Quick Hits: More Series 2 News and BrickCon

I lucked out yesterday and made it up to my local LEGO Store in Cincinnati. Series 2 Collectible Minifigures were in, and I managed to score 16 select items. That's right, I said 16. It appears that the figure cap was upped, likely to allow hunters to obtain a full set if they wished. I used my bar code cheat sheet from Grogall and was able to nab all the figures I was looking for (see the guides for more details).

Both the City and Castle Advent sets were also in stock. Brickset is reporting that the Series 2 figures and both Advent calendars are in UK LEGO Stores, as well.

Speaking of Series 2 availability, Toys N Bricks gives a very detailed breakdown of the distribution plans for Canadian Wal-Marts and Toys R Us. It seems that Wal-Mart may be your best bet at Series 2 goodness north of the border.

Eurobricks had debuted their Series 2 Collectible Minifigure contest. Part scavenger hunt, part raffle, entrants must comb the Eurobricks forums to find pics of Series 2 minifigures. Identify the location of all 16 and you are entered into a raffle for a random pull from the Series 2 prize box. More details can be found here.

The Brothers Brick reminds us that time to register for BrickCon is here. Earlier in the year I was hearing rumors that a few custom houses, normally not at AFOL conventions, would be selling their wares. A quick message to BrickCon admins, however, seemed to suggest otherwise. Not only that, but Armothe tweets that BrickForge won't be vending there this year. Attendees will have the BrickCon Film Festival to look forward to, however. Details at TBB.

That's all for now, citizens. More to come...

UPDATE: BrickForge has updated its featured products to include drumsticks in a variety of colors! 

Minifig Collector App for Android Now Updated

If I remember correctly, Huw from Brickset found the first version of this Android app for the Series 1 Collectible Minifigures. I've now been informed that Nic Jansma has updated the app to now read the bar codes for Series 2 minifigures.

Containing both the bar code info for US and EU, the app is unique in that it a little icon for each minifig you've found and collected (see screen shot).

If you have an Android smart phone I suggest checking it out (link below).

What are we going to do when these bar codes disappear for Series 3?!

(Via AndroidZoom)

Series 2 Roll Out - Germany and Canada

Toys N Bricks is reporting that several outlets in Germany and Canada now have the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures.

Germany has several outlets with these figures now in stock - Drogerie Müller, Galleria Kaufhof, Schlecker, Idee & Spiel, Obletter.

Wal-Mart in Canada are now putting these guys out.

Don't forget to use the bar codes in our guides, Grogall's cheat sheet, or mobile Brickset to get the guys  and gals you want.

(Via Toys N Bricks)

Clean US and EU Bar Codes Now Available

Master Grogall was very kind and sent us a copy of the clean US and EU bar codes for the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures. I'll be working diligently to integrate these into the the guides in much the same way I did for Series 1.

As of now, however, I'm going to direct you over to Toys N Bricks as they have the ability to host the full pdf, which you can see here.

If people are looking to use these bar codes, please let them know about Grogall's work and direct them to many of the sites hosting them. I had heard rumors that people were selling bar code information when Series 1 launched - that's just wrong.

I also want to give a shout out once again to Huw and his Howling Commandos on Brickset. Not only will they have Grogall's sheet up soon, but they also have their mobile Brickset app which will turn your Android smart phone into a bar code reader.

So what are you doing still reading this post?! Get out there, citizens, and claim your prize.

(Once again, big thanks to Grogall for putting this together and sharing)

New Pics and Bar Codes at Eurobricks

Eurobricks members Ras74 and Superkalle have some great pics of the actual Series 2 Collectible Minifigures next to their corresponding bar codes.

The bar codes seem to largely match those we've found on bricks.inof.de, with some subtle differences. Between these pics and the pdf cheat sheet, European collectors won't have any difficulty finding the figs they want.

(Via Eurobricks)

Site and Store Updates: 7/22/10

Citizens of Minifig Nation, we have a few updates and announcements for both the site and the store.

First up we've added the bar codes from bricks.inof.de to the LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 2 entries. I'm surprised that Huw and company haven't mentioned this on Brickset. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before their apps have Series 2 functionality.

I've also updated some of the pics associated with the minifigures from set 8128, Cad Bane's Speeder. There was a fantastic review by Inconspicuous on Eurobricks. I've added some of the pics from that review, but if you have time read the whole thing. Its really one of the better set reviews I've seen on Eurobricks.

Expect to see the minifigures from the new LEGO Star Wars Slave I and General Grievous Starfighter at my BrickLink store soon. All figures will come with their relevant accessories and flat rate shipping still holds*. I usually price quite well relative to other stores, so this could be a great opportunity to pick up some figs from the higher priced sets. I also have other Star Wars, Kingdoms, and Collectible Minifigure Series 1 items up for sale.

Cygnet
Minister of Information
Minifig Nation

*See store terms for details

Series 2 Bar Codes for Europe?

This was just seen on the BrickLink forums. There is a new bar code pdf for the Series 2 LEGO Collectible Minifigures. I'm calling this as rumor for now, as I don't know if these have been verified.

This is coming from the website bricks.inof.de which debuted the original bar codes for Series 1. We also know Series 2 minifigures have started to appear at Legolands Billund and Windsor.

If these are accurate, you've just gotten a jump on the rest of the collectors!

US bar codes will hopefully be available soon...

(Via BrickLink forums)

Updates from Huw and His Howling Commandos

Brickset has the latest news on Collectible Minifigures Series 3 and a new Toy Story polybag.

LEGO Ambassadors have been informed that Series 3 of the Collectible Minifigures will not have the secondary bar codes which identify the contents of the pack. This likely means that TLG found another way to inventory these figures in their system. Similar to what we did for Series 1 bar codes, we will be reporting on the Series 2 codes once they become available.

It sounds like LEGO was caught off guard by the popularity of the Series 1 figs. Does this mean there could be a shortage? Your best bet is to pick them up when and where you can. Future series will likely have higher production numbers to meet demand.

In other news, this picture of LEGO Toy Story 3 set 30072, Woody's Campfire appeared on BrickLink earlier today. No word on which retail stores will carry it or where in the world it might surface. Given that we already have a pack shot, more details should be forthcoming.

(Via Brickset)

Site News and Updates: 6/7/10

Good morning citizens of minifig nation! A couple of quick hits on the goings on here at "The Duck":

The LEGO Harry Potter Minifigure guide is winding down with only a few more entries left. With other items picking up steam (and the fact the HP doesn't launch until the fall) you'll be seeing these last three entries periodically over the coming weeks.

If you tuned in this morning, you'll have the seen the first entry in the LEGO Collectible Minifigure Series 2 guide, The Spartan Warrior. Expect to see at least four entries a week for the next month.

Huw and Guido over at Brickset have given permission to reprint the EU and US bar codes for the LEGO Collectible Minifigure Series 1 guide. These have been added to the individual entries, but you can still download the entire cheat sheet at Brickset.

As always, I'm looking for feedback and suggestions for the site. What do you like? What don't you like? What would you like to see more of? I can't guarantee I'll be able to entertain all suggestions, but they are always welcome. Just drop me a line at 'uglyduck.bricklink@gmail.com'.

Minister of Information, Minifig Nation
Cygnet

Brickset's Bar Code Domination

Huw and his Howling Commandos on Brickset are dead set on being your one stop shop for Series 1, Collectible Minifigure bar codes.

They've pulled together this handy one-page 'cheat sheet' listing the bar codes for the US, Europe, and Asia.

Speaking from personal experience, the bar codes are likely your best bet to finding the figures you want without drawing weird looks in the store. Despite claims that certain figures could be found by 'feeling it out', I couldn't do it.

Right now, however, you need to find them on sale first!

(Via Brickset)

Scenes from a LEGO Store: Minifigures Now on Sale (US)

I've just gotten back from my local LEGO Store in southwest Ohio where I picked up three of the dragon faction battle packs from the Kingdoms line (and LEGO exclusives to boot). I was perusing the key chains and what did I see...(wait for it)...LEGO Collectible Minifigures! I picked five bags at random and went happily on my way. It looks like LEGO wants to take advantage of the holiday weekend.

It is confirmed that you can only buy five a day (so bring friends and family). I will also say that despite others claiming you can determine what is in the bag by "feeling it out", I really couldn't tell. If you are looking for a specific figure, then your best best will be to bring some way to id the secondary bar code on the back.

In separate but related news, my local Toys R Us claimed to have the minifigures in store yesterday. I ended up going after work, a couple of hours later, and they were all sold out. The store only had one case! So if you see them somewhere I would pick them up.

Collectible Minifigures Bar Code Cheat Sheet for US

The fine folks at Brickset have posted a US version of the bar code cheat sheet for the Collectible Minifigures Series 1. Although I can't read bar code myself, at least you have another resource to try and get that one figure you want or to try and get a complete set.

(Via Brickset)

Collectible Minifigure Bar Codes for Central and Eastern Europe

Oliver, a reader and unofficial correspondent, directed my attention to 'bricks.inof.de' which appears to have two pdf's showing the bar codes for the Collectible Minifigures. In an excerpt from the site...

"These are the barcodes of the new collectible minifigures, available since May 2010. When you look at the back side of the bag, the important barcode is the smaller one (without digits beneath). Unfortunately there are at least two kinds of such minifigure bags which differ in layout and barcodes:

- Item: 4559116 (barcodes on the left)
- Item: 4568039 (barcodes on the right)

The barcodes presented here are valid only for the bags mentioned first. These seem to be sold in Eastern and Central Europe. The others where found in USA and UK; unfortunately those have different barcodes."

I can really see how it would be difficult to visually ID the figures without such a guide! I'm guessing the bar codes for US, UK, and the rest of the world aren't far behind...

Thanks Oliver!

Collectible Minifigures Can Be Identified Via Bar Codes

Brickset is reporting that there is in fact a way to pre-determine which figure you will get without opening the bag, but its not by feeling around for the contents.

Supposedly, there are two bar codes on the back of the package. Let's take a look...


It looks like the bar code on the right, the one without numbers, is the one that identifies which figure is inside. This only makes sense for inventory purposes to have such a system in place.

Already many are suggesting using bar code readers, iPhones, or just recognizing the bar pattern as strategies for pre-identification. Combine this with our "feeling it out" strategy, and your likely to walk away with just the figures you want.

The picture I have is from CopMike's review of The Spaceman minifigure. Assuming this package is final, we already have a partial view of one of the codes. Will others who've received early packages post the photos of the bar codes?

More to come...

(Picture from Eurobricks)

LEGO Collectible Minifigure Guides - Series 1, 2, and 3

Collectible Minifigure Collection Details

• Series 1 debuted in Europe May 2010 and the US in June 2010
• Series 2 debuted in July/August 2010 in Europe and September 2010 in the US
• Series 3 debuted in the US in November 2010 and Europe in December 2010
• The figures will be packaged in "blind" bags and capsules in Japan
• There are 16 characters in each series
• The recommended price was $1.99 USD per bag, until Series 3 when it changed to $2.99 USD.
• There are three levels of rarity based on the mix of figures in each case
• Secondary bar codes on the back of each bag indicate which figure is inside for the first two series. Series 3 does not have the bar codes, but instead has a different coding system based on 'bumps' at the bottom of the packs
• There had been no printing on the back of these figures until Series 3, when the Gorilla Suit Guy and Mummy debuted with back torso print. Most figures do not include printing on the back as a cost-cutting measure
• LEGO executives have stated that at least two sets will be released each year as long as they remain popular...or they run out of ideas, whichever comes first.
• Steve Witt of The LEGO Group announced at BrickFair 2010 that figures have now been designed up through Series 5. To date, the figures through Series 4 have been shown.
• The LEGO Group has stated that once a series sells out, it will no longer make those figures. Series 1 & 2 are sold out to date.

Collectible Minifigures - Series 1 (#8683)

Series 1 launched in Europe in May 2010 and the US in June 2010. According to TLG this series is sold out and no more will be made.

Commons (5 per case):

• The Ninja
• The Deep Sea Diver
• The Demolition Dummy

Uncommons (4 per case):

• The Robot
• The Spaceman
• The Forestman
• The Cowboy
• The Magician
• The Caveman

Rares (3 per case):

• The Cheerleader
• The Circus Clown
• The Tribal Hunter
• The Super Wrestler
• The Skater
• The Nurse
• The Zombie

Collectible Minifigures - Series 2 (#8684)

Series 2 debuted in July/August 2010 in Europe and September 2010 in the US. According to TLG this series is sold out and no more will be made.

Commons (5 per case):

• The Ringmaster
• The Karate Master
• The Traffic Cop

Uncommons (4 per case):

• The Mime
• The Witch
• Maraca Man
• The Lifeguard
• The Vampire
• The Weightlifter

Rares (3 per case):

• The Spartan
• The Pharaoh
• The Explorer
• The Disco Dude
• The Skier
• The Surfer
• The Pop Star

Collectible Minifigures - Series 3 (#8803)

Series 3 debuted in the US in November 2010 and Europe in December 2010.

There are codes that can be used to identify the figures inside, but are not the secondary bar codes used in previous series.

Each of the following links will be tied to the original articles. These may be modified over time based on new news, so please check back often.

Commons (5 per case):

• The Sumo Wrestler
• The Space Alien*
• The Mummy
• The Race Car Driver

Uncommons (4 per case):

• The Pilot
•  The Samurai Warrior
• The Gorilla Suit
• The Baseball Player
• The Tennis Player

 Rare (2 to 3 per case):

• The Hula Dancer
• The Fisherman**
• The Fantasy Elf
• The Tribal/Native American Chief
• The Rapper
• The Snowboarder
• The Space Villain/Cyborg

* 4 per case in Europe
**Only 2 per case in the US and 3 per case in Europe

Collectible Minifigures Series 1: The Zombie

Darkness falls across the land...The midnight hour is close at hand...Minifigures crawl in search of blood...To terrorize y'alls neighborhood! Da, Daa! Da, Da, Da...That never gets old! Let's sink our teeth into "The Zombie".

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
The Zombie is a very simple three piece design, zombie head, torn suit print torso, and torn pants. Accessories include a turkey/chicken leg (part 33057) and a shovel (part 3837). Of course, no Zombie is complete without the new minifigure stand.

Army Building Potential
The "army building potential" or "ABP" for this figure is high. I've got to believe the heads alone are going to be highly sought after. Slap a Zombie head on spaceman and you get...Zombies In Space! Attach a Zombie head on a pirate and you get...Zombie Pirate. Screw on a Zombie noggin on Buzz Lightyear and you get...an image that will haunt children everywhere...You get the idea.

Feeling It Out
Can you say, "winner, winner, chicken dinner"? The combo of the turkey/chicken leg and shovel would be the tell tale signs here.

Bar Codes
The following are the secondary bar codes that can be found on the back of each bag which indicates the figure inside. The bar code on the left is valid for the EU while the bar code on the right is valid for the US. These bar codes come courtesy of Brickset.com where a single pdf containing all bar codes can be found.


The Big Draw
he head and all of its insta-zombie potential...

FBTB.net Poll Standings

According to the poll currently on the FBTB.net forums, this is far and away the most sought after figure of the series. Only The Spaceman comes close. As always, those who frequent AFOL forums may not be representative of the broader market, but it looks like this figure will be highly sought after.

Official LEGO.com Bio 
“Briiiiiiiiiicks…”

Slow in speed and even slower of mind, the lumbering Zombie may look a little scary, but he’s completely harmless in every way. Everything he does is slow, mindless and repetitive, from zoning out while watching TV, to waiting in line at the grocery store, to stacking one brick on top of another to build a perfectly even, completely featureless wall that stretches along for miles and miles.

If you interrupt him, he’ll just stare at you blankly before going back to whatever he was doing before. If you put an obstacle in front of him, he’ll keep bumping into it over and over again until someone turns him around. If you pick him up and move him to a new place, he’ll start doing something mindless there instead. The only thing that seems to motivate him is his cherished turkey leg – if you dangle it in front of him, he’ll stretch his arms out toward it and follow it wherever it goes.

(Back to Collectible Minifigure Series 1 Guide)

(Pictures from FBTB.net, Eurobricks, and Brickset)

Collectible Minifigures Series 1: The Nurse

Minifigure Parts
The Nurse is made up of four parts. The hairpiece, head, torso with nurse scrub print, and white legs. The torso print is a more detailed version of what has adorned female doctor figures from the past. The hair seems like a new female style with ponytail, as I have yet to find something similar in the BrickLink catalog.

Accessories
There are two accessories with this figure, a tile with chart print and a syringe. Both items are new to the LEGO universe. As always, the figure will come with the new minifigure stand.

Army Building Potential
The "army building potential" or "ABP" for this figure is low to moderate. The new torso could be used to update your minifigure hospital staff, but not much beyond that.

Feeling It Out
The chart and syringe are likely the items to look for here. There may be potential for confusion with The Demolition Dummy and its license plate and spanner accessories.

Bar Codes
The following are the secondary bar codes that can be found on the back of each bag which indicates the figure inside. The bar code on the left is valid for the EU while the bar code on the right is valid for the US. These bar codes come courtesy of Brickset.com where a single pdf containing all bar codes can be found.


The Big Draw
The torso and accessories are the big draws here. If the hair style is actually new, it could be desirable too.

FBTB.net Poll Standings

According to the poll currently on the FBTB.net forums, The Nurse is at the back of the pack with figures like The Deep Sea Diver and The Skater. As always, those who frequent AFOL forums may not be representative of the broader market, but it looks like this figure might be sought just to fill out a full series one collection.

Official LEGO.com Bio 
“Don’t worry, you’ll feel all better after this!”

Cheerful, professional and devoted to making people feel better, the Nurse believes that everybody around her ought to be as healthy as possible at all times, even if that means covering them from head to toe in bandages and checking every reflex in their body with a little rubber hammer. She can tape up a boo-boo, dash to the scene of an accident with a wheelchair or build a fully-functional MRI machine out of random spare pieces, all in a dizzying blur of motion…whether her chosen patient wants her to or not!

The Nurse thinks that every problem can be solved by expert medical care. If she sees a child crying because its balloon is stuck up in a tree, she’ll try everything from checking its temperature to taking X-rays, trying more and more complicated procedures when nothing seems to solve the problem. She doesn’t understand why the tears stop as soon as she gives the child a new balloon for being such a good patient, but she’s proud and delighted that her treatment worked anyway.

(Back to Collectible Minifigure Series 1 Guide)

(Pictures from FBTB.net and Brickset)

Collectible Minifigures Series 1: The Deep Sea Diver

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Here the figure and accessories are hard to separate. There are six different pieces overall. There's the helmet with trans-blue goggles and snorkel, head, wetsuit torso, scuba tank, legs, and flippers. Although the colors and print are different, this figure is not unlike those offered with the Aquaraiders back in 2007.

As always the figure comes with the new minifigure stand.

Army Building Potential
The "army building potential" or "ABP" for this figure is moderate. The scuba outfits might be desirable for underwater MOCs. They might also be good compliments with figures from the recent Atlantis sets.

Feeling It Out
The scuba tank and flippers might be the best items to feel out.

Bar Codes
The following are the secondary bar codes that can be found on the back of each bag which indicates the figure inside. The bar code on the left is valid for the EU while the bar code on the right is valid for the US. These bar codes come courtesy of Brickset.com where a single pdf containing all bar codes can be found.


The Big Draw
With Aquaraiders only being offered just three years ago, there may not be a big draw for The Diver.

FBTB.net Poll Standings

According to the poll currently on the FBTB.net forums, The Diver has only one or two votes. This would put him on par with The Skater and The Tribal Hunter. As always, those who frequent AFOL forums may not be representative of the broader market, but it looks like this figure might be sought just to fill out a full series one collection.

Official LEGO.com Bio 
“Blub blurb glub?”

The Deep Sea Diver seems like a nice enough fellow, but no one can tell for sure, because no one can understand what he’s saying. Whenever he speaks, all that comes out is burbles and bubbles. He might be easier to understand if he ever took off his diving mask and air tank, but he thinks that he can’t breathe without them and always keeps them on, even when he’s walking around on land – which is a pretty funny sight, thanks to those big flippers on his feet!

The Deep Sea Diver loves the water and can often be found swimming around in fish tanks and bathtubs, hoping to spot rare and exotic fish. He loves to tell stories about his amazing undersea adventures, but of course it’s impossible to guess what he’s actually talking about. His gestures and sound effects certainly make it all sound very exciting, though!

(Back to Collectible Minifigure Series 1 Guide)

(Pictures from FBTB.net, BrickLink, and Brickset)

Collectible Minifigures Series 1: The Cowboy

Saddle up buckaroos, we are hitting the trail today and rustling up "The Cowboy".

Minifigure Parts
The Cowboy is composed of four parts, a hat, head, torso with bandolier and large belt buckle, brown legs. The hat is a dark tan version of the Indiana Jones fedora. The torso printis new and may be valued for its custom applications.

Accessories
The accessories are a pair of standard revolvers in dark blue gray. Nothing really special here.

As always the figure comes with the new minifigure stand.

Army Building Potential
The "army building potential" or "ABP" for this figure is low.

Feeling It Out
The fedora and guns would be the items one would try to seek out, but it may be difficult to isolate. Luckily the other figures have few features that are similar and might lead to confusion.

Bar Codes
The following are the secondary bar codes that can be found on the back of each bag which indicates the figure inside. The bar code on the left is valid for the EU while the bar code on the right is valid for the US. These bar codes come courtesy of Brickset.com where a single pdf containing all bar codes can be found.

The Big Draw
The big draws here are the fedora if it comes in dark tan, a new color for this part, and the torso print.

FBTB.net Poll Standings

According to the poll currently on the FBTB.net forums, The Cowboy is near the back of the pack with figures like The Circus Clown and The Ninja. As always, those who frequent AFOL forums may not be representative of the broader market, but it looks like this figure might be sought just to fill out a full series one collection. 

Official LEGO.com Bio
“Yee-haw and yippie-ki-yay!”

This hero of the Old West is a master of the lucky shot. With the help of his trusty pair of six-irons, the Cowboy can hit any target at any distance, no matter how large or small. It’s a talent that he’s used to get himself out of plenty of sticky situations, and he’s happy to show it to anyone who asks for a demonstration.

Though he’s a bit of a show-off, the Cowboy is impeccably honest and fair, and always raises his hat to the ladies. He enjoys a good game of cards and a campfire cook-out, especially if someone’s brought along his favorite: chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. He never stays for long in any town, though, because he’s always out on the trail looking for his lost horse. After all, who’s ever heard of a cowboy without a horse?

(Back to Collectible Minifigure Series 1 Guide)

(Pictures from FBTB.net and Brickset)

Collectible Minifigures Series 1: The Skater

Minifigure Parts
The Skater is composed of four parts, a new hairpiece, head, torso with skull "hoodie" print, and blue legs. Both the hairpiece and torso print are new.

Accessories
The accessory is a blue skateboard with black wheels, not unlike previous minifig skateboards. Its been confirmed that The Skater will come with the new minifigure stand too.

Army Building Potential
The "army building potential" or "ABP" for this figure is low.

Feeling It Out
The skateboard is likely the key to identifying this figure in advance. It might be confused with the minifigure stand, but not other accessories. If you wanted to seek it out, or avoid, it shouldn't be too hard.

Bar Codes
The following are the secondary bar codes that can be found on the back of each bag which indicates the figure inside. The bar code on the left is valid for the EU while the bar code on the right is valid for the US. These bar codes come courtesy of Brickset.com where a single pdf containing all bar codes can be found.

The Big Draw
The big draws here are the hair and the torso. The rest is a little "meh"...

FBTB.net Poll Standings

According to the poll currently on the FBTB.net forums, The Skater is at the back of the pack with figures like The Magician and The Tribal Hunter. As always, those who frequent AFOL forums may not be representative of the broader market, but it looks like these figures might be sought just to fill out a full series one collection.

Official LEGO.com Bio 
“Bet you can’t do THIS!”

The young Skater practices all the time to be the greatest skateboarder in the world. He lives for speed and tricky stunts, and when he’s around, any and every surface becomes his own private skate park. His board is his prize possession, and he always makes sure to keep it clean and shiny, even when he gets totally grungy himself.

The Skater is extremely competitive, and he can’t stand to see anyone do something better or faster than he does. His rivalry isn’t just limited to other skateboarders – he’ll try to out-race trains and out-jump pigeons flying in the park, just to prove he can. He hasn’t beaten them yet, but he’s sure he will some day!

(Back to Collectible Minifigure Series 1 Guide)

(Pictures from FBTB.net and Brickset)