Welcome Bonven: the LEGO mini-fig designer!

[jasontodd2]

Welcome aboard Bonven, great to have you here!

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on Bionicle? personally I think that it was a bold, groundbreaking move for TLC. Did it's popularity help to open doors for licenses like Batman?
Did Lego's prior relationship with DC (the free bi-monthly Bionicle comic that they publish for Lego club members) play a part in the Batman line?
Any chance we'll see large, Knight's Kingdom size Bat figures?
And finally, prior to the Batman license, did Lego ever consider doing an original superhero theme (different from the Alpa Team)? If so, are there any details or preliminary designs which you can share ?

[Darthm]

Welcome Bonven! Thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions .

[JonartDesigns]

I was wondering, is there any specific restrictions you face in designing new heads? For instance certain star wars characters (especially han solo) has an extremely outdated face compared to the bulk of the other flesh toned characters. So do the powers that be kinda decide that some characters have to continually re-use the same heads (epecially the "stuntman" head) as opposed to multiple re-designs (the many faces of doc ock)

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Great question Jonart. Can I assume that you're an AFOL? I loved the stuntman face when it first came out (1st appearance as Rock Raiders Sparks I believe) but it has since been really over used. Seeing multiple Doc Ock heads was refreshing. If I can add to your question, why the choice to use "smileys" on the new versions of the A Wing and B Wing when so many great faces now exist?

[JonartDesigns]

i'm only 19 so i guess i'm a newly afol but yes, also the new head that bugs me (i have 2 one yellow, one flesh and no use for either) is the gold toothed grinning thug

so any news on more dark flesh heads (not counting the batman guard who is identical to the spiderman 2 one) and /or the head designs for Thomas Hayden Church and Topher Grace's spiderman 3 characters?

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Bonven, I just saw this minifig on Legofigs. Can you tell me anything about it. He's wearing Danju's colors. Thanks.

[bonven]

Out of curiosity, what are your thoughts on Bionicle? personally I think that it was a bold, groundbreaking move for TLC. Did it's popularity help to open doors for licenses like Batman?
I Like Bionicle, or that's to say i prefer the first ones over the newer ones. I think they have overdeveloped them in recent years. But I really, really like the playtheme ones, but i have always been a playtheme buff.
It was Star Wars that broke the ground for Licenses in Lego (the Batman models are build by the group that normally does the SW sets)

Did Lego's prior relationship with DC (the free bi-monthly Bionicle comic that they publish for Lego club members) play a part in the Batman line?
We have had a great relationship with DC and it's parentcompany Warner, and that played a huge part in aquiring the License. There will some comics on the back of the boxes by the amazing Greg Hyland from FBTB

Any chance we'll see large, Knight's Kingdom size Bat figures?
And finally, prior to the Batman license, did Lego ever consider doing an original superhero theme (different from the Alpa Team)?
No and No.

I was wondering, is there any specific restrictions you face in designing new heads?
As long as we don't use more than 6 colors on the faces and the design is close what our style guide, it's pretty much up to the Graphical Designer. We have in recent years started streamlining the designstyle for decals and have more or less gotten it under control. But you're right Star Wars sticks out, but I'm doing the decals for SW 2007 and will look into it.

so any news on more dark flesh heads (not counting the batman guard who is identical to the spiderman 2 one) and /or the head designs for Thomas Hayden Church and Topher Grace's spiderman 3 characters?
I always try to get as many different colored figures in the assortment as i can, but it depends on the characters from the License.
Sadly we do not have the License for SM3 (it's the other construction toy company)

Bonven, I just saw this minifig on Legofigs. Can you tell me anything about it.
I have no idea. It's probably a kabaja set specially made for the Japanese market. I have had the pleasure of meeting the guys who run the Legofigs site.

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Thanks Bonven. Great news about Greg doing the box art comics! Will the comics be serious of humourous(like his own SW strips). Also, never thought to ask this before but did he do the comics included in the instructions for the original SW and Monsters themes?
Sad news about (or should I say "Mega"sad news) about Lego not doing the third Spidey film, I was kinda hoping for a Minifig Sandman but, I'll take Bats over Spidey in a second so I'll get over it......there, I'm over it.

[bonven]

LOL. Yeah, that's about the same time it took me to cope.

Since it's Greg, they're are humourous. It's like a storystarter to inspire the kids.

For Star Wars; It's was a danish agency whose name i forget. For Monsters, it was yours truly.

[ThatBlockoGuy]

bonven said:

For Monsters, it was yours truly.

They were great. I especially liked the werewolf one! BTW, I keep meaning to ask you this. what was the first minifig you designed?

[bonven]

Why thank you! I had a lot of fun drawing them.

The first minifig i did, were a Nestle co-promotion figure for the German market (i didnt make the sculpt)

Because of the effect with the eyes, the figure looked really goofy without the bunny head.

[TheJoker]

Wow.....that thing is awesome.....now I want one
lol

Cool work.......a very unique mini

[ThatBlockoGuy]

You did the Nestle's Quick Bunny? Awesome!I never realized the Bunny head was a separate piece. Thanks for sharing!

[Speak N' Spell]

well now that I know you made the quick bunny then you definately need to see Mark Sandlin's (Grand Admiral) Hopcraft that he made specially for that minifig. its awesome.

www.fleebnork.com/?m=hopcraft

Steve

[ThatBlockoGuy]

FANTASTIC! Geez, Lego could have done a whole theme based on food related cartoon mascots.

[bonven]

Yikes! That is a really cool model. I'm passing it around work right now.

[lklaw]

Bonven,
Once again thanks for being here and answering our questions. I have a couple more:
Why was the Frankenstein's Monster minifig given the helmet approach and not a custom head?
How hard was it to get the Slave Leia minifig approved? Can you give us any information on this horse skeleton and the clear minifig?
www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=430700
www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=430696
Thanks for your time,
lklaw

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Welcome to the forum, lklaw. Those are great pics. That horse skeleton is amazing. I would have loved to see that produced.

[Darthm]

Great find Iklaw, and welcome to the boards! I really like that clear horse and minifig. Perfect for an invisible man custom or ghost knights. Actually, wasn't there a villain in the original Batman animated series that could turn himself invisible? He appeared in only one episode and was going after this little girl, pretending to be an invisible friend to her. Perfect for a custom of that character too.

[chronicler]

I have a few questions for bonven

if you dont mind, hi im pretty much new to the site so just like to say hello to everyone.

Right lets get straight to the questions. I hope you will answer all as i have a few.

Question 01: Ive been a lego fan from since i was born. I had boxs and boxs of sets from over the years. As a kid i dreamt of working for lego and making new sets for retail market. Years later im 21 now, and although im in a job i would still love to work for lego, However i live in the uk and not to fancy moving to denmark where this wonderful toys are made. So my question although long way around asking is can you work in the uk or does all developement and designing of sets occure in denmark (cant speak danish either) also how do you get into the business of lego...?

Question 2: Batman, Spiderman,... DC and Marvel is a brilliant idea for lego sets, with upcomming movies in the marking i cant wait to see what comes next.

Im more of a marvel fan than dc although this is a batman forum and i love the characters but i was just wondering will we be seeing more Marvel licenses for lego sets like The Fantastic Four? X-Men? Daredevil? even a comic book verson of Spiderman as your movie sets was pretty cool.

Question 3: Im a keen graphics designer myself. I always wondered, how do you get the art printed on those little mini figures

Question 4: This is more of a request than a question, just an idea for to think about... Customizable lego characters. Ok of recently ive seen you have been selling customizable lego sets build your own house robot or pet or vehichle. I was wondering why not have a customizable lego character. You basically draw out a blank template which people could download to there computers. Then they use paint or photoshop to make there own character, they send it back to Lego where you make it and sell it back to them for a small price. Could imagin a whole The Sims like lego set LOL

Question 5: How do they create lego to look like the movie universe they copyed it from? Ive always wondered, you dont just sit in a room with loads of lego pieces and put together parts to make the star wars space ships and potter hogwart buildings. So what is the process for that, do you take a picture and use some 3d software to build a replica with known piece and newly design stuff.

Question 6: What do you think about Megablocks? (The Rivials)

Question 7: Any movie tie-in sets to be made in the future

Question 8: What promted Lego to make Batman sets?

Question 9: Whats it like working in the office, is it like working with a bunch of kids playing with lego all day?

Question 10: Well i dont have a question 10 but i dont like to end the questions on an odd number so whats your favirote... lego... set?

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Welcome Chronicler. Great first post.

[chronicler]

well the union of lego and batman has been but a dream until now nice to meet you ThatBlockoGuy

[chronicler]

see now i have thought of another question 11: will we be seeing metal gear solid lego?

[ThatBlockoGuy]

chronicler said:

well the union of lego and batman has been but a dream until now nice to meet you ThatBlockoGuy

Agreed. Do you remember this:



Back then Lego super heroes were but a dream.

[bonven]

More answers to your insightful questions.

Why was the Frankenstein's Monster minifig given the helmet approach and not a custom head?
Since he was part of the studios line, we thought we would get more playvalue out of it that way. Kids could pretend they where in a makeup chair dressing themselves up as the monster.

How hard was it to get the Slave Leia minifig approved?
Pretty easy. It's how she looks in the movie and that's always hard to argue against.

Can you give us any information on this horse skeleton and the clear minifig?
Hmm, these should never have left the development building. They are old prototypes from various themes that didn't come to be. We found that the legs broke of the horse way to easy and we can't make a totally clear minifig, yet. Trouble with breakage as well.

Question 01:...can you work in the uk or does all developement and designing of sets occure in denmark (cant speak danish either) also how do you get into the business of lego...?
We have a concept department in Slough, England. But I guess most of designing takes place in Billund, Denmark. Not speaking danish is not a problem, but you do need to speak Geek (otherwise your a bit lost)
Apply for a job (I can send you the adress for the slough people if yoy like)

Question 2: (shortened) Are Lego doing more Marvel sets?
Sadly no. The Other construction toy company has the license for all Marvel's characters.

Question 3: Im a keen graphics designer myself. I always wondered, how do you get the art printed on those little mini figures
We have an automated process in which the moulded pieces gets assembled and printed. To go in to the actual printing process would take to long (plus i might get in trouble with Legal)

Question 4: What are the chances for customable Minifigs?
It's great idea, but a logistics nightmare. Right now we are experimenting with Lego Factory, but a similar idea could be applied for minifigs. For now have fun with this link.

Question 5: How do they create lego to look like the movie universe they copyed it from?
It is pretty much as you imagined, being buried in bricks while you work. For licenses you sometimes have to do new pieces to make them look more like the license counterpart (like the Bat cowl). after the model is designed and approved by the License owner, it's build up again using a 3d software for the building instructions.

Question 6: What do you think about Megablocks?
..CoughRipoffcough..Lets say it this way; with Lego you get good quality and play value, that will make you buy more sets. With Mega you only buy one set once....I could say more, but would probably get in trouble with legal.

Question 7: Any movie tie-in sets to be made in the future?
There's always something cooking. Can't tell, really.

Question 8: What promted Lego to make Batman sets?
Warner (who owns DC) asked us and we said yes.

Question 9: Whats it like working in the office, is it like working with a bunch of kids playing with lego all day?
Pretty much. and I get paid to do it...Wuhahahaha

Question 10: Well i dont have a question 10 but i dont like to end the questions on an odd number so whats your favirote... lego... set?
Neat freak, I can relate to that. It's a tie between 928 and 375. These were my favorite sets when i was a kid. And get this, when i started at Lego 8 years ago, the guy who build those 2 sets, still worked at Lego. He's retired now, but i managed to get his autograph on the building instruction for 375.





Thanks for all the question. Keep 'em coming.

[Casimir]

Oh man, I LOVED 928! I had all the old space series from back in the day, and that was one of my favorites.

Ah, good times...

C.

[ThatBlockoGuy]

Thanks Bonven. Now, about that "bat cowl"...the pic of Batman in the Lego comic shows glowing eyes, can you shed some more "light" on this yet? Also, has Lego "retired" the classic space helmet from sets like 928? Funny, you never think you're going to miss something 'till it's gone.

[chronicler]

Oh wow, thanks for answering all my questions. do you have an e-mail address to that slough company. Concept is something i do well. Also sad to know that Marvel wont give you a license... Mind for a company that was about to go bankcrupt they've become a little pickey with the use of there images.

the funny thing about your two choices of lego sets is that i had both of them, well when i say i , i mean my brother had them and he passed them down to me.

Ive always liked the Castle sets. Particalary around the time with the Robin Hood sets. In someways i miss that era. Im not a big fan of the more recent castle sets, i find that the older lego sets had a gothic feel as two the new stuff which seems a little colourful and glammerd up.

Amoungst those of the lego sets you should think about remaking or redesigning old lego sets for this day an age, my top two was the Pirates and Robin Hood/Castle sets of the time. I know you recently remade the pirtates stuff but i found you used the new style characters and not the traditional mini figure we all know and love.

I had a really cool concept for a lego set a while ago and havent seen you do anything of near it, well i had a really cool idea for a lego set of which was based on all the old horror movies, Much like Dracula, Frankenstine, Wolf Man, The Mummy, Invisable Man...etc. It was sort of the early years of horror movies. The Cool thing is with these characters you had a really cool set to go with the monster. Like Dracula's castle which would be the biggist part of the set, Doctor Frankenstines laboratory, Wolfman's forest, The Tomb of the mummy, The Invisable Mans house. plus you could of done like Creature from black lagoon, which would of course be a smaller set, much like the underwater potter set with the mermaid. Plus Jeckle and hyde the list is endless but think it would be a really big seller.

[chronicler]

I have two further questions if you dont mind...

Question 1: you say marvel wont give you a license but how did you manage to do spiderman?

Question 2: Have you ever considered doing a more adult verson of lego sets, i dont mean Adult as in the R Rated but i mean a collectors lego set as much like movie related sets or the movies Alien, Terminator, Die Hard, Pirates of the Carribbean?

Would be cool to see Ghostbusters lego set.