Comic Book Guy
sim026 · The Simpsons / Collectible Minifigures
The Simpsons Series 2 · 2015 - Released as part of the second wave of LEGO Simpsons dedicated Collectible Minifigures (Series 71009).
Figure ID
sim026
Theme
The Simpsons / Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2015 - Released as part of the second wave of LEGO Simpsons dedicated Collectible Minifigures (Series 71009).
Rarity
Uncommon. While part of a blind bag series, it is long retired (2015) and has only appeared in this single LEGO manifestation.
Head
Unique molded rubber/plastic head specifically designed for Comic Book Guy. Features a balding hairline with brown hair, stubble/beard print around the mouth, and a nervous/distressed expression with wide eyes.
Torso
Medium Blue torso depicting a t-shirt. Features a printed 'pot belly' curve at the bottom with yellow skin showing and a navel detail. Short sleeves are represented by yellow arms with blue sleeve printing.
Legs
Dual-molded and printed legs. Dark red shorts at the top, yellow for the lower legs, and medium blue for the socks/shoes combo. Includes the 'S-curve' fat roll printing detail on the hips.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally came with a 'Squishee' cup and a 'Radioactive Man' comic book (printed 2x2 tile).
Color Scheme
Mainly Medium Blue, Yellow, and Dark Red. The skin tone is the classic Simpsons bright yellow rather than standard LEGO yellow.
Printing Details
High precision pad printing. Noteworthy for the 360-degree feel of the short sleeves and the transition from the blue shirt to the yellow belly on the torso.
Variants
This is the only version of Comic Book Guy ever produced by LEGO.
Condition Notes
The molded head is prone to collecting dust in the crevices and the neck connection can develop hairline cracks if over-flexed. The printing on the belly is a high-rub area.
Estimated Value
Used (Complete): $8-$12 USD. New/Sealed in bag: $15-$20 USD. Current image shows it is missing accessories, reducing value to approx. $5-$7 USD.
Price (New)
Originally $3.99 USD per blind bag in 2015.
Compatible Sets
Specifically 71009 The Simpsons Series 2. Character is often displayed with 71006 The Simpsons House or 71016 Kwik-E-Mart.
Character Background
Jeff Albertson, better known as Comic Book Guy, is the cynical owner of The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop in Springfield. He is known for his catchphrase 'Worst. Episode. Ever.'
Design Notes
Utilizes a specialized head mold that deviates from the standard minifigure 'block' shape to capture the character's unique silhouette. The dual-molding on the legs was considered premium for 2015.
Similar Minifigures
Other Simpsons CMFs such as Homer, Bart, or Professor Frink. Also shares design philosophies with other 'non-standard' head characters like those in the LEGO Toy Story or SpongeBob lines.
Collectibility
High. The Simpsons LEGO license is currently inactive, making all unique characters from the CMF series highly desirable for completionists.
History
Launched during the peak of LEGO's partnership with 20th Century Fox, following the successful Simpsons House set and the first CMF series.
Interesting Facts
Despite being a main character, he was omitted from Series 1 and held back for Series 2. The comic book accessory he normally carries is a meta-reference to the show's fictional superhero.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a CMF acrylic case or in front of the 71016 Kwik-E-Mart set. Pair with other Series 2 figures like Fallout Boy to complete the 'comic shop' vibe.
Modification Potential
Low. The head and torso are so character-specific that they are rarely used for MOCs unless creating a custom 'nerd' or 'collector' character in a City layout.
Overall Assessment
A fantastic translation of a 2D character into 3D form. The belly-print and unique mold quality make it a standout of Series 2. Rating: 9/10 for character accuracy.