Disney and Lego Join Forces

[Peppermint_M]

Ok, so now I need LGMs, Army Men and all the Prince of Persia lego. So my bank balance won't mind so much if Agents 2.0 is the last of that theme (please no, but I won't be stuck for sets)...

[Batbrick]

Okay, I've warmed over to the Toy Story figs a bit more. I would've preferred actual minifig heads but really it's the longer legs and arms that faze me, I just don't like them that much. That said, the army men are spectacular, I'll definitely be getting those, a few times over if in a cheap set.

The Prince of Persia figs are still fantastic though, loving all the new headpieces. The fact that we get a whole heap of cool fleshie faces just makes it better.

To the Brickmobile!

[Tom Bricks]

I'm not sure I like the toystory figs yet but I will pass my judgement later. The best part is the army men though. I'm hoping for an army man impulse.

The POP Figs are great with all the details. The camel and ostrich are icing on the cake.

Edited July 23, 2009 by Tom Bricks

[Tanotrooper]

I was just thinking about a lego alternative for the M1 helmet and just saw the frontpage news. Looking forward to the green armymen! The rest is... meh. They could have used normal printed heads. They made the clone wars figures that way, I see no reason the change it...

Prince of Persia looks good. I don't like any of the animals. (all sculpted, almost no simplicity)

TT

[~MaYo~]

Nice tall legs for the toy story. Nice everything for prince of Persia.

[Zarkan]

I agree with the Prince Of Persia minifigures, but you've got me wrong here on my opinion with the Toy story minifigs. I had always been saying they'd look like freaks, nd you are correct though, they are indeed something new. What they aren't though, is Lego.

I'm pretty good with distinguishing types of plastic, and although I don't know for sure, and these are preliminary, they seem to be the same plastic as the 2009 Yoda head. It's not too easily recognizable as Lego.

Besides the awesome Toy soldiers (Helmet ,) these parts from the Toy story minifigures can never be used as anything else. Their hats aren't even detachable!

The only good things to come out of this besides the Toy Soldiers are those freakishly long legs on the Cowgirl and rainbows of recolors!

I couldn't disagree more. IMO, the Toy Story figures display everything that I've come to expect in lego sets. They're high quality, with lots of detail and fantastic torsos, they're completely compatible with other lego sets and can be taken apart, and they have real charm and are quite cool in their design. Perhaps this is because I have never judged whether something is lego or not based on the style - and perhaps this is why I also support Bionicle.

Regardless, I'm really getting tired of people screaming "Megabloks!" every time they see something coming from TLC that isn't exactly like what has come previously. The reason many people view Megabloks so poorly is because their plastics and set and minifig designs are low quality, and becase they de-emphasize buildding and focus totally on playing. In my honest opinion, these Toy Story figures have none of these problems, and if nothing else, they are hardly a threat to the quality of lego at all. And more importantly, as SuvieD said in his post, these figures are showing that TLC is willing to experiment and inovate - something that a lot of members here unfortunately seem to be opposed too.

Oh, and personally, it looks like the headgear does detach. I see big gaps between the heads and the rims of the hats, which seems to indicate removeable molds.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Grevious

[Lord Admiral]

The reason many people view Megabloks so poorly is because their plastics and set and minifig designs are low quality, and becase they de-emphasize buildding and focus totally on playing.

I'm not sure about that. It seems with these figures, and really, with several other sets, that there's a de-emphasis on building. The custom heads, for example, is one such example. The longer legs is another (unless you're interested in integrating a circus clown into your set). And if the larger brimmed hats aren't compatible with any other minifigure head, then it's rather pointless.

But there's an overall de-emphasis of building in licensed sets in general. The UCS sets are really the only sets whose emphasis is on the building. That's not as big a big deal as you'd think though, especially in this case, when we're just seeing the minifigures and not even the actual sets. I think the big deal is the sheer amount of customization, i.e. the custom heads and longer legs. I've personally never liked custom heads (e.g. Chewbacca), and I even have reservations about the dwarf legs. While maybe other people whom are into licensed sets are ok with at least Chewbacca, I think these seem over the top even for them.

Personally, such customization--heck, any custom pieces--reeks of laziness or cost-cutting and puts me off right away. Custom pieces appear in place of genuine ingenuity (i.e. use the dwarf beard and normal head for the prospector, make Woody and Jessie normal-sized and increase the height of the hat, and use a bald minifigure head for Buzz). I'm cynical like that. I don't mind new minifig tools, but custom bricks irk me, and custom minifig pieces really don't sit well with me. But to be honest, even if I didn't have such a cynical outlook, these cartoon-like oversized figures just don't seem like Lego minifigures, and that I think everybody who doesn't like Woody and Jessie can agree to that... There's a reason why the 4+ sets never caught on. (Also note that there's no backlash against the POP minifigures with regular heads and normal legs.)

Granted, these are prototypes. I don't expect them to appear exactly as is when TLG releases the sets for real. But if they insist on going the 4+ route with these sets, then I'll have to insist on keeping my purchases to a minimum, i.e. sets that don't have the custom heads.

[fallentomato]

Besides the awesome Toy soldiers (Helmet ,) these parts from the Toy story minifigures can never be used as anything else.

Now that's just being unimaginative, even Galidor parts have been successfully integrated into MOCs Jessie, Woody and Pete may not look like most Lego figs, but even if they had tried to make them fit only normal shaped heads they'd still be creepy and look out of place with their big eyes and grins At least this way he get new head shapes. I think this could spur a whole bunch of Western MOCs to fit their freakish scale. Hagrid can be bartender!

The figs do look good but I keep feeling that they look more M[another brick]ish...maybe it's the movie-realistic head vs. the LEGO interpretation.

Yeah the fact that the faces are sculpted does make them somewhat reminiscent of the big bad M. But the quality and detail of the sculpting is what makes them Lego.

Also, I may have already said this, but I just need to say again, I can't wait to get the Three-Eye-Aliens!!!

[The Green Brick Giant]

Oddly enough I hate the main characters, they match, but the heads look too weird.

The army men and the aliens... superme. (I had to amke a word up, that good).

[Oky]

I may have already said this, but I just need to say again, I can't wait to get the Three-Eye-Aliens!!!

TEA? I think the term you are looking for is LGM - Little Green Men. (at least that's what they were called in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command)

And yes, I too have to have these ASAP, along with all the others!

Btw, there are new hi-res pics in the Flickr photostream linked to below. This time, they're from TLC themselves!

Turns out Buzz' head can be turned, so it must be a separate piece! I think I know what my sigfig is gonna wear from now on! Also, it looks like the figs can ride on Bullseye after all, and the material difference between the cowboys' heads & hats becomes even more clear!

Oh, and have you seen the PoP movie poster? It gives a sneak peek at what kinds of swords we can expect! I just hope TLG doesn't use the old cutlass instead of making new molds.

[hollisbrick]

Wow these figs look awsome! The prince of persia figs look amazing!!!

And the toy story ones look about as I thought they would be. A cross between system and Duplo. But generally good. Although a bit <insert that tiresome argument>. And if those soldiers are removable then that would be perfect!

[RileyC]

The more I look at the toy story minifigs the more in kinda getting used to them. Sure in my opinion they could be better but I'm really only looking for interested in the minifigs cause the rc car doesn't appeal that much to me. Ill probably try and get all the minifigs from bricklink

[Oky]

A cross between system and Duplo. But generally good. Although a bit <insert that tiresome argument>.

How the heck are these figs supposed to be <insert that tiresome argument>? They have movable (and removable) hands and body parts just like any other minifig! And I believe you can even remove their hats, so there's really not much of a difference here. slightly longer limbs and oddly shaped heads don't make them <insert that tiresome argument>!

And if those soldiers are removable then that would be perfect!

Why wouldn't they be removable? They are obviously completely normal figs standing on a new stand mold. Do you think they are glued?? Why the heck would they do that?

Look at them closely, and you will see some of them coming off the base a little.

Sorry if I'm sounding mean, but some of the reasons that some of you guys give for not liking these figs are completely unreasonable IMO.

Btw, do you guys think the sign on the helmet of the Medic glows in the dark like in the movie? I really hope that Buzz' armor glows in the dark, but I doubt it.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Oky Wan Kenobi

[hollisbrick]

How the heck are these figs supposed to be <insert that tiresome argument>? They have movable (and removable) hands and body parts just like any other minifig! And I believe you can even remove their hats, so there's really not much of a difference here. slightly longer limbs and oddly shaped heads don't make them <insert that tiresome argument>!

Why wouldn't they be removable? They are obviously completely normal figs standing on a new stand mold. Do you think they are glued?? Why the heck would they do that?

Look at them closely, and you will see some of them coming off the base a little.

Umm...I'm sorry?

[Oky]

Umm...I'm sorry?

It's OK, your forgiven. And I'm sorry I picked on you like that. A few people have been saying similarly silly things as you and I wanted to get things straight. Sorry. Carry on.

[-JD-]

I think the TS figures are not good at all. I mean, they are not even proper minifigures! PoP looks much better, but that camel looks weird too. I may get a couple PoP sets, but that is it.

I'm a bit dissapointed.

EDIT: I'll be getting those little army men for sure. Those hats will come in handy for WaW animations!

Edited July 24, 2009 by Jammiedodger714

[Zarkan]

I'm not sure about that. It seems with these figures, and really, with several other sets, that there's a de-emphasis on building. The custom heads, for example, is one such example. The longer legs is another (unless you're interested in integrating a circus clown into your set). And if the larger brimmed hats aren't compatible with any other minifigure head, then it's rather pointless.

But there's an overall de-emphasis of building in licensed sets in general. The UCS sets are really the only sets whose emphasis is on the building. That's not as big a big deal as you'd think though, especially in this case, when we're just seeing the minifigures and not even the actual sets. I think the big deal is the sheer amount of customization, i.e. the custom heads and longer legs. I've personally never liked custom heads (e.g. Chewbacca), and I even have reservations about the dwarf legs. While maybe other people whom are into licensed sets are ok with at least Chewbacca, I think these seem over the top even for them.

Personally, such customization--heck, any custom pieces--reeks of laziness or cost-cutting and puts me off right away. Custom pieces appear in place of genuine ingenuity (i.e. use the dwarf beard and normal head for the prospector, make Woody and Jessie normal-sized and increase the height of the hat, and use a bald minifigure head for Buzz). I'm cynical like that. I don't mind new minifig tools, but custom bricks irk me, and custom minifig pieces really don't sit well with me. But to be honest, even if I didn't have such a cynical outlook, these cartoon-like oversized figures just don't seem like Lego minifigures, and that I think everybody who doesn't like Woody and Jessie can agree to that... There's a reason why the 4+ sets never caught on. (Also note that there's no backlash against the POP minifigures with regular heads and normal legs.)

Granted, these are prototypes. I don't expect them to appear exactly as is when TLG releases the sets for real. But if they insist on going the 4+ route with these sets, then I'll have to insist on keeping my purchases to a minimum, i.e. sets that don't have the custom heads.

This is honestly rather strange to me. You complain about so called "custom" pieces, but since they are official lego pieces, I feel that that's an unfair title. And even if it isn't, where would you draw the line in deciding whether pieces are custom or not? I don't doubt that anyone who said that all pieces since the basic bricks are "custom" would be criticized and even laughed at, because that is simply ridiculous. Your opinion is not anywhere near that extreme, of course, but I feel that calling pieces like the longer arms and shorter legs lazy and cost cutting is rather odd - especially considering that it costs MORE to make new pieces and molds than to reuse old molds. If anything, this shows the exact opposite - that TLC is willing to invest a lot of money into making the new Toy Story line look great and be instantly recognizeable.

Oh, and I also disagree about licensed sets de-emphasizing building in general. Lines like Star Wars, Batman, and Indiana Jones have excellent vehicles and buildings in general, and some of the kits are even more complex than the kits in lines like City, Castle, and Space Police. The only time I ever hear the majority of people complain about the build in large kits from any theme are when it is technic heavy or repetitive, and there are tons of kits from both the licensed and non-licensed themes that don't have either of those problems.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Grevious

[Darth Legolas]

This is honestly rather strange to me. You complain about so called "custom" pieces, but since they are official lego pieces, I feel that that's an unfair title. And even if it isn't, where would you draw the line in deciding whether pieces are custom or not? I don't doubt that anyone who said that all pieces since the basic bricks are "custom" would be criticized and even laughed at, because that is simply ridiculous. Your opinion is not anywhere near that extreme, of course, but I feel that calling pieces like the longer arms and shorter legs lazy and cost cutting is rather odd - especially considering that it costs MORE to make new pieces and molds than to reuse old molds. If anything, this shows the exact opposite - that TLC is willing to invest a lot of money into making the new Toy Story line look great and be instantly recognizeable.

Oh, and I also disagree about licensed sets de-emphasizing building in general. Lines like Star Wars, Batman, and Indiana Jones have excellent vehicles and buildings in general, and some of the kits are even more complex than the kits in lines like City, Castle, and Space Police. The only time I ever hear the majority of people complain about the build in large kits from any theme are when it is technic heavy or repetitive, and there are tons of kits from both the licensed and non-licensed themes that don't have either of those problems.

Going back a few quotes, I have never ridiculed Bionicle in a single quote. The pieces are greatly compatible with Lego, but are still different, they still have the building factor in, but that's different with these minifigures.

Their heads aren't compatible, and would never fit in with any other Lego line. You can't make a great non-Disney MOC with any of these. Bringing back your example, Bionicle parts can fit in with other Lego. They are the same plastic, the same stud configuration, all with the addition of a ball-and-socket hinge, which makes it even better! But these things... they can't be used and reused. You can only make what Lego puts in front of you.

It's obvious this line is for children. You won't see most AFOL's locked up in their room playing with Disney characters, but these things are creepy.

The minifigs I find acceptable on the Toy Story line are the little aliens and partially the purple evil guy. The little aliens deserve to have freak heads, because they do. The purple guy also has a non-human head, but it would still be a lot better if he had more of a Lego-like quality.

That's the worst thing on the purple one's head right there. With that head, there thousands of MOCs to be made with. But, to start, they had an opportunity with those silvery head tails. They could have been the width of a normal, compatible Lego tube, but instead they made it seem like a different product by making them wider and flatter.

Finally, this was brought up in a different topic, the absolutely awful thing. According to a list, Lego was one of the things that may never be remembered by children as just bricks and the occasional window and door. You are supporting the evolution into non-building, all weird looking pieces. If you show a brick to an adult, they would recognize it instantly. If you showed any of these new heads to an adult, and I know, they would not recognize it as Lego. It doesn't look like Lego, feel like Lego, and it most certainly does not seem to connect to any Lego.

Obviously, there's nothing to do about it. Don't get me wrong, I love interesting pieces, like all of the Star Wars alien heads, but I despise these barely Lego and non ABS plastic things.

Edited July 24, 2009 by Darth Legolas

[Xenophilius Studz]

Personally, I didn't even know PoP exists until I heard the news of Disney and LEGO. I, like others, will pick up some for excellent minifigs and pieces for my Indy collection.

I'm more excited about Toy Story. It was my favorite movie as a kid (Untill Star Wars and Indy came, of course). I was a little shocked by the first look on the minifigs, but they've grown on me. The only problem I have is Jesse. She has this creepy look on her face, to me. My favorite figs are Sarge and his Toy soliders, Little Green Men, Buzz Lightyear(childhood hero!), RC, and Zurg. Though I hope they make Zurg's missle point yellow, like in Toy Story 2. RC also look very cool. If LEGO could make RC actually Radio-Controlled, that would be awesome.

[Sandy]

Finally, this was brought up in a different topic, the absolutely awful thing. According to a list, Lego was one of the things that may never be remembered by children as just bricks and the occasional window and door. You are supporting the evolution into non-building, all weird looking pieces. If you show a brick to an adult, they would recognize it instantly. If you showed any of these new heads to an adult, and I know, they would not recognize it as Lego. It doesn't look like Lego, feel like Lego, and it most certainly does not seem to connect to any Lego.

Obviously, there's nothing to do about it. Don't get me wrong, I love interesting pieces, like all of the Star Wars alien heads, but I despise these barely Lego and non ABS plastic things.

This one different theme hardly means the downfall of the entire LEGO franchise...

To me these new Toy Story figs are no different from the Fabuland or Duplo figs - in fact, they're even more customizable since they have removable parts. Neither Fabuland nor Duplo has affected LEGO System negatively at all, since they have a different demographic from it - just like this new Toy Story theme.

So I suggest you calm down your doomsday temperament and realize that this isn't the first theme that has deviated from the LEGO System norms.

[brickzone]

Going back a few quotes, I have never ridiculed Bionicle in a single quote. The pieces are greatly compatible with Lego, but are still different, they still have the building factor in, but that's different with these minifigures.

Their heads aren't compatible, and would never fit in with any other Lego line. You can't make a great non-Disney MOC with any of these. Bringing back your example, Bionicle parts can fit in with other Lego. They are the same plastic, the same stud configuration, all with the addition of a ball-and-socket hinge, which makes it even better! But these things... they can't be used and reused. You can only make what Lego puts in front of you.

I disagree strongly. The heads whatever about their detail/molding, *are* compatible - they fit on ordinary torsos. Kids (or even just Toy Story fans) can combine their Toy Story minifig parts with ordinary ones to give new outfits to Woody, etc. or even make them shorter. The only *fixed* thing is that it is Woody and co.'s heads.

Really I can understand people personally not liking these just on appearance etc. but I think a lot of the arguments being trotted out against these are quite in the wrong. Some of the criticism seems to be specifically *because* Lego has made the Toy Story characters in a minifig form rather than Hagrid-style single mould parts. Surely the likes of the long legs pieces etc. are exactly what "purists" should have been hoping for? As odd as they look, there is potential for Lego to use them for other long-legged creations of whatever type in the future, and it's a far far better solution than anything we've seen before like Jack Stone etc. In short, they are *LEGOISH*.

I think even those who outright dislike the Toy Story minifigures need to consider that their dislike may be just that - a dislike (however strong), and not a reaction to genuine "dumbing down" by Lego.

Edited July 24, 2009 by brickzone

[Finnigan]

I think that TLG has taken some distinctly well-known characters and made them uniquely Lego. I personally think it would be weird for Woody and Buzz to have yellow minifigure heads. If you think about it, these characters are not based on people as are most other licensed characters, but "toys." I think TLG group has done a fantastic job of taking an "animated toy" from a movie and making them into a lego product. They're instantly recognizable.

I don't that this in any way spells the end of minifigures as we know it or a downfall of the entire lego franchise. I think it just makes this particular lego line unique.

Finn

[-JD-]

I don't that this in any way spells the end of minifigures as we know it or a downfall of the entire lego franchise. I think it just makes this particular lego line unique.

I certainly hope so...

If they do things like this in other themes, I think they will stop selling too.

[The Rancor]

I'm merely keen to find out at some point which charcters are in the same sets together. (Prince of Persia)

I would love to see one of those new turban guys on the camel - just perfect Arabian theme!

Before I saw these pics, I thought Prince of Persia was a video game, not a film (must be quite old now!)

PoP sums up my dreams of middle Eastern minifigs

As for Toy Story...

(but don't get me wrong, I think kids will love it with all those characters!)

[dragonboy79]

I don't know if some of these pictures have been posted yet, but here they are:

The Disney Blog