Peter looks at recent LEGO sets that capture childhood classics, suggests a few future sets that would be welcome and spots a few appealing product ideas created by fans
Iconic childhood television shows recreated as LEGO sets have become a trend as of late, and it is a trend I would like to see continue. What can be better than having your favourite childhood memories immortalised in colourful ABS plastic?
Mickey Mouse and his friends have been receiving lots of love from the LEGO Group as of late – and why not? Mickey Mouse is easily one of the most recognisable cartoon characters of all time. Notable sets include 43179 Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, 71044 Disney Train and Station, 71040 Disney Castle and 41624 Mickey Mouse. But Mickey Mouse was first released in minifigure form in 2016’s 71012 Disney Collectible Minifigures. Cartoon icons such as Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Chip and Dale were also released.
21324 123 Sesame Street was released through LEGO Ideas in 2020 and is still on store shelves. Even if you did not grow up watching the show, odds are you are at least familiar with its characters. Sesame Street has been on air for more than 50 years. Elmo, Big Bird, Burt and Ernie, Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch are all present, and thanks to brand new moulds look great. Meanwhile, the build itself is jam packed full of fun easter eggs and references to the show. Open holes for connector pins indicate an add-on set, but as of now there is no information to confirm this. If we do get another set, hopefully we will get an official minifigure of The Count in the future.
To get Blocks, the LEGO magazine for fans, every month – at a discount and earlier than the shops – order a 12-month or 24-month subscription. Direct debit payment options are available too; to find out more get in touch via subs@silverbackpublishing.rocks.
Did you know that LEGO Group previously made Winnie the Pooh sets in the years 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2011? That is, in DUPLO rather than in system-based sets. This could be why few LEGO fans know of these sets – DUPLO is intended for very, very small children. But thanks again to LEGO Ideas, we can finally own minifigures of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tiger, Rabbit, and Eeyore, all packaged in a stunning 18+ set. 21326 Winnie the Pooh is a must have for fans of the books and cartoons.
Available in stores now, 71030 Looney Tunes Collectible Minifigures includes so many cartoon icons you will want to have them all. Some of the characters available include Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Road Runner and Tweety. Each minifigure features at least one new mould, along with fun accessories. In fact, 2021 marks the first time the LEGO Group has attempted to make any Looney Tunes characters in LEGO form. This series has arrived ahead of Space Jam: A New Legacy, in which these colorful characters will star alongside basketball player Lebron James.
What could be the next childhood theme made by the LEGO Group? Some potential candidates could be Clifford the Big Red Dog, Thomas and Friends, Paddington Bear, Dr. Seus, Bob the Builder, Arthur… the possibilities are endless. It is important to note that three of the five characters mentioned above came from LEGO Ideas, which is a wonderful place to create and support your favorite childhood Ips [intellectual properties].
Many people grew up watching Thomas and Friends and will have played with the wooden toy trains and tracks. LEGO Ideas user KaijuBuildz has created a fantastic looking brick-built Thomas the Tank Engine, which can rest upon some rails for display. The design is spot on, is instantly recognisable and can be used with standard LEGO tracks as well.
Paddington Bear has spent decades capturing the imagination and hearts of teddy bear enthusiasts across the globe. LEGO Ideas user BenTedds42 has created a large and detailed brick-built Paddington with a briefcase and hat as accessories. At the time of writing, it is the only Paddington Bear themed project on the site.
Childhood nostalgia is a great place to go when thinking up concepts for new LEGO sets, and LEGO Ideas offers a platform to gather support for your favourite.