Review: 10291 Queer Eye - The Fab 5 Loft
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO products have demonstrated remarkable diversity during 2021, encompassing numerous fascinating subjects and acknowledging various social groups. 10291 Queer Eye - The Fab 5 Loft continues that diverse coverage, focusing upon something unusual for LEGO.
Queer Eye features renowned specialists across different areas, ranging from fashion to food, providing makeovers to guests. The Fab Five is therefore immortalised in minifigure form here, populating their spectacular loft. This model exhibits similarities with sitcom-based creations, although its contemporary design is unique.
Box and Contents
18+ products traditionally feature dark packaging, although 10291 Queer Eye - The Fab 5 Loft displays unusually bright colours. The model therefore looks brilliant, with minifigure depictions of the Fab Five appearing underneath. 21328 Seinfeld includes a similar minifigure gallery, with splendid results in both instances.
That minifigure focus continues on the instruction manual, which includes the Fab Five above their minifigure counterparts. Ideally, each expert would be wearing the same clothing as their respective minifigure, although the selection of promotional images available was likely limited. Ten bags of elements, numbered between one and five, are present too.
Queer Eye is perhaps lesser-known than many brands that LEGO has partnered with, hence information about the series in the instruction manual is welcome. Profiles of the Fab Five are provided, discussing each member of the team and their specialist skills, while comments from Tan, Antoni, Karamo, Bobby and Jonathan appear throughout the instruction manual.
Bobby Berk, the group's interior design guru, collaborated with Matthew Ashton, LEGO's Vice President of Design, in developing this model. Such close cooperation is definitely unusual but seems appropriate, especially since Bobby explains his past interactions with LEGO sets and is pictured with 725 Basic Building Set, 7+.
Among various similarities between this set and recent sitcom examples, the blend between printed elements and stickers is another. Seventeen stickers are included and most are fairly small, depicting subtle highlights. The most important decorations are instead printed, notably including nine dark blue 2x4 tiles which comprise a beautiful patterned rug.
Minifigures
Seven minifigures are included and these are truly outstanding, especially given their modern clothing and exceptional detail. Tan France lends fashion advice to participants in Queer Eye and his sand green attire appears accordingly impressive, featuring a vibrant shirt underneath. However, the distinctive pearl silver hair piece is definitely Tan's most distinguishing feature, as this element recreates his onscreen hairstyle nicely.
The element was introduced in 40516 Everyone is Awesome, appearing there in blue. Metallic silver decoration continues on Tan's double-sided head, with highlights in his facial hair. Bobby Berk also features intricate facial hair and two expressions, displaying distinct smiles. Moreover, this common medium nougat hair component appears accurate.
Bobby's patterned shirt is undoubtedly the highlight of this minifigure though, featuring printing across both dual-moulded arms! The design is incredibly complex and I can imagine this piece proving popular among LEGO fans creating their own minifigures, simply because of its superb vibrancy.
Jonathan Van Ness contributes grooming expertise to the group and his minifigure definitely captures perfect facial hair, including an accurate moustache. Both facial expressions and the dark brown hair element look marvellous too, while Jonathan's clothing demonstrates fantastic realism. Additionally, I like the distinctive metallic silver skirt.
The pink jacket belonging to Karamo Brown also appears excellent, while his reddish brown head is exclusive and features impressive detail. However, he lacks an alternative expression because his dark blue cap does not cover the reverse, unlike the other minifigures' hair pieces. Perhaps an entirely separate head could have been provided.
Antoni Porowski includes dual-moulded arms and legs, replicating his tight shirt and shorts. Once again, these compare favourably with Antoni's fashions throughout the television series and the furrowed brow appears accurate, maintaining the incredible standard of realism which distinguishes these interesting minifigures!
Alternative torsos are supplied for Jonathan, Karamo and Antoni, providing further options for each minifigure. They should prove extremely popular, particularly because the skin tones are only exposed around the hands so could easily be swapped. Karamo's bomber jacket features vibrant colours, while Antoni's attire displays LEGO's 'Rebuild the World' tagline on the reverse, replacing 'Thyme Is On My Side' from the original jacket.
Each episode of Queer Eye focuses upon one individual, dubbed the 'Hero', receiving advice and support from the expert panel. Kathi Dooley is among the more memorable participants, having previously been Jonathan's music teacher and receiving a dramatic makeover. These minifigures capture that change, replicating her appearances before and after the experience.
Both minifigures integrate unique torsos, while the double-sided head is shared between them and features different glasses. Furthermore, these hair pieces look excellent, reflecting Kathi's antiquated mullet becoming a modern hairstyle, while the torsos recreate her changed fashion. Diego Sancho has designed these minifigures perfectly.
The Completed Model
10291 Queer Eye - The Fab 5 Loft takes primary inspiration from the location in Atlanta, which appeared during seasons one and two. While this model shares various similarities with 10292 The Friends Apartments and 21328 Seinfeld, the loft portrays a genuine location and the layout has therefore been adapted for display. Sitcom products, meanwhile, have recreated the studio environment instead.
Nevertheless, the scale of the loft is consistent with previous models, measuring 35cm across. Furthermore, the impressive detailing which has defined sitcom-based designs continues here, beginning with Jonathan's grooming area. The stickered mirror and swivelling chair both match the source material, while the clothes rack provides storage for the alternative torsos. They are displayed without hands on the packaging, but not in the instructions.
Despite encompassing changes beyond physical makeovers, fashion and hairdressing remain important aspects of Queer Eye. A neat changing booth is therefore present, where minifigures can emerge to reveal their new appearance. This is cleverly hidden behind a door, ensuring the transformation function remains subtle.
Removing the roof and opening the second entrance provides reasonable access for placing minifigures inside, although space is restricted. This transformation booth is neatly integrated though and turning the black 'splat' gear rotates the carousel inside, hiding one minifigure and revealing another! Encountering such functionality in an 18+ set feels odd, but welcome.
Alternative hair pieces, legs and accessories are stored beside the transformation booth. The selection is somewhat limited, but provides appropriate parts for Jonathan's various hairstyles. Moreover, these elements are hidden effectively when displaying the model, which is evidently of paramount importance.
21319 Central Perk, 10292 The Friends Apartments and 21328 Seinfeld have each included removable sofas at their centre. This creation continues that convention, featuring an elegant white sofa with stickered cushions. The leather chair and coffee table are stylish too, although the table is not secured on the floor and sometimes moves around which is frustrating.
Nevertheless, the furniture looks wonderful, complemented by the patterned rug underneath. Nine printed 2x4 tiles are situated between dark red bands, creating an attractive design that corresponds with the onscreen location. However, employing decorates tiles seems relatively simple beside the rugs that appear elsewhere, requiring elaborate construction methods.
An enormous flatscreen television accompanies the lounge area. Unfortunately, limited space prevents the television from fitting opposite the sofa, although this configuration is appropriate for display. The wooden cabinet looks great and I love the screen, which features the Fab Five in minifigure form surrounding the Queer Eye logo.
Decorative plants are present throughout the loft, combining green and bright green foliage in each instance. They have appeared continually during every series, alongside the neon 'Style, Taste, Class' sign which looks brilliant. This printed component perfectly replicates the original sign, even featuring tiny wires between disconnected letters!
The neighbouring cabinet looks magnificent too, contrasting against the light bluish grey wall and containing various accessories. Masonry bricks are employed to superb effect across the model, including 102 light bluish grey elements and 85 white bricks, which are new. They have previously appeared on Bricks and Pieces, but their origin has now been revealed.
While the aforementioned neon sign is printed, the neighbouring Fab Five and 'Yaaaas Queen' artworks include stickers. The former takes direct inspiration from the television series and the latter makes reference to Jonathan's catchphrase. The window between them appears superb too, including several pots and a folded blind, each correspond exactly with the original Atlanta location.
The opposite wall includes Bobby's blackboard, where he develops interior design concepts. Various sketches adorn this blackboard, depicting a LEGO chair, a 2x2 brick and a 1x1 cone, alongside fabric swatches and photos. Moreover, the apartment floor plan at the centre takes inspiration from that belonging to the graphic designer's mother!
Antoni Porowski specialises in food and wine, hence an elaborate kitchen is included. These units appear exceptionally modern, comprising black and tan elements. The design therefore looks attractive, particularly against the white wall and colourful accessories which present an appealing contrast. Moreover, the spacious floor area is welcome for placing minifigures.
Important features include the sink, coffee machine and a substantial fridge freezer. Various versions of these appliances have appeared previously, but these examples are outstanding. The details are unmatched, although the white fridge freezer appears rather strange because this appliance was silver during the first season of Queer Eye.
White fridges are common in LEGO sets, hence an alternative would have been welcome. The opening doors are distinctive though, revealing various items inside. They include jars and pots beside three stickered boxes. The orange juice carton integrates another fun reference to Diego Sancho's Spanish heritage, reading 'naranjitas' above the orange graphics.
Printed hobs are positioned on the island unit, above the cooker. This is typically hidden from view between the island and the sink, so I am pleased that it can be easily rotated for display, should you wish. Saucepans and bowls surround the hob, although my favourite accessory is definitely the chopped avocado which reflects Antoni's penchant for avocado!
Overall
LEGO has explored many interesting subjects during 2021 and 10291 Queer Eye - The Fab 5 Loft seems particularly unusual. Nevertheless, this model is enjoyable, capturing the important features from the onscreen location and achieving more contemporary styling than comparable products. Of course, the minifigures are tremendous too, closely resembling each expert.
21319 Central Perk and 21328 Seinfeld have elicited considerable attention, reaching beyond their respective fans as both sets provide fantastic value and include appealing elements. This model also comprises interesting pieces and I think the price of £89.99 or $99.99 is reasonable, although not necessarily as enticing as previous examples. Nevertheless, this is undoubtedly an effective celebration of Queer Eye.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group, but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
133 likes
102 comments on this article
I dont care about show but this is a neat set. Glad to see the arms are in the torsos. I was afraid Lego will start encouraging pulling out hands...
> The torsos are displayed without hands on the packaging, but not in the instructions.
That's interesting, I wonder whether that will cause Customer Services issues when people remove them and damage the arms.
This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft.
I wonder if this will stack neatly on top of the Seinfeld and Friends apartments
@iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try other sitcoms while Friends and Seinfeld are around, right? Strike while the iron’s hot!
@Pekingduckman said:
"I wonder if this will stack neatly on top of the Seinfeld and Friends apartments"
I would personally love to build a live studio audience with camera crew and signs to let the audience know when to clap. Think that would add a bit of fun to the display.
Also, looking back on The Big Bang theory set from way back when, I’m noticing these sitcom sets are getting a LOT more room to work with. Certainly not complaining. Nice to have more floor space to work with.
Do the instructions tell you to remove the hands from the torsos? The box shows them without hands.
Not my thing but there's a ton of cool elements to this set.
@leetshoe said:
"Do the instructions tell you to remove the hands from the torsos? The box shows them without hands. "
It's answered in the review.
Really, really nice set.
@DavidBrick said:
"It costs too much. Its really that simple. Central Perk is $40 cheaper and has more pieces and looks to be a similar size.
"
I agree. It's not a bad value given the piece count, but these single-floor TV show sets just don't scream $100 to me.
There must be an audience though as they seem to be making quite a few of them.
Strange that lego would use an illegal technique on their box art and not actually include it in the instructions…Is it an error or on purpose
The price definitely feels too high for what you get, especially when compared with the previous sitcom sets. Other than that, not bad.
Would love to get this as a play house for my daughter (she really likes to change minifigure "outfits") and there are some cool pieces I'm interested in but $100 feels steep. Maybe we were spoiled by Central Perk's price point. I will however steal the clothing/torso wall idea for her, and wait for this to on sale.
Never heard of that show so can't comment on that but I'm looking at that minifig in green and it looks like it a perfect lego rendition of Taika Waititi because of that very distinct wacky hairstyle.
@iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
Can we have Futurama now?
Would love to see all these sitcom sets stacked into one apartment building. I’d do it myself if I could afford them all!
There's a lot of cool pieces and I have big liking for real people as minifigs, I just wish the price was at like 70-80
@kyrodes said:
" @iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
Can we have Futurama now?"
No. Futurama is not allowed to be enjoyed outside tv/streaming. /s
@Sandinista said:
"Would love to see all these sitcom sets stacked into one apartment building. I’d do it myself if I could afford them all!"
I recommend looking up the MOC “lego sit-complex” in Google/on YouTube, it’s a gorgeous apartment building with them all together. Wish I could afford to do it too…
Please keep the comments related to the set and not the wider issues which have already been discussed elsewhere at length.
@ChromedCat said:
"Strange that lego would use an illegal technique on their box art and not actually include it in the instructions…Is it an error or on purpose "
My guess is it’s on purpose. LEGO wants to show the torsos to prospective buyers but knows they would look bizarre as hanging shirts with hands attached. On the other hand (pun intended!), as @Huw indicates, Customer Service is going to receive a lot of complaints about worn hand joints/broken arms if the instructions tell you that you should remove the hands.
Note that in a different context, LEGO has suggested taking hands out and putting others in before. So while it is ‘illegal’, it’s more of a misdemeanour than a felony.
Never heard of the show. I don't recognize anything. And I don't like the overabundance of sitcom sets this year.
But this set looks great!
And again another set based upon a sitcom I never heard of and never saw.
Why is LEGO thinking that all AFOL's are (a) people in English speaking countries and (b) people sitting on a couch watching TV?
I am very disappointed by the path Lego has taken with this.
yeah...think my daugher is going to love this for her birthday (she's a massive fan of the show)
@dutchlegofan50 said:
"And again another set based upon a sitcom I never heard of and never saw.
Why is LEGO thinking that all AFOL's are (a) people in English speaking countries and (b) people sitting on a couch watching TV?
I am very disappointed by the path Lego has taken with this."
This and many other recent sets are aimed not at AFOLs but at PAFOLs. A PAFOL is a Potential Adult Fan Of LEGO.
Also, I’ve never seen the programme, but I think it’s a makeover/lifestyle show, not a sitcom.
This new long brown hair piece and face will do nicely for making fine LEGO Jesus :D
@Mr_Waffle said:
" @Sandinista said:
"Would love to see all these sitcom sets stacked into one apartment building. I’d do it myself if I could afford them all!"
I recommend looking up the MOC “lego sit-complex” in Google/on YouTube, it’s a gorgeous apartment building with them all together. Wish I could afford to do it too…
"
Yeah, my first thought was "well, that MOC needs to be updated!"
Never heard of this. How come they're making all these sets for random TV shows lately? Is it because they're just easy to license?
Must be, because otherwise we would've already seen some of the things people have actually been asking for for years now. Right?
@CCC said:
" @Nick said:
"Never heard of this. How come they're making all these sets for random TV shows lately?"
Targeting existing fan bases ready to spend money on LEGO when they wouldn't have otherwise.
"
Considering how this Lego set is blowing up on Jonathan's instagram suggests it will be popular outside us AFOL's. Many comments stating they will get their first Lego set - which means they may buy MORE sets in the future.
@dutchlegofan50 said:
"And again another set based upon a sitcom I never heard of and never saw.
Why is LEGO thinking that all AFOL's are (a) people in English speaking countries and (b) people sitting on a couch watching TV?
I am very disappointed by the path Lego has taken with this."
This would be a reasonable opinion if, and only if, Lego had slowed the design/production of other sets in favor of the tv show sets.
But.
That is not the case. Out of the 44(!!) 18+ sets that are being released this year (so far), 3 of them are this style of tv show. That's less than 7%. That means that this is not a reasonable opinion, because it is CLEARLY not even close to the only thing Lego is doing
I'm still hoping on the back of these various 'tv set' sets they revisit TBBT and give us a much improved version the apartment.
Pretty cool set. I know the show, haven't seen it, won't be picking this up, but these vignettes based on popular IPs are great to have in Lego form.
I don't watch the show but I've heard a lot about it. This set really surprised me in a good way. I think it looks awesome and the minifigures are perfect! It's so cool to get an apartment this modern in LEGO. I do think we're getting a few too many sets like this, though. We've gotten three apartments in six months. While they're all great sets, I feel like LEGO only made so many because Central Perk was so popular. I'd love to get more TV show sets, but maybe if 1-2 were spaced out more throughout the year it wouldn't feel like we're getting so many at once. That being said, I'm very glad this set was made and I think it's my favorite of the three this year.
Is this really a set that we've wanted, I just don't get it, there are so many other great TV shows that could be immortalised in brick form, I just don't see this being a hit to be honest, I feel like I'm missing something here
@ShinyBidoof said:
"I'm still hoping on the back of these various 'tv set' sets they revisit TBBT and give us a much improved version the apartment."
While I wouldn't oppose a revised and larger TBBT flat, I think that the one they did on Ideas was pretty well done for the scale. It'd be harder to make it better at that scale.
Looks like another bland apartment to me
Never heard of the show, but the masonry brick walls are nice.
€110 seems a bit expensive, but I can see some of the printed parts, and extra figures playing some role there.
@K_dubble_S said:
"Is this really a set that we've wanted, I just don't get it, there are so many other great TV shows that could be immortalised in brick form, I just don't see this being a hit to be honest, I feel like I'm missing something here"
Who is “we”
There is no set that is universally wanted, people have different interests.
If you arn’t interested, then ignore it and buy a set you do like
The splashes of green look great, but the rest looks to grey to my liking. It apparently is correct to the source material (I dont know, don't know the show), but it makes me wonder if another setting with more color would not have been a better choice? Especially considering the white box. If any set would have benefitted from a black box, this would have been the one. Now the white-greyish set seems to blend in with the box, instead of really popping out. It looks like this is in contrast with the atmosphere of the show (?)
I also don't think the minibuilds are that great. They are variations on things we have seen before, but none of them really stand out to me.
@Henry_D said:
" @Terreneflame said:
" @K_dubble_S said:
"Is this really a set that we've wanted, I just don't get it, there are so many other great TV shows that could be immortalised in brick form, I just don't see this being a hit to be honest, I feel like I'm missing something here"
Who is “we”
There is no set that is universally wanted, people have different interests.
If you arn’t interested, then ignore it and buy a set you do like"
Nobody is interested in this set/show in the lego community, nobody outside lego community care about lego it self. This is yet another lego desperate try to enter a niche of niche. If stadium sets are for mirco niche audience, this set is for like 5 people
"
I want this set, so you're argument fails. According to Jonathan's instagram, hundreds of non-Lego fans are planning on buying it, so your second point fails.
Considering this is an Emmy award winning show, there's more than 5 fans that will buy this haha.
Another set I have no interest in.
Never watched it, but I love the Minifigs, printed carpet and stovetop tiles so may have to get this anyway just for those if they don’t show up on B&P.
Not interested in the set, but I really like that kitchen.
I don't think the lego should go in that direction.
...what was needed for this kit?
@Terreneflame said:
"Who is “we”
There is no set that is universally wanted, people have different interests.
If you arn’t interested, then ignore it and buy a set you do like"
SO MUCH THIS!
I have zero interest in the Batman Tumbler. I'm not sure who the Minecraft theme is for, but it sure as heck isn't me.
Nevertheless, I know that there are people who do enjoy these sets and themes, and I'm very happy for those people.
@Henry_D said:
" @Terreneflame said:
" @K_dubble_S said:
"Is this really a set that we've wanted, I just don't get it, there are so many other great TV shows that could be immortalised in brick form, I just don't see this being a hit to be honest, I feel like I'm missing something here"
Who is “we”
There is no set that is universally wanted, people have different interests.
If you arn’t interested, then ignore it and buy a set you do like"
Nobody is interested in this set/show in the lego community, nobody outside lego community care about lego it self. This is yet another lego desperate try to enter a niche of niche. If stadium sets are for mirco niche audience, this set is for like 5 people
"
Even if nobody within the LEGO community was interested in Queer Eye, which is evidently untrue, products like this are intended to interest people who might never have considered purchasing LEGO as an adult. The strategy will entail attracting new customers with unusual sets, in the hope that some might become interested in the broader LEGO selection.
I can envisage somebody interested in Queer Eye also finding the Winter Village or Modular Buildings appealing, for example.
Attracting new customers, of all ages, is an important aspect of expanding any business like LEGO. However, the company must not neglect existing fans and I think the current balance is reasonable.
So many awesome prints and/or decals... I NEED IT.
That fridge is so simple, yet perfect too. This may be the best interior that's been done in this style of set.
@DavidBrick said:
" @Kalhiki said:
"Another set I have no interest in.
"
But enough interest to tell us youhqve no interest?
Interesting."
HEHE - Wish i could super like this response.
@MainBricker said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
"Even if nobody within the LEGO community was interested in Queer Eye, which is evidently untrue, products like this are intended to interest people who might never have considered purchasing LEGO as an adult. The strategy will entail attracting new customers with unusual sets, in the hope that some might become interested in the broader LEGO selection.
I can envisage somebody interested in Queer Eye also finding the Winter Village or Modular Buildings appealing, for example.
Attracting new customers, of all ages, is an important aspect of expanding any business like LEGO. However, the company must not neglect existing fans and I think the current balance is reasonable."
I could understand that, but a $100 price tag is not likely to entice a casual fan. Funko Pops are popular because they're around £10, this set is 9x that!
Fans of the show (so non-Lego fans) would be put off by the price point, Lego fans are put off by it being an unknown TV show.
The ?Block is attracting the same problem as its price is similar to a Switch Lite. Nintendo fans are put off by that price.
Lego are not going to attract many new customers with $100 sets. $60 for Friends was popular, this is nearly double."
A regular Switch is $300, somehow I don't think Nintendo fans are going to be put off by $100. And how can you gauge what problems it's attracting before it's even released?
I think I saw a UK version of the TV programme many years ago, but I've never seen the current US version and in any case it's not the kind of set that I would display. I can only look at this as a parts pack of minifigs (there's some great torsos there) and furniture, but I like it and might consider getting it. I'd need to find a beautifully ironic place to put the "Style Class Taste" sign in my city.
@Paperdaisy said:
"I think I saw a UK version of the TV programme many years ago, but I've never seen the current US version and in any case it's not the kind of set that I would display. I can only look at this as a parts pack of minifigs (there's some great torsos there) and furniture, but I like it and might consider getting it. I'd need to find a beautifully ironic place to put the "Style Class Taste" sign in my city."
For ironic placement, I can see putting it in a dark or dreary place, like behind the Dailey Bugle in the alley, in the cells of a prison in some kind of set, or on some kind of zombie-riddled MOC. I'd like to get some extra of that piece for this very purpose.
@leetshoe said:
"Do the instructions tell you to remove the hands from the torsos? The box shows them without hands."
Since the marketing and photoshoots are done well in advance of the product hitting the market, I can imagine the designers or marketing thinking the hanging clothes looked best without the hands so took them off for the shoots. Product Design probably pushed back saying we can't release them that way and thus the discrepancy.
Nice set but definitely not in my budget.
Even while people might not be interested , or familiar with this show, I can imagine there will already be people trying to collect all apartments, or TV show sets now.
So far LEGO has a few "series", most are currently under 18+ , and some originated as IDEAS or around holidays.
- Modular Buildings
- Winter Village
- Creator Expert Cars
- Chinese New Years (also includes a seperate series of "year of the xxx" GWP.
- Star Wars / Superhero Helmets
- UCS Star Wars / Batvehicles (tumbler/batwing/batmobiles etc)
- Theme park sets like Roller Coaster, Carrousel , Haunted House and perhaps the 3-in-1.
- Trains to a lesser extent, not so many recently but Crocodile was still fairly recent.
- Hogwarts modules etc.
- Standalone large non-fig structures like Stadiums/Colosseum and Architecture.
- Inanimate objects like plants/bonsai, but also typewriter/piano etc.
- Mario Courses
Could name many more series or self-made series of sets, but I can imagine the market for those TV show sets being larger then this website would suggest, even for parts, or figures, or interior design to put into other buildings.
And there are the smaller sets like Brickheadz/Collectible minifig or theme sets, or DOTS series 1-2-3-4 etc, but there are completionists in many ways in terms of LEGO, or even just fans of a specific niche corner of LEGO.
Also LEGO still is made out of many pieces, so less niche then like a static model of something.
White profile bricks
Not all sets I designed and produced just for me, I get it and I��m sure most people feel the same way. Some sets are extremely appealing to me when others may be m’eh. This set falls into the m’eh category, but as an AFOL when I get over the m’eh aspects I look at specific elements that would or could be used outside of the set. Hey, LEGO sets are a starting point then tear it apart to use the pieces as I want for my own builds. Aside from specific stickers everything else is free to do what we want. I’m sure there are some people who will buy this as a display piece, that won’t be me.
Inclusion is intended to attract everyone. If only TLG could not limit Christian sets to capitalistic, “Winter Village,” Advent calendars and Seasonal Easter sets!!! Again, I’m thinking about the Elements in color for a set like the Notre Dame Cathedral, that would be awesome for expanding medieval castles, of course after first building the set…
@JusJeff said:
"Not all sets I designed and produced just for me, I get it and I’m sure most people feel the same way. Some sets are extremely appealing to me when others may be m’eh. This set falls into the m’eh category, but as an AFOL when I get over the m’eh aspects I look at specific elements that would or could be used outside of the set. Hey, LEGO sets are a starting point then tear it apart to use the pieces as I want for my own builds. Aside from specific stickers everything else is free to do what we want. I’m sure there are some people who will buy this as a display piece, that won’t be me.
Inclusion is intended to attract everyone. If only TLG could not limit Christian sets to capitalistic, “Winter Village,” Advent calendars and Seasonal Easter sets!!! Again, I’m thinking about the Elements in color for a set like the Notre Dame Cathedral, that would be awesome for expanding medieval castles, of course after first building the set…"
I do wish they'd make some religious items, but i don't think that'd ever be made. I'd so love the Ribe Church in Ribe, Denmark made into an actual set!
There was a lot of complaints about the Jabba the Hut set that came out due to this very reason and i think they've said for decades they refuse to do anything with direct religious connotations.
So many commenters, on this site and across the internet, have so much trouble stepping outside of themselves. It's really not that hard to do, for a mature adult anyway.
Queer Eye has 1.9 million followers on Instagram, which incidentally is more than The Office (1.7 million). It is a show that is currently running and has a very large fanbase. That very large fanbase -- and not the commenters on this small website -- is who this set is being marketed to. It's the most recent post and has hundreds of thousands of views. The set will sell quite well to its intended audience, many of whom will never buy another LEGO set (and that's perfectly fine and TLG knows it).
None of this is really rocket science.
p.s. I will of course buy this set, even though I don't like the show very much (I liked the original version, the new one is a little too cliche). And I'm happy that fans of the show get a cool interactive trinket to show off their fandom.
@Henry_D, everybody’s patience with you is wearing thin. Just step away for a bit.
This is one of the few sets that looks like it has more pieces than it actually has.
@Nick said:
"Never heard of this. How come they're making all these sets for random TV shows lately? Is it because they're just easy to license?
Must be, because otherwise we would've already seen some of the things people have actually been asking for for years now. Right?"
"Random" might just apply to this set... but Seinfeld and Friends were absolute monsters in the 90s. I grew up on Seinfeld and that set made me so joyful!
@illennium said:
"So many commenters, on this site and across the internet, have so much trouble stepping outside of themselves. It's really not that hard to do, for a mature adult anyway.
Queer Eye has 1.9 million followers on Instagram, which incidentally is more than The Office (1.7 million). It is a show that is currently running and has a very large fanbase. That very large fanbase -- and not the commenters on this small website -- is who this set is being marketed to. It's the most recent post and has hundreds of thousands of views. The set will sell quite well to its intended audience, many of whom will never buy another LEGO set (and that's perfectly fine and TLG knows it).
None of this is really rocket science.
p.s. I will of course buy this set, even though I don't like the show very much (I liked the original version, the new one is a little too cliche). And I'm happy that fans of the show get a cool interactive trinket to show off their fandom.
"
I would also think the show's followers would be concentrated in a relatively small number of markets. LEGO definitely doesn't need to put this on as many shelves as something from Ideas like The Office, and I don't imagine LEGO is even considering stocking this in certain countries.
As a set I quite like it, but that's just not enough to make me want to buy it. In fact, I think that sums up much of what LEGO is releasing right now. And that's definitely not a bad thing.
Don’t know squat of this show, and don’t care, but this set had tremendous detail and value. I’m very impressed.
@JusJeff said:
"Inclusion is intended to attract everyone. If only TLG could not limit Christian sets to capitalistic, “Winter Village,” Advent calendars and Seasonal Easter sets!!!"
Speaking as someone who is Christian (and an LGBTQIA+ ally!) religion can be a very difficult topic for some, especially for those who don’t believe in said religion. It can be a tough topic for some people, even if acknowledging it means inclusion. Making sets that cater to every religious group so nobody gets left out would be difficult, not to mention how portrayals of them could be met. Not to imply that there’s any link whatsoever (I’m also on the autism spectrum), but the only comparison that came to mind is the subject of disorders/disabilities; it can be a tough topic for some and if you don’t handle it right you could have a disaster. I even if it’s not obvious from the designs of the Minifigures, LEGO still makes ones of characters who believe in religions and whatnot— it’s just that actually doing an entire set with a direct link to religion could lead to uproar in many ways and forms (see the Jabba’s Palace set, which wasn’t even supposed to be a religious building). I do agree that it’s annoying how consumerist Christmas stuff has gotten, I’ve been less willing to celebrate it that much as a result.
On the topic of this set, yaaaas queen! I don’t watch the show and I hadn’t even heard of it until the rumors but I’m delighted by the message it’s sending. I almost never buy $100 sets and this isn’t going to change that but I am truly grateful that we’re getting representation like this in LEGO form. I’m not exaggerating when I say Everyone is Awesome helped me become more pro-LGBTQIA+ (I was no slouch in that department beforehand, don’t worry) and even if I don’t get this set I see it as a step in the right direction.
I just want the silver hair to give Zane a makeover.
I highly recommend this show, it's hilarious and heartwarming.
The minifigure detail is amazing and really captures the personality of the characters. With so many dual-molded parts! Jonathan's hair looks new and is the mullet new also? I wanna see a Joe Dirt MOC! I don't recall the white 1x2 with brick detail being available prior to this set.
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
I suppose it couldn’t hurt to try other sitcoms while Friends and Seinfeld are around, right? Strike while the iron’s hot!
"
Turning into LEGO City with the same idea regurgitated over and over just under different name. Another set easily avoided
This set is beyond confusing to me. Seems like you have to fit a lot of criteria for this one.
1. Be into fashion
2. Watch fashion shows
3. Watch this fashion show
4. Be into Legos
5. Want a Lego set of this fashion show
Who is this set for? Queer eye fans or just queer people? Couldn’t we just get a golden girls set instead?
Just to be clear, I’m sorry if my comment came off as insensitive, nobody replied but I’m worried that my wording came off as less pleasant than I’d hoped. It’s fine for people to be religious (or not), LGBTQIA+ (or straight), it’s who people are as individuals that matters and that’s all they should be judged off. It’s just difficult to adequately represent every aspect of people sometimes, which is probably why religion-themed sets aren’t a thing with LEGO. I’m hoping I made this clear enough.
While I’m here, fun fact about Tan France; to my knowledge, his grandparents owned a factory where they made Disney shirts, which Tan sometimes visited— this could’ve inspired his fashion work. The factory was shut down because the products were actually counterfeits/knockoffs.
I won’t be getting it but it’s got a lot going for it. I hope fans of the show are happy because this is certainly on par with the Friends central perk and appartments (I don’t have Seinfeld yet), and it certainly knocks the older Big Bang theory set out of the park. The minifigures are excellent, great to get new darker skin tone prints and all the new torsos and legs! Love the rebuild the world jacket.
The set is what representation looks like. After 12,000 minifigs in 17,000 sets over 70 years...finally.
@Trigger_ said:
" @JusJeff said:
"Inclusion is intended to attract everyone. If only TLG could not limit Christian sets to capitalistic, “Winter Village,” Advent calendars and Seasonal Easter sets!!!"
Speaking as someone who is Christian, religion can be a very difficult topic for some, especially for those who don’t believe in said religion. It can be a tough topic for some people, even if acknowledging it means inclusion. Making sets that cater to every religious group so nobody gets left out would be difficult, not to mention how portrayals of them could be met… it’s just that actually doing an entire set with a direct link to religion could lead to uproar…”
@JusJeff said:
Surely TLG isn’t concerned about an uproar, this set as some others has sparked conversation, so why not a set with a direct connection to Religion. Not every religion would be or could be represented and as this set doesn’t reflect every aspect of society with buying power.
The Ribe church is certainly a possibility for a set when considering proximity to Billund, although not as internationally recognized as say St Peters Bassillica in the Vatican City, Temple Mount, Sepulcher, The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Kaaba in Saudi Arabia, Salt Lake Temple in Utah, or Worms Cathedral in Germany.
Just saying any one would be or could be a set. As TLG is “truly” wanting to be inclusive or even just wanting to capture an audience for the purpose of making a Krone. This would be totally acceptable as a theme in the Architecture line.
As this set is catering to a population group so would sets capturing another aspect of the marketplace.
What AFOL wouldn’t like to see TLG bring back the true gold elements instead of pearl gold. Think of the possibilities, rather than the limitations."
@golde62 said:
"This set is beyond confusing to me. Seems like you have to fit a lot of criteria for this one.
1. Be into fashion
2. Watch fashion shows
3. Watch this fashion show
4. Be into Legos
5. Want a Lego set of this fashion show
Who is this set for? Queer eye fans or just queer people? Couldn’t we just get a golden girls set instead?"
To be fair that logic applies to anything, just swap out "fashion" for any other genre
Useless crap based on an unknown show (for 99% of AFOL at least)...
@MainBricker said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" A regular Switch is $300, somehow I don't think Nintendo fans are going to be put off by $100. And how can you gauge what problems it's attracting before it's even released?"
A Switch Lite is about £200, many places are selling it for £160, the same price as the ? Block. And looking at Nintendo fansites people are generally put off by the price of the set. They could even pick up a few of the Super Mario sets for that price."
I would say many things about Nintendo's pricings, but I might get off-topic.
I'd say though that I like both Nintendo games, and Lego sets. So I don't have any problem choosing one over the other, by buying Lego videogames XD
(No seriously, if you have any gaming platform, try one of the Lego videogames, they're really fun and well-made - plus they don't cost a lot)
Oh, about this set in particular... Yeah it's nice, I'm not the target, but I like it, and Lego's attempt to introduce non-AFOLs to the world of Lego bricks.
I'm less and less amazed at the narrow focus and negativity some expel from within a community based around a product that expands creativity and imagination. You won't always be the target audience. "Oh, this set lacks X and it doesn't have Y." Wow, if only there was a way to include such things! "Who wants this!?" Obviously not you so good news, you don't have to buy it!
Leg godt and get over yourselves.
Hopefully this set ends the trend of those boring black boxes, they work for some things but not others. Seeing the Winnie the Pooh set as 18+ on a black box felt so very off.
@CCC said:
"For a Golden Girls set, you would need to meet the following criteria:
1. Be into old ladies
2. Watch shows about old ladies
3. Watch this show about old ladies
4. Be into Lego
5. Want a Lego set of this show about old ladies
"
You'd also need to be an old lady (or man) yourself to even remember the show.
@Synthia1980 said:
" I just hope that gay kids will not have a problem with the age restriction here."
Lego doesn't have an age restriction. You might be getting confused with film ratings.
@Synthia1980 said:
"No, I am not confused. I am referring to the branding. It is marked as an 18+ set. Maybe I should have been clearer in my original post"
The 18+ branding on a Lego set is not in any way a restriction, except to those who incorrectly equate it with a film rating.
It merely helps adults feel less embarrassed about buying what is traditionally a children's toy.
@DavidBrick said:
" @Huw said:
" @CCC said:
"For a Golden Girls set, you would need to meet the following criteria:
1. Be into old ladies
2. Watch shows about old ladies
3. Watch this show about old ladies
4. Be into Lego
5. Want a Lego set of this show about old ladies
"
You'd also need to be an old lady (or man) yourself to even remember the show.
"
You really need to read up on your queer history. You got the history if the pride flag wrong, you just disregarded other genders besides male or female, and Golden Girls is a hugely popular show in the community.
The show premiered 36 years ago yesterday. We got Wizard of Oz LEGO, the movie came out in the 1930s. Do you have to be a really really really old person to enjoy it or even know what it is?"
Did you reply to the wrong comment?
@Synthia1980 said:
"Whilst I am fully aware that the age branding is not law, it sends out a mixed message. I simply point out that this would have been better branded to include children. "
I’m inclined to agree. A gay, non-FOL friend of mine assumed the Everyone is Awesome set was given an 18+ designation because of its LGBT reference rather than because of LEGO’s attempt to legitimise its products in the eyes of PAFOLs (Potential AFOLs).
@CopperTablet said:
"The set is what representation looks like. After 12,000 minifigs in 17,000 sets over 70 years...finally."
LEGO has represented LG characters and actors before, not to mention the many (hundreds? thousands?) minifigures without any kind of sexual orientation/identification markers that can therefore be whatever you want. Representativeness is largely in the eye of the beholder.
@DavidBrick said:
" @Huw said:
" @CCC said:
"For a Golden Girls set, you would need to meet the following criteria:
1. Be into old ladies
2. Watch shows about old ladies
3. Watch this show about old ladies
4. Be into Lego
5. Want a Lego set of this show about old ladies
"
You'd also need to be an old lady (or man) yourself to even remember the show.
"
You really need to read up on your queer history. You got the history if the pride flag wrong, you just disregarded other genders besides male or female, and Golden Girls is a hugely popular show in the community.
The show premiered 36 years ago yesterday. We got Wizard of Oz LEGO, the movie came out in the 1930s. Do you have to be a really really really old person to enjoy it or even know what it is?"
That, and we also recently got sets paying homage to "The Flintstones" and the Beatles. All targeting baby boomers.
I'd guess many fans of "Friends" and "Seinfeld" are at least in their 40s if not older. And while indeed "The Golden Girls" skewed toward an older demographic, there are I'm sure plenty of fans who are/were younger than 50. (And remember, someone did suggest a "Golden Girls" set to Lego Ideas; I don't know how old that submitter was but a good guess might be that he's fairly young.)
I don't like it. Lego should stay at the universal yellow minifig, and avoid from promoting social forms.
@Teutonknight said:
"I don't like it. Lego should stay at the universal yellow minifig, and avoid from promoting social forms."
Sets like 60283 Holiday Camper Van and 60291 Family House also promote "social forms", though. Do you dislike these? Or, are they just your social forms in particular, and you dislike other people's?
I will pass. Not a fan.
@K_dubble_S said:
"Is this really a set that we've wanted, I just don't get it, there are so many other great TV shows that could be immortalised in brick form, I just don't see this being a hit to be honest, I feel like I'm missing something here"
Wouldn't mind a Magnum PI set at Robin's pad with heli and 308gts ;)
I'll probably pick this up as a parts pack someday, preferably when it goes on sale at my local retailer (if it lasts long enough and my budget allows it at the time).
I like the set itself: good looking build, nice details, nice parts; but not a 'need to have' for me. (I don't own any of the other "apartment" sets (yet) for the same reason.)
This set does highlight how flawed the design of the 'masonry' bricks is in my opinion. I like them when sprinkled over a wall of other bricks to simulate wear and tear. If they are used in larger numbers on larger surfaces, they don't look that good to me. When used as in this set (usually overlapping) the stones do not line up well. (What also does not help is that the pattern doesn't continue on the sides.) If you want the brick pattern to look good, you have to stack them straight on top of each other, which will cause your wall to suffer from poor structural integrity; such a shame.
For anyone arguing about the set "age" , throw away the box (or put a little sticker over the 8) and you won't see the number ever again, it's not even on the instructions, simple.
Shame that all the sitcom sets haven't been designed to stack together.
Is next years mystery IP a futurama apartment style planet express HQ?
@YanVanLan said:
"I'll probably pick this up as a parts pack someday, preferably when it goes on sale at my local retailer (if it lasts long enough and my budget allows it at the time).
I like the set itself: good looking build, nice details, nice parts; but not a 'need to have' for me. (I don't own any of the other "apartment" sets (yet) for the same reason.)
This set does highlight how flawed the design of the 'masonry' bricks is in my opinion. I like them when sprinkled over a wall of other bricks to simulate wear and tear. If they are used in larger numbers on larger surfaces, they don't look that good to me. When used as in this set (usually overlapping) the stones do not line up well. (What also does not help is that the pattern doesn't continue on the sides.) If you want the brick pattern to look good, you have to stack them straight on top of each other, which will cause your wall to suffer from poor structural integrity; such a shame. "
The structural integrity issue would be somewhat alleviated by introducing 4-stud-long variants as they've done with some colors. Unfortunately not every color gets to have that luxury...
@tm76 said:
"Is next years mystery IP a futurama apartment style planet express HQ?"
It should be!
Where the review states that "Queer Eye is perhaps lesser-known than many brands that LEGO has partnered with." I think it is probably better to just be honest. The set is neither a good nor interesting set 'because' it is an overtly political, tokenistic and cynical, PR gesture, patronising to all, regardless of their sexuality. As an aside, instead of Lego going for this sort of brutal tokenism, imagine how powerfully subtle a set based upon the work of Alan Turing would be. Just how inclusive the buzz, and the discussion, about such a set would be. Granted such a set would probably not have the same immediate PR impact for Lego, as Rainbows and Reality TV shows do, but it would win the philosophical debate, hands down, and probably do much more for discussion, understanding and inclusion than sets based upon these almost patronising levels of cliché.
I still think this may be a number of fairly horrible marketing decisions on Lego's part. Going with the Queer Eye IP might be a good move. And the minifigs look gorgeous, but they're not the cast that has pop culture recognition. This is like releasing a Dukes of Hazzard set but sticking in Coy and Vance figures instead of Bo and Luke. The set itself has some nice details, but not enough to swing a non QU fan around to the $100 price tage. They would have been better off scaling down the set to hit that same size and price point as Central Perk. Yeah there's some nice bits, but not really enough to justify the 3 figure price.
What is going on In Lego's Product Management/Marketing lately? It just feels like there is some sort of disconnect regarding Price Points and Marketing. They used to be among the best at building their lines and releases around a very clear scale of well packaged Price Points. But a lot of more recent offerings feel very very off. Vidyo being a spectacular example of this. A line that has literally cratered, not on the basis of it's design, but on a failure to match Price Points and Packaging to the actual consumer product. (Yeah Parent's aren't going to spend $20 on what are clearly Impulse by sub $10 sets). This feels like another one of those.
^ I’ve never seen the programme so have no idea if the layout is accurate. But presumably the entrance/exit is in the ‘fourth wall’.
@Faefrost said:
"I still think this may be a number of fairly horrible marketing decisions on Lego's part. Going with the Queer Eye IP might be a good move. And the minifigs look gorgeous, but they're not the cast that has pop culture recognition. This is like releasing a Dukes of Hazzard set but sticking in Coy and Vance figures instead of Bo and Luke. The set itself has some nice details, but not enough to swing a non QU fan around to the $100 price tage. They would have been better off scaling down the set to hit that same size and price point as Central Perk. Yeah there's some nice bits, but not really enough to justify the 3 figure price.
What is going on In Lego's Product Management/Marketing lately? It just feels like there is some sort of disconnect regarding Price Points and Marketing. They used to be among the best at building their lines and releases around a very clear scale of well packaged Price Points. But a lot of more recent offerings feel very very off. Vidyo being a spectacular example of this. A line that has literally cratered, not on the basis of it's design, but on a failure to match Price Points and Packaging to the actual consumer product. (Yeah Parent's aren't going to spend $20 on what are clearly Impulse by sub $10 sets). This feels like another one of those. "
I can't speak to which cast of the show is more well-known since I've never really watched either. But generally, licensors have a tendency to prefer to license tie-ins to current expressions of a given brand. After all, a show that's currently airing is much easier to create promotional "synergy" with than a version of the show that's several decades old and no longer airing—people who are interested in the set will be easier to encourage to watch the show, and vice-versa. As such, of course they'll want to promote the content they're currently making, rather than a version of it produced for audiences decades ago that only makes money streaming or in syndication.
Of course, this doesn't just affect TV shows... you also see it with things like vehicle licenses in themes like Technic and Speed Champions (where more "retro" vehicles have only really been released in combination with more modern vehicles).
@fakespacesquid said:
" @dutchlegofan50 said:
"And again another set based upon a sitcom I never heard of and never saw.
Why is LEGO thinking that all AFOL's are (a) people in English speaking countries and (b) people sitting on a couch watching TV?
I am very disappointed by the path Lego has taken with this."
This would be a reasonable opinion if, and only if, Lego had slowed the design/production of other sets in favor of the tv show sets.
But.
That is not the case. Out of the 44(!!) 18+ sets that are being released this year (so far), 3 of them are this style of tv show. That's less than 7%. That means that this is not a reasonable opinion, because it is CLEARLY not even close to the only thing Lego is doing"
Yaaaassss drag them sis
@leetshoe said:
"Do the instructions tell you to remove the hands from the torsos? The box shows them without hands. "
They do not! The instructions still have the hands on the torsos (but it definitely looks creepy with them on!)
@Synthia1980 said:
" @sjr60 said:
" @Synthia1980 said:
"No, I am not confused. I am referring to the branding. It is marked as an 18+ set. Maybe I should have been clearer in my original post"
The 18+ branding on a Lego set is not in any way a restriction, except to those who incorrectly equate it with a film rating.
It merely helps adults feel less embarrassed about buying what is traditionally a children's toy."
Yes , I understand how the branding helps the inner child in adults, but imagine if you will a gay 13 year old who has yet to tell anyone about their sexuality. This set is very clearly a celebration of unity between gay people and straight people but the box says 18+. What will this 13 year make of that? Is it OK to be gay (as long as you are over 18)? Being a gay teenager can be a very isolating and lonely place. There is often a feeling of not knowing where or who to turn to. I applaud Lego for releasing this set except for this branding age issue.
Whilst I am fully aware that the age branding is not law, it sends out a mixed message. I simply point out that this would have been better branded to include children. "
That's been a topic of conversation. The reason it is 18+ is because it's meant to be a design set, rather than for play. However, with standard age ratings in many countries this is very confusing. I think they should just do away with ages all together, and go to a more basic difficulty system. Then they could also put a logo like "Adults Welcome" or something like that on these sets that are meant for display.
@iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
this isn't a lego ideas set
@iriz said:
"This is what Lego Ideas is about (for TLG): identifying new product range opportunities.
And when done, TLG takes over. I expect that we will see many more sitcom sets.
I guess best example is Minecraft."
I'm still holding out hope for that Community Study Room set. sixseasonsandalegoset