Series 25 - Film Noir Detective
col25-1 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 25 (71045) · Released in January 2024. This figure debuted as part of the first Collectible Minifigures (CMF) wave of 2024, continuing the transition to blind box cardboard packaging to improve environmental sustainability.
Figure ID
col25-1
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
Released in January 2024. This figure debuted as part of the first Collectible Minifigures (CMF) wave of 2024, continuing the transition to blind box cardboard packaging to improve environmental sustainability.
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While mass-produced, the shift to blind boxes makes specific figures harder to find without scanning the Data Matrix codes or buying from third-party sellers. The Detective is a highly sought-after army builder for city MOCs.
Head
Features a light flesh tone with a unique 'half-tone' grey printing to simulate a black-and-white film aesthetic. The face has a determined expression with a slight stubble and a smirk. It is designed to be seen through the included magnifying glass accessory.
Torso
Light bluish grey with black and white printing depicting a classic trench coat over a white shirt and black tie. Back printing continues the trench coat folds. Arms are light bluish grey with black hand pieces representing gloves.
Legs
Standard light bluish grey legs with black printing at the feet to represent shoes and line detailing to indicate the bottom hem of the trench coat.
Accessories
Includes a classic black fedora, a red herring (a clever meta-joke accessory), and a functional magnifying glass that actually enlarges the printing on the minifigure's face.
Color Scheme
A monochromatic palette of white, light grey, and black, designed to look like a character stepped out of a 1940s noir film. The red 'herring' provides the only pop of vibrant color.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing. Notable for the 'dot-matrix' or half-tone style on the face which helps maintain the grey-scale look while using light flesh plastic as a base.
Variants
There are no official production variants, though collectors often swap the head with other figures to create 'noir' versions of different characters.
Condition Notes
Since they are sold in cardboard boxes, the parts are loose and can occasionally have minor scuffs from rubbing against each other during transit. The magnifying glass lens is prone to scratching.
Estimated Value
New (sealed in box): $5.00 - $8.00 USD. Used (complete): $4.00 - $6.00 USD. The price remains close to retail as the series is currently widely available.
Price (New)
Retail price is $4.99 USD per blind box. The price-per-minifigure is 1:1 since they are sold as individual units.
Compatible Sets
71045 LEGO Minifigures Series 25; 66763 LEGO Minifigures Series 25 6-Pack.
Character Background
Inspired by the 'Hardboiled' detective tropes of 1940s Hollywood Noir. He is a private investigator navigating a world of shadows, smoke, and 'red herrings'.
Design Notes
The primary design achievement is the grayscale execution. LEGO designers utilized specific shades of grey and printing textures to ensure the figure looks 'colorless' even when held in a colorful hand.
Similar Minifigures
Series 9 Heroic Knight (for the grayscale look), Series 16 Spy, and the LEGO City Police detectives.
Collectibility
High. CMF figures are a staple for collectors. This specific figure is popular due to its unique aesthetic and its potential for use in cinematic dioramas.
History
This is the first time LEGO has dedicated a full minifigure design to the 'Film Noir' aesthetic, following previous 'grayscale' experiments like the Series 9 Knight.
Interesting Facts
The 'Red Herring' accessory is a play on the literary term for a false clue. This is the first time a fish piece has been produced in this specific shade of red for a CMF series.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a monochrome or 'rainy city' street scene. Using black and white bricks for a backdrop enhances the Noir effect.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'purist' customs. The head and torso are frequently used by the community to make grayscale versions of Batman or other classic detectives.
Overall Assessment
A standout figure of Series 25. The conceptual humor (Red Herring) and technical execution of the grayscale printing make it a 10/10 for design and a must-have for CMF enthusiasts.