The LEGO Maniac

-Minifig Spotlight 23.4-          Name: Ogel Figure ID#: ALP008, ALP020, ALP029 Year: 2001, 2002, 2004 Theme: Alpha Team/Mission Deep Sea/Mission Deep Freeze Info: Over the course of LEGO history, there are only a few villains that are noted for being the worst of the worst, and whose evil machinations stretch potentially further than their own theme. The Brickster, of LEGO Island fame, is one such villain. But right up there with the Brickster is Ogel. A strange cross between every spy villain out there, Ogel’s one and only goal is to conquer the world, and possibly the rest of the universe at the same time. With his mind control orbs and armies of mindless drones, he has a very good chance of pulling it off, too. That is, he would if Alpha Team wouldn't keep getting in his way. Traditionally, Ogel’s appearance stays fairly the same. One red eye, gold face shield, black uniform and armor (the same armor piece used in the Insectoid and UFO themes). Somewhere between 2001 an

  -Guide 4: Roboforce (1997)- 1997 saw what may very well be the smallest of the LEGO Space themes to be released. With a grand total of 4 sets to its name, Roboforce was a small, but impressive, theme. Roboforce was set up as a kind of municipal group, taking the roles of both Space Police and M:Tron. Their robots were powered with “Robo Disks”, which were also highly desired by both the Zotaxiansof the UFO faction, as well as the devious era-hopping Time Twisters. The Roboforce faction utilized large Zoid-like robots. These robots were grouped into two classes, Orange Class and Green Class. The Green Class robots were militant and served to maintain justice. Meanwhile the Orange Class was more geared towards “search and rescue” than combat. Of the sets that were released, there were two of each of these robots. Interestingly enough, while the Orange Class were made in humanoid form, the Green Class had more animalistic appearances. Also, with the exception of all but the Green Class

  -Guide 3: Ice Planet 2002 (1993)- In 1993 LEGO Space introduced us to the frozen surface of the planet Krysto. The mustached Captain Cold led the inhabitants of this “Ice Planet” in their advancements in the study of rockets and rocket fuel. Alongside him, the first female Space character, Doctor Kelvin, worked to keep their satellite and rocket technology out of the hands of the villainous “Blacktron” agents. The “Ice Planet” faction took the place of M:Tron as the resident civilian faction in LEGO Space lore, working alongside the officers of the second “Space Police” generation to foil the plans of the “Blacktron Future Generation”. The theme was released just after the discontinuation of “Space Police 2” and “Blacktron Future Generation”, and just before the outbreak of the “Spyrius” and “Unitron” conflict. This put them in the position to be featured alongside both sets of warring factions, and though a small force and civilian-based, the “Ice Planet” astronauts proved to be abl

  -Space Police 3 (2009)- Though often considered the 3rd generation of the “Space Police” subtheme, “Space Police 3” (which was originally just called “Space Police”), was more of a reboot than a continuation of the fan-favorite theme. The theme came on the heels of the 2007-2009 “Mars Mission” theme, and like “Mars Mission”, “Space Police 3” had more modernist aesthetics and concepts. Instead of facing off against an opposing factions like the previous iterations, the officers of “Space Police 3” struggled to apprehend the alien criminal organization, The Black Hole Gang. The alien members of the gang often had very Mafia-esque appearances and names, and most included a molded single-piece head. The vehicles in “Space Police 3” were generally smaller in size than previous “Space Police” themes. They opted for smaller speeder and speeder-bike vehicles that more resembled modern motorcycle and automobiles than the sci-fi ship and air speeders of all the LEGO Space themes that had come

  -Space Police 2 (1992)- In 1991 LEGO went and reskinned its previous “Blacktron” space theme as “Blacktron Future Generation” or “Blacktron 2”. It recolored the ships and gave the originally mono-color flight suits an only slightly more colorful upgrade. Of course, if you are going to upgrade the badguys, you also got to upgrade the good guys. And so, in 1992, LEGO revised the galaxy’s keepers of peace and justice, the Space Police. “Space Police 2” saw the original black, blue and translucent red aesthetic replaced by gray, red, and translucent green. The original red minifigure visors were replaced a translucent green to match their ship cockpits, and even their uniforms got an overhaul. Originally a simple black-and-white uniform in the same pattern as the ones worn by the “Futuron” faction, the new uniforms were more brightly colored in white-and-green instead. The torsos featured more complexity in their prints, now depicting bits of tech and the words “Space Police”. The origin

  -Space Police 1 (1989)- 1989 saw a major change in the LEGO Space universe, Conflict! The previously neutral Blacktron was recast as the villains, with the civilians of Futuron as their targets. As a mediator between these warring factions, and to protect the peaceful members of Futuron from the evils of the Blacktron scourge, the Space Police were introduced. The first generation of Space Police in 1989 saw a military-like law enforcement faction. They wore standardized black-and-white uniforms identical to the more brightly colored Futuron faction. Even with their monochrome uniforms, however, they still looked like bright stars compared to the then ominous black of the Blacktron flight suits. Another innovation brought to the LEGO Space-verse by the introduction of the Space Police faction was an interchangeable modular design to their ships. Colored black and blue with translucent-red elements, most of the ships in the Space Police line came with universally-designed and fully in

  Guide 1: List of LEGO Space Themes by Year Classic Space: 1978 - 1987 Blacktron: 1987 - 1990 Futuron: 1987 - 1990 Space Police: 1989 M:Tron: 1990 -1991 Blacktron Future Generation: 1991 - 1992 Space Police II: 1992 – 1993 Ice Planet 2002: 1993 – 1994 Unitron: 1994 - 1995 Spyrius: 1994 - 1996 Launch Command: 1995 Exploriens: 1996 Roboforce: 1997 UFO: 1997 -1998 Insectoids: 1998 - 1999 Space Port: 1999 Life on Mars: 2001 Mars Mission: 2007 - 2008 Space Police III: 2009 - 2010 Alien Conquest: 2011 Space: 2011, 2015, 2019 Galaxy Squad: 2013

Minifigure Spotlight 23.3 Name: Elmo Figure ID#: IDEA074 Year: 2020 Theme: LEGO IDEAS Info: Debuting in 1980 on the already popular “Sesame Street”, Elmo is the little red monster with a desire to learn and explore. So popular was the brightly-fured monster tike, that he was given his own segment on the show in 1998, and has become one of the most recognized Sesame Street characters and has a fanbase that rivals some of the Muppets themselves. So it was no wonder that when LEGO decided to release the “123 Sesame Street” set under the “LEGO ICONS” theme, they would include Elmo and even feature his bedroom in the build. Elmo’s minifigure is exclusively found in the ICONS set, though you can also find his figure on a LEGO keychain as well. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Jan. 31st, 2023)

Minifig Spotlight 23.2 Name: Stripe (Gremlins) Figure ID#: DIM033 Year: 2016 Theme: Dimensions (Subtheme: Gremlins) Info: From 2015-17, LEGO made waves with what was, at the time, a revolutionary concept in the gaming industry. Following in the steps of Skylanders and Disney: Infinity, LEGO Dimensions allowed you to purchase LEGO minfigures and sets and, through pieces containing microchips and a special platform, allowed you to summon said characters and sets into the game world to execute missions and progress the storyline. Through the unique Dimensions sets we were given special minifig versions of famous TV and movie characters such as the Ghostbusters, Scooby Gang, Simpsons, DC Heroes, and other Warner Brother holdings. The evil Gremlin leader, Stripe, was part of a 2016 “Gremlins” expansion pack that also featured the Mogwai, Gizmo. Utilizing the same leg mold as the “Faun” minifigure, Stripe was a one-of-a-kind character and has only ever seen just the one variation. (Originall

Minifigure Spotlight 23.1 Name: Noctura Figure ID#: ELF054, ELF059 Year: 2018 Theme: LEGO Elves Info: Noctura was an evil witch who was banned to the Shadow World by Lumia, the Guardian of Light. With the help of her minions, Noctura acquired the four Elemental Shards, and now only needs access to the four Elemental Guardians and their powers to make her escape back to Elvendale. There, she plans to take over the Realm and become the all-powerful Elven Queen. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Jan. 10th, 2023)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.14 Name: Vampire Guitarist ID#: VID033 Theme/Subtheme: VIDIYO Year(s) Released: 2021 Backstory: A member of the “Monster Metal” genre, this Vampyre Guitarist is hardcore as they come. According to the VIDIYO app, he has been shredding his axe since 1753. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Sept. 29th, 2022)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.13 Name: Mei ID#: MK003, MK013, MK042, MK059, MK071, MKL084, MK088, MK089 Theme/Subtheme: Monkie Kid Year(s) Released: 2020-Present Backstory: Mei is a capable warrior and member of the Dragon Clan, as well as an ally of the Monkie Kid. A tech-whiz and loyal friend, Mei always has her friend’s back. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Sept. 26th, 2022)

Minifig Spotlight: #22.12 Name: Salazar Slytherin ID#: HP161 Theme/Subtheme: Harry Potter Year(s) Released: 2018 Backstory: Salazar Slytherin was a pure-blooded wizard and a founder of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He was considered one of the greatest wizards of his time, though his distrust of muggle-borns caused him to leave Hogwarts and never come back. However, he is remembered as the patron of House Slytherin, and still considered one of the wizarding world’s greatest. (Originally posted on Facebook, Sept. 22, 2022)

Minifig Spotlight: #22.11 Name: Stitch ID#: DIS001 Theme/Subtheme: Disney CMF Series Year(s) Released: 2016 Backstory: A genetically-engineered agent of chaos and destruction, Stitch found Ohana when he found himself in the care of the young Lilo. Now, not only has he saved the world on a few occasions, he has even managed to make a few lifelong friends along the way. (Originally posted on Facebook, Sept. 19th, 2022)

Minifig Spotlight: #22.10 Name: Godric Griffindor ID#: HP159 Theme/Subtheme: Harry Potter Year(s) Released: 2018 Backstory: Godric Griffindor was an English wizard and one of the founders of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. A one-time friend of Salazar Slytherin, they disagreed over allowing Muggle-born into Hogwarts. Not much is known of his fate, but he is remembered as the patron of House Griffindor and the namesake of Godric’s Hollow. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Sept. 15th, 2002)

Minifig Spotlight: #22.9 Name: Sheldon Cooper ID#: IDEA013 Theme/Subtheme: LEGO Ideas Year(s) Released: 2015 Backstory: Super-genius and anal-retentative extraordinaire, Sheldon Cooper has been exceptional from birth and has madure everyone else is painfully aware of this fact. An accomplished scientist, his greatest accomplishment was finding love with Amy Farrah Fowler. (Originally Posted on Facebook, Sept. 12th, 2022)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.8 Name: Helga Hufflepuff ID#: HP160 Theme/Subtheme: Harry Potter Year(s) Released: 2018 Backstory: Helga Hufflepuff was a Welsh witch and a founder of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was accepting of all students of all bloodlines and abilities, and is remembered as the patron of House Hufflepuff. (Originally Posted to Facebook on Sept. 8th, 2022)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.7 Name: Grogu (Baby Yoda/The Child) ID#: SW1113. SW1173 Theme/Subtheme: Star Wars: The Mandalorian Year(s) Released: 2020-Present Backstory: The young alien with a mysterious history and a strong connection to the Force, Grogu has taken the world by storm with his cuddly cuteness and insatiable appetite. Constant companion of Din Djarin, the Mandalorian, Grogu is personable and mischievous. And yet his destiny is closely wrapped up with that of the Mandalorian and potentially the fate of Mandalore itself. (Originally Posted to Facebook on Sept. 5th, 2022)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.6 Name: Rowena Ravenclaw ID#: HP162 Theme/Subtheme: Harry Potter Year(s) Released: 2018 Backstory: Rowena Ravenclaw was a Scottish witch and one of the four founders of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. She was known for her intelligence and creativity, and is the patron of the current House Ravenclaw. She died in the 11th Century, supposedly after her betrayed her and stole her diadem. This same diadem was later turned into a Horcrux by Tom RIddle, AKA: Voldemort. The Rowena Ravenclaw minifigure is unique to the “Hogwarts Castle” LEGO set. (Originally Posted to Facebook on Sept. 1st, 2022)

  Minifig Spotlight: #22.5 Name: Parker L. Jackson ID#: HS003, HS011, HS014, HS019, HS035 HS046, HS049, HS053, HS058, HS072 Theme/Subtheme: Hidden Side Year(s) Released: 2019-2020 Backstory: One of the main characters in LEGO’s “Hidden Side” theme, Parker L. Jackson is a fast-hitting, purple-haired Ghost Hunter. Descended from renowned ghost hunter Vaughn G. Jackson, she is known as a bit of a loner. Parker finds herself brought together, along with YouTuber Jack Davids, by crazy scientist and Demonologist, Dr. J.B. Watt. Together, they battle the mysterious supernatural forces at work in the town of Newbury. Interestingly enough, Parker’s character should not feel unfamiliar. There are a number of direct comparisons to Ann Lee from the “Monster Fighters” theme. (Originally Posted to Facebook on Aug. 29th, 2022)

     Everyone has their fandoms, their little obsessions. Those little doses of childhood nostalgia that stays with us into our adult lives, shaping our interests and hobbies. For some people it is videos games, others its model cars, or perhaps action figures. Some are haunted by the melody of a adolescent verse that drives them to constantly pick up a guitar and attempt to recreate that sensation again. And there are those who are simply looking to escape the cold world we live in and escape to a time which they remember to be a brighter, simpler age,     For me, that escape is and has been LEGO. I received my first LEGO set in 1994, a little model hotrod with a solitary driver. (#6538 "Rebel Roadster"). That little set was just the start. After came a little white and red chopper(#6515 "Stunt Copter"), then came a little black and rainbow-colored jet boat (#6537 "Hydro Racer"). I was hooked, especially when I was introduced to the Royal Knights of the C