LOTR & The Hobbit 2013 Set Discussion

[ep3_lol]

I find that paying sales tax is worth it when I consider that I don't have to wait, I can inspect the product myself before purchase- I keep all the boxes-, and the fact that the actual Lego store is just plain fun to visit. I think it set me back another $15 in NC for the Orthanc kit. Considering the condition of the boxes at the store, it was probably worth it just to get a box that's in presentable shape, as they all had worn corners. Who knows what an extra step of shipping packed by someone in an Amazon warehouse could do to the box...

[ZCerberus]

So we can't talk about sets that probably will come out, NOOOO...but we can blabber on about taxes.

As has been pointed out many times, you can talk future sets all you want in the future set threads. Though I think you're off base if you think every set mentioned "probably will come out".

The future set threads were created because MEMBERS complained that there was too much future set talk in the news/official set thread. I separated them after receiving multiple complaints and direction from the MODs to do that. Then people started talking about Hobbit future sets in the news/official set thread again, this time complaining there was too much "Minas Tirith" talk in the combined LotR and Hobbit future set thread. So I made a future Hobbit set thread as well.

Now that they are separated you are crabbing that there are three threads and that if a topic SHOULD be in one of the other threads we are trying to see that it is enforced.

If you really have a gripe about a brief tangent into discussions on taxes on an official set (versus pages of discussions in the official thread set about future sets that may never exist, or discussion about what movies will contain what scenes wich relates again to future sets) then report it to the moderators and see what they think. If use taxes became a three page discussion, then a moderator or regulator would step in and get us back on track, but it is not YOUR job to do that. Again, if you have an issue, use the report button.

wow we cant talk bout certain things but we can talk about taxes....

Again, if the topic clearly belongs in ANOTHER thread, especially one made due to complaints by memebrs, then put it in the right thread.

[Mr Breden]

If I remember right (Which is not certain) We got Pictures of the sets around the beginning of October

[just2good]

If I remember right (Which is not certain) We got Pictures of the sets around the beginning of October

Yep, from the poster and NYCC. But, we're probably NOT going to get a poster this year (it was a promotion with the board game) and LEGO wont be at NYCC this year, so who knows when we'll get picturess (I'm guessing we'll get it with 2014 pictures).

[Mr Breden]

Yep, from the poster and NYCC. But, we're probably NOT going to get a poster this year (it was a promotion with the board game) and LEGO wont be at NYCC this year, so who knows when we'll get picturess (I'm guessing we'll get it with 2014 pictures).

Yes, thats true. God knows when we're getting those darn pictures now Hopefully there will be some leaked figures soon at very least.

[Kerntechniker]

Fellows,

there is a german online shop saying that he will have pictures november 1st, so this is IMO the official release date for pictures.

[deskp]

Fellows,

there is a german online shop saying that he will have pictures november 1st, so this is IMO the official release date for pictures.

Well, alot of videogames says they'll release december 31. But thats jsut because they know it will be sometime that year, and they dont wanna promise anything earlier than they expect it. That might be the case with the images aswell. We could get images during october, but by november 1st they'll all be ready.

The publicity lego got from news sites during sdcc was basically jsut people psoting the images given of new sets(lake town) lego can get that same publicity by releaseing pictures withouth being at NYCC, but news sites proapbly won't post about it unless they get the images before they are everywhere(like stores)

So I think theres a good chanse we'll see atleast 1 of the other new sets before november.

Weather or not a german online store is to be trusted about when they egt images I dont know. But sets will start leaking/showing up for costumers during november anyway!

[Kerntechniker]

I agree, second half of November we will get pictures just due to the fact that the resellers will receive their sets End of November, but I am pretty sure pictures will be seen much earlier.

[just2good]

Rumor from the Brickset Forum by 'Renegade007cjh':

The "little bird" that I spoke to confirmed that there will *not* be any more LotR sets, but there *will* be some new Hobbits ones, to tie into the forthcoming film.

[Kerntechniker]

Rumor from the Brickset Forum by 'Renegade007cjh':

Well this fits to the story my LEGO Seller has told me. He says that in general the LotR sets are selling very slowly in his store, but also in other stores. He is guessing that there is a gap of response at the childrens level (6-14 years). May be the song of your bird is correct and TLC only finishes the promotion of the movie and the contract.

[SMC]

There will be a 3rd wave for sure and I think a 4th

[pathas]

There will be a 3rd wave for sure and I think a 4th

I like optimist

[SMC]

ok so this is brothering me why would there not be a 3rd wave, reason to think there will be:

- They paid for the license so why would they not use it

- There is interest because of the hobbit films

- There will be a summer gap of no new sets

- Wave 2 did not have the most iconic sets we are missing (balrog, mount doom)

- No Gondor at all, if it was the last wave would they not have given us one Gondor set that if it was the last wave people would pick up every one they could find for arm builders

- Lego is making more sets for AFOL because of our spending power

- Orthanc shows lego has faith in LOTR

- In orthanc why not call the ent treebeard as it would help sell the set unless we were getting a treebeard.

I still think we will get another smaller wave next year with some sets we are missing like treebeard and balrog and then a bigger 4th wave based on Gondor once the hobbit is over but still around and coming out on DVD. And maybe even another orthanc size set if it has sold well, although this could see a big hobbit set too.

[Darth Malgus]

Can't sat that TLG has covered themselves in glory with the sets they chose to make, the first series was fine, the second wave of LOTR as well designed as they were hardly made sense in a marketable pitch, kids would've probably embraced the coflict at Minas Tirith more than a pirate ambush and the council of Elrond made little sense except to get Arwen and Elrond in mainstream release.

Doing something from Gondor, nazgul and the battle at Pelanor fields and perhaps Lothlorien may have been easier to sell rather than 2 more FOTR sets that aren't all that significant from a child's perspective.

[Kerntechniker]

Can't sat that TLG has covered themselves in glory with the sets they chose to make, the first series was fine, the second wave of LOTR as well designed as they were hardly made sense in a marketable pitch, kids would've probably embraced the coflict at Minas Tirith more than a pirate ambush and the council of Elrond made little sense except to get Arwen and Elrond in mainstream release.

Doing something from Gondor, nazgul and the battle at Pelanor fields and perhaps Lothlorien may have been easier to sell rather than 2 more FOTR sets that aren't all that significant from a child's perspective.

I totally agree with you the second LotR wave is only interesting for "hardcore fans", there has been nothing close to a battle pack. I really like the ship, but this not mass consumption and the ship scene is very short in the movie.

I general the problem is that there is no public promotion for the children like Friends, Chima & Co. There should be a cartoon series, too. May be covering the episode from the End of the Hobbit to the beginning ot the LotR. This should promote the sales, I guess.

[SMC]

and how cool would a Oliphant set be, you would not need to know anything about it, kids would see it and wanted it without ever seeing the movies, the same could be said for a fell beast or balrog. Any battle seen could work, lots of cool looking figs fighting with cool weapons. Council of Elrond had no conflict really and the mouth of sauron and pirate ship are both things we never expected to see. The only thing I can think is that an Oliphant, fell beast and balrog might all need new molds. LOTR has some great battles and for that matter castles but we have only see the battle at helm's deep so far, surly they would see well.

[Blakstone]

I don't want to believe it that there will not be a third wave and anonymous sources from unknown people are usually easy to ignore. So does 'Renegade007cjh' have any track record on leaks?

We have seen repeatedly that some will invent inside sources to gain attention or try to convince others of their point of view. But perhaps 'Renegade007cjh' has an consistent source of reliable information. I suspect we will know for sure once this winter's Hobbit wave is released. Last year it had a promo for this summer's LotR wave. If it instead promotes next winter's Hobbit wave, I would be convinced.

[Gryphon Ink]

I general the problem is that there is no public promotion for the children like Friends, Chima & Co. There should be a cartoon series, too. May be covering the episode from the End of the Hobbit to the beginning ot the LotR. This should promote the sales, I guess.

I can't tell if the shaking is an earthquake, me having a heart attack, or JRR Tolkien rolling in his grave.

[Brickadiergerard]

Not having a third wave would make TLG's take on LOTR the plastic toy equivalent of Bakshi's film. I couldn't bear that! What a missed opportunity it would be - the Orc Forge and Pirate ship instead of the Balrog and the Witch King.... Surely, surely wave 2 was (at least) the middle act of a 3 wave series.

[zylek]

Yes, 'Renegade007cjh' could be a huge Castle fan that has been ticked that LOTR/Hobbit "stole" slots from Castle these past two years and is projecting their hopes in their made up rumor.

​The absence of anything Gondor, Pelennor Fields, Prologue/Sauron, and Fell Beast related suggests at least another wave is planned.

Edited September 27, 2013 by zylek

[Deathleech]

I don't want to believe it that there will not be a third wave and anonymous sources from unknown people are usually easy to ignore. So does 'Renegade007cjh' have any track record on leaks?

We have seen repeatedly that some will invent inside sources to gain attention or try to convince others of their point of view. But perhaps 'Renegade007cjh' has an consistent source of reliable information. I suspect we will know for sure once this winter's Hobbit wave is released. Last year it had a promo for this summer's LotR wave. If it instead promotes next winter's Hobbit wave, I would be convinced.

I read the thread and it looks like his "little bird" is just a friend who is a sales manager, or worse a cashier/assistant employee at a Lego store. So nothing concrete and nothing we haven't heard a millions times before. He also goes on to say there will be no Castle next year, nor a wastern or pirate theme so apparently Lego is going to do away with all themes except Friends, Ninjago, City, and Star Wars and they will just be running their company on that

I can't tell if the shaking is an earthquake, me having a heart attack, or JRR Tolkien rolling in his grave.

Lol, as sad as it is, that's what sells sets these days. They could have the best license on earth but if there is no cartoon or video game to coincide with the release, it's pretty much dead in the water.

Not having a third wave would make TLG's take on LOTR the plastic toy equivalent of Bakshi's film. I couldn't bear that! What a missed opportunity it would be - the Orc Forge and Pirate ship instead of the Balrog and the Witch King.... Surely, surely wave 2 was (at least) the middle act of a 3 wave series.

I agree. I don't think anyone was really clamoring for a Black Gate or Pirate Ship Ambush set. I know a lot of AFOLs wanted a Rivendell for the scene and characters, but to kids it's probably not enticing. There is no conflict or real action.. what are they going to do after they flip Gimli away from the ring? Have everyone sit around in their swirly chairs for a half hour discussing how to destroy the ring? If the line is indeed dead, Lego pretty much shot themselves in the foot with this one. A Balrog, Oliphant, or Fel Beast would have sold by the boatload to kids without them even having a clue what the theme is. And for AFOLs, ANY real battle pack type sets would of flown off shelves, as would some nice Gondor related sets and main characters like Eowyn, Faramir, and the Witch King. I find it hard to believe Lego is ending the line before even covering one of the main factions or before offering some of the sets that seem like no brainers.

Edited September 27, 2013 by Deathleech

[Fives]

As much as I want more LOTR sets (and I'll be really annoyed if we don't get more), the small second waves of both LOTR and The Hobbit lean towards the notion that the sets are less popular than TLG anticipated. It seems that with the DOS sets, they aren't willing to take the risk of s bigger wave, and don't seem to be going anywhere near making Smaug (at least for now). It seems that TLG's main focus now is to get the essential characters and plot points from the books into set form (minus the Corsair Ship), but they're falling short of that goal if they ignore %90 of the events from ROTK.

I could see LEGO making one last set for LOTR, going balls to the wall on an amazing Minas Tirith set for the fans, something with 20 figs that costs the same as the Death Star. Sure, it wouldn't give us everything we're missing, but it would fit characters like Faramir, Denethor, Merry and Pippin in armour, Eowyn, the Witch-King, a Fell Beast, Gothmog, another Gandalf the White, and lots of Gondor, Rohan and Mordor fodder for the army builders out there. It could be one last big set that combines the scenes form the Siege of Minas Tirith and the Battle of Pelennor Fields. I'd be content, and gladly spend $400-$500 for a beautifully designed White City that feels like a complete structure in and of itself, as well as retaining some of the major play features required in a fun playlet (opening gates, siege towers, perhaps a scaled down Grond, trebuchets).

Sorry, that kinda turned into a bit of a wish list thing, but it is a way that LEGO could minimize the risk of making a full wave while still giving the fans and collectors one last thing to get. Plus, if they did that, its likely that only AFOLs would have the funds to pay for such a set, but they are the ones who'd mostly buy it, and for LEGO to have tons of AFOLs hurling $400-$500 at one set would, in the long run, make more money than a bunch of cheaper sets that the fans can pick and choose from. Many people haven't been buying the second wave because of its lacklustre quality, and I think that has been detrimental to LEGO when it comes to profits on this theme.

I'm fine with no Balrog, Treebeard or Lorien sets, but give us Gondor! Please, LEGO, give us Gondor!

Edited September 27, 2013 by Fives

[SMC]

Well we kind of have treebeard but if we are not going to get a set they should have called the ent treebeard in Orthanc and it should have had Merry and Pippin in the set as it was badly needing for figs.

As for the Balrog how can we not get that, one of the most important screens in the film and something that people remember, it would make a great set and would not have to cost too much.

I think we at least need a little mount doom set as it is the goal of the whole film and we could do with another way to get sam

and then there is Gondor!

I do wonder how Lego have come up with the sets they have, wave two does seem odd, although I did really want a black gate.

If the line is indeed dead, Lego pretty much shot themselves in the foot with this one. A Balrog, Oliphant, or Fel Beast would have sold by the boatload to kids without them even having a clue what the theme is. And for AFOLs, ANY real battle pack type sets would of flown off shelves, as would some nice Gondor related sets

If we know this then Lego must know this, the outside hope is that they are saving some of the best sets for when they don't have the hobbit films out, so they are planning a long long run of sets.

As much as I want more LOTR sets (and I'll be really annoyed if we don't get more), the small second waves of both LOTR and The Hobbit lean towards the notion that the sets are less popular than TLG anticipated.

I not so sure, the sets get made well before Lego know if they are selling well or not. LOTR wave two might be small because of Orthanc and the hobbit might be small because we already have 2 sets from that film so in a way it was the first film that got less sets.

[Deathleech]

As much as I want more LOTR sets (and I'll be really annoyed if we don't get more), the small second waves of both LOTR and The Hobbit lean towards the notion that the sets are less popular than TLG anticipated.

The only problem with that theory is, if you include Orthanc as part of wave 2 for LotR, it was actually bigger price and piece wise than the first wave. It had fewer sets sure, but it's not like anything else about it was smaller. And as for the Hobbit sets, we currently have a (rumored) list of 5 sets. That is only 1 less than the first wave and we could still easily get a store exclusive not yet named. Generally the first flagshi/intro sets are larger so having a second wave for each line almost as big as the first should bode fairly well I would think. I mean heck, look at the new Castle theme, it only had 5 sets total.

[Gryphon Ink]

Okay, I'm really trying to respect ZCerberus' wish to keep this thread on topic and not add to the speculation conversation, but I have to say, guys, you've got to stop panicking every time some Joe says he heard the theme is dead. There is zero evidence for this. And unless the theme is selling ATROCIOUSLY - not just "not as hot as we expected", but really really badly - it does not make sense for them to abort the theme before the third Hobbit movie comes out. After that, yes, I totally agree that LOTR will be over.