blueandwhite

This is a question for LEGO themselves... Of course, we each have our own opinions. Personally, I suspect that LEGO is concerned that minifig packs eat into the sales of larger (and more expensive sets). Many collectors purchase several sets for the minifigs alone. This group of consumers (presumably many whom are entirely unaware of the secondary market, or weary of buying product 2nd hand) would undoubtedly ignore larger sets in favour of the minifig packs. When you consider, most of the unique minifigs are included with larger sets, it is quite apparent that LEGO is all too aware that some of us are buying their product with minifig collecting in mind. I'm personally disappointed that we haven't seen a few 'commemorative release' minifig packs, however that seems about par for the course these days. I do think that there is a market for minifig packs, however it seems that LEGO is not willing to explore this option at this time. Still, we can always hope that this trend changes in the near future. Later.

Dammit! This is the correct answer. But regardless of popularity of the pirate theme Imperial Guards manage to fetch much higher prices than town and space mini-figures all the time. They also do a good job competing with Castle mini-figures too. People who collect town and space LEGO aren't necessarily looking to build armies. Simply put, this reduces demand for those types of minifigs. Adding to the demand is the fact that imperial guards only appear in sets between 1989 and 1996. Space and town figures are more readily available, reducing demand for all but the rarest of figures. The thing about castle/pirates is that many fans like to build large armies. These troop building endeavours push prices through the roof, even where the figures aren't particularly rare (Falcons, Imperial Guards etc.). With fans looking to amass hundreds of these guys, they place themselves at the mercy of sellers looking to exploit their needs. As a castlehead, I feel your pain. Trying to amass an impressive army is daunting given that the only way to do it is on the aftermarket. The thing is, with it being LEGO's 50th anniversery celebration, I was hoping to see a few surprises. I would love limited-release minifig packs. Too bad it won't happen. Later.

I also prefer 2010 to Dino Attack (and I'm Canadian!) Dino Attack just doesn't look good with those ridiculous mounted launchers. I like the gattling guns on the helecopter, but I still think the extra pieces included with the 2010 more than outweigh any design advantages the North American release has. Once again, I feel left out. With Dino Attack you get jeuvinile-looking neon weapons and fewer pieces. With the 2010 European line, you get more bricks and superior set design. I think its pretty obvious as to who wins this one. Later.

Castle (excluding anything tied to KKII). I've been a castle fanatic as long as I can remember. My first themed set was 375/6075. Needless to say, I was hooked. Ironically, I was initially repulsed by 6080 and its 'prefab' wall pieces. At the tender age of seven, I was first hit by juniorization. Still, the castle theme was hard to resist, and I have continued collecting castle-based LEGO for over twenty years. Its too bad that there is no new castle line in production (KKII does NOT count). Easily the best theme ever! Later.

These sets look incredible! Its too bad that we have to wait so long to see them in Canada. I must say, the torso prints are amazing, and it is nice that LEGO didn't skimp on the prints for the minifigs wearing armour (unlike KKII). I'm not big on the monsters themselves, but the set designs seem to be nice for the most part. Overall, this is the nicest line LEGO has released since the Star Wars line! Go figure.

Honestly, considering that LEGO hasn't provided minifig packs for more popular themes in recent years (other than town of course), I just don't see them producing a minifig pack for a theme that has been discontinued for over five years. Fans have been clamoring for more minifig packs for years, yet nothing has been done. Heck, I think there probably is a market for minifig collecting, but I don't think that LEGO agrees. The thing is, more popular themes have gone without minifig packs for years. The pirate theme has its loyal fans, but it is hardly a major theme when compared to the likes of castle, space or town. And in recent years, only LEGO town has been blessed with a minifig pack of any kind. As an earlier poster mentioned, I believe that this is LEGO's way of enticing customers into buying larger sets. Unfortunately, I don't think you'll be seeing any new Imperial Guards any time soon. Heck, I've been holding out for a new castle-themed minifig pack for years. That will never happen either. Its just one of those things... Later.