TOP 5 DISCONTINUED THEMES THAT NEED TO COME BACK! (Least to best)

Brickchap · January 2019

@CCC Please explain. I know the book but not well.

Baby_Yoda · January 2019

Brickchap said:

Definitely a big NO to GoT. Those are books that deserve to be burned. Those disgusting 'stories' are not worthy of literature or TV and certainly not Lego!

Hm? They're very out-there, for sure, but they're certainly not of poor quality. I think the series includes some of the best-written characters of 21st century high fantasy.

SumoLego · January 2019

Not to dismiss whether or not GoT is quality literature, a LEGO license is a remote possibility at best. Violence, adult themes, etc.

(Although the non-kid friendly 007-themed Aston Martin would leave the door open just a crack...)

Brickchap · January 2019

O dear, I rather hoped my previous comment would continue the discussion of lego historical themes but it appears all people care about is defending GoT.

@Baby_Yoda

Best written characters of 21st century fantasy? Are you sure about that? Besides high fantasy is such a small niche of course they would dominate it. And how can you argue the characters to be well written if they are killed off almost as soon as the author has finished introducing them.

Furthermore, GoT is merely another example of American rot that is NOT literature, just violence and porn written down, yet you people defend it?

True literature should be inspiring, informative, interesting and of a certain standard of sophistication. Some will use one, all, or a combination of the above factors. For example, historical fiction should be informative about the real history and suspend disbelief with rich descriptions (of characters, setting etc. NOT sex scenes) and have an interesting plot line which while it may be simple and/or easy to understand should still have an appropriate level of sophistication, especially with language. Sorry yanks, but you cant just write a simple lower high school narrative, fill it with swear words and call it literature nor can you create a 3D character simply by describing their body (or what they get up to with it) in detail.

SumoLego is right, since regardless of whether GoT was any good or not (which it isnt) Lego will never make any sets based around it.

I think the Aston Martin is a bit different since it is just a car and thats basically what lego branded it as. Had a James Bond minifig been included, perhaps that would have been different. The car itself doesnt to the things that make 007 non kid friendly. (yes theres MGs and missiles but there was nothing to shoot them at nor any indication as to what they actually do)

The Simpsons is a far more relevant example of lego somewhat breaking their own 'kid friendly' rules. I was shocked and appalled that Lego did the Simpsons especially since there was no real reason why. (if there was a simpsons movie at the time or if the show was extremely popular at the time maybe but it was a random American 90s TV show that while popular for lots of people was completely unknown to lots more)

CCC · January 2019

Brickchap said:

@CCC Please explain. I know the book but not well.

You are advocating the burning of books, the subject of F451. Of course, it is not a perfect analogy as in that story all books are burnt, whereas you are just saying books that you do not like should be burnt.

I don't think they are great, but they are not bad. I put them alongside Dan Brown style books, easy enough to read and popular with the fans, but not absolute must reads.

Pitfall69 · January 2019

@Brickchap ; I think you were fine until you started getting bent out of shape because a couple of people started defending GoT and what got me was the "American Rot" comment. Whether is was incidental or not, that comment wasn't needed.

The actual HBO Series and NOT the book is what most people are referring to. The show is very popular here in the "rot of America" and has won a ton of awards. It also generates 1 Billion dollars annually.

sonsofsceva · January 2019

Now that we had the "sci-fi" castle sets of Nexo Knights, I would also like to see a fantasy castle series again. Techniques have come so far since the last fantasy era sets. Elves had beautiful sets but they are simply too pastel for the regular castle series, but something more elegant like these, vs. the hard lines of NK would distinguish it. Or have four races of high fantasy and give them distinct styles. It also would have to make sure not to overlap overmuch with Ninjago themes.

As for other themes, many of them could be put into a longer running adventure revival. The Pharaoh's Quest and Monster Fighters were really looking like they could have used the same series of protagonists dealing with problems across the world as they explore, like the old Johnny Thunder series. I like the main characters of both PQ and MF, but a careful set up could see it run further. I liked the steampunk influences of the MF line.

Space would have to be carefully thought out because it isn't in the zeitgeist as much as it was when classic space was so popular. And, as always, it might compete for SW dollars.

Western is always fun, but western culture has largely lost interest in the Wild West at the moment, so I am not sure how successful this would be.

tl/dr:

I would say revitalize:

1. Fantasy Castle

2. Adventurers (Egypt & Desert, Gothic, Amazon Jungle, Arabian, Cryptozoology, etc.)

3. Space

New Series:

Time travel - have a group which time travels to stop a bad guy from changing things. This would be a perfect opportunity to really make some historical architecture and minifigs.

dmcc0 · January 2019

Brickchap said:

I think the Aston Martin is a bit different since it is just a car and thats basically what lego branded it as. Had a James Bond minifig been included, perhaps that would have been different. The car itself doesnt to the things that make 007 non kid friendly. (yes theres MGs and missiles but there was nothing to shoot them at nor any indication as to what they actually do)

The Simpsons is a far more relevant example of lego somewhat breaking their own 'kid friendly' rules. I was shocked and appalled that Lego did the Simpsons especially since there was no real reason why. (if there was a simpsons movie at the time or if the show was extremely popular at the time maybe but it was a random American 90s TV show that while popular for lots of people was completely unknown to lots more)

I think you're reaching a bit with that justification :) A weaponised car from a Bond movie is OK as long as there's nothing to shoot at and doesn't come with an actual Bond minifg? If you're saying the Bond character is not kid friendly, then presumably anything Bond related should also be off limits too? Personally, I don't think the Bond movies are particularly non-kid friendly, but admittedly they are not in line with TLGs ethos and was surprised to see a 007 branded set.

I'm not sure what's so shocking and appalling about the Simpsons though. I agree that the timing was odd as the shows popularity peaked in the 90s, even the Simpson's Movie was released years after the series was waning, but I've always considered it to be a kids show. There is some humour aimed at adults, but that is the case with most kids stuff these days, unless it's for really young kids.

There has been violence (at least implied) in LEGO themes for years; I'm sure all those Classic Castle factions weren't all cosying up to each other and The Pirates and Red/Blue coats probably not the greatest of friends either:) The difference now though is that especially with licenced themes, there will be comparisons to actual TV shows/movies.

While agree GoT is never likely to be made as a LEGO theme, the sex/violence in the show (haven't read the books) is probably no worse than some of the stuff actual Pirates/Vikings/Knights etc used to get up to and would have the potential to be a great theme IMO.

TheBigLegoski · January 2019

How about a Lego theme called: Flame Warriors, inspired by ranting Lego fans on Lego web forums about stuff that pisses them or someone else off. (Fits in pretty much with the collection of all your existing city, and creator (expert) and all other Lego sets and themes some say)

proposal for sets:

- the book burners

- the gender benders

- There is something rotten in the state of A. Or isn't there?!? Oh, no there isn't! Well, yes there is! No there is not! Yes! No! Is so! Is not! I told so! No you did not! I did twice! When? Just now! No you didn't! Yes. No. Yes. No. SMH

More sets coming your way:

- My way, or the high-way

-You have issues

-Trigger happy

-Fantasy sucks

-Fantasy is fantastic

-castle. Castle, CASTLE!

-Elves is castle too because I say so

-This is kid friendly

-That is not literary

-Losing brownie points

-Debates are Lame

-What a wonderful discussion

-Totally pointless

-Fruitysupercalifragilisticexpialidocious

560Heliport · January 2019

^ How about, "I don't like it, so it's bad and should never have been made" and "I like it, so everything should be just like it"?

Mr_Cross · January 2019

Been thinking about my comment, and I'm hoping to swing us either back on topic, or off in a different direction (please) with this.

Mr_Cross said:

In no real order.
Space
Agents
Castle
Pirates
Zoo - suggestion for a new theme based entirely on my son's choices of sets over the last year or so.

Anniversary, redux, Neo Classic, I don't really care, anything with that little gold moon logo is cool with me... maybe an odd Blacktron 1 set would be nice too... shock horror, not too bothered about Futuron, would absolutely love to re-work my mono-rail into blue and grey as I saw someone else here did. I can't remember where it was, anyone got a link to that topic?
What if the agents/ultra agents/secret agents were done as "Masterbuilders", a kind of TLM spinoff? Some licensed, some in-house IP. Could they extend the 007 license into it? As contentious as that may be for many reasons, a new Bond film this year could maybe work, maybe?
Erm. No, I got nothing. I just like castles, would love a classic grey castle. Is that so bad? Could they be real life ones? Windsor, Edinburgh, Bodiam, Neuschwanstein, or Conwy for example? Fudge the scale and include minifigures?
Metalbeard in another/alternative spin-off of TLM?
I'm thinking that "Safari" would be infinitely better than "Zoo" (for various ethical reasons). It could kind of pick-up where "Jungle" left off, jeeps and other transportation, treetop basecamp, vet's mobile... perhaps using Olive green as the main colour.
I would also love to see any of these animals as a 'creature feature': Giraffe, Elephant, Lion, Cheetah, Meercats, Zebra, Hippo and Rhino.

Feel free to shoot my boat out of the water.

560Heliport · January 2019

^ I like all your ideas, but especially number 5! I too want more animals. Lion and cheetah could use the existing big cat mold, with a new head for a male lion. Zebra stripes on the horse mold, hippo and rhino could, I think, use the same body with different heads. They made a mammoth for 2018's CITY arctic, so a new elephant and a giraffe seem doable.

tmgm528 · January 2019

I think ‘Manchildren’ would be a good addition to the flame warriors theme.

I will say GoT is hugely different from Bond and The Simpsons however. Both of those things are (American standards) PG-13ish. There’s some violence, and some sexual references - but nothing blatant. You cant turn on Fox at 8’oclock and see Homer naked from the waist down and dropping the F word. Whether or not you want GoT is ones thing, but you cant begin to put it on the same level as bond.

(Addendum: I have yet to read or watch GoT, though I suspect I would enjoy it, and would never advocate for the burning of books no matter what the subject matter was.)

Pitfall69 · January 2019

I don't mind debates in the forum; I have always liked a spirited debate. With that said; if the debates completely take over the thread, then that's when it's time to move on. If one person picks up an George R.R. Martin book or starts watching GoT and loves it; then the debate was not pointless.

I love the Safari idea. Every year at my children's school, they have a thing where the kids choose to support or not support Zoo's and they put colorful posters up explaining their stance. There is obviously some backlash over Zoo's and how animals are treated in general. I can see where Lego wouldn't want to touch that theme.

TheBigLegoski · January 2019

^^

Yes ;-) Why not. In addition, another set called: 'the virtue signalers' should also be part of such a theme.

-----

I never knew The Simpsons has a PG-13 rating. In the Netherlands it is being broadcast during lunchtime and around 19:00 hours on Fox. The two sets Lego produced, even though I do not own them, are really wonderful, especially Apu's Kwik-E mart. I think if TLG were to re-release those two sets they would sell like hot cakes again, as there are plenty of fans that still want those sets. Perhaps a little similar to that Black Falcon castle from the eighties they re-released twice years later.

-----

The theme @Mr_Cross supposes as something similar to the 2017 Jungle (city) theme with more animals might very well happen. TLG already had some sets in the past that included a fully moulded elephant. Zoo's where animals are treated, housed and kept with their welfare in mind, in spacious enclosures that mimic there natural surroundings as best as possible, are not ethically questionable. In some cases they are even beneficial in preventing species from going extinct in the wild that are under threat.

-----

@Pitfall69

All tongue in cheek

Ayliffe · January 2019

SprinkleOtter said:

Also, everyone suggesting an Exo-Force reboot...

Thinking about this kind of made me sad. Just look at LEGO Mechs these days. Masses of top-heavy bricks, with a maximum of two joints in the legs- if it has ankles, it doesn't have knees. If it has knees, no way it has ankles. Comparing the two, Exo-Force mechs are infinitely more poseable than modern mechs. And they were a LOT easier to play with, as they were lighter, and usually had joints that could support their weight (and I know the sets had their issues), while new mechs have exclusively ball joints (which are great for their purpose) to support heavy arms and legs. I feel like the original style of mech was so superior to what we see today...

Rant over!

Whilst I do have a big ol’ soft spot for Exo Force from when I was a wee bab, in hindsight the ratchet joints and spindly limbs for the mechas were actually... not that great? Visually they work for making 'em look more humanoid in terms of sizing, but when picking the mechs up and posing them they just feel really flimsy and wobbly and probably wouldn't work if brought back as-is nowadays. If I had the time (and parts) I'd love to rebuild some of 'em one day with more modern building techniques, as I've still got a buncha nostalgia for a few of the mechs from the first year.

As for what themes I'd like to return... to be honest I can't think of any in particular I'd want to return as-is? There's definitely some overarching ideas I'd want back such as sci-fi and adventurers-type stuff (and lil' references and nods are always appreciated, especially for the more oft-forgotten themes), but I'd ultimately prefer for more original new themes from TLG as opposed to just rebooting older ones. I also wouldn't mind it if the new stuff was a bit more nuts and off-the-rails like how TLG was in the 90s and early 2000s - Nexo Knights always felt a bit overly clinical and focus-group-y to me, but that could very well be personal taste. The movie themes take that more "out-there" tone and run with it to produce the best sets every time, so it'd be neat to see the big bang themes take that approach too.

Also, another constraction theme please. CCBS doesn't deserve to die just yet. Please.

SprinkleOtter · January 2019

CCC said:

Brickchap said:

Definitely a big NO to GoT. Those are books that deserve to be burned. Those disgusting 'stories' are not worthy of literature or TV and certainly not Lego!

Here's your Fahrenheit 451 set:

I'd buy that*!

*Exclusively for the sand green 1x2's, but I'd still buy it.

Brickchap · January 2019

The safari idea sounds great! They could re use the paleontologist CMF's pith helmet/hair piece too. And a return of the elephant would be pretty awesome.

But heres an idea going off that. I've been recently reading Adventures of a Young Naturalist (proper literature btw) which is the experiences of Sir David Attenborough during the 1950s and 60s when he was filming Zoo Quest, which sought to show the British public never before seen photos and film of exotic animals, plants and (later on) the cultures of various indigenous people around the world.

So basically, how about a 'safari' theme endorsed by David Attenborough himself (similar to the Spielberg Studios line) in which each set includes David himself in Lego form (perhaps both in his young and older years) with various creatures and plants (a brick built Galapagos giant tortoise would be cool). While especially in his earlier career David and his companions would both film and capture animals to be sent back to London Zoo, this theme could just be filming so Lego could include film equipment (both modern and old) which attracts a new audience as well as attach it somehow to technology (as in kids ipads phones etc.) so you can film the animals yourself maybe have competitions based on that.

I have long awaited a 1940s-1950s jeep in Lego and this could be included as one of the vehicle builds for a set. (Attenborough used a jeep in Indonesia and undoubtedly in lots of other places too). In this second book I'm reading he used a 1950s Land Rover (a very popular vehicle) which is also another possible inclusion. Planes (and later helicopters) are a common occurrence and there was a recent series by Sir David about the Great Barrier Reef which had a large research ship (it had a name I forgot) and a nice looking submersible which even while watching I thought could be an interesting build in lego.

David Attenborough (both himself and his work) is renowned throughout the world and is very obviously family friendly. He is currently advocating for governments to do something about global warming, loss of habitats etc. so if a David Attenborough Lego theme was made, his stance on climate change could be an unofficial marketing benefit. Lego could also bring back the Plants from Plants logo. Another idea is sets based more around threatened and endangered species (made using regular pieces or special moulds) which again would be good for marketing as well as of course educating children about these issues.

Some people might argue against this idea since it might feel like its 'all about him' but cmon, this is David Attenborough were talking about who is quite modest and has always been about his work not making himself popular. Besides we have had plenty of real people done in lego before.

One more idea for a set (D2C maybe) would be the Natural History Museum (London) after that episode David Attenborough's Night at the Museum (which was a lot more interesting and fun then the hollywood one) where, using CGI and that sort of thing made the exhibits come to life as David talked about them.

CCC · January 2019

Brickchap said:

The Simpsons is a far more relevant example of lego somewhat breaking their own 'kid friendly' rules. I was shocked and appalled that Lego did the Simpsons especially since there was no real reason why.

There was a big reason - tapping into The Simpsons money before the show dies. I don't really see what is not kid friendly about what they actually did. They did a house and a store. They included the bully, but didn't show him bullying, they included Snake but didn't show him stealing, and so on. This is no worse than Indiana Jones, Star Wars, City sets, etc. In fact, it is probably less offensive than some City sets depicting theft.

Pitfall69 · January 2019

I've recently been rewatching The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and those movies are more gruesome than I remembered. My daughters came flying in right as they were creating the Uruk-hai and they got scared. My daughters are 9 and 6. I have the Lego Uruk-hai set and the box says it is for 8-14 years old. I do agree that the Simpsons is no worse than say Indiana Jones. In the first movie you have Nazi's, the drinking of alcohol and face melting .I just don't see how the Simpsons is just as bad or worse.

It got me thinking of the most violent movies/themes that Lego have made sets for.

Here's my short list and in no particular order:

Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit
Indiana Jones
Harry Potter
Marvel

gmonkey76 · January 2019

^Don't forget DC with Batman and the new DCU

dmcc0 · January 2019

and Star Wars with decapitation, dismemberment and a hint of incest :)

TheOriginalSimonB · January 2019

^Not to mention obliterating the entire population of Alderan.

CCC · January 2019

Then there is abduction by aliens to worry about:

Image: https://img.bricklink.com/ItemImage/ON/0/7052-1.png

pxchris · January 2019

CCC said:

Then there is abduction by aliens to worry about:

Don't probe me bro!

Pitfall69 · January 2019

dmcc0 said:

and Star Wars with decapitation, dismemberment and a hint of incest :)

"Hint of Incest" fragrance by CHANEL

stefxan · March 2019

AymarBuildsLego said:

5)Pharaoh's quest

4)Monster Fighters

3) Legends of Chima

2)Indiana Jones

1) Last but not least LORD OF THE RINGS

I agree with Lord of the Rings and Indiana Jones. I missed both completly and bought afterwards sets like the Tower of Orthanc - this wasnt cheap but it is an impressive set as many others.

bpk2300 · March 2019

After buzzing through the thread, my personal thoughts below. I have nostalgia for 90’s/early 00’s themes from my childhood, and also some themes that were out during my dark age:

I love LOTR. I know this theme will never come back, so I’ve been buying what I can when I can.

Im very pleased Harry Potter came back. There are some old sets I’d like, but now I don’t feel hard pressed to get them. (Although I’d love to have my Escape from Privet Drive set back from when I was a kid!)

Monster Fighters would be cool since I missed it and second hand prices are high.

Bring back Spongebob sets! I loved the show as a kid, still do, and I missed the theme.

Of the Castle stuff, I love Fright Knights. I also missed the Fantasy Era but man some of those sets look so great.

As an aside, I really hope holiday sets this year aren’t Brick Headz :/ Small holiday sets are my some of my favorites and I love buying old ones.

SumoLego · March 2019

With the imminent Amazon LotR series coming out at some point in the next decade, there may yet be the opportunity for more sets.

(Probably not a good chance, but it would make a nice excuse to produce a few castle-themed sets.)

bpk2300 · March 2019

^my fingers are secretly crossed! Not getting my hopes up but this thought has crossed my mind.

TheOriginalSimonB · March 2019

bpk2300 said:

As an aside, I really hope holiday sets this year aren’t Brick Headz :/ Small holiday sets are my some of my favorites and I love buying old ones.

I hate to have to break it to you...

https://brickset.com/sets/theme-BrickHeadz/subtheme-Seasonal

bpk2300 · March 2019

TheOriginalSimonB said:

bpk2300 said:

As an aside, I really hope holiday sets this year aren’t Brick Headz :/ Small holiday sets are my some of my favorites and I love buying old ones.

I hate to have to break it to you...

https://brickset.com/sets/theme-BrickHeadz/subtheme-Seasonal

Ughhhh. I knew about the early sets but not the Ghost and Xmas ones. Bummer. The Witch last year is ever so slightly tempting because I love Halloween and the color palette is great. Brick Headz just aren’t my cup of tea, unfortunately.

#40260-1
#40122-1
I just love these two sets

daewoo · March 2019

I would like to see a new wave of farm sets and much more train stuff like the My Own Train from years ago.

Bumblepants · March 2019

daewoo said:

I would like to see a new wave of farm sets and much more train stuff like the My Own Train from years ago.

Hidden Side might make a good avenue for one or two farm sets. Of course it would be haunted/spooky but it would fit well with theme and be a good launch point for modifying to City.

Baby_Yoda · March 2019

^ So we just need to buy as many Hidden Side sets as possible to drive profits and persuade Lego to continue with the theme? Sounds good to me!

Lyichir · March 2019

Baby_Yoda said:

^ So we just need to buy as many Hidden Side sets as possible to drive profits and persuade Lego to continue with the theme? Sounds good to me!

Apparently there's already a second wave designed for next year, so who knows what that'll bring?

That's a fun thing about "reality-adjacent" themes like Hidden Side, Super Heroes, or even Agents. By blending realistic sorts of settings with a fantasy concept, they can appeal to fans of both. I personally tend to prefer fantasy themes over real-world themes like City and Friends, but the Southern Gothic-flavored settings of Hidden Side appeal to me a lot more than the more generic settings and subjects of the City theme, even without taking into account the nifty transformation functions and app game.

TOP 5 DISCONTINUED THEMES THAT NEED TO COME BACK! (Least to best)

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