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Lego CMFs "All Star Series"?

luckie_reubsluckie_reubs Member Posts: 299
in Collecting
So I was thinking earlier this week about all of the cool mini figures I've missed out on because I didn't start buying until late into the S11 game, and then I thought it might be cool for Lego to, over the next few series, include some reprints/reissues of some of the more popular figures from past series. That might really tick-off resellers and collectors, but I think it'd be a nice way to let others get in for a reasonable price on some of those really sought-after ones.

Am I alone in this? Anyone else think this might a fun thing to see?

Comments

  • 12651265 Member Posts: 1,165
    ^^
    Yeah, I was thinking that maybe Chevrolet bring back the older Corvette and Ford bring back the older Shelby for those who missed out.
    matticus_bricksPitfall69andhegmonkey76Chrisbstm
  • vwong19vwong19 Member Posts: 1,191
    Apparently the Zombie was so popular that Lego created the Monster theme a few years ago and series 13 will be monster themed also. No need to reprint the S1 zombie.

    Lego produced a few Minifigure accessory packs that included variants of collectible Minifigures and a VIP top 5. Anything is possible.

    Lego should however look into a Greek or Roman theme...
    madforLEGO
  • 77ncaachamps77ncaachamps Member Posts: 2,442
    They should issue one themed soldier/warrior every Series. That would maintain or increase the interest into CMFs with non-collectors.

    I'd love to see American Revolutionary, Civil War, WWI, WWII, modern, and other countries' warriors (i.e., Zulu, Mongols, Mamluks, Persian Immortals, Maori).
    Andordannyrww
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    Lego tried this once and it was a complete failure.
    drdavewatfordLegoKipandheAdeelZubair
  • Pitfall69Pitfall69 Member Posts: 11,454
    77ncaachamps said:

    They should issue one themed soldier/warrior every Series. That would maintain or increase the interest into CMFs with non-collectors.

    I'd love to see American Revolutionary, Civil War, WWI, WWII, modern, and other countries' warriors (i.e., Zulu, Mongols, Mamluks, Persian Immortals, Maori).

    I would love this as well. I know they have made planes from WWI, but soldiers are probably a bit different seeing Hitler was a German soldier in WWI and played a major part in WWII.

    Andor
  • AndorAndor Member Posts: 252
    Another vote for CMF Soldiers! Great idea @77ncaachamps
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,836
    edited February 2015
    Pitfall69 said:

    Lego tried this once and it was a complete failure.

    Well I think it failed due to the fact that all the figures were series 3 if I am not mistaken and it was released around series 5 when most were sick of seeing series3 (wonder if that can be said to be the most unpopular line of CMF)Also I think there was a backlash as LEGO supposedly took votes for the top 5 figures to be redone and somehow only series 3 made the cut. The impression being that LEGO did not really listen to the fans as many found it hard to believe that the most popular figures were apparently not series 1 but series 3. I, and many others I believe, find hard to believe series 3 was that popular.

    In some ways LEGO HAS redone many figures from earlier lines into things like BaM in the stores, you could get clowns and cheerleaders, among some others I believe a few years ago. You also have sets like the LEGO calendar which had the Series 1 skateboarder and cheerleader in it.
    Pitfall69TheLoneTensor
  • wayneggwaynegg Member Posts: 394
    1265 said:

    ^^
    Yeah, I was thinking that maybe Chevrolet bring back the older Corvette and Ford bring back the older Shelby for those who missed out.

    And with the same price tag while you're at it ;)
    madforLEGOTheBigLegoski
  • bobabricksbobabricks Member Posts: 1,842
    Maybe series 17 could be the best 16 (1 from ech series)...
    Kevin_HyattPitfall69ricecake
  • VenunderVenunder Member Posts: 2,666
    I do not see how you could have a best 16. Who would choose?

    It would be nice to have a reprint of CMF 1 and 2, possibly as series 20 ?
    CMF 3 and 4 could be series 30?
    This would allow a new market for those figures to develope with time.
    Although reprinting all the CMF for sale would probably not be commercially viable.

    If it were possible to keep the molds for the CMF, I think it would be better to have more choices available on the S@H PAB so that people could buy the old CMF if they really want to. Lego could print a small amount of parts and stock control would tell them which ones are wanted most, so they can keep them in production.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,836
    bobabricks said:

    Maybe series 17 could be the best 16 (1 from ech series)...

    I think with LEGO raising these to 3.99 USD, and if not more in the future, that they better keep these series very interesting to keep up demand (as I believe it is waning now with the 3.99 USD price tag).
    I do not see how doing a 'best' out of each series will do that. Especially when many of the packs for the past 3 series have been somewhat available and series 17 would have a 16 figure in it (from a long ago time of 3-4 months), so you really are getting 15 figures. You also tick those off that paid 20 (if not more) dollars for zombies or paid thru the nose for other series 1 to make or complete a set (mercifully I was not one of those people) . LEGO tried this around series top 5 figure pronotion. The problem then also becomes a problem now if this is attempted. That is, who picks the 'best figure' from each series? The fans? LEGO (hopefully not; already saw their judgement with the last 'top 5 fig' set)? Even if the 'fans' how do you really know they picked these and not LEGO vetoing the fan picks (like what apparently occurred last time).

    Truth is I believe 3.99 per pack is the start of the end for the CMF, and if it did not 'jump the shark' before it certainly is about to now. You can see it in LEGO having to clearance their last CMF series and Simpson because no one wants to pay the 3.99 USD. Only after LEGO dropped the series 12 to 1.98 USD did people buy them, and most likely only resellers at that point. A Target by me still has series 12, about 4 boxes worth, at the store. It is only going to get worse. If LEGO is truly smart, they simply keep doing new series fig ideas and lower the price per pack to at least 3.49 USD, if not lower.
    Because if I can get these for 3.49 USD:
    http://brickset.com/sets/30229-1/Repair-Lift
    http://brickset.com/sets/30313-1/Garbage-Truck

    Then why am I paying 3.99 USD for a pack of CMF?
    I think if LEGO did do an idea such as the best 16 figures in series 17 it would show weakness that they ran out of ideas, or that it is a blatant money grab for little creativity and only hurt the image of these more.
    That is if another run of Simpsons figures does not take a series place and further depress the CMF line.
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,728
    If you want series 1 re-done, it's already there from this U.S. seller. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-SET-16-MINIFIGURES-SERIES-1-NURSE-ZOMBIE-CIRCUS-CLOWN-ROBOT-COWBOY-NEW-5-/321648173244?pt=Building_Toys_US&hash=item4ae3b9a0bc&nma=true&si=6ACD1yrmIWwAYMqmnfY5pviKrHo%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    It's a no for me too. What better way to stop people collecting than release a new series of figures that collectors (from the beginning) already have. Every single CMF is still available to purchase, so availability is not the problem here. It is not being willing to pay the going price for the rarer / more desirable figures. Which is fine and understandable given the rise in price. However most collectables have some rates like this. Pay and be complete, or miss out.
    Mojoest
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    Good idea for those who missed out, but a bad idea for the life of the CMF line. Like many collectibles, these things need a secondary market to be desirable.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,836
    edited February 2015
    oldtodd33 said:

    If you want series 1 re-done, it's already there from this U.S. seller. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-SET-16-MINIFIGURES-SERIES-1-NURSE-ZOMBIE-CIRCUS-CLOWN-ROBOT-COWBOY-NEW-5-/321648173244?pt=Building_Toys_US&hash=item4ae3b9a0bc&nma=true&si=6ACD1yrmIWwAYMqmnfY5pviKrHo%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

    Ugh, apparently more Chinese knockoffs.. Custom, but 'fresh out of the package' ahh gotta love those that apparently are selling cheap Chinese knockoffs. Oh wait, no you don't. Wonder though if these can be any cheaper than the originals as both are made in China and either appear to not really have a ton of QA in them.
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,728
    My point in the whole thing was that, at over $90 Ebay doesn't mind taking the commission and Lego doesn't seem to mind so in the future there will be other remakes if you don't mind the theft of IP or licensing.
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    LEGO like the secondary market.....it actually drives the primary one. The theft and counterfeit market, unfortunately comes with the territory. Personally, the blind packaging is what stops me from buying new. So I like the secondary market, too.

    But if I'm not mistaken, lego no longer has exclusive rights to the mini figure style, only "Lego Minifigures".....hence OYOs and such.
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    They do still own the copyright for the minifig don't they? Hence why the more legitimate clones such as megabloks don't have exact copies. Whereas the less scrupulous clones that produce direct fakes copy both the physical figure design and print.
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    I thought the patent expired. But I could be wrong.
  • oldtodd33oldtodd33 Member Posts: 2,728
    ^ The patent did expire. The problem is these are EXACT duplicates of something Lego already made. That's the stolen part, you can't do that in this or any other decent country.
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    OYOs are made with NHL, NFL, MLB licensing....I don't think they wouldn't be involved if it is a patent infringement.
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    ryjay said:

    I thought the patent expired. But I could be wrong.

    For bricks, yes. For minifigs it was tested in court by Cobi about 18 months ago and they (Cobi) lost.
  • LostInTranslationLostInTranslation Member Posts: 5,572
    The minifigure is a trademark and Lego still enforce it.
    Pitfall69
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    As I'm reading more on it, sounds like you can copyright the figures, but not patent the brick style. In other words, another company can't copy your astronaut or pirate "art" work on the figure
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    CCC said:

    ryjay said:

    I thought the patent expired. But I could be wrong.

    For bricks, yes. For minifigs it was tested in court by Cobi about 18 months ago and they (Cobi) lost.
    Then what confuses me then, is how does OYO do it?
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    OYO doesn't use the same mini figure design, do they? The ones I have seen are pretty bad.
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    edited February 2015
    They add a few joints so the feet bend and the elbows move. They use cheaper plastic and are only 2" tall, but other then they are put together just like Lego and are compatible with most Lego parts. You can actually remove Lego legs & Hand and attached them to OYOs. Hands, however are not interchangible, Oyo's opening is thinner.
  • ryjayryjay Member Posts: 1,004
    ...meant to say "legs and heads" are compatible....hands are not.
  • andheandhe Member Posts: 4,000
    I'd be up for seeing series 17 as a 'best of' the previous 16 series. But re-colours. So people really wanting a Spartan/Zombie etc would get one, but it would be a different colour to the previous version keeping previous collectors happy.

    Personally I collect the figs I actually like, rather than any concern about future value or depreciation.
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    andhe said:

    I'd be up for seeing series 17 as a 'best of' the previous 16 series. But re-colours. So people really wanting a Spartan/Zombie etc would get one, but it would be a different colour to the previous version keeping previous collectors happy.

    Some of the new monster ones are going a little down that route. Recoloured (in zombie grey) pirate, cheerleader, ...
  • mountebankmountebank Member Posts: 1,237
    Just to clarify, patents are for concepts that operate according to technical principles and copyright is for expressions of ideas, for example literary works, works of art, shapes/designs. (To help confuse things in the US there is the design patent that is for design and not for technical principles.)

    Therefore, while there might be expired patents relating to the bricks, every time TLG designs a new part, that is a new expression of a thing, a new copyright instance can be created. (In addition, the design of the new part can be protected by a registered design which is like copyright but comes with extra rights but at a cost.)
  • dragon114dragon114 Member Posts: 642
    beside the animal figs i only want a few for their accessory's. would love to get a seagull.
  • BlakstoneBlakstone Member Posts: 11
    I would like a Best of CMF Series. I would like to get Spartans and Ninjas (that look real) as well as more Vikings. They should also have a blister pack of Roman figs with the Emperor, Roman Officer, Roman Solider, and Gladiator.

    I think what failed was the random nature of that VIP bundle upthread. I would love the elf but not any of the others.

    But if they were blind bags or a set of related figures like they did with the Halloween, Rock Band, or Beach ones, they would be a hit.
  • ShibShib Member Posts: 5,477
    @Blakstone #850449 ?
  • CCCCCC Member Posts: 20,556
    I'd prefer they keep any reissue completely separate from the series, just so all numbered series are unique figures. I wouldn't mind a Roman pack as above, but preferably with a new colour torso or different print or different coloured shield. They could do an Egyptian set now too.
  • BlakstoneBlakstone Member Posts: 11
    Thanks Shib, that was the beach one I mentioned. But out of the reissued packs, only the VIP Top 5 was worthless to me as they were unrelated.

    I would rather have them in blind bags because, I would like a bunch more Centenarians instead of a equal number of them and Emperors. But I can see how others would not like to lose yet another regular CMF series. Between The Simpsons and now Monsters, it will be awhile before I can get some great new history / fantasy minifigs.
  • AanchirAanchir Member Posts: 3,043
    Blakstone said:


    I would rather have them in blind bags because, I would like a bunch more Centenarians instead of a equal number of them and Emperors.

    Did you mean Centurions? Or were you talking about this guy?
    Pitfall69matticus_bricks
  • BlakstoneBlakstone Member Posts: 11
    Dang It Auto Correct. Indeed, I did.
  • scotty12scotty12 Member Posts: 851
    Anyone buy a pack and had a piece missing? Is it even worth the trouble to contact Lego? I purchased a Series 13 and there was no triangle legs for the king.
  • BumblepantsBumblepants Member Posts: 7,728
    ^I was missing the 3L bar in my evil wizard. They have a new (I believe it is new anyway) system where you enter the set number for entire series of CMF on Bricks and Pieces and all the parts for all 16 come up as options. A couple were unavailable but I had my 3L bar within a week.
  • luckie_reubsluckie_reubs Member Posts: 299
    scotty12 said:

    Anyone buy a pack and had a piece missing? Is it even worth the trouble to contact Lego? I purchased a Series 13 and there was no triangle legs for the king.

    sorry, I'm missing something here. Is "triangle legs" just the term for Lego legs? Or is there supposed to be something else there for the King?
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