specifically themed figure series.

[Rhalius]

Love or hate the figures, the concept is good.

The problem is, it can be a bit too random.

So my suggestion would be to have a second surprise figure series thats more focused, and could be released once or twice in a year, shortly before a mayor theme is launched.

This year will see the return of Western after many years for example, that could be accompanied by a release of male and female western figures that are not seperated by gender.

All figures of this series would be compatible with the western sets and could give better results when mixing them up instead of mostly silly combinations.

Heres a few lists of suggestions for various themes their figures:

Western.
Various cowboys, cowgirl, bandit, Undertaker, Confederate soldier, Union soldier, Indians from various tribes, Banker, Dancer, Barkeep, Blacksmith, goldseeker, Rodeo clown, Country singer, Mexican cowboy, gentleman, lady, con artist, sherrif, old lady, Pastor, Stable boy, drunk, gambler, 

Medieval.
Blacksmith, Herald, Bard, Farmer, maid, stable boy, Gypsy fortune teller, Gypsy dancer, Gypsy musician, Teutonic Knight (with horned helmet), Highlander, Princess, Noblewoman, Nobleman, Musician, Tavern Wench, Guardsman, Sailor, Sculpter, Painter, Elderly advisor, Bischop, King, Queen, Prince, Hospitaller doctor, Merchant, Woodsman, Monk, Viking, Norman Knight, Mercenary, Janissary, Mongol Archer, Arab spearman, Beggar, Spy, Diplomat, Prisoner, Tax collector, Squire, Hunter, Renaissance doctor, Berber, Irish warrior, Templar knight, Harem Dancer, female knight, Milkmaid.

Modern.
Policeman, Female swat agent, Firewoman, Doctor, Nurse, Judge, Cameraman, Reporter, Maid, Handy man, Guitar player, Singer, Dancer, Astronaut, Tennis player, Golfer, Diver, Asian tourist, Train conductor, Actress (with oscar in hand), Bodyguard, Thief, Sailor, Construction worker, Salesman, Office worker (in a suit with laptop), Waitress, Juggler, female clown, Mail man, Bride, Priest, Clicky in gorrila suit, Old woman, old man, coast guard.

Pirates.
Musketeer (old french style like the three musketeers), female pirate captain, sailor, Redcoat grenadier, Scottish bagpipe player, Dutch blue guard soldier, Napoleon, very unfortunate pirate (eyepatch, wooden leg and hook), black female pirate, Prussian Grenadier, Arab pirate, noble lady, nobleman, fat merchant, carpenter, Dockworker, Duelist, Spy, Conquistador, Blackbeard, gentleman  pirate, Navigator, officer, peasant lady, shipwrecked soldier, Italian sailor.

Ancient.
Praetorian, old philosopher, Spartan Hoplite, generic hoplite, Egyptian civilian, Greek/roman noble lady, Celtic warrior, Persian warrior, Roman spy, Centurion, Legionaire, barbarian male civilian, barbarian female civilian, Roman hornblower/ flag carrier, Roman Peltast, Carthaginian marine, Eastern merchant, female barbarian warrior, Gladiator, Snake charmer, Gothic swordsman, German hunter, African spearman, Persian archer, Sailor, Persian lady with urn.

[bonniebeth]

I would like to see those groupings, not as mystery figures in individual packs, but just sold as one set, but still interchangeable like the f?gs. Does that make sense? I mean like all those western klickies together in one add-on set, with the easily changable parts so you could buy more than one set and change them around and make them all look different.

[tonguello]

Part of the concept of the mistery figures is the randomness.

This you suggest would be a different concept (except for the mistery part) so it would be better make it into another line IMO. Im not saying it is a bad suggestion just saying it would fit better a whole new line.

Maybe the re-instate of the 5 clickies box.

Or boxes with parts and accesories for 5 characters yourself can put together as you wish. But as I said... it would be a completly different thing. I feel that woud be better.

[conniefrere]

Instead of the mistery figures, the idea of a 5-pack sounds great!

I like all the ideas, but I was wondering how the con artist would look like? 

And how would the ancient german hunter look like?

Maybe someone some ideas?

[Rhalius]

It's pretty much meant as a different thing yes, thats what I meant with second series. I gues that was a bit unclear.

I'd see it more as a thing to promote the upcoming release of a theme, like releasing a bunch of cowboy figures at the launch of the cowboy theme. Each year they could pick two themes with new releases that they wish to give some extra promotion, and for the occasion they could release fewer figures than with the regular series, but all of that theme. It could be released about two weeks or a month before the release of the promoted theme and could already feature new parts that would be used for the new theme. There could be 6 figures for each promotion.

[Pynedor]

Ah excellent idea, my friend. Except the modern figures and the Greek/Romans... Just my opinion... though I'm sure I would get some for the parts, ha!

Honestly, I think any sets that have a lot of figures - like the two packs or the other larger packs suggested - are very welcome. Sometimes I find myself wanting to buy or buying sets only for the figures and not the rest of the parts. And they are after all the central items! I would undoubtedly purchase more of these than any other sets I have if they were to be released, especially considering that I find the grey inner pieces and ease of customisation of these Series figures to be absolutely fantastic.

That said, reading this and reading/thinking of my own ideas makes me excited for these to be released, despite it being so doubtful! Alas, we can but hope, I suppose... You have a lot of excellent ideas here for figure options though; well done, Rhalius!

...Templar knight, Harem Dancer, female knight, Milkmaid...

Slipped that right in there, eh?

[tahra]

Like someone said, I think this was discussed before..

The blind figures split by gender make no sense. I believe even for kids. A boy will want for example knights, and maybe a lady to be their queen/princess/damsel in distress... But will probably end up getting a skater, or a vampire? That is probably discouraging (sp?)...

If they MUST be blind, your solution would be fine. At least people would have a lot less chances of ending up with really "off" klickys. And parts would actually be (mostly) interchangeable. To say that of the first series.. well.. only for freak shows. It works for us cause we have other parts to add in the mix.

[Bolingbroke]

Yes, we had discussed this before. I was one of those in favour of less randomness. For all the PR about mixing and matching, the assortment is way too random to come up with anything half decent.

[tahra]

Yes, we had discussed this before. I was one of those in favour of less randomness. For all the PR about mixing and matching, the assortment is way too random to come up with anything half decent.

Exactly. Besides, I ASSUME most NORMAL PEOPLE aren't interested in all themes, so it's kind of a let down.

[Bolingbroke]

It wouldn't be that bad if it weren't for the mystery slant, mind you. That way you'd pick up only the figures you're interested in (which is what I used to do with the specials). But yes ... this smacks of cynicism on the part of PM (and Lego, too), which is what I've been saying ad nauseum.