{"id":18742,"date":"2012-05-15T01:48:35","date_gmt":"2012-05-15T06:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=18742"},"modified":"2012-05-15T01:49:04","modified_gmt":"2012-05-15T06:49:04","slug":"lego-minifigures-series-7-8831","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=18742","title":{"rendered":"Vault Review: LEGO Minifigures
Series 7 (+ Decoder)"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/a>Usually I first see and pick up my set of minifigures at Toys R Us, but this time it seems they\u2019re hitting all the stores at the same time. The first ones I found were at Wal-Mart, but over the next couple days both my TRU and Target also got theirs.<\/p>\n

Like last time, the minifigs are a bit tougher to decipher because The LEGO Group changes the bump patterns between batches. You can find the batch number stamped onto each bag in the area where the dots appear. This time our decoder is good for batch 401B2<\/B>.<\/p>\n

Also like last time, our cheat sheet includes a \u201cfeel guide\u201d comprised of the silhouettes of unique pieces that come with each figure. These silhouettes are the size of the actual piece. Hopefully this will help you in compare and decipher what you\u2019re feeling in each bag. This is only our second time using this system. So if it was helpful, or you had problems with it, please let us know in the comments section so we can improve future cheat sheets.<\/p>\n

Click here to go directly to our Printable Decoder<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
#1 Swimming Champion<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Swimming Champion may be my least favorite figure of series seven. I don\u2019t collect a lot of the City theme, and this figure seems to be a very specific genre in that theme. But just because I don\u2019t care for her doesn\u2019t mean she\u2019s a bad figure. She has two faces: a normal one, and then one with her swimming goggles on. She also comes with a cool gold medal for when she wins the race. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the unique round and bent shape of the medal.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#2 Aztec Warrior<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Aztec Warrior is a great army building figure. The deco on this figure is detailed with plenty of gold, feathers, and a tiny minifig head hanging from his necklace. His shield is even adorned with a bird in a South American art style. But the most impressive part of this figure is his giant bird-shaped headdress, which has fantastic sculpting and color. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: The headdress takes up a lot of room in the package, but you can also feel for the long spear to help narrow it down.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#3 Bunny Suit Guy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nI really like the trend of minifigs in costumes. Although I guess every minifig could be at a Halloween party, the Bunny Guy really seems like he\u2019s meant to hang out with the Gorilla and Lizard suit guys. The figure even has a little fluffy tail tampoed on the back of his torso. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: The figure comes with carrot pieces, but it\u2019s really much easier feeling for the two large ears of his rabbit hat.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#4 Bride<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Bride is an interesting figure because she doesn\u2019t have anyone to marry yet. (I assume we\u2019ll be getting him soon.) Her dress has a neat paint design to it that even extends down to the bottom of her skirt. She comes with a piece of soft fabric to make up her veil and not the stiffer fabric that is used for capes. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: She comes with flowers, and you can feel for the three pronged stalk, but it\u2019s easier feeling for the large sloped piece that\u2019s her skirt. Just don\u2019t confuse her with the Viking Woman.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#5 Ocean King<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nSure this Ocean King represents Poseidon, but I can\u2019t help thinking of King Triton from The Little Mermaid when I look at him. He\u2019s even got an annoyed look on his face like Ariel just sold her voice for some legs again. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: You can feel for the trident for verification, but his large fish-tail lower torso is easy to find. Just feel for the curve and two fins at the end.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#6 Bagpiper<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Bagpiper is one of those figures I never would have expected. He\u2019s all dressed up in his kilt, which is made out of the same material that capes are. He\u2019s also got on his Tam o\u2019 Shanter cap. Probably his most impressive piece is the little LEGO bagpipes that are colored plaid, but hollow on the reverse side. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: The bagpipes are also the easiest thing to feel in the bag because of their very unique shape.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#7 Daredevil<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Daredevil is a pretty interesting figure. There\u2019s definitely an Evil Kenevil vibe to him, but there also seems to be another homage mixed in. I just can\u2019t place it. I do love that he came with both a helmet and pompadour hair. I\u2019m also glad they gave him two faces: One happy and smiling for meeting the fans, and one scared for when he\u2019s about to crash. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for this guys helmet and visor.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#8 Galaxy Patrol<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nI don\u2019t think this guy is your average \u201cGalaxy Patrol\u201d, which seems more like a job for the Space Police. This guy looks more like a hard boiled space marine with his new bulky armor and supped up laser pistol. He even has two faces: One with a techno eye patch, and the other painted red with electronic data and a target. Definitely another great army builder. Decoding Tip<\/strong>Feel for his bulky space armor, which is about as large as the Aztec\u2019s headdress. <\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#9 Tennis Ace<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThis Tennis Ace makes a perfect partner for the Tennis Girl of series three. I was surprised to see he only comes with one face, which is either annoyed or determined, I can\u2019t really tell. He also comes with a blue racket, although I wish he would have come with a ball also. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the racket.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#10 Jungle Boy<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Jungle Boy is probably modeled to look like Tarzan, but I can\u2019t help thinking his face and hair look like Brendan Fraser from George of the Jungle. He\u2019s another mostly naked torso, but he is wearing a necklace and has claw marks across one of his pecs. Jungle Boy comes with a couple of knives and his very own monkey friend. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the bulky body and outstretched arm of the monkey.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\n\"\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
#11 Hippie<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Hippie has an interesting look with his multi-colored tie-dyed shirt, long hair, and doped out expression. He\u2019s not really a figure I particularly care for, but he is well done. They even gave him a group of flowers so he can spread the love. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for his long hair and three pronged stalks of his flowers.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#12 Computer Programmer<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Computer Programmer has a great happy-go-lucky look on his face, and with that dark hair he reminds me a bit of Clark Kent. The Programmer comes with two accessories. His white cup has an emoticon on it, while his gray lapatop opens and closes with a bendable hinge-like piece. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the flat computer or round cup with a handle.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#13 Viking Woman<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Viking Woman can have a couple different purposes. She can either keep the Viking Warrior from series four company, or she can be the clich\u00e9 Viking opera singer that brings down the house. Her sword is about half the size of the current pointy swords, and her shield doesn\u2019t have any decorations. But she does come with two faces: One stern, the other singing. I think she\u2019s also the first minifig that has hair molded with her helmet, which is cool. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: It\u2019s easiest to feel for her helmet\/hair.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#14 Evil Knight<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Evil Knight isn\u2019t just a great figure to add to the Castle theme, but he\u2019s also a loose reference to the Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. His shield portrays a symbol of a red boars head, similar to the one on the Black Knight\u2019s chest. That alone should be enough, but this knight also sports spike printed armor and a crazy angry face. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the long pointy sword or the oval shaped shield.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#15 Rocker Girl<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nThe Rocker Girl is another loose homage to the main character of the cartoon Jem. With her outrageous outfit, face paint, and poofy pink hair, she\u2019s definitely a sight inspired from the \u201880s. She comes with only one accessory, the electric guitar painted white. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the guitar, with its star-shaped angular end. <\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
#16 Grandma Visitor<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
\"\"<\/td>\nI\u2019m not really sure why LEGO named this girl Grandma Visitor instead of Little Red Riding Hood. She\u2019s got a shorter body, cape, hood, and basket. It would have been a nice touch to add something to put into the basket, or maybe an extra hair piece so she wouldn\u2019t always have to wear her hood. But she\u2019s a pretty good figure, and I\u2019d like to see more fairy tale influenced minifigs. Decoding Tip<\/strong>: Feel for the squishy soft plastic of her bag\/basket.<\/td>\n\"\"<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n

\nClick for Printable Version<\/em><\/caption>\n
\"\"<\/a>
\"\"<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

This decoder is for Batch #401B2<\/p>\n

There are a couple of bags we had a difficult time deciphering, and we noted them on the decoder.<\/p>\n

If you save this decoder and print it from a picture viewing program \u201cas is\u201d (no enlarging\/scaling to fit) it should print to scale with the packages to let you compare between the decoder and the packages easier. Unlike our previous decoders, this one is two pages instead of one.<\/p>\n

Again, we\u2019ve added a Feel Guide to the cheat sheet. With Manekochan\u2019s help we\u2019ve placed silhouettes of the accessories next to their figures bump decoder. The silhouettes are roughly 1:1 scale with the accessories so you can compare sizes with what you\u2019re feeling in the bag. We didn\u2019t list all the accessories, but the ones we thought would be most helpful in deciphering the figure you want. <\/p>\n

With LEGO taking more extreme measures to ensure that we can\u2019t decode the packages, we will have to rely more and more on deciphering them through feel. So let us know how this new method works out for you.<\/p>\n

-Vault<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Usually I first see and pick up my set of minifigures at Toys R Us, but this time it seems they\u2019re hitting all the stores at the same time. The first ones I found were at Wal-Mart, but over the next couple days both my TRU and Target also got theirs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[126,34,10],"tags":[1519,812,1520,2577,544,1517,1518],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pObc6-4Si","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":16587,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=16587","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":0},"title":"Vault Review: LEGO Minifigures Series 6 (+ Decoder)","date":"February 2, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"LEGO Minifigures Wave Six has been showing up all over the last couple weeks. Thanks to my local ToysRUs I was able to snag a complete set with relatively little hassle this time around. We have our decoder ready to go, but this time it\u2019s we\u2019re doing things a little\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":13958,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=13958","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":1},"title":"Vault Review: LEGO Minifigures – Series 5 (+ Decoder)","date":"August 15, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Over the weekend our local ToysRUs received their first batch of LEGO Minifigures Series 5. I\u2019d been anticipating this for the last couple weeks, making sure to visit each time they got a new truck in. Friday night paid off and I spent way too long deciphering dots and crinkling\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":10415,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=10415","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":2},"title":"Vault Review: Lego Minifigures – Series 3 (+ Decoder)","date":"December 6, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s Christmas time, and you know what that means: Lego Minifigures Series 3 (#8803)! Just in time to be the perfect stocking stuffers, this 3rd release has a little something for everyone. But this time around it\u2019s going to be a little more difficult to find the specific ones you\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":5750,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=5750","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":3},"title":"Vault Review: Lego Minifigures – Series 1 (+ Codebreaker)","date":"May 24, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"I was never content with the complacent yellow faces Lego men had when I was a kid. I still remember the first time I saw the Pirates theme in the 90s. These Lego men, although still smiling, now had beards, stubble, and sideburns \u2013 not to mention an occasional hook\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":12096,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=12096","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":4},"title":"Vault Review: Lego Minifigures – Series 4 (+ Decoder)","date":"March 21, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"I made a great discovery Friday night. \u00a0Our local Toys R Us set out its first box of LEGO Minifigures Series 4! \u00a0Luckily my girlfriend was with me, (she's always much better at picking these out than I am) and we spent a while up at the Service Desk feeling\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":8847,"url":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/?p=8847","url_meta":{"origin":18742,"position":5},"title":"Vault Review: Lego Minifigures – Series 2 (+ Codebreaker)","date":"August 20, 2010","format":false,"excerpt":"Following on the popular success of the Lego Minifigures Series One (#8683) is the next wave of awesomeness. Lego Minifigures Series 2 (#8684) is as equally diverse as the first series, but with slightly more catering towards City theme fans this time around. With another sixteen figures to add to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Lego"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18742"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=18742"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18742\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24845,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18742\/revisions\/24845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=18742"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=18742"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.itsalltrue.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=18742"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}