Ralph Wiggum - The Simpsons, Series 1
sim016 · The Simpsons
Collectible Minifigures - Series 1 · Released in May 2014 as part of the primary LEGO Simpsons launch and the first dedicated licensed Collectible Minifigure series.
Figure ID
sim016
Theme
The Simpsons
Year Released
Released in May 2014 as part of the primary LEGO Simpsons launch and the first dedicated licensed Collectible Minifigure series.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While mass-produced in blind bags, it is a retired figure from a highly popular licensed series that has not been rereleased.
Head
Custom-molded yellow head piece specific to Ralph Wiggum with distinct thin black hair strands on top, bulging eyes with black pupils, and a soft, innocent expression characteristic of the character.
Torso
Bright light blue shirt with a folded collar print, dark bluish gray belt with a red rectangular buckle; plain bright light blue arms and yellow hands.
Legs
Short, non-articulated legs in medium nubuck/brown color to represent Ralph's shorter stature as a child.
Accessories
A unique 2x2 white tile printed with the iconic 'I CHOO-CHOO-CHOOSE YOU' Valentine's Day card featuring a pink train engine, a reference to the episode 'I Love Lisa'.
Color Scheme
Primary colors are bright light blue and medium brown, accented by the character's classic Simpson-yellow skin and a splash of red and pink on the accessory tile.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso and accessory tile. The head uses a specialized multi-shot mold process with additional hair and eye paint application. No back torso printing was standard for this series.
Variants
This is the only LEGO version of Ralph Wiggum ever produced. He did not appear in Series 2 or the large-scale Simpsons house/Kwik-E-Mart sets.
Condition Notes
Head molds are prone to rubbery residue if stored in heat; the short legs often show 'clutch' wear inside the tubes. The white accessory tile is prone to scratches and yellowing.
Estimated Value
Used: $12.00 - $18.00; New (Sealed in bag): $25.00 - $35.00. Value has increased steadily since the retirement of the Simpsons license.
Price (New)
Originally retailed for $3.99 USD in a blind-bag format in 2014.
Compatible Sets
Set 71005 (The Simpsons Series 1 Collectible Minifigures).
Character Background
Son of Chief Wiggum, Ralph is a student at Springfield Elementary known for his non-sequiturs, innocence, and being the 'slow' child of the school. He is one of the most beloved side characters in The Simpsons.
Design Notes
The head is a unique mold that deviates from standard minifigure geometry to capture Matt Groening's art style. The use of the 2x2 tile for the Valentine is regarded as one of the best 'deep cut' accessories in CMF history.
Similar Minifigures
Milhouse Van Houten (sim015) and Nelson Muntz (sim013) from the same series; Maggie Simpson (sim004).
Collectibility
High. As a fan-favorite character and the only version of him in existence, he is a cornerstone for Simpsons collectors and CMF completionists.
History
Represented the first wave of LEGO's partnership with 20th Century Fox to bring Springfield to life, marking a shift toward more complex, character-specific head molds.
Interesting Facts
The 'I Choo-Choo-Choose You' card is a direct replica of the one he gives Lisa Simpson in Season 4, Episode 15. The card also appears in the LEGO Dimensions game.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for a Springfield Elementary classroom MOC or displayed on the standard black CMF baseplate alongside the Rest of the Wiggum family.
Modification Potential
Low due to the unique head mold, but the torso is useful for generic 1990s-style child characters or casual-wear MOCs.
Overall Assessment
An A+ minifigure that perfectly captures the essence of the character. It is a must-buy for any Simpsons fan, offering great nostalgic value and a unique design that hasn't been replicated since.