Series 25 - Film Noir Detective (or The Detective)
col25-1 / 71045 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 25 · Released January 1st, 2024. The QR code on the box represents the transition from plastic bags to sustainable cardboard packaging.
Figure ID
col25-1 / 71045
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
Released January 1st, 2024. The QR code on the box represents the transition from plastic bags to sustainable cardboard packaging.
Rarity
Uncommon. While part of a mass-produced blind-box series, the use of large QR codes (as seen in the image) allows collectors to identify specific figures, making popular ones like the Detective sell out faster.
Head
Light Nougat skin tone with grey-scale printing. Features a mustache, serious expression, and comes with a grey fedora hair-piece combo.
Torso
Monochromatic grey-scale printing. Features a classic trench coat design with a tie and button detailing. Back printing continues the coat texture.
Legs
Grey-scale printed legs depicting the lower half of the trench coat and trousers with black shoe detailing.
Accessories
Red Herring (a literal fish in red), a magnifying glass, and a black 4x3 display stand.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic Greyscale (Black, White, and various shades of Grey) except for the 'Red Herring' accessory.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, torso, and legs. Significant for the greyscale transition effect which is unique to this character's aesthetic.
Variants
No official LEGO variants exist, though the QR code sizes (small vs large) on the box are packaging variants used for scouting.
Condition Notes
Mint condition expected given the image shows a New-In-Box (NIB) scan code. Cardboard boxes are susceptible to crushing compared to older foil bags.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $8.00 USD (New/Sealed). Market value is stable as it is a recent release.
Price (New)
$4.99 USD per blind box retail price.
Compatible Sets
71045 LEGO Minifigures Series 25 (Individual Box or 6-pack box).
Character Background
A stylistic nod to 1940s film noir cinema. The 'Red Herring' accessory is a pun on a common literary trope in detective mysteries.
Design Notes
Expertly uses 'shades of grey' to mimic old cinema. The integration of the QR code (Data Matrix) on the bottom of the box was a major design shift for the LEGO group to satisfy collector feedback.
Similar Minifigures
Series 9 Detective, Series 16 Rogue, and the greyscale Willie/Minnie from the Disney CMF series.
Collectibility
High demand. This is often cited as one of the top 3 figures in Series 25 due to its unique monochromatic look and the red herring accessory.
History
Represents the first full year of 'Box Scanning' history where fans used apps to read the code shown in the image to avoid duplicate figures.
Interesting Facts
The large QR code in the image contains a string of numbers where the first 5-7 digits identify the specific figure inside without opening the box.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 1940s urban MOC or a shadow box. Looks striking next to the LEGO Modular Police Station (10278).
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Silent Film' era MOCs. The parts are highly sought after by customizers for noir-themed builds.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure of 2024. The QR code technology shown in your image revolutionized how collectors purchase these, making the Detective a 5/5 for value and design.