Remember the amazing LEGO themes that disappeared after just a brief appearance on shelves? Here are some of the short-lived LEGO themes that came and went much faster than they should have.
The modern world of LEGO sets is largely dominated by a consistent group of ‘evergreen themes’ that fans have come to love, including Star Wars and City. But not every theme becomes a permanent resident on store shelves. Some themes are designed to last only a year or two, while others are canned due to poor sales. There’s a long list of retired themes in the LEGO Group’s history, and not all of them deserved that fate. Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, lists four LEGO themes that deserve a second chance.
LEGO Power Miners
LEGO Power Miners is an interesting theme. It modernised the concept of Rock Raiders with great success, then disappeared after only two years of releases. The theme was littered with fun and creative builds, like 8964 Titanium Command Rig, alongside the amazing crystal monster figures.
Power Miners managed to have some incredible models back in 2009. A modern remake of the theme would have access to dozens of new pieces, colours and techniques that would only serve to make an already great theme even better. And with the LEGO Group not being afraid of making huge models for adults alongside traditional playsets, there’s potential for some amazing sets of all different sizes.
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LEGO Castle
Knights and castles make up a sizable chunk of the LEGO Group’s product history. After the minifigure made its debut in 1978, one of the three themes it appeared in was LEGO Castle. Variations of the theme continued for the next couple of decades, undergoing a few rebrands towards the end, before returning to the Castle name in 2013. But returning to its original name couldn’t save the long-running line, and it was shelved soon thereafter.
Castles haven’t disappeared entirely, with 10305 Lion Knights’ Castle being a prime example, but the theme itself has been dormant for a decade now. The few medieval sets to be released have been some of the best models in recent years, showing that if Castle was to make a comeback, it would be in very capable hands and likely be full of incredible sets. A theme so central to the history of the brick as Castle deserves to be a consistent member of the LEGO lineup once again.
LEGO Vikings
LEGO Vikings is a relative newcomer to the LEGO world compared to its cousins, Pirates and Castle. The theme came and went in the mid-2000s, lasting for about three years but only ever managing seven sets. Every set featured a battle between Vikings and mythical creatures, such as 7016 Viking Boat against the Wyvern Dragon.
With the recent release of 31132 Viking Ship and Midgard Serpent, it’s clear the LEGO Group hasn’t completely forgotten the theme, even if it has been ignored for nearly two decades. Bringing back Vikings, even if just for a limited run, would add a unique corner to the current lineup of themes, combining historical viking designs with epic creatures from Norse mythology.
LEGO Adventurers
Going back even further than Vikings leads to LEGO Adventurers. Johnny Thunder, the theme’s main character, has become something of a LEGO legend, but his theme hasn’t been on shelves for two decades. His adventures took him all across the globe, from the ancient desert to the highest mountains, and even an encounter with dinosaurs.
With LEGO Indiana Jones seemingly making a comeback, it may be unlikely for Adventurers to be considered for another release, but it does deserve a second chance. A return of the theme would take not only Johnny Thunder to brand new locations, but fans as well. And with the surging popularity of LEGO Icons, there’s a perfect opportunity to test the waters for a comeback.
You can learn about the origins of LEGO Adventurers and see previously unpublished concept art in Issue 104 of Blocks, the LEGO magazine for fans.