Content deleted Content added
Added a photo that demonstrated what a Lego figure wearing a helmet looks like. Tags: Mobile edit Mobile app edit iOS app edit App section source |
MikeyMouse10 (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
Line 28:
Similar figures, often called "Lego compatible minifigures", are also produced by various other companies (often as [[Lego clone|clones/knock-offs]]), such as ''[[Kre-O]]'' (called Kreons), Lepin, [[Cobi (building blocks)|Cobi]], Block Tech or [[Mega Bloks]].
==
[[File:Three Lego minifigures (original style).jpg|left|thumb| Early Lego minifigures without moving arms and legs]]
A precursor to the minifigure was released in 1975. These were at the same scale as the current minifigures, but had a different design. They had solid torsos without separate movable arms, solid lower body pieces that were not moveable, and heads without printed features.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3D_vnQEACAAJ&q=lego+minifigures+a+year+by+year+visual+dictionary|title=Lego Minifigure Year by Year: A Visual History|first1=Gregory|last1=Farshtey|first2=Daniel|last2=Lipkowitz|date=17 March 2018|publisher=Dk Pub|page=13|isbn=9781465414786|via=Google Books}}</ref> They had a small variety of headpieces in various colors, including caps, pigtail hair and cowboy hats.
The first modern minifigures were released in 1978, included in [[Lego Castle|''Castle'']], [[Lego Space|''Space'']], and [[Lego Town|''Town'']] sets.<ref name="lego-profile">Lego Group, [http://www.lego.com/info/pdf/LEGO_company_profile_UK.pdf Company Profile 2006] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060520185326/http://www1.lego.com/info/pdf/LEGO_company_profile_UK.pdf
In 1989 for the launch of [[Lego Pirates|''Pirates'']] theme, some minifigures also included hooks for hands, as well as peg legs; this was the first departure from the traditional body parts. Starting with Lego Pirates in 1989 and spreading to Lego Town and Lego Castle in the next few years, minifigures were also produced with different facial expressions such as facial hair, eye patches, feminine makeup, and sunglasses.<ref name="lego-profile"/> Most of these early facial additions were still centered around the two eyes and smile, however starting in 1997 with Willa the Witch of the Fright Knights facial expressions became more complex including open mouths and detailed eyes.
Line 49:
{{Gallery
|title = First US patent release of LEGO figures by Interlego AG
|width=160 | height=170 | align=center
|File:USD253711-1.png|alt1=First patent release of the LEGO figures
|
Line 60:
Head accessories vary widely, and include [[hair]], [[helmet]]s and [[hat]]s. The legs rotate independently to 90 degrees forward, and nearly 45 degrees backward. Minifigures also connect to standard Lego bricks in both a sitting or standing position. The hands of a minifigure resemble the letter ''[[C]]'', which allows them to hold many Lego accessories as well as bricks, tiles, and plates. There are hundreds of a vast variety of accessories, including [[sword]]s, [[axe]]s, [[Wands (Harry Potter)|wands]], [[cup]]s, [[gun]]s, [[Raygun|blasters]] and [[lightsaber]]s. Additionally, the tops of the hands are the same size as the studs on most Lego bricks, which allows them to be placed on top of them. These variations allow minifigures to be customized, keeping with the modular design of Lego elements.
==
While nearly all minifigure heads, torsos, arms, hands and legs are the same size and shape, some sets have included figures that deviate from the standard.
Line 89:
[[File:A Lego minifigure, wearing a helmet.jpg|thumb|A Lego minifigure, wearing a helmet.]]
===
The minifigures of ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'' character [[Gollum]] consists only of three pieces. One piece forms the body, consisting of torso, head and legs, in a crawling position and two arms specially made for this minifigure. Some other minifigures like [[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|''The Phantom Menace'']] character [[Sebulba]] consists entirely of only one piece.
===
Lego released multiple minifigures made of [[metal]] instead of plastic. 10 000 gold-colored [[Chromium|chrome]] minifigures of the ''Star Wars'' character [[C-3PO]] (4521221) were released in random Lego Star Wars sets in 2007.<ref name="Lego Star Wars" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=521221 LEGO Star Wars Gold Chrome Plated C-3PO |url=https://www.brickeconomy.com/set/4521221-1/lego-star-wars-gold-chrome-plated-c-3po |website=BrickEconomy}}</ref> The most extreme design variations were an edition of five minifigures of [[C-3PO]], released in 2008,<ref>{{Cite news |date=February 2008 |title=STAR WARS GOLDEN C-3PO CONTEST WINNERS! ANDREW HOFFMANN CHRISTOPHER GIANCOLA ELIZABETH JACOME JASON MASEY CHRIS MELCHIN |volume=#2, 2008 |pages=19 |work=[[Lego magazine]] |url=http://minifigpriceguide.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/JAN-FEB-2008-LEGO-CLUB-Solid-Gold-C-3PO.jpg}}</ref><ref name="Lego Star Wars" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=SSTOROE |date=December 23, 2014 |title=Details about the 5 Solid Gold Lego C-3PO minifigures given away by Lego. Where did they go? |url=https://minifigpriceguide.com/wordpress/details-about-the-5-solid-gold-lego-c-3po-minifigures-given-away-by-lego-where-did-they-go/ |website=Minifigure Price Guide}}</ref> and two minifigures of the character [[Boba Fett]], released in 2010,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Most valuable LEGO Minifigure |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/414873-most-expensive-lego-minifigure |access-date=2023-05-27 |website=[[Guinness World Records]] |language=en-gb}}</ref> cast in solid 14-karat [[gold]] with a figure estimated to cost between $10,000 and $15,000.<ref name=":0" /> [[NASA|NASA's]] [[Juno (spacecraft)|Juno spacecraft]] which entered orbit around the [[Jupiter|planet Jupiter]] in 2016 carries three specially commissioned minifigures on board. Cast from space-grade [[Aluminium|aluminum]], the minifigures represent the astronomer [[Galileo Galilei|Galileo]], the [[Jupiter (mythology)|Roman deity Jupiter]] and his wife [[Juno (mythology)|Juno]]. This also set the record for the furthest distance travelled by a Lego minifigure.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Administrator |first=NASA |date=2016-06-27 |title=Juno Spacecraft to Carry Three Figurines to Jupiter |language=en |work=NASA |url=https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/juno/news/lego20110803.html |access-date=2017-04-01}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
===
Various minifigures from multiple themes have been released as [[keychain]]s. The pieces of these figures are inseparable and a [[Metal|metal]] [[chain]] and keychain ring are attached to their heads. Various minifigures were also released as a part of [[pen]]s in the ''Lego Writing'' theme.
Line 101:
In some Lego products, figures other than standard minifigures are used. A catalog that shows all these Lego figures is available.<ref name="figureCatalog">{{cite book |last=Bartneck |first=Christoph |url=http://www.minifigure.org |title=The Complete LEGO Figure Catalog |publisher=CreateSpace |year=2012 |isbn=978-1470113612}}</ref>
===
Lego also features a variety of similar figures for non-[[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] animals and other creatures like [[horse]]s, [[dog]]s, [[cow]]s, [[goat]]s, [[cat]]s, [[rat]]s, [[Mouse|mice]], [[skunk]]s, [[koala]]s, [[elephant]]s, a variety of [[dinosaur]]s, [[spider]]s, [[snake]]s, smaller [[fish]], [[shark]]s, [[squid]]s, [[owl]]s, [[crab]]s, [[parrot]]s, [[Alligator|alligator]]s, [[centaur]]s or the varactyl from ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]''.
===
The [[Lego Friends|''Friends'']] theme, released in 2012, included mini-doll figures, a more doll-like construction with more realistic anatomy, soon introduced into other themes chiefly [[Girls' toys and games|aimed at girls]]. Even though the mini-dolls in the Lego ''Friends'' theme have more realistic anatomy, the mini-dolls' legs can only move ninety degrees into a sitting position. The mini-dolls' legs are also molded together and can not move separately as the traditional Lego minifigure legs can. The mini-doll in the ''Lego Friends'' theme is slightly taller than the traditional minifigure.<ref>{{cite web
===
''[[Lego Duplo]]'' includes figures that have less articulation than standard minifigures and cannot be disassembled for [[choking|safety reasons]]. Likewise, the ''[[Fabuland]]'' collection, produced in the 1980s, consisted of larger [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphized]] [[animal]] characters, which also could not be easily disassembled. [[Belville (Lego)|''Belville'']] and ''Scala'', Lego products marketed to girls, also include larger scale figures. These figures are similar to Technic figures in articulation, but feature less angular body sculpts. Scala figures more closely resemble [[doll]]s, in that clothes are separate from the figures and hair is made of strands rather than molded plastic. The [[Lego Baby|''Baby'']] line included figures that could not move at all and had the size a bit bigger than the Duplo figures.
===
''[[Lego Creator|Creator]]'' sets also often feature animals built entirely of more classic Lego bricks. Some [[Droid (Star Wars)|droids]] from ''Star Wars'', such as [[Battle droid#Droideka|droidekas]], dwarf- and homing spider droids and pit droids and various animals and other creatures, appearing in themes like ''[[Lego Harry Potter|Harry Potter]]'', ''[[Lego The Lord of the Rings|The Lord of the Rings]]'' or ''Vikings'', like dragons, the giant dog [[Fluffy (Harry Potter Character)|Fluffy]], or [[Cultural depictions of spiders|giant spiders]] like [[Shelob]], [[Aragog]] or the [[mirkwood]] spiders are entirely brick-built. Some of these figures are still considered "minifigures". At the [[Legoland]] parks, the standardized ''Miniland'' design has long been used as a template for brick-built figures, and has occasionally appeared in sets.<ref>[https://brickset.com/article/10373/miniland-scale-figures-in-a-set-at-last! Miniland scale figures in a set, at last!], [[Brickset]], Huw Millington, March 3rd, 2014</ref>
Line 125:
In 2016, a new mold for a minifigure-style human baby was introduced. Although similar to a microfigure in body shape, it has a detachable head and actual molded arms (albeit, non-posable). It has mainly made appearances in ''LEGO City'' sets, such as the "Fun at the Park" set. It was also notable for appearing as an accessory for the Babysitter in the 16th series of ''[[Lego Minifigures (theme)|Lego Minifigures]]'', and LEGO "10255 Assembly Square", which is the 2017 [[Lego Modular Buildings|''Lego Modular Building'']]. In ''[[The Mandalorian]]'' sets, the [[Grogu]] figure uses this body mold.
===
[[Lego Technic|''Technic'']] used larger scale [[action figure]]s between 1986 and 2001. These figures featured more realistic sculpts, although still distinctively angular, and featured more articulation, including bendable elbows and knees. These figures are further distinguished from minifigures in that they cannot be easily disassembled; even the hair pieces are non-removable.
===
In 2001, Lego further expanded the minifigure system, with the introduction of ''[[Bionicle]]'' figures. These figures are a part of a fictional story developed by Lego and resemble [[Biomechanoid|biomechanical]] creatures. Initially, these figures were produced without articulation, only able to hold tools and weapons.
''Bionicle'' later got replaced with ''Hero Factory'' in 2010. In 2005, Lego released ''Bionicle'' playsets, with minifigure variations of characters that had previously been produced in the larger ''Bionicle'' scale, notably the Toa and Visorak characters. While these minifigures did not feature movable parts, Lego released ''Piraka'' and ''Inika'' playsets in 2006, which included minifigures with movable parts.
Line 143:
Yet another variation on the minifigure is the [[magnet]] figure, from such themes as ''Star Wars'', ''Batman'', ''Indiana Jones'', and ''City''. The magnet figures are not included in regular sets but are instead sold in packs of three or more. Some of these include accessories and display base bricks. These figures include magnets in their legs, which allow them to stick to metal surfaces. Magnet figures are nearly indistinguishable from standard figures in appearance. Unlike the LUL figures, only the torso and the hips of magnet minifigures are inseparable.
===
Some Lego sets from 1974 on{{Until when|date=May 2023}} included much larger figures where only the heads and hair were special pieces. This is the reason why the usual figures are "mini".<ref>{{Cite web
==
{{MOS|section=yes|date=May 2023}}{{Main|Lego clone}}
Minifigure customisation, often called MOCs, is the practice of modifying Lego minifigures. This can be as simple as mixing and matching parts, or as complex as painting or remolding plastic. Some custom minifigures are made by affixing stickers or decals to the figures. There are also third party businesses which sell custom decals and molded minifigure accessories, many of which are inspired by popular media and. While a relatively recent phenomenon, minifigure customisation has rapidly become popular within the wider building community, although some maintain a "purist" approach, using only elements produced by Lego.
The Lego Group executives are using{{When|date=May 2023|reason=Since when?}} personalised minifigures in place of [[business card]]s, with [[email address]]es and [[telephone number]]s details on the front and back of the torso, and hair and facial features designed to resemble each executive. It is believed that over 100 of these exist.<ref>{{Cite web
==
Both children and [[LEGO fandom|adult fans of Lego]] collect Lego Minifigures without collecting the sets. The Lego group has produced more than 1,000,000,000 Minifigures in the past 30 years {{citation needed|date=August 2020}} and many people buy and sell these on [[eBay]] and other sites such as [[BrickLink]].
==Depictions in other media==
===
{{Main|Brickfilm}}
Various [[stop motion]] [[Animation|animated]] [[film]]s and [[Television show|television series]] are made using Lego minifigures.
====
{{Main|List of Lego films and TV series|List of Lego video games}}
The Lego Group produced various short films, feature films and video games featuring Lego minifigures and bricks. Most of these are based on other already existing franchises like ''[[Star Wars]]'' or [[Multiverse (DC Comics)|DC Comics]]. These films are created using primarily computer generated animation, they are styled in such a way as to emulate the look of stop-motion [[brickfilm]]s, even being influenced by some popular brickfilms. Multiple video games also feature Lego minifigures and bricks.
Line 167:
The minifigures featured in them have additional [[Articulatory gestures|articulation]] and mobility, as well as [[Texture mapping|textural modifications]] to create a realistic effect. Often these media feature a vast population of minifigures living in a vast Lego universe setting and rely heavily on [[Self-referential humor|meta humor]] about this fact.
===
* In January 2012, a Lego minifigure carrying a [[Flag of Canada|Canadian flag]] was sent up to the stratosphere<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Kate |date=January 25, 2012 |title=Toronto teens send Lego man on a balloon odyssey 24 kilometres high |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/article/1120808--toronto-teens-send-lego-man-on-an-a-balloon-odyssey-24-kilometres-high?bn=1}}</ref> and garnered worldwide attention.<ref>{{cite news |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Child's toy launched 'into space' by students |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16759220}}</ref>
* The [[Adult Swim]] series ''[[Robot Chicken]]'', Lego minifigures were used in various Lego skits of the show.
* Lego minifigures were featured in [[Pixar]]'s ''[[Toy Story 3]]'' and the ''[[Toy Story (franchise)|Toy Story]]'' short ''
* The 2014 episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'', "[[Brick Like Me]]", featuring Lego minifigure versions of the characters in a Lego version of [[Springfield (The Simpsons)|Springfield]].
==
{{main|Lego Minifigures (theme)}}
Line 180:
Similar bags have also been released for ''[[Lego Super Heroes|Marvel]]'', ''[[The Simpsons]]'', ''[[Looney Tunes]]'', ''[[Lego Super Heroes|DC]]'', ''[[Lego Harry Potter|Harry Potter]]'', and ''[[Dungeons & Dragons]]''.
==
* [[Lego timeline]]
|