LEGO AFOLs, the Adult Fans Of LEGO are becoming increasingly important

The LEGO Group has recognized the importance of the adult LEGO builder, the so-called AFOL, for a number of years, but it was only recently that they actually created and marketed sets directly for AFOLs. Although this started in 2020, this year really saw the 'Adults Welcome' theme reach its peak.

AFOLs at 2TTOYS

You can also see the influences of AFOLS at 2TToys: we would like to introduce you to our master builder Christo

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LEGO first a Master Designer with a special set

LEGO Creator Expert

Previously, LEGO® Creator Expert was considered the most prominent collection of sets aimed at older LEGO builders and collectors. But this method was scrapped in favor of minimalist packaging, with black backgrounds on the new sets for adult LEGO builders. This new paint scheme puts the set front and center and helps focus the building experience. That doesn't mean that there hasn't been any comment from LEGO fans, because they didn't take the new box design well. Some feel that the uniformity of the packaging distracts from the uniqueness of each build. However, this change for Creator Expert and a new focus on adult builders has given us some impressive new sets and old favorites. It has also helped attract more people to delve into the world of LEGO bricks, for the first time or after a long time.

The year started well, with 2021 being the first time the Modular Building featured the new packaging and flew under the newly named “ Modular Buildings ” Collection banner. Precinct 10278 continued the annual release of the sets, which are largely considered the epicenter of AFOLs. It was joined by an entirely new series of sets called the Botanical Collection . These sets, 10280 , 10281 and 10289 , were a good example of the new focus on 'Adults Welcome', as they provided a set with no play value. Instead, the focus was on the building experience and the ability to display the completed set, something that would be at the heart of many of the adult-oriented sets released in 2021.

The helmet collection continued with more iconic Star Wars buckets as display sets. They were joined by similar sets from the Marvel Universe and introduced DC Comics into the mix. Each comes with a display base and a similar scale, resulting in a unique yet uniform collection of sets. New are the 75304 and the 76199

As for superheroes, we were treated to a new version of the Batman Tumbler, but it would be Marvel that would inspire one of the most impressive sets of 2021. The Daily Bugle Building 76178 was not an impressive set that was packed with details, it contained some fantastic minifigures. Many of them made their LEGO debut. For example, Blade and Daredevil are fan favorite characters that had little chance of appearing in standard Marvel Super Hero sets.

LEGO ART also offers a unique building experience and a way to share your love for LEGO in an unusual way. The theme managed to briefly give us a set with the largest number of pieces, via the World Map 21302 . With more than 11,600 pieces and different building options, the world map helped capture the attention of LEGO fans and beyond.

Vehicles are a mainstay for the theme previously known as Creator Expert, which has continued with a number of sets in 2021. These include a Porsche 911 ( 10295 ) and a new version of the VW Camper Van ( 10279 ). But the star of the show and simply wonderfully built was the Pick-up Truck. While not inspired by any brand, it still provided one of my favorite building experiences of 2021. It offers unique building techniques, but was complex, repetitive or frustrating.

But it wasn't just road vehicles that arrived this year, we also got a brick-built recreation of the Space Shuttle Discovery ( 10283 ) and the Titanic . The iconic ship may not have the largest number of pieces, but it has produced one of the largest sets in terms of scale. It also proved popular with fans as it sold out very quickly and remains difficult to purchase. It's one of those sets that appeals beyond the usual LEGO fanbase. Something that is an important aspect of the new 'LEGO for adults'.

The LEGO Ideas sets have also received the new branding, although they continue to draw inspiration from LEGO Fan Designers. Idea sets released this year include the Medieval Blacksmith ( 21325 ), Winnie the Pooh ( 21326 ), Home Alone ( 21330 ), the Typewriter ( 21327 ), and a Fender Stratocaster ( 21329 ). The theme continues to push the boundaries of what the LEGO brick can do and is also a way to expand the LEGO product line even further, through new brand partnerships or unusual constructions.

Fueled in part by LEGO Ideas, the biggest thing to take away from 2021 was the range of unusual builds. These have been made possible by the new focus on adult fans. From epic builds like the Titanic, UCS AT-AT and World Map to objects like the adidas Originals trainer, Typewriter and Bird of Paradise plant. There really is a set for almost everyone's taste.

Another feature of 2021, fueled mainly by the 'LEGO for Adults' range, was sets aimed at certain fanbases. This was based on cult TV shows such as FRIENDS ( 10292 )), Seinfeld (21328 ) and Queer Eye ( 10291 ), among others. The 20th anniversary of Harry Potter was marked with the Hogwarts Icons set ( 76391 ) and 25 Years of Super Mario 64 were packaged in the Question Mark Block ( 71395 ) and the 95th anniversary of Winnie the Pooh was celebrated with the Hundred Acre Woods LEGO Ideas Set.

In 2022, the adult-oriented sets continued with a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed LEGO Ideas set ( 21331 ), along with the latest addition to the Modular Building Collection, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary. Rumors also point to a series of sets based on various video game franchises, including Horizon Forbidden West. With the set already released and still to come, the LEGO adult fanbase is sure to grow even more in the new year.