Series 25 - Film Noir Detective
col25-1 / 71045-1 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 25 · Released January 1, 2024, during a period where LEGO intensified its use of scannable QR codes on blind boxes to counter the loss of 'feelability' in cardboard packaging.
Figure ID
col25-1 / 71045-1
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
Released January 1, 2024, during a period where LEGO intensified its use of scannable QR codes on blind boxes to counter the loss of 'feelability' in cardboard packaging.
Rarity
Common; however, boxed inventory makes specific figures harder to find without scanning. The figure is found in 1 of every 12 boxes in a standard display.
Head
Double-sided monochrome head. Side A features a stern expression with a mustache and five-o'clock shadow; Side B shows a skeptical look with one eyebrow raised.
Torso
Monochrome detective trench coat with lapel printing, buttons, and a tie. High-quality pad printing in shades of grey and black.
Legs
Dual-molded or printed legs showing the continuation of the trench coat and black shoes, maintaining the grayscale aesthetic.
Accessories
Includes a grey fedora, a red herring (a play on words for mystery stories), and a magnifying glass with a functional lens.
Color Scheme
A strictly 'Film Noir' grayscale palette consisting of White, Black, Light Bluish Gray, and Dark Bluish Gray, with the 'Red Herring' serving as the only pop of color.
Printing Details
Exceptional detail on the torso and legs. The printing intentionally mimics 1940s cinematic lighting through subtle shading styles.
Variants
No official design variants exist for this specific release, though factory errors on the magnifying glass lens are occasionally reported.
Condition Notes
Prone to scratches on the magnifying glass lens. The cardboard box shown in the image is easily crushed, which does not affect the figure but impacts 'New in Box' value.
Estimated Value
$5.00 - $7.00 (New/Unopened); $4.00 - $6.00 (Used/Complete). Price is currently stable as the series is relatively recent.
Price (New)
Retail price of $4.99 USD per blind box.
Compatible Sets
71045 LEGO Minifigures Series 25.
Character Background
A tribute to the Hardboiled Detective tropes of 1940s cinema and literature, designed to look like he stepped out of a black-and-white movie.
Design Notes
A masterclass in grayscale design. The use of a 'Red Herring' accessory is a meta-joke referring to a literary device used to mislead an audience.
Similar Minifigures
Series 9 Heroic Knight (Silver/Grey), Series 16 Spy, and the LEGO Movie 1 'Hard Hat Emmet' (partially monochrome versions).
Collectibility
High demand among AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO) for city-building and noir-themed dioramas. Strong investment potential due to the unique color palette.
History
Follows the lineage of mystery-themed figures like the Series 5 Detective, but takes a radical stylistic turn with the monochrome effect.
Interesting Facts
The QR code visible on the box bottom in the image can be scanned using third-party apps to reveal the specific identity of the figure inside (Data matrix code '6508003' indicates the Detective in certain regions).
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a rainy city MOC or a grayscale vignette. Looks striking when placed next to highly colorful figures like the Series 25 Sprinkler Child.
Modification Potential
The parts are highly sought after for creating 'old-timey' movie star customs or 1940s-era civilian NPCs.
Overall Assessment
9/10. One of the standout figures of Series 25 due to its unique artistic direction and clever accessory choices. Highly recommended for any serious collector.