Minifigure Week! Day 2: Werewolf (Series 4, 2011)

Minifigures are one of my favourite things about Lego – and series 12 is on the way (possibly even out in your country by the time you read this). So to celebrate this upcoming release, every day this week, we’ll be looking at a different minifigure from the series that have come before. This is by no means a comprehensive overview – nor even necessarily a look at my favourites – but it’s an example of some of the unusual figures the line has produced since it debuted back in 2010. Today, we look at a figure from series 4 -- the Werewolf!

"Aroooo!"

Whenever the full moon rises high in the night sky, the Werewolf undergoes a startling transformation into a half-man, half-beast creature. Unable to control his primal instincts, he rampages across the countryside, terrifying all who encounter him!

...Okay, he actually just digs holes, buries chew toys in the yard, and romps around the park fetching sticks. It's all a little embarrassing for the Werewolf, so if you happen to see him running around in circles trying to catch his own tail, please try to act scared. It'll mean a lot to him. 

-- Lego.com biography

Even a man who is pure in heart
and says his prayers by night
may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms
and the autumn moon is bright.

The Wolf Man, 1941

 

Werewolves. Shapeshifting creatures from folklore that have been around in one form or another (ha!) for thousands of years. My favourite mythical creatures -- which is probably not a huge surprise, given the name of the blog... 

Today's minifigure is clearly inspired by Lon Chaney Jr's depiction of the Wolf Man, but it takes a slightly more kid-friendly approach, glossing over the whole "gypsy's curse" and "murder" aspects of the character. Released as part of series 4, the Werewolf was a standout figure in a great line-up.

His face is one of the most detailed faces I've ever seen on a minifigure, though it's easy to miss due to the dark print on a dark surface -- he's got dark brown sideburns and eyebrows, white fangs with underbite, grey eye sockets, a black dog-like nose and yellow/orange eyes with white highlights.

Transforming from man to wolf man obviously takes its toll on your clothes -- his shirt's shredded (displaying his impressive abs) and the left sleeve is completely gone. His pants have taken a hit too.

"Someone should make a movie about this."

Last but not least, the Werewolf shares a hairpiece with Orlando Bloom the Elf from series 3, which gives him the distinct pointed ears necessary for the character. The ears have been picked out in a reddish-brown to better distinguish them from the hair. He's much more humanoid than the Werewolf from Monster Fighters, which I think actually works to his advantage. While I prefer the Dog Soldiers look on film, I think the Lon Chaney Jr vibe works better with the minifigure aesthetic on the whole.   

The Werewolf comes with one accessory*-- a bone. Going off the Lego bio, this is probably one of his toys, rather than a bone from a human victim. Your own mileage may vary, of course.  

The werewolf is a great addition to the collection -- essential for any Lego or werewolf fan. Incidentally, it's the full moon tonight in Sydney -- so Australian readers should beware of any on the prowl!

 

 

*He comes with the usual black base too, of course.