LEGO Collectable Minifigures General Discussion

[GRogall]

Well weil you people sort series 1 out, Brickjournal is reviewing series 2!

Edited June 30, 2010 by grogall

[posades]

Retailers place orders for any given item. The fact that Walmart (one of the most powerful distributors in the world) carried next to none of these figures in the US suggests that Walmart may not have had a strong interest in this product. It's also a good bet that LEGO never anticipated the AFOL contingency purchasing these in such large quantities. With a limited item that can make all the difference in the world. Between AFOLs and scalpers, these have sold out incredibly fast. How many stories have we heard about an AFOL calling ahead only to find that the box (or boxes) were purchased before they could get to a given TRU? Like it or not, this is the nature of a collectable item. How is this any different than any other collectable or limited edition toy?

LEGO isn't a company that has traditionally been in the collectable business so it is understandable that this happened. Still, if LEGO wants to stay the course I don't see things being very different in the future. American consumers seem to be extremely competitive so I would expect that these will continue to be snapped up at a rabbit's pace unless LEGO rethinks the approach completely. I'm still of the opinion that it will actually be worse in series 2 and 3. Just think; if series 3 isn't labeled with the barcodes many of the AFOLs who were originally barcode hunting will simply grab the box to ensure they get what they want.

I don't think that LEGO intended these figures to last very long given that the release of the next wave is in August. Yes, the majority of them seem to have been sold out over a span of 3 weeks instead of 2 months, but the fact that they are introducing series 2 so hot on the heels of the first wave suggets that LEGO was somewhat aware that these would not be easy to acquire.

Fair enough point with Walmart and others possibly not having interest in these (which is looking like a bad decision now ).

I've only collected one other "collectible item" besides LEGO, and that is trading cards. The difference here is that even though a particular card set might be limited edition, they still have plenty of supply while the run is still active. I guess my concept of limited edition is more in line with time instead of quantity, which is what LEGO should have done in my opinion. And I'm not buying that LEGO was aware that these would be scarce and difficult to find so soon; why even market trading amongst friends when there is no supply to trade?

If what others have said are true, you would think TLG would have tried to produce as many of these guys as possible to reach the largest audience possible and "bridge" their way to buying larger sets.

[Big Cam]

Well weil you people sort series 1 out, Brickjournal is reviewing series 2!

Oh snap, looks like the time for series 1 is truly over.

[Dunjohn]

Thanks, grogall!

Spartan, with spear, shield and helmet. Because of all the accessories, this one is among the most expensive and will probably be the rarest of the second wave.

Woo hoo!

Also, that thing about the lifeguard's innitials, that probably explains who Dawes is.

Edited June 30, 2010 by Dunjohn

[Catanas]

Well weil you people sort series 1 out, Brickjournal is reviewing series 2!

Is it just me, or does the mime not have the arm printing in those pics. The rest look pretty nice though, I really like the skiers features!

[Blondie-Wan]

If I may be forgiven for quoting myself...

FWIW, the stores I asked at were the Hobbytown USA and the Learning Express here in Tallahassee. If there are any of those in your area, you might start by trying them. I don't know that all of them even carry LEGO stuff at all, but mine do (yay!). Beyond those, there are various other toy stores less well-known than TRU that nevertheless carry LEGO; other than perhaps a little wasted time, it can't hurt to call around and see if any of them have any.

Update: I was just out and about, running minor errands around town, and stopped at both of these stores I mentioned earlier, and I can confirm both of them do in fact have the minifigures now - I still haven't seen them at a Target, Walmart or Kmart (or even the Borders here, for that matter, even though it apparently carries them elsewhere), but both Learning Express and Hobbytown USA have them here in Tallahassee, Florida. Both stores have them above MSRP - LE has them for $2.99 and Hobbytown has them at $2.49, but they're there. Hobbytown also tells me they've had the minifigs about a week, and the display box is still about 2/3 full, so they don't seem to be selling them nearly as quickly as TRU does at the same price; I'm guessing it's because there simply aren't nearly as many people going to Hobbytown to buy LEGO as there are going to TRU. Probably lots of local LEGO fans go to TRU (and Target, Walmart, etc.) for LEGO regularly but have no idea about these other stores.

Edited June 30, 2010 by Blondie-Wan

[Grimmy]

EDIT Thank you Blondie-Wan I will check those stores. Much appreciated :)

Since I bought my new motorcycle I've been doing a lot of riding and I still have not seen any minifigs blind packs at Walmarts or Targets. I'm going to TRU today to check. I am checked both the isles in the toys section and the reguster isles while I read they'd be many months back.

I wanted to comment on the subject of kids actually being upset by this or not.

To be honest, I don't think most kids had a chance. And that would be the only reason not many kids are as upset. If you know kids and how they treat this stuff, they would be upset IF THEY KNEW ABOUT IT. My niece isn't upset about it only because she never even got a chance to see them. I know many adult Lego fans who play Legos with their kids are upset because these minifigs are unique and they know their kids would love them. I even replied in a few sites to parents reviewing the product as a 1 star due to the whole fiasco and I gotta admit I did check "this review was helpful" and on Amazon.com I and another guy made comments under a review all about this. On the official site reviews people have mentioned it.

I will be very surprised if Lego does not make these again and doesn't try to rectify the situation. I still have faith in Lego. One of the big reasons I buy Lego, and am constantly recommended their product to parents shopping for kids, is because the company sticking to their roots and the family sense. They have previously in the past turned down deals they could have made money on. But I know since they almost went out of business they have had to loosen those ethics. But this collectors edition 1 month things is going to far. Lego magazine came in the mail today and they already have more lines and sets coming out. I think Lego is starting to cater to the adults. Why else would they make 1 month collectors edition minifigs that are unique and cool? Surely not for little kids.

Edited June 30, 2010 by Grimmy

[Blondie-Wan]

EDIT Thank you Blondie-Wan I will check those stores. Much appreciated :)

My pleasure; I hope it helps. Do keep in mind though that both stores, while franchisees in national chains, are locally owned and the owners / operators probably exercise a lot more personal discretion in determining what stuff they'll carry, so the minifigs (or even LEGO stuff in general) might not be at all Hobbytowns or Learning Expresses (though they might be). I think the important thing is that the figures can be found at places other than the well-known major big-box superchains like TRU, Target, Walmart, etc., so it may pay to look around (and even if you don't find the minifigs, you at least might find that some small Mom-&-Pop-type store that you might not have known about carries LEGO).

I will be very surprised if Lego does not make these again and doesn't try to rectify the situation. I still have faith in Lego. One of the big reasons I buy Lego, and am constantly recommended their product to parents shopping for kids, is because the company sticking to their roots and the family sense. They have previously in the past turned down deals they could have made money on. But I know since they almost went out of business they have had to loosen those ethics. But this collectors edition 1 month things is going to far. Lego magazine came in the mail today and they already have more lines and sets coming out. I think Lego is starting to cater to the adults. Why else would they make 1 month collectors edition minifigs that are unique and cool? Surely not for little kids.

In fairness, I think the existence of sets like the Statue of Liberty, the Taj Mahal, UCS Millennium Falcon, the modular buildings, etc. clearly indicates LEGO is fully aware of its AFOL customers and does release at least some sets specifically aimed at them.

That said, I suspect they really were doing these collectible minifigs with the idea kids would be interested in them, and were caught off-guard by just how much adult interest in them there is. I'd bet the overwhelming majority of the figs sold have been sold to adult fans (and speculators), and I'd further bet LEGO didn't foresee that being the case at all. I imagine they certainly know now, and that they'll adjust things accordingly with Series 3 and beyond, though I'm also sure it's too late for Series 2 to be any different from Series 1 (if anything it should be worse, given the presumably colossal demand for the Greco-Roman ancient warrior).

[Dunjohn]

Yeah, even though Series 1 is in plentiful supply locally, I'm holding off getting any more, saving my funds for Series 2. It's not only the presence of the Spartan that'll make S2 hot, it's also the fact that people have seen how S1 has performed, many were taken completely by surprise and missed out by assuming they could "come back tomorrow," so there'll be an even stronger immediate rush this time.

[blueandwhite]

Yeah, even though Series 1 is in plentiful supply locally, I'm holding off getting any more, saving my funds for Series 2. It's not only the presence of the Spartan that'll make S2 hot, it's also the fact that people have seen how S1 has performed, many were taken completely by surprise and missed out by assuming they could "come back tomorrow," so there'll be an even stronger immediate rush this time.

I agree. The rush for series 2 figures will be even more hectic considering how quickly series 1 disappeared. Moreover, if what was said over at Brickjournal about the Spartan is true he'll be insanely hard to find and quite expensive on Bricklink as well. If parents had a hard time finding their kids figures from series 1, I'll be surprised if they even get a glimpse of series 2 as the collectors are out in full force. Thank goodness I like series 1 a lot more than series 2. If I miss out on the next series I won't loose too much sleep over it.

[UKver2.0]

I'll be honest Don't care if you believe me or not I saw them at Walmart for $1.97 and $1.98 at Target when I went back other day they were gone, got no reason to lie nor do I care too. if you don't believe me thats your choice, get over it, as it goes i'm not even holding onto the ones I have since while their ok, their just that, nothing fancy or totally useful in my mind so don't need them.

Put me down as someone who thinks you are full of it. You say you have no reason to lie, but you clearly do. Your pride was hurt. Someone called you out as having bogus claims and theories saying:

Asterios also claimed these would be released by Target and Walmart in the states. They haven't. He also claimed these weren't actually sold out online and there would be further shipments. Guess what? S@H no longer has them listed (http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/). Whoops - looks like the page exists, but the theme is no longer featured.

You responded 38 minutes later with news that you saw them. I don't buy it. You troll this forum constantly. The comment you posted prior to your revelation that you saw them at Walmart/Target was just four hours prior. I'm shocked you wouldn't have mentioned it then. Or was your infamous Walmart/Target trip in between those two times?

Normally I wouldn't care, but people will be making unnecessary trips to all kinds of stores based on what they read here. Lie and tell me you're a professor of Greek and Roman battle gear, I don't care. But please don't lie about something that will cause me (or others) to drive around to every Walmart and Target in the country.

And please never change your avatar. It makes it much easier to know which posts to skip.

[Mr. Elijah Timms]

Normally I wouldn't care, but people will be making unnecessary trips to all kinds of stores based on what they read here. Lie and tell me you're a professor of Greek and Roman battle gear, I don't care. But please don't lie about something that will cause me (or others) to drive around to every Walmart and Target in the country.

Valid criticism, in my book. If it means anything, I've never seen them in my Target or WalMart, despite the fact that the WalMart has been receiving lots of new stock like World Racers, etc. In my opinion, if either of these retail giants were to get any, they would've hit shelves long, long ago.

[MrTools]

Thanks for the link Grogal, I am a bit dissapointed that the mime does not have print on his arms anymore, or that the sombrero doesn't have any print. Other that that i dont see any bad minifigs in this sereis.

[Skalldyr]

Well weil you people sort series 1 out, Brickjournal is reviewing series 2!

who cares about series 1, series 2 comming out soon.

Series 1 is dead, long live series 2.

[GRogall]

Well,I just happened to be at my local Woolworth today and they usually have a sad selection of Lego.but as far as Minifigures are concerned.... Judge for your self!

Edited July 1, 2010 by grogall

[MrTools]

The picture you posted is not showing up, but I can only assume that you found plenty of them. Curse your luck grogall!

[blueandwhite]

Thanks for the link Grogal, I am a bit dissapointed that the mime does not have print on his arms anymore, or that the sombrero doesn't have any print. Other that that i dont see any bad minifigs in this sereis.

I actually think the mime looks better without the printing on his arms. While I like the idea of putting printing on limbs, I don't really think that the arm printing shown in the original renders looked that good. The first photos of the Mexican were without printing on the hat as well, so I can't say I'm surprised that he doesn't have printing either. The one figure I'm a bit disappointed with is the surfer. His stubble print is way too course looking. I was expecting something a lot more subtle like the original renders suggested. Still, series 2 looks pretty solid. I definitely have a few must-haves here.

[GRogall]

The picture you posted is not showing up, but I can only assume that you found plenty of them. Curse your luck grogall!

Fixed! I hope.....

Oh, and I didn't buy any, already have 3 sealed boxes and one open and one sealed set....

Edited July 1, 2010 by grogall

[MrTools]

Fixed! I hope.....

Dang it! I need to find stores like that, i had to drive an hour, and wait in line for an hour just to get my hands on ten of them! I am going to have to look harder I guess, i realy want some clowns.

Edited July 1, 2010 by MrTools

[blueandwhite]

I guess LEGO shipped the lion's share of these figures in Europe. I imagine that it will be the same scenario for series 2 . Looks like we North Americans are going to be at each other tooth and nail for the next round as well.

[MrTools]

I guess LEGO shipped the lion's share of these figures in Europe. I imagine that it will be the same scenario for series 2 . Looks like we North Americans are going to be at each other tooth and nail for the next round as well.

Oh boy, Well at least i will have an excuse to go out to the Lego Store again and mingle with other TFOLs and AFOLs for an hour or so which is always nice.

[Marckeyh]

Well I cant wait for the 2nd series to come out. Anyone know when they're expected in TRU in the UK?

[Raphy]

Grogall wins. Hard.

Sadly, I'm not in Australia so, oh snap. :P

Series 1 is not over yet. My local ToysRUs ("local" being forty-seven miles ;P) said they'd probably get a new batch Friday. The ToysRUs is in Salem, Oregon if anyone's interested and in the area :)

Edited July 2, 2010 by Raphy

[Big Cam]

Well,I just happened to be at my local Woolworth today and they usually have a sad selection of Lego.but as far as Minifigures are concerned.... Judge for your self!

Wow, that is just not fair.

[Mac-K]

I thought I'd throw out some words of encouragement to any fellow Americans or North Americans still hunting for these figures. My TRU here got in a shipment about a week ago, consisting of 2 full boxes, and what roughly looked like 2 more boxes worth of the packets hung on racks in the Lego section. I just got back from there about an hour ago, and they were largely untouched. Now, we are talking about Portland, Maine, which is pretty small compared to other regions of the country. But, for those who have missed out thus far, or are still looking to complete a collection, I would definitely say to not give up hope just yet. Good luck!