LEGO 71045 Collectible Minifigures Series 25; is this series the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)? [Review]

A new year often means a new set of Collectible Minifigures from LEGO, and 2024 brings with it the landmark 25th set (not counting the licensed lines, like Marvel, DC, and the Muppets). Over time, a lot has changed about LEGO’s approach to this line – like new packaging and a more even distribution of figures. But hopefully, what hasn’t changed is LEGO’s commitment to quality, with the CMFs brining extensive prints, fun new accessories, and plenty of charm. So, let’s take a look at this newest set and see how it compares to the two dozen sets that came before it. 71045 Collectible Minifigures Series 25 will be available January 1st for US $4.99 | CAN $5.99 | UK £3.49.

The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.

Unboxing the case and packaging

Series 25 debuts a new tower style box, which holds exactly 12 of the new cardboard individual packages that debuted with the second series of Marvel CMFs. This means each tower can be expected to hold one complete set of figures (although we’re sure larger boxes will also be available). The tower allows for an individual figure box to be easily slid out of the slot at the bottom, and they can be reloaded via a similar slot up top.

The new individual boxes eliminate the ability to feel for any special parts, making it tougher to find the exact figure you want, but even distribution shouldn’t make it too hard to track down your favorites. As is traditional, the figures come disassembled, with a black display stand and checklist.

Triceratops Costume Fan

First up in the Series 25 roster is someone who will make a great companion to Series 24’s T-Rex Costume Fan. The Triceratops Costume Fan sports a brand-new dual-molded dinosaur head element, but reuses the rubbery tail of his T-Rex pal. The olive-green plastic is paired with brown spots on his arms and back, as well as a rather reptilian belly print on his torso.

He sports a double-sided head, one side with a slight grin and the other with a gigantic smile. No doubt he’s excited about meeting his hero from the recent Jurassic Park sets.

Sprinter

Athletics is a common theme for LEGO to explore in the CMF lines, and this series’ Sprinter is one of my favorites in that regard. We’ve seen the Sprinter’s prosthetic leg mold in use before, but I believe it’s previously only been available as a left leg. So, it’s nice to have that available for both legs now. He’s also sporting (get it?) a first-place stand and gold medal.

The Sprinter’s medium azure jersey is emblazoned with the number 2024, and his new mop of curly hair helps conceal his second expression – either pushing through the pain or elated by the win.

Film Noir Detective

The Film Noir Detective is one of the cleverer ideas we’ve seen in the CMF line. Cast entirely in black, white, and shades of grey, this private eye has stepped right out of an old black and white mystery movie. Why, then, is his accessory a primary color? Why, because it’s a red herring, of course. (Which he can examine with the included magnifying glass.)

The Detective’s dual-molded legs do a decent job of mimicking black trousers poking out from beneath a long trench coat. The up-turned collar might be a bit of overkill, and I like the look of the figure better without it. Also, this is one of the rare single expression CMFs, as the dark bluish gray fedora does little to hide the back of the head, even with that giant collar included.

Train Kid

What would a Collectible Minifigure line be without an over-the-top costume? From boats to trees to LEGO bricks, minifigures love a giant costume. Train Kid’s locomotive brings plenty of pieces with it, including red skateboard wheels and a printed dish. (In theory it should also have a black tile on the back, but mine either wasn’t included or got misplaced.)

Stepping outside of the train, you can see Train Kid sporting a pair of overalls with a neckerchief and a snazzy sand blue flat cap. The cap doesn’t quite cover the back of his head, so the single expression is all you get. But with that big smile and the color coordinated eye patch, a single expression is all you need. Plus, it’s always nice to get another pair of the posable medium legs.

Goatherd

The Goatherd is likely to be the most sought-after figure in the line, but more for his accessory than himself. That’s right, LEGO has finally brought the goat back. (It was previously only available in one single set, and the piece has fetched more than $60 on the secondary market in the past.) I’m sure there will be some who would have preferred the goat be in a mainline set, rather than packaged with a blind boxed figure, but once the line has reached saturation in the market, finding some loose goats shouldn’t be too vexing.

The Goatherd himself has plenty to like besides his animal pal. Dual molded legs and lots of medieval-style printing, as well as a backpack, hood, walking stick, and…a white round tile. What is that? A salt lick for the goat, maybe? He’s also sporting an unshaven face with awake and sleeping expressions.

Vampire Knight

Continuing the medieval trend, but veering into the realm of fantasy, we have the Vampire Knight. I used to love the Fright Knight subtheme as a kid, so it’s a ton of fun to see it revisited here. The Vampire Knight has a glowing battle axe made from four pieces, a battle helmet, as well as a shield printed with the Fright Knight logo. He also has a cape that’s red on one side, and printed with the Fright Knight theming on the other. Unlike a lot of the softer, modern cape accessories, this has that old school, stiff paper texture, which will help him blend in with your retro sets.

The Knight’s helmet entirely covers his face, which is a shame because he has a double-sided head with both closed mouth and open mouth/glowing eyes expressions. There’s a ton of charm to the vampire’s giant mustache, too. It makes his fangs sticking down look a bit like walrus tusks. (No one tell him I said that.)

Pet Groomer

A Collectible Minifigure line can’t be all detectives and vampires. You need a little of the everyday to help offer some variety, and the Pet Groomer fills that slot nicely. While the reappearance of the goat is sure to have people talking, I think the brand-new Afghan hound element might be more interesting overall. Hopefully a pair of scissors is all it will take to keep that dog looking its best, because that’s the only other accessory included.

There’s a case to be made that this is one of the weaker overall figures in the set. There’s plenty of printing on the torso and legs, on account of the apron, but it’s just an apron. And the two included expressions, grinning and smiling, don’t offer much variety. An “oops I cut off too much fur” look might have given the character more…well, character. The most interesting element of the figure is the new hair piece, a blonde ponytail with a dual-molded cochlear implant element. Between that and the new dog, it’s hard to say this figure doesn’t deliver, but I suspect no one is going to award it Best in Show.

Fitness Instructor

Speaking of everyday jobs with character, there’s absolutely nothing subtle about the Fitness Instructor. From her tattooed arm to her rock-hard abs, this is a minifigure with presence. Her ten-pound kettle bell keeps her in good shape and she stays hydrated with her Vita Rush-branded bottle.

She’s wearing gym shorts courtesy of some dual-molded legs and she keeps a smile on her face, even when she’s sweating.

E-Sports Gamer

And speaking of not subtle, the E-Sports Gamer makes a big statement. With pink hair, blue lipstick, and lime green headphones, you can tell this is not a person interested in blending in. Her sponsored uniform (featuring the aforementioned Vita Rush logo on the back) features dual-molded arms for a short-sleeved jersey look. And the eagle-topped pinstripes on the side of her pant leg will no doubt find itself as the pilot uniform in plenty of sci-fi custom builds.

And speaking of sci-fi, her included gaming keyboard and mouse are molded in black but printed with bright purple, yellow, and green, making them ideal for decorating any cyberpunk type-scenarios. Her double-sided expressions feature a stoic, “ready to tangle” grin and a cheerful, “I won” look for when she’s awarded her included trophy.

Mushroom Sprite

The Vampire Knight isn’t the only fantasy creature in this wave, but where the Vampire Knight is a creature of war, the Mushroom Sprite is just a fungi (or gal). Sporting a new hard plastic skirt piece over a static set of mini legs, the Sprite’s big draw is her mushroom cap. Dual molded in red and white, this hat will find plenty of uses among Super Mario custom builds (and maybe even a Smurf house or two).

The Mushroom Sprite also includes a friend from the forest in the form of a beautiful butterfly, molded in black with bright blue and green printing on the wings. The Sprite’s head features gentle smile and elated laughter expressions.

Fierce Barbarian

But friendly Sprites aren’t all that walk these woods, and the Fierce Barbarian is here to keep evil monsters at bay. The bright red hair and high cheekbones are giving Bridget Nielson vibes, but the overall design of the printing is versatile enough for all kinds of warriors. The arms have vambraces printed on them, and the dual molded legs feature furry pants and laced boots suitable for a Master of the Universe.

The accessories for this figure are limited to the sword. But what a sword it is – dual molded in two colors and sporting a hollow stud at the hilt. Beneath the Barbarian’s hair/headband piece you’ll find a stoic tough expression, or a rage filled snarl with battle paint around the eyes.

Harpy

The final member of this delightful dozen is also the most terrifying. Vampire Knight has nothing on the Harpy. From her dark blue faun legs to her dark purple wings and pink head, she’s like something out of Lisa Frank’s nightmares and I love it.

The Harpy comes sporting only the one expression, since her mohawk/ponytail piece doesn’t do much to cover the back of her head. But that’s okay. I’m less worried about the expression on her face and more worried about where she’s going to stick those golden Wolverine claws.

Conclusion and recommendation

I’ll be honest, I can’t imagine ever not recommending a line of Collectible Minifigures. This line continues all the trends that have made LEGO fans fall in love with the line. Great prints, new accessories, and most of all, tons of fun. And this set might be the most buyer friendly line to date. If you can track down a 12-figure tower you can score a whole set and don’t even have to worry about off-loading the extras.

71045 Collectible Minifigures Series 25 will be available starting January 1 for US $4.99 | CAN $5.99 | UK £3.49. They may also be available from third-party sellers on Amazon and eBay.