Series 25 - Film Noir Detective (The Detective)
col25-1 / 71045-1 · Collectible Minifigures (CMF)
Series 25 (71045) · Released January 1, 2024. This figure debuted during the industry shift where LEGO moved from plastic blind bags to recyclable cardboard boxes, leading to the rise of Data Matrix 'scanning' as seen in the provided image.
Figure ID
col25-1 / 71045-1
Theme
Collectible Minifigures (CMF)
Year Released
Released January 1, 2024. This figure debuted during the industry shift where LEGO moved from plastic blind bags to recyclable cardboard boxes, leading to the rise of Data Matrix 'scanning' as seen in the provided image.
Rarity
Uncommon but accessible. While part of a mass-produced series, the Detective is a high-demand army-builder and scene-filler, making it harder to find in picked-over retail boxes compared to less popular figures.
Head
Light Nugget (flesh) skin tone with a unique double-sided print: one side features a determined, squinting grimace, the other a suspicious look. Includes a specialized Fedora hair-hat combo piece in White/Light Gray.
Torso
Highly detailed Light Gray torso with Pad Printing. Design features a classic 1940s trench coat with lapels, buttons, and a tie. The back continues the trench coat detailing with fabric folds/belting.
Legs
Standard Light Gray legs with dual-molded effects or intricate printing to represent the continuation of the trench coat and trousers. Features print on the front and sides for maximum realism.
Accessories
Includes a classic Red Herring fish (a play on words for detective tropes) and a magnifying glass with a functional translucent lens. Complemented by a black collector's baseplate.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic and muted: Light Gray, White, and Black, designed to evoke the 'Film Noir' aesthetic of classic black-and-white cinema.
Printing Details
Premium CMF-level quality. 360-degree torso printing and leg printing that wraps around the hips. The face printing utilizes high-resolution lines for the facial stubble and 'tired' eyes.
Variants
Standard Series 25 version is the only current variant; however, the Data Matrix code '303S6' shown in the image identifies this specific box as the Detective in certain manufacturing regions (Mexico/US).
Condition Notes
The primary concern is 'Box Damage' as the new packaging is prone to crushing. For the figure itself, check for magnifying glass clutch-power and potential clouding on the clear plastic lens.
Estimated Value
New (Sealed): $5.00 - $8.00 | Used Complete: $4.00 - $6.00. Value is currently stable due to high volume in retail circulation.
Price (New)
Original Retail Price: $4.99 USD. This is a 1:1 price-per-minifigure ratio as they are sold individually in blind boxes.
Compatible Sets
Specifically from 71045 LEGO Minifigures Series 25. Pairs excellently with Modular Buildings like 10246 Detective's Office or 10323 PAC-MAN Arcade for a retro vibe.
Character Background
Inspired by 1940s hardboiled detective fiction (Hammett/Chandler). He exists as a meta-reference to the 'Hardboiled' archetype, complete with a 'Red Herring' as a literal accessory.
Design Notes
Notable for the use of the Data Matrix code on the packaging (displayed in the user image), which allowed collectors to verify the contents without opening the box using specialized scanning apps.
Similar Minifigures
Series 5 Detective, Series 9 Hollywood Starlet (for the Noir theme), and the Detective figure from 10246 Detective's Office.
Collectibility
High. The 'Noir' style is a niche but very popular aesthetic among adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs) for creating cinematic photography and street scenes.
History
This figure marks the second major 'Detective' in CMF history, significantly upgrading the detail and color accuracy from the Series 5 (2011) version.
Interesting Facts
The QR-style code shown in the image (6623272 / 303S6) was a 'leak' turned feature; LEGO included these unique identifiers which fans quickly decoded to identify contents, bypassing the 'blind' nature of the box.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a grayscale-only vignette or alongside the Series 25 Goatherd and Harpy. Use low-angle spotlighting to emphasize the 'Noir' shadows.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Dark City' or 'Sin City' style MOCs. The trench coat torso is highly versatile for any civilian or detective character in a modern city setting.
Overall Assessment
9/10. A standout of Series 25. The combination of smart accessory choices (the Red Herring) and the perfect execution of the 'Gray' palette makes it a modern classic for collectors.