It’s time to take a look at the upcoming series of LEGO® Minifigures. It’s been a while since I’ve had them to review but I do enjoy checking out the original characters. Series 25 introduces 12 new faces to collect and includes a few new elements to help bring the characters to life. The new series has also brought back a legendary LEGO element, a piece long thought lost to LEGO history! Ahead of their official release on January 1st, it’s time to meet the Series 25 crew.
In 2021 the LEGO Minifigures series were reduced from 16 collectable characters down to 12. Then earlier this year, the second series of Marvel minifigures debuted the new sustainable cardboard packaging. This means a slight change in how you can get a full series of characters. Firstly, single boxes can no longer be felt, but if you buy a sealed box of 36 minifigures, you should get three full series of characters. But there is a new stack box format, this has 12 boxes in it and going by the one I’ve received, you’ll get a full set of 12 characters. Although the change from packets to boxes has not been greatly received at least there is an official and cost-effective way to get a full set. Let’s hope these 12-pack boxes are widely available.
Each box features the relevant parts to create each character, an information leaflet and the usual 3×4 display plate. Some of the characters require the addition of material parts, which are included in a small cardboard envelope. Here’s a closer look at each of the 12 new characters, who make up Series 25 of the LEGO Minifigures.
Triceratops Costume Fan
Dubbed Costume Characters, the LEGO Minifigures have been dressed up in all sorts of outfits over the last 24 series. They have included animals and foodstuffs, with dinosaurs joining the party with this year’s Series 22. Now the T. rex Costume Fan has a dino buddy with the new Triceratops Costume Fan. Similar to his Series 22 counterpart, the Triceratops costume uses a new hood element. The olive green colouring is dotted with pale green, pale yellow and brown may not seem very colourful, but just like the T. rex Costumer Fan, the muted colouring matches the style of the dinosaur figures from the Dino and Jurassic World sets.
Sprinter
There have been various sporting competitors featured in the LEGO Minifigures and as LEGO sets have started to feature more inclusive characters these have included Para Athletes. Series 25 includes a runner who is sporting dual blades. This is the first minifigure to feature two prosthetic legs. As well as the blade legs, the character includes a medal and a 1×2 brick which becomes a 1st place winner’s plinth. I’m not sure I’m a fan of the 80s perm hair piece, but apart from that it’s nice to see the real world continue to be reflected in minifigure-form.
Film Noir Detective
As I opened the box, a chill filled the air, he was a mean-looking guy, meaner than the crime-ridden streets. His determined expression portrayed a sense of judgment only a detective who had seen it all could have. His grey overcoat and cap, helped him blend into the shadows because that’s where he felt at home. But even a minifigure who had seen it all couldn’t shake the feeling he wasn’t being told the truth, something smelt fishy, was he close to cracking the case or had he been fed a red herring?
Train Kid
With some minifigures donning outfits styled after various critters or tasty treats, some choose to express their fandom in a little more extreme manner. Previous characters have slipped into mini versions of race cars, planes, ships and horses. The last wearable means of transportation is a train. This little engine is nicely detailed for such as small thing. The train outfit is connected to the minifigure by sitting over the legs and then being held in place with the torso. The little boy is dressed as an engine driver with the cap used for the Newspaper Kid recoloured in blue. You’ll notice he’s also sporting a patch over his eye, this is to method to treat amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’ in kids and another way in which minifigures are reflecting real-life conditions.
Goatherd
There are many unique elements created for LEGO sets, but none have become as legendary as the goat. This iconic animal figure debuted in 2011 and only ever appeared in one set. This rarity helped to elevate the goat to true legendary status. There have been attempts to bring it back and that wish has now come true. The goat is basically the same as the original version, it just lacks the orange print detail. But the goat is merely an accessory to the Goatherd. This merely will play second fiddle to the goat, but it’s a delightful character, especially his sleeping expression. His outfit could play him in any era. He could easily be stumbling around a field in some Eastern European country or a medieval market town.
Vampire Knight
The goat is the only returning LEGO legend in Series 25. The Vampire Knight is Basil the Bat Lord in everything but name. As the Castle theme added more fantastical elements in the late 90s, the Fright Knights were introduced along with their leader Basil. His appearance has been updated to be a little more modern, with better print detail, a snazzy new cape and a redesigned bat-winged helmet. His weaponry has also been updated, so his shield is a little more detailed and his bat-tipped baton has been swapped out for a red-bladed battleaxe. Despite the tweaks to the design, the Vampire Knight is instantly recognisable as the Fright Knight’s big cheese.
Pet Groomer
This is by far the best character in the series. Firstly, it features a brand new animal figure which is an Afghan Hound. This is an amazing new element and perfectly captures the elegant flowing coat of the dog. I especially like that this has been sculptured into the mould and not just added via print detail. The Groomer minifigure is also impressive. She introduces a new hairpiece which features a cochlear implant moulded into the hair. The return of the goat is great but I really like the Dog Groomer character.
Fitness Instructor
This is one of those filler characters, which are often not as exciting as some of the others in a series. The dual-moulded legs work perfectly for the instructor’s shorts. Unfortunately, the exposed midriff suffers from the yellow skin tone being printed on a darker surface, so it doesn’t match the rest of the body. It is one of the very few minifigures to feature a tattoo, with a floral design on her right arm. The little ball element connected to a grip stud does a great job of representing a kettlebell weight.
E-Sports Gamer
Past series have featured a couple of gamer characters but this is the first female one. E-Sports is competitive gaming and is mostly played on PCs so as well as her trophy, the E-Sports Gamer also includes a mouse and keyboard, although they don’t really have anywhere to do and the minifigure looks slightly awkward just holding them. Her torso features a black falcon-like design, which could be a call back to the popular Castle faction. Hidden under her long pink hair is the Vita Rush logo.
Mushroom Sprite
Similar to the Series 22 Forest Elf, the Mushroom Sprite is another fairytale-like character. It also introduces a unique new hat, which is styled after a red cap mushroom. The rest of the minifigure is rather plain in comparison but that just makes the hat stand out more. There’s also a butterfly included, which uses the recently introduced insect element, but has a unique print design.
Fierce Barbarian
Different cultures and eras have warriors who reflect those times. The Barbarian is often seen as a less civilized but fearsome warrior. The Fierce Barbarian is a female warrior who may not seem as exciting as other characters in this series but I like the details on her outfit. Her fur skirt is nice but as with the Fitness Instructor, the yellow skin of her legs becomes washed out due to the surface it’s printed on. Both of her expressions show her fearless spirit but the one with face paint across her face is the best. She also has a great sword accessory which reminds me of He-Man’s Power Sword.
Harpy
Past series of LEGO Minifigures have included various mythical creatures such as a Minotaur and Medusa. The Harpy is a half-man, half-bird creature from Greek and Roman mythology. It doesn’t include any new pieces, but it does use the creature legs which have previously been used for the Faun character and Stranger Things’ Demogorgan. Maybe it’s just me, but it kind of looks like the harpy is getting ready to go for a bike ride. I think it’s the colours used on the torso.
As cool as the licensed series are the original characters are much more fun and have better designs and accessories. This is another great collection of characters, with some being more impressive than others. The return of the fabled goat is welcomed, even if it makes the market for the original element completely collapse. But for me, the highlight of the set is the Pet Groomer and her Afghan Hound. I also like the Film Noir Detective and Triceratops Costume Fan. The Series 25 LEGO Minifigures will be available from January 1st, 2024.
Shop Now: UKIrelandUSCanadaMexicoGermanyFranceDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
These were provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks