Lego people are known as “Minifigures”; and many sets may have been sold just because of the appeal of the little figure included. There has even been a market for customised Lego figurines, where small, independent firms (not endorsed by Lego) re-paint figures and manufacture their own accessories for their own creations.

With the popularity of little Lego men and women, it’s surprising that the recently launched series of 16 individual minifigures is the first ever officially available in the shops.

Each pack in Series 1 contains one minifigure, a stand and leaflet showing the collection. Many of the figures also come with an accessory.

The figures are sealed in a foil packet, to keep what’s inside as secret as possible until it’s opened. This will leave most, trying to complete a collection, with doubles. These will need to be traded with other collectors.

However, The Toy Detectives have been undertaking an investigation to see if there are any clues as to what might be hidden inside each packet. What gives away the identity of each concealed figure is the smaller of two barcodes printed on the rear of the packaging. On the samples we’ve seen, the barcode also has NO number printed underneath it. Compare it to the chart at the following website: bricks.inof.de – and you’ll be able to identify the contents of the sealed packs without needing to buy and open them.

You’ll also find dealers on Amazon and eBay selling Lego figures individually, useful if you’re finding some items in the collection elusive.

As a toy, Lego Minifigures are simply great fun. The characters are original and most will complement existing Lego sets or be wonderfully, humorously out of place. As a collectible, (whilst a little expensive for what they are) these little kits certainly offer greater value for money over trading cards. However, there has yet to be a compelling and officially endorsed game to be invented, that is base around a motley crew of little Lego men.

The Verdict

MOST WANTED: A fun toy to collect and play with. I’m looking forward to having the zombie marauding around my Lego town.

Minifigures Series 1
By Lego
For ages 3 years and older

Where to Buy Lego Minifigures Series 1

		£1.95
		£1.99
		£1.99
		$2.49
		$1.99

All prices correct at the time of publishing. Please check retailer for latest prices, availability and delivery information.

The 16 Minifigures in Series 1

• Deep Sea Diver
• Forestman
• Magician
• Ninja
• Nurse
• Skater
• Robot
• Spaceman
• Super wrestler
• Zombie
• Tribal Hunter
• Demolition Dummy
• Cowboy
• Caveman
• Cheerleader
• Circus Clown

Features & Contents

• 1 minifigure
• 1 accessory
• 1 stand
• Instruction leaflet, that also pictures the collection

Product Details & Specifications

Product name: Lego Minifigures Series One
Recommended age: for 3 years and older
Minimum age: 3 years due to small parts and long cord
Battery requirements: n/a
Safety considerations:
Assembly requirements: Simple assembly required
Manufacturer/Supplier: Lego
Manufacturer/Supplier no.: #8683
Barcode (UPC/EAN): Varies worldwide, UK example: 5702014602304
Product dimensions:
Product weight:
Packaging dimensions: 11.5cm x 8.6cm
Packaged item weight:
Country of origin: Made in China

Deep underground the race is on to gather-up crystals. However, this not an endeavor to acquire material wealth but a mission to save the Earth.

A geologist called Brains, famous in among Lego-kind, has been studying a species of rock monsters who thrive by feeding upon the crystal embedded in deep rocks.

Brains has discovered that there are five different colours of rock monster, each of which have different characteristics. I hope the different coloured monsters are not attributed with being lazy, thick or mean with money as their discernible traits.

A team of miners and engineers has been assembled to form the Power Miners. Doc, Rex and Duke have been enlisted to drive the machines Brains has invented to get the crystals before the rock monsters do. Thus stopping the rock monsters rise in strength and therefore saving the world.

Sharp Lego enthusiasts amongst the readership will noticed the rather strikingly similar the idea of Power Miners is to a previous Lego range called Rock Raiders; you may even recognise a few components that were originally unique to the earlier range. However, it does not detract from what it a fun and exciting new range from Lego.

8956 Stone Chopper for 6 years and older; 8961 Crystal Sweeper for 8 years and older; other sets for 7 years and older | No batteries required

Spykee is a high-tech creation from Meccano. As you’d expect with Meccano this robot is in kit form for you to assemble yourself. This means you can choose from three different looks for your Spykee and its compatible with other Meccano parts, so imagination (along with extra Meccano) will allow you to take thing further.

Movement of Spykee is controlled wirelessly from your PC using a WiFi connection. You can turn it into a spy vehicle and move it around the house, to picture or listen-in on people.

Spykee can speak on your behalf using its onboard loudspeaker, which can also play MP3 music files.

Using the internet Spykee works together with Skype so using the inbuilt microphone you can chat to friends across the world. Spykee also acts as a webcam, allowing you to record and send photographs to your friends.

Spykee can be set up like an advanced room guard. So that, if it detects unexpected movement, it will sound an alarm on your computer and email a picture of its sightings.

When the batteries are running low, it will automatically take itself back to its docking station to recharge.

You’ve probably already deduced that a computer is required. Fortunately there’s software for Apple Mac computers as well as Windows PCs. I fear, 2008 really will be like 1984.

Available from: I Want One of Those

Spykee | by Meccano
Suitable for ages 14 years and older | Wi-Fi enabled, Windows of Mac computer required