LEGO CMF 71045 Series 25 includes a returning classic villain

A classic villain of yesteryear looks to be making a surprise return in the upcoming LEGO Collectible Minifigures 71045 Series 25 line-up.

LEGO Collectible Minifigures 71045 Series 25 was recently revealed, with a selection of 12 all-new characters due to make their debut on January 1, 2024. The upcoming blind boxes will retail for £3.49 / $4.99 / €3.99 each, with 66763 LEGO Minifigures Series 25 6 Pack also offering a random selection of six minifigures in one handy bundle.

The line-up of characters now confirmed for 71045 Series 25 includes Triceratops Costume Fan, Sprinter, Film Noir Detective, Train Kid, Goatherd, Vampire Knight, Pet Groomer, Fitness Instructor, E-Sports Gamer, Mushroom Sprite, Fierce Barbarian and Harpy.

Of particular note from that minifigure selection is the Vampire Knight, who may or may not in fact represent the return of Basil the Bat Lord himself. That sinister character originally appeared in the LEGO Classic Castle theme (and as leader of the Fright Knights) and has also popped up in LEGO Racers, Time Cruisers and LEGO Legacy: Heroes Unboxed over the years.

Released in 1997 as a LEGO Classic Castle subtheme, Fright Knights delved into the realm of supernatural fantasy and included a number of bat-themed models and elements, as well as Basil’s black dragon steed, Draco, and Willa the Witch. Considered by some fans to be a semi-sequel to Dragon Masters, Fright Knights only lasted a year and consisted of 17 sets in total.

Although not specifically named as such in 71045 Series 25, the resemblance to Basil the Bat Lord is uncanny to say the least. German retailer JB Spielwaren recently took to Instagram to showcase the upcoming LEGO CMF, revealing more details about the Vampire Knight minifigure such as its deathly white face, blood red eyes, black moustache and sharp fangs.

The 71045 Series 25 minifigure also boasts an updated torso print, dual-moulded printed legs, a redesigned cape with bat print, a huge axe with trans-red elements and a signature winged black helmet. Now if that’s not Basil the Bat Lord, we’ll hang up our LEGO Insiders membership for good…

LEGO Collectible Minifigures 71045 Series 25 will be released on January 1, 2024, priced at £3.49 / $4.99 / €3.99 for each blind box.

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