage Spider-man (with 45 pcs. to build a 'Spider-plane'). All three sets were $6.99 USD and the minifigs are the new designs with articulated elbows and knees. I found it interesting that the sets were named for the minifig in them and not for the vehicle itself. I'm also sure that even though the box bears the 'Spider-man 3' movie logo, won't see any of those vehicles in the movie. At least the LEGO Spider-man sets reflected scenes from the actual films. Ken

I don't have a different pic than anyone else, nor very special eyes; but wishful thinking sensors? Of course! ;-) (In fact, when I posted the same speculation on classic-castle I used the term wishful thinking myself). The purple female fig could be Luna...or it could be Umbridge. The long hair would be in favor of Luna (although it looks earth orange to me, not tan, i.e. blond). However, the fact the fig is purple is in favor of Umbridge. In looking at the movie pics that have been released so far, every outfit I've seen Umbridge in has been in the pink to purplish range. Even the decor of her office is in this color (and very 'frilly'). As for the hair and legs, it should be remembered that this pic is preliminary. The slope brick used for dresses doesn't currently come in purple according to Peeron. And HP figs have spawned a large number of new hairstyle pieces. It could be that this fig will reflect those changes when the set comes out. Also remember that Umbridge plays a big part at Hogwarts in 'Order of the Phoenix'. I would find it very strange that LEGO would make a Hogwarts School set and not include her. Bottom line, it very well may be Luna Lovegood, but my vote goes for Umbridge. As for the fig on the far left, I disagree that it is bald. Looks to me like a standard male hairpiece in tan (tan hair on a lt. flesh head blends in well). It's the same hairpiece the Malfoy fig has worn in previous HP sets. Now for the "Mystery Fig" (wishful thinking sensors on): If you look at the doorway that Dumbledore is standing in front of you'll see green background through half of it and a black shape filling the other half. From what I can see this black shape could be one of three things: 1)An opened arched door that goes with that doorframe. Only problem with that is the rounded top of the door can't be seen at that viewing angle. 2)It's several elements that together make up some sort of Hogwarts contraption. 3)It's a minifig. This is what it most looks like to me. The rounded top looks like it could be a minifig head and I see what looks to be the figs right arm and hand. The two problems with this being a minifig are a)it appears too tall and b)as you point out, why would LEGO obscure a fig like that? There are two possibilities that would explain those two discrepancies: 1)The fig is a statue (the first Hogwarts Castle had a minifig statue). A minifig statue could be taller than a normal fig because it's standing on a pedestal and not be pictured out in the open because it's not a character, but part of the castle interior. 2)It's the centaur that taught divination in 'Order of the Phoenix'. A centaur would stand taller than a regular minifig. As for why it's not pictured with the other characters: It's still in design stages and doesn't exist yet. So, for this preliminary pic they placed a fig in an obscure location as a stand in for a centaur that doesn't actually exist in the ABS yet (yes I realize I'm strrrreeeeeetching things here - I don't really believe it myself - but hey, speculating on future LEGO sets is fun). So, if there is a fig there, it's almost certainly a statue - but I'd rather have a centaur. (Wishful thinking sensors off) Wow. I spent way too much time on this, but I hope ya'll enjoy this bit of nonsense even if you think I'm off my nut. Peace, Ken