SpongeBob SquarePants - Basic Smile
bob001 · SpongeBob SquarePants
Nickelodeon / Paramount Wave 1 · 2006 (Debuted in set 3827 Adventures in Bikini Bottom)
Figure ID
bob001
Theme
SpongeBob SquarePants
Year Released
2006 (Debuted in set 3827 Adventures in Bikini Bottom)
Rarity
Uncommon. While mass-produced in the mid-2000s, the theme has been out of production since 2012, making well-preserved figures increasingly desirable.
Head
Unique 1x2x2 square head mold with top stud. Features a classic wide smile showing two teeth, blue eyes, and light orange freckles/pores.
Torso
The 'head' piece acts as both head and torso. It features a printed white shirt, red tie, and dark brown pants with a belt. Arms are yellow with yellow hands.
Legs
Standard short legs in Dark Brown to represent SpongeBob's pants. These do not have printing.
Accessories
None included in the image, though often paired with a Krabby Patty (printed 1x1 round tile) or a spatula in official sets.
Color Scheme
Bright Yellow, White, Red, and Dark Brown. These represent the iconic colors of the character's animated appearance.
Printing Details
Pad printing on the front of the combined head/torso piece. The print alignment is generally high quality, though the freckles can vary slightly in saturation.
Variants
Numerous. Variants include bob020 (Grumpy), bob026 (Goofy), bob002 (Winking), and bob019 (Surprised). This is the original 2006 smiling version.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include 'arm cracks' on the torso sides and fading of the red tie print. The top stud often shows bite marks or scratches from brick removal.
Estimated Value
Used: $5.00 - $8.00; New/Mint: $10.00 - $15.00. Value fluctuates based on set completeness and print preservation.
Price (New)
Retail sets ranged from $14.99 to $24.99 in 2006. This figure was the centerpiece of the entry-level wave.
Compatible Sets
3827 Adventures in Bikini Bottom, 4981 The Chum Bucket, 3825 Krusty Krab.
Character Background
Protagonist of the Nickelodeon series. He lives in a pineapple under the sea and works as a fry cook at the Krusty Krab.
Design Notes
This figure marked a departure from the standard minifigure silhouette by using a specialized rectangular block mold to maintain the character's silhouette.
Similar Minifigures
Patrick Star (pat001), Squidward Tentacles (sqd001), and the newer 2012 version of SpongeBob (bob030) with updated printing.
Collectibility
High nostalgia factor for the 'Gen Z' collector demographic. It is a cornerstone for completing a Nickelodeon-themed collection.
History
Launched in 2006 as LEGO's first major partnership with Nickelodeon. The design remained relatively stagnant for years until the 2012 refresh.
Interesting Facts
SpongeBob was one of the first LEGO characters to consistently use the 'short leg' piece which was previously rare before the 2000s.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a beach or underwater-themed MOC. Works well with blue trans-clear baseplates and jellyfish builds.
Modification Potential
The head stud allows for hats (like a Krusty Krab hat) to be easily swapped. Common for 'purist' customizers to swap legs for 'sock' printed variants.
Overall Assessment
An iconic LEGO figure that perfectly captures the character. While not the rarest, it is a must-have for any collector of 2000s-era licensed themes.