Series 25 - Film Noir Detective
col25-1 · Collectible Minifigures (CMF)
Series 25 · 2024 (January)
Figure ID
col25-1
Theme
Collectible Minifigures (CMF)
Year Released
2024 (January)
Rarity
Common (current release), but requires scanning or box-opening to identify because of blind cardboard packaging transition.
Head
Double-sided grey-scale printing. One side features a stern detective look with a furrowed brow; the alternate side features a smirk. Includes a grey trilby hat with a black band.
Torso
Monochromatic grey-scale printing. Front displays a trench coat over a vest and tie with pocket detail. Back shows the continuing trench coat belt and fold lines. Light bluish-grey arms and black hands.
Legs
Dual-molded and printed. Features the ends of the trench coat continuing onto the legs with pinstripe detailing and grey-toned coloring to match the greyscale noir aesthetic.
Accessories
Includes a grey magnifying glass (no actual lens) and a translucent-clear 'Red Herring' fish element which is a play on the mystery genre trope.
Color Scheme
Strictly monochromatic (greyscale). Composed of various shades of grey, black, and white to mimic 1940s film noir cinematography.
Printing Details
High-fidelity pad printing. Notable for the seamless transition of the coat from the torso to the legs and the subtle shading on the facial features.
Variants
No physical variants exist for this specific release, though it is often considered a spiritual successor to the Series 9 Detective.
Condition Notes
The cardboard packaging of Series 25 is prone to crushing. Check for 'click' or 'clutch' issues on the magnifying glass handle, which can be thin.
Estimated Value
New: $5.00 - $8.00 USD; Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD. Value is currently stable due to high supply.
Price (New)
$4.99 USD (MSRP per blind box).
Compatible Sets
71045 LEGO Minifigures Series 25.
Character Background
Inspired by 1940s-1950s hard-boiled detective fiction and film noir. He represents the classic private eye archetype characterized by mystery and cynicism.
Design Notes
A design masterpiece in the use of localized color palettes. By restricting the palette to grey, LEGO highlights the mold textures and print accuracy.
Similar Minifigures
Detective (Series 9), Sherlock Holmes (various), and the Greyscale version of Steamboat Willie Mickey/Minnie.
Collectibility
High demand for 'city' builders and fans of thematic vignettes. It is one of the standout figures of Series 25 due to its unique aesthetic.
History
Follows LEGO's recent experimentation with greyscale figures, such as those found in the Disney Steamboat Willie and 100th Anniversary sets.
Interesting Facts
The inclusion of a 'Red Herring' as an accessory is a meta-joke referring to a plot device used to lead investigators toward a false conclusion.
Display Suggestions
Displays best in a 1940s urban MOC or a shadow box. Using a yellow light to contrast the grey figures creates a dramatic 'neon-noir' effect.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'color-splash' MOCs where only one item in the scene has color, while everything else (starting with this figure) is grey.
Overall Assessment
A 10/10 execution of a theme. The Film Noir Detective is a must-have for CMF collectors because of its unique lack of color and clever accessories.