Lego Violence

[Rocky]

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Edited September 21, 2009 by Rocky

[allanp]

Lately I have noticed lego creations with blood and violence in them. The reason I collect lego is because it was part of my childhood and seeing the figures in disturbing scenes bothers me a little.

Don't get me wrong here. I collect lego star wars and war is evident. It is more of a cartoon violence though.

What is your opinion on the subject Eurobricks?

Good topic but I have not answered the poll as I don't think it is as simple as "yes" or "no". Maybe there should be a third one that says in moderation or something like if it is absolutely necessary (like in star wars of boinicle for instance). I think cartoony violence is ok in very considered amounts. In the star wars games I think that where it got to the scene of lukes hand being cut off was very well handled. It told the story, but made a joke at the same time, exploiting the fact that minifig hands are designed to come off.

[Rocky]

Good topic but I have not answered the poll as I don't think it is as simple as "yes" or "no". Maybe there should be a third one that says in moderation or something like if it is absolutely necessary (like in star wars of boinicle for instance).

Thank you for the suggestion allanp I've added a third choice to the poll.

[Raphy]

I chose cartoon violence . . . . but I think a dramatic storyline where for example a villain shoots the hero's brother in the pouring rain and then the hero briefly weeps, then takes his brother's weapon and promises a revenge is OK, but the sight of a lot of blood creeps me out, especially red bricks.

However, I think a storyline like Star Wars or Fast & Furious is OK, minifigures can die in moderate quantities but at least they don't glorify the laser shot gracing the stormtrooper's helmet, if yanno what I mean

[mikey]

A very interesting topic, which I have mixed feelings about...

The reason I collect lego is because it was part of my childhood and seeing the figures in disturbing scenes bothers me a little.

I mainly agree with this, and am not a fan of violence for the sake of it. Although occasionally I will see a MOC, where it has been done creatively and with an aim of shocking the viewer. I have no problem with this, which I see as a type of confrontational Art. I can think of several pieces like this which are intentionally disturbing, but once a statement like this has been made once, it does not need to constantly repeated by, who I presume are, Teenage Boys. In the same way a Medieval Brothel MOC, which occur relatively frequently, was mildly amusing the first couple of times I saw one of this subject, now I just yawn and scroll down the page. Generally I do not agree with Mini Figs in disturbing scene's, although there are a handfull of disturbing scene's which I would consider as a valid form of confrontational Art.

Personally when I dabble with Castle/ Pirates/ Indy, I may use some Cartoon Like Violence, but this would be in the context of the MOC, and enjoy looking at creations built like this. The recent MOC by slyowl is an example fresh in my mind, yes they are having a gunfight, but it is not real violence in my eyes.

...

In the star wars games I think that where it got to the scene of lukes hand being cut off was very well handled. It told the story, but made a joke at the same time, exploiting the fact that minifig hands are designed to come off.

I totally agree, the violent nature of the subject has been handled brilliantly by the designers, to create a very tongue in cheek game.

[Rijkvv]

It depends. I would like to see military sets, maybe United Nations if TLG want as less violence as possible. If I was a parent I would prefer that kind of toys for my children instead of unreal themes like Agents, Exo Force, Bionicle. Sometimes I don't get the non-violence strategy of TLG, if I look to those themes.

[Peppermint_M]

When I first read this, I thought it was going to be a debate on Official Lego Sets, but if it's about MOCs...

I personaly do not design blood into my MOCs, photoshop it into pictures of my MOCs or even hint it is a factor. Cartoon violence is fine, even in my Agents layout (so there are a lot of guns..) and in my historic vig's.

However, if others (TFOLs...) want to put it in for some reason, fine by me, I just don't really see a point to it. If in an artistic or historical context blood is suggested, that is fine and even accurate. If it is stupid amounts of blood spatter presented in a comedic way I'm not interested (but I do have a fond nostalgia for Block Death..). Stupid amounts of violence and blood for some unknown reason are also something that honestly causes me to write of the MOCer as some bloodthirsty little socialy neglected nerd-teen with an unhealthy obsession with their xbox games. But there we are.

Sorry if this offends anyone. I did not set out to do so. I have never been tempted to add blood to my MOCs, I won't ever (likely) add blood to a MOC but some may be construed as violent. If cartoon violence is used, fantastic I love it. Super-red megabloodfest is unwelcome.

Just my opinion, mark you.

Edited for spelling

Edited September 12, 2009 by Peppermint_M

[Dunjohn]

It depends. I would like to see military sets, maybe United Nations if TLG want as less violence as possible. If I was a parent I would prefer that kind of toys for my children instead of unreal themes like Agents, Exo Force, Bionicle. Sometimes I don't get the non-violence strategy of TLG, if I look to those themes.

Blood would be right out, for me. So would Tarantino-style glorified personal violence, and Halo-style killing. Exo-Force and Agents-style exaggerated action is fine in my book. Mech combat is fine. I suppose any violence where everybody gets to walk away is grand for Lego. It's a very difficult line to define, and there will probably be tiny difference for everyone.

[Captain Green Hair]

I've stated yes, i have very little to none taboo's on most subjects, including Lego violence.

If Lego figs actually bleed, it makes them more alive i think.

[Reaper052]

Personally I think that it is up to whoever makes the moc. I do not usually build scenes that could call for gore as all I really build is town and starfighters. I see no reason why people can't inflict violence on there own figures and as long as it doesn't start showing up in real sets then I think its fine.

Reaper052 :skull:

[JCC1004]

I peronally don't like blood in MOCs and I'd never do it but that's up to the MOCer. Cartoon violence is fine. Blood is not needed in my opininon. It changes how much I like a MOC too. I voted for cartoon violence.

[Milan]

No blood, I like peaceful MOCs.

[Sandy]

This is frankly put a matter of taste, same as whether you like violence and gore in movies or not.

I do think that LEGO violence is more harmless than live-action violence. Most of the violent MOCs are actually comedic, even if the effect is unintentional. I can't just take it seriously if I see a brutally mutilated minifig, let alone be upset about it.

But people have different tolerance levels, and that's why it's nice if MOCs have some sort of warning for violent content. Censoring MOCs is ridiculous, though, and I'm glad it isn't done in this forum.

A great example of a creation with plenty of violence that is still largely tasteful is Hinckley's "Fabuland Housewives". It's gory for sure, but that just adds to the black comedy feeling of the series. Check it out if you haven't yet.

[blueandwhite]

I have no problem with violent MOCs. While I personally don't choose to display numerous graphic acts of violence when building, I still feel that the decision to do so should be left with the builder. I hope that LEGO themselves stays pretty grounded on this topic (no Halo licence thank you very much), but LEGO fans have every right to build and display their MOCs as they see fit.

I also agree with what Sandy suggested; LEGO violence typically end up being comedic owing to the nature of LEGO itself. It's exceedingly rare to see a MOC that is truly disturbing. The choice still rests with the builder.

[ziljin]

I personally don't mind. I don't like super gorey violence, but regular violence is fine by me. All fictional of course. Real life violence I frown upon. But as long as its "fake", it doesn't really matter to me if its cartoon or realistic violence.

[Luke McAwesome]

Take a look at this picture and you'll see my opinion.

I don't really mind, to be honest.

I think it makes LEGO a whole lot funner funnier.

Edited September 12, 2009 by Striker

[lifeinplastic]

It's sad children need to have toys/TV with the level of violence we see today. I am sure this has an effect on them and contributes to the reason why there is so much antisocial behaviour amongst youngsters today. I'm not saying all youngsters are like it but there certainly seems a lot less respect for things these days.

[Spyder]

I voted cartoon violence. Now I don't mind blood in war mocs, or any where else that it makes sense to have it. However, if blood is just splattered all over the place, with unneeded gore in every creation of a person, then I think that he/she has issues, and that it is most definitely not needed.

[Rick]

I like peaceful scenes/sets/MOCs. For example, many pirates can be used as civilians and who says that Jolly Roger is supposed to look scary?

Cartoon violence only for me (the 80s/90s castle and pirates line always looked rather cartoony to me, perhaps because of the ever-smiling classic smiley face that all minifigs had).

[ziljin]

It's sad children need to have toys/TV with the level of violence we see today. I am sure this has an effect on them and contributes to the reason why there is so much antisocial behaviour amongst youngsters today. I'm not saying all youngsters are like it but there certainly seems a lot less respect for things these days.

I would say it has more to do with all the text messages, facebook, youtube, etc that is ruining children. They are too busy glued to their electronic devices, and ignore real life communications/contact. Making them less prepared for proper social contact. Thus all the disrespect/etc.

[Rocky]

This has sure become a hot topic. 40 votes in one day.

There is a fine line between cartoon violence and violence. The lego video games are good examples of cartoon violence. It doesn't show anything unnecessary. Some mocs are given blood to give a dramatic effect. It doesn't bother me it just isn't my favorite. It's when there is random war and explicit gore. Remember this when voting.

[ProducePrincess]

I would say it has more to do with all the text messages, facebook, youtube, etc that is ruining children. They are too busy glued to their electronic devices, and ignore real life communications/contact. Making them less prepared for proper social contact. Thus all the disrespect/etc.

eurobricks is to blame for me lacking in social skills and problems with speech:classic:

I voted yes , but i still find lots of blood and gore in mocs to be a little un-creative and they generally make me think less of the moc. Lots of blood is fine in zombie mocs or certain dioramas but thats about all.

As I've gotten older my mocs seem to have gotten less violent and even most of my post apoc and military mocs don't have very much violence to them either. Now i'm just focusing on happy little post-apoc towns and Rabbitech that have almost no visible violence in them.

[cole]

I actualy like Lego violence, it's somthing you don't see often and there are some pretty cool and intresting ways of making blood and gore. I don't think Lego should put excess violence in there sets or anything, but I think if someone wants to make MOCs of it than it's totaly alright with me.

[nintha]

Blood would be right out, for me. So would Tarantino-style glorified personal violence, and Halo-style killing. Exo-Force and Agents-style exaggerated action is fine in my book. Mech combat is fine. I suppose any violence where everybody gets to walk away is grand for Lego. It's a very difficult line to define, and there will probably be tiny difference for everyone.

Finally someone else on eb doesn't like Tarantino like movies. (See Inglorious Bastards) Any way I don't like violence or servere amounts of blood in mocs either, I will settle with cartoon violence. I used blood in only one moc for the book Call of the Wild and it was for a fight scene and I tried to put vary little blood by standards of the book.

[iamded]

All the posts I've read seem to be favouring the cartoon violence, or non-violent styles. Then again, I did just skim over them. (The votes seem to beg to differ as well.)

Personally I'm not phased by particularly violent MOCs. I think the over-the-top violence is quite ridiculous, in a good way. Note I'm a fan of post-Apocalypse and zombie MOCs, so tolerance of violence (not real life violence of course) kind of goes without saying.

~Peace

Edited September 13, 2009 by iamded