Scooby-Doo 2015 Rumours & Discussion

[Kez]

These look great, thanks for the post strangely, I can't wait until I get my hands on these.

[Only Sinner]

If the sets are available on ebay, you had best believe The Brick Show will order some and have a video review up the same day they get it. If anyone likes to watch that then, you will see all the details for sure.

[kelceycoe]

As nice as those sets are I'm only getting them for completion purposes. I don't see anything too snazzy that I think will appeal to kids. Reviewing some old themes and old annual reports from LEGO.com, don't expect Scooby Doo to be in the top 4, even top 5. Monster Fighters didn't even make the top 4 during their year (City, Star Wars, Friends, and Ninjago did) and City, Friends, and Star Wars made the most sales in 2014 as well. In reviewing the 2002 annual report (because it had the Studios scary monsters line) you'll actually read the second half of that year (when Scary Monsters debuted) did not meet expectations (blame was put on Galidor and even devoted a paragraph or so to why it failed).

Here are a couple of reasons I don't anticipate this line fairing too well:

1. It's based on a really old show that was based on really old politics. After all, the teenage gang (ages unknown) were pretty much yuppies and hippies. Their color scheme and design reflect that. How many kids are even aware of the hippies? That leads me to #2...

2. It's for younger fans. That means younger kids. The older kids might know something about hippies and even Scooby Doo.

3. Younger fans are heading towards Ninjago and Chima series. Walk into any LEGO store. As an adult, where may you find yourself? By the Simpsons section or perhaps Ideas section (especially as Ghostbusters are still on sale). Turn around... notice no one else is near you. How many kids even know about or care about The Simpsons (or Doctor Who, based on a really old show) or The Big Bang Theory? They're in the Ninjago/Chima sections and checking out Ninjago/Chima sets. Maybe even a couple Super Hero sets, but keep in mind those have not even been close to the Top 7 or so LEGO revealed in their 2014 annual report. Ok, Star Wars too but that's pretty much an AFOL thing anyway.

4. Too cartoonish. This will appeal to younger kids in terms of their appeal. But will they understand the need for the traps and mystery-solving? Do they care when they can just go grab a ninja set and have them fight each other? Their cartoonish appeal will attract kids... but is it enough for them to understand Scooby Doo?

5. What does Scooby Doo have on their side? All the other monster-related stuff coming out this year:

- NinjaGo Ghost Warriors. The best way to introduce Halloween additions is by interjecting them into an existing toyline kids already know. The Ghost Warriors are said to be the last of the NinjaGo line and are already looking like this generation's Fright Knights. Will it be enough to make kids say, "Hey I wonder what other Halloween sets I can get."

- Mystery Machine... and Mummy set. Of those who know Scooby Doo about the only thing iconic is the Mystery Machine. I see it as the only "gotta have it now" set in this line. If a kid is value-conscious, like I was, he or she will flock to the Mummy set because, hey, you get both Scooby and Shaggy for real cheap, plus jewels, and even a Mummy!

- Hotel Transylvania 2: Yep, this generation's Monster Squad or House of Frankenstein or Mad Monster Party (whichever floats your boat) will help to show kids there are LEGO off-shoots of those monsters. Of course, the girls will actually lean more to the Monster High Mega Bloks, which will be a huge mistake made by LEGO as the line mimics their Friends line... and LEGO is badly behind on gothic girl sets.

Recall 2012 was also a year for monster movies... Frankenweenie, Paranorman, and Hotel Transylvania all came out that year, the same year Monster Fighters were released, as well as its numorous polybags, accessories, and other products like clocks and books.

I don't believe the CMF14 series will do well either with the little ones at all. It will help some who are completists who get all the monster sets but for the most part, don't hold your breathe.

[fred67]

I agree about one thing - the only set I really want is the mystery machine, but I must have Thelma and Daphne, too... and I need two of each to give the mystery machine to a friend who would really appreciate it, but I doubt she'd give a darn about any of the other sets.

The series may not be popular, that remains to be seen, but supposedly there's going to be a tie-in, no? So is Cartoon Network reviving Scooby Doo or something?

[Ultron]

I agree about one thing - the only set I really want is the mystery machine, but I must have Thelma Velma and Daphne, too... and I need two of each to give the mystery machine to a friend who would really appreciate it, but I doubt she'd give a darn about any of the other sets.

The series may not be popular, that remains to be seen, but supposedly there's going to be a tie-in, no? So is Cartoon Network reviving Scooby Doo or something?

I wouldn't call it a revival. There's been a scooby show on the air forever. Classic, What's New Scooby Doo, Mystery Incorporated a year or so ago...just another reboot really. I expect the line to do well. Everyone loves and knows Scooby and the gang

[strangely]

1. It's based on a really old show that was based on really old politics. After all, the teenage gang (ages unknown) were pretty much yuppies and hippies. Their color scheme and design reflect that. How many kids are even aware of the hippies? That leads me to #2...

Not really. Daphne is your standard cheerleader stereotype. Fred's a jock. Velma's a nerd. Shaggy can be seen as a hippy, but modern takes on him portray him as a slacker.The colors aren't really all that odd either. Right now this 60's look is actually pretty popular, especially among hipsters. Each character falls into a basic stereotype that still exists today and even most elements of their clothing exist today. I doubt kids are going to be that confused by it. They don't need to know what hippie's are because other than Shaggy and the tricked out van there's not a lot of hippie stuff in the show (And what little that remains gets more and more erased every time the franchise is rebooted).

2. It's for younger fans. That means younger kids. The older kids might know something about hippies and even Scooby Doo.

I don't think you're quite right about that. Looking at these sets there's a lot of detail and interestingly most of the monsters come from the older incarnations of the series. It seems like some of the sales appeal is nostalgia. For me Scooby was being syndicated on Cartoon Network when I was a kid, so for me nostalgia is a leading factor in buying this. While the main audience of these sets may be kids Lego has obviously built in some appeal for the adults (Classic vehicles, beloved characters and even a few sets like the lighthouse which look more like a display piece than a playset).

4. Too cartoonish. This will appeal to younger kids in terms of their appeal. But will they understand the need for the traps and mystery-solving? Do they care when they can just go grab a ninja set and have them fight each other? Their cartoonish appeal will attract kids... but is it enough for them to understand Scooby Doo?

Most kids know in passing that Scooby Doo is about solving supernatural mysteries. It's a show that's leaked into pop culture here in the US, I don't know an adult or kid who hasn't at least heard of the show. So I don't think kids will be beyond the basic gimmick of the sets. Plus even if they're not overly familiar with the show the back of the box depicts the premise. Monsters, clues, traps and unmasking. Each box highlights these elements as the big play features. So it shouldn't be beyond understanding.

5. What does Scooby Doo have on their side? All the other monster-related stuff coming out this year:

Well they'll have a new show airing this fall. Plus the usual DTV releases and supposedly a Lego special. While some of you're points are well reasoned you ultimately don't take into account the popularity of Scooby Doo which is actually fairly decent on it's own. Sales for their DTV movies are good enough that they do several a year. The last show didn't have good ratings but it was a critical success and actually has a decent adult following. Plus it's had several video game tie-ins and two live action movie series (Two Movies theatrically and two TV movies), plus another theatrical movie in the works. It's a franchise that keeps on selling no matter how much time passes. It has it's own fan base and WB manages to sell DVD after DVD and even a fair bit of toys yearly.

Ultimately I see this theme selling OK. I don't expect it too crash and burn, nor becoming a runaway success. Ultimately it's just Lego seeing if a monster theme will sell if there's a license to back it up and I think that it will probably do a bit better than their other attempts.

Edited July 8, 2015 by strangely

[Darth Punk]

As nice as those sets are I'm only getting them for completion purposes. I don't see anything too snazzy that I think will appeal to kids. Reviewing some old themes and old annual reports from LEGO.com, don't expect Scooby Doo to be in the top 4, even top 5. Monster Fighters didn't even make the top 4 during their year (City, Star Wars, Friends, and Ninjago did) and City, Friends, and Star Wars made the most sales in 2014 as well. In reviewing the 2002 annual report (because it had the Studios scary monsters line) you'll actually read the second half of that year (when Scary Monsters debuted) did not meet expectations (blame was put on Galidor and even devoted a paragraph or so to why it failed).

Scooby Doo?

I don't believe the CMF14 series will do well either with the little ones at all. It will help some who are completists who get all the monster sets but for the most part, don't hold your breathe.

What is obvious by your post is you do not have children or interact with them in other than a store environment.

I'm pretty sure when I watched scooby Doo as a child I knew nothing of hippies or yuppies. I do not see how knowing what they are matters in the very least. Neither does it matter to my three children who also like scooby doo. Children do love fun shows, dogs, and yes they also love mystery. My oldest daughters favorite part of scooby is the traps, And their friends like the show as well.

There is of course a reason why scooby doo is still around and not because old farts like me are watching it.

You of course do not need to take my word. There of course a reason TLG has a plethora of themes available because yes there a variety of people who have a variety of interests.

Children are wonderful because not only do they have great imaginations, their play is not limited by a very narrow viewpoint. Nor do they confine themselves to stereotypes placed upon them by adults. Children of course are much smarter than many give them credit and they can surprise you almost every day. TLG understands children very well.

[Captain Nemo]

As nice as those sets are I'm only getting them for completion purposes. I don't see anything too snazzy that I think will appeal to kids. Reviewing some old themes and old annual reports from LEGO.com, don't expect Scooby Doo to be in the top 4, even top 5. Monster Fighters didn't even make the top 4 during their year (City, Star Wars, Friends, and Ninjago did) and City, Friends, and Star Wars made the most sales in 2014 as well. In reviewing the 2002 annual report (because it had the Studios scary monsters line) you'll actually read the second half of that year (when Scary Monsters debuted) did not meet expectations (blame was put on Galidor and even devoted a paragraph or so to why it failed).

I think you're being overly pessimistic about this line.

Granted there's no reason to expect Scooby Doo will become one of the top four/five sellers. And that's not surprising--Lego has a lot of themes, and they're all very competitive. Star Wars and City are the undisputed kings of the Lego Best Seller List. As are Superheroes, Friends, and Ninjago--the latter of which will kick into overdrive once the movie comes out. But this means it's not fair to state that Monster Fighters (which I always vigorously defend--because it always needs defending for some reason) was a complete failure because it didn't sell more than Star Wars or City. Of course it didn't and no one expected it to! That doesn't mean it was a failure--the complete opposite, in reality it was a huge success. Lego had to continue to produce and sell more sets for that theme for months, and let's not forget the D2C Haunted House--rarely do themes not named Star Wars or City get D2C sets--if that's not a sign of success I don't know what is.

Really, it's not fair to compare Monster Fighters to the powerhouses of Star Wars and City, and then attribute absolute failure to it because it failed to outsell the outsell-able. And it's also not a fair statement to then suggest the Scooby Doo will be a complete failure because it's similar to Monster Fighters--and likewise won't outsell Star Wars or City. If anything, Scooby Doo will be more successful than the already successful Monster Fighters because it's an established brand with an established audience.

Lego obviously knows this is a successful avenue. If they had any reason not to think this, they would not be making both Scooby Doo and a CMF Monster wave at the same time, only three years later.

[8BrickMario]

The only problem with Monster Fighters is that 9465 sold out before I even knew about it, and it never went back on sale. But I agree, it was a good theme and seemed pretty popular. Personally, I would be overjoyed to see City, SW, and Ninjago lose some of their influence to give smaller themes a better chance, but those themes are meant to be small, no matter how well they do. There wasn't really that much leftover source material to justify a second wave, either.

I'm optimistic about Scooby-Doo. Adults will like them for the nostalgia, and kids will be interested since it's still relevant and has a history behind it. And regardless of how well it sells, I'm sure WB and LEGO have planned at least one more wave of sets.

Edited July 8, 2015 by 8BrickMario

[kelceycoe]

Scooby Doo gets a one page ad in this month's club mag. Will next issue be devoted to them?

Update: Club, Jr devoted a 2 page activity to them.

I really hope that next issue will cover Dimensions and CMF14. It should be a monstrous issue.

Club code: mystery

Edited July 8, 2015 by kelceycoe

[CM4Sci]

Sets will be sold at SDCC!

[kelceycoe]

Sets will be sold at SDCC!

It's true!

Source: http://www.fbtb.net/2015/07/08/sdcc-lego-scooby-doo-the-big-bang-theory-sets-available-at-san-diego-comic-con/

Edited July 8, 2015 by kelceycoe

[kelceycoe]

If a second wave would be made, will they use the same number series because 75905-7 are only available, so 3 more sets could be possible.

[Robert8]

The only problem with Monster Fighters is that 9465 sold out before I even knew about it, and it never went back on sale.

Agree. That sucked. It's at $250 on Amazon now

I think Monster Fighters totally deserved a second wave. There are plenty of monsters they could use.... I LOVED that theme

But I wonder if they were already planning this Scooby Doo theme back then

[strangely]

I think Monster Fighters totally deserved a second wave. There are plenty of monsters they could use.... I LOVED that theme

But I wonder if they were already planning this Scooby Doo theme back then

There are more monsters they could have done, but I felt like there was a narrative to the sets and that in one wave that story was told. So to me a second wave wasn't really needed and to me it didn't make sense that there would be. It's a theme that had a one and done feel to it and I think they accomplished what they wanted to in the span of a year.

It's possible they were planning Scooby Doo at the time. I mean they do monster stuff every so often and having an actual license may have just been the next step in the process, something new to get us to buy monsters we've had before.

Edited July 9, 2015 by strangely

[Robert8]

There are more monsters they could have done, but I felt like there was a narrative to the sets and that in one wave that story was told. So to me a second wave wasn't really needed and to me it didn't make sense that there would be. It's a theme that had a one and done feel to it and I think they accomplished what they wanted to in the span of a year.

A new storyline with a new villain? Like Adventurers.... Anyway, we are done with Monster Fighters.

Back to topic, I'm expecting to see reviews of Scooby Doo sets soon to make my final decision

[kelceycoe]

There are more monsters they could have done, but I felt like there was a narrative to the sets and that in one wave that story was told. So to me a second wave wasn't really needed and to me it didn't make sense that there would be. It's a theme that had a one and done feel to it and I think they accomplished what they wanted to in the span of a year.

It's possible they were planning Scooby Doo at the time. I mean they do monster stuff every so often and having an actual license may have just been the next step in the process, something new to get us to buy monsters we've had before.

Scooby Doo has been in the plans, in some form, since that one concept design art, from a user named Toth on the EuroBricks forums back in 2010, depicted the gang with a monkey. It also depicted its own custom form of Ghostbusters. We know LEGO couldn't get the Scooby license as COBI had acquired that and if you can find the press release for the WB/COBI relationship it stated it made better sense COBI got it because of their long-standing relationship.

Also, as I pointed out on page 37 of this thread, LEGO did a cross-over comic with Insectoids back in 1998. That issue is still online (club magazine).

But yes, hopefully reviews of the sets come fast. Likely I'll be asleep since it's 11:30pm here, so it'll be 8:30pm there right now.

The sets can be now found on Amazon (US) but are being sold at aftermarket (or in this case) premarket values: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&keywords=LEGO%20Scooby-Doo&linkCode=ur2&qid=1436243944&rh=n%3A165793011%2Ck%3ALEGO%20Scooby-Doo&sort=date-desc-rank&tag=studsele-20&linkId=CYAJC7PROAUE4SA2

Much higher quality photos included.

[The Kid]

Built most of the sets this week. The Mystery Machine has 23 stickers - the most of any of the sets. The Haunted Lighthouse is probably my favourite of the bunch - interesting build, cool play features and looks great on display.

They're all much better in the flesh, though - definitely held up well to my first impressions at Toy Fair.

Edited July 9, 2015 by The Kid

[strangely]

A new storyline with a new villain? Like Adventurers.... Anyway, we are done with Monster Fighters.

Yes, they could have done that, but like Adventurers it would have gone down hill eventually. At least for me personally none of the other adventures lived up to the Egypt expedition (Dino Island came close, but the other two did not). And I think Monster Fighters ran a higher risk of repeating itself.

Hopefully reviews start popping up soon.

[just2good]

Built most of the sets this week. The Mystery Machine has 23 stickers - the most of any of the sets. The Haunted Lighthouse is probably my favourite of the bunch - interesting build, cool play features and looks great on display.

They're all much better in the flesh, though - definitely held up well to my first impressions at Toy Fair.

I know I shouldn't take it seriously, but where'd you find 'em?

[The Kid]

I know I shouldn't take it seriously, but where'd you find 'em?

Press copies... figured they were okay to talk about now if they're being sold at SDCC (and apparently LEGOLAND California).

The running theme among this crop of sets appears to be kitchens, by the way. (Which makes sense, when you think about it.)

Edited July 9, 2015 by The Kid

[just2good]

Press copies... figured they were okay to talk about now if they're being sold at SDCC (and apparently LEGOLAND California).

When does the embargo lift for their reviews to be up?

[Soupperson1]

Amazon.co.uk has them!

Looks like Europe will get these sets after all!

[kelceycoe]

Can someone photograph the Scooby sets at the retail booth? All photos from the Preview night, except 2 from ToyArk, tend to ignore this booth.

[barneynedward]

Why are people charging twice to four times what these sets cost?