Lego Legends of Chima
View on Wikipedia| Sub‑themes | Accessory sets, Contraction, Fire vs. Ice, Legend Beasts, Outlands, Speedorz and Tribe Packs |
|---|---|
| Subject | Anthropomorphic animals, Fantasy and Warrior animals |
| Availability | 2013–2015 |
| Total sets | 136[1] |
| TV series | Legends of Chima |
| Official website | |
Lego Legends of Chima (pronounced /ˈtʃiːmə/ CHEE-mə) is a discontinued Lego theme that was introduced in 2013 and discontinued in 2015. The product line was based on the storyline of Legends of Chima, a 3D animated television series, which was produced to coincide with the Lego theme. The storyline was set in the fictional realm of "Chima", a fantasy world inhabited by various warring tribes of anthropomorphic animals that battle to collect a substance called "Chi". Alongside the television series and several shorts based on Lego Legends of Chima, the theme also produced a range of associated media, including theme park attractions, video games, and publications.
Overview
[edit]The product line focused on Chima, a fantasy world inhabited by eight warrior tribes of animals that battle for an energy source called "Chi". The toy line was driven by the storyline of the animated television series Legends of Chima, which follows two former childhood friends, Laval from the Lion tribe and Cragger from the Crocodile tribe, who become bitter enemies.[2][3][4] The two main characters lead the battle among the eight tribes, which threatens the once-peaceful land of Chima.[5]
Development
[edit]Lego Legends of Chima was developed to appeal to children and was designed to replace the Lego Ninjago theme, but was phased out to introduce other children's themes such as Nexo Knights.[6] By contrast, Lego Ninjago continued production for over ten years.[7]
Legends of Chima was developed as a franchise to promote the Chima universe with the aim of launching across multiple platforms, consisting of the television series, online content, construction sets and video games.[8]
In December 2014, Lego designer Samuel Thomas Johnson explained that the product line and the television series were closely aligned from the start and that the vehicles in the show were designed to match the models. He commented, "I'm lucky to have a talented guy on my team who has been drawing Lego models for years so I can give him a model and say 'can you do me some concept art for that?' and he'll have it done in an hour."... "We have a model, take tons of photos and videos, then do concept art; that's our starting point. It helps because trying to explain how bat wings are supposed to work in text doesn't make sense at all." He elaborated further on the creative process for the toy line by stating, "We make functions and try to fit them in with animals and what animals do. If a vehicle doesn't have the traits of the animal it is meant to resemble, it doesn't make a lot of sense."[9]
In 2021, The co-creator of Lego Ninjago Tommy Andreasen revealed the unseen concept art for the Legends of Chima on Twitter, detailing what the theme could have been had it taken a different path. Tommy Andreasen explained, "This is a concept film was made to explain Legends of Chima's ending internally. The search for the Fire Wings was intended to be a six-episode arc which would also have introduced Florax, Flinx's mother, chief botanist of Chima, but plans were revised."[10]
Launch
[edit]Legends of Chima launched on 26 December 2012.[11] The Chima franchise aimed to follow in the success of the Lego Ninjago theme. Soren Torp Laursen, President of Lego Systems commented, "Building upon our success with developing rich and immersive original storylines, most notable the recent Ninjago phenomenon, we're excited to launch a whole new world in Lego Legends of Chima to spark any child's imagination and invite them to the world of Lego building."[12]
The playsets were released from January 2013 and included a larger range of products than previous themes. The product range included construction toy sets, racing vehicles and a board game. The toy line also offered a battle play function that was similar to the Lego Ninjago spinner toys, which involved placing Lego minifigures on a spinning base. The vehicles included a Speedorz range, which were vehicles built from Lego bricks and powered by a ripcord to provide children with a racing challenge. Legends of Chima was created as a big-bang project that aimed to drive growth in the Lego toy line. In December 2012, a Lego spokesman predicted that Legends of Chima would top sales of Ninjago by as much as 30%.[2]
To promote the Legends of Chima product line, four windows of Hamley's in Regent Street, London were taken over by a window display from Boxing Day 2012 to 8 February 2013. The window display featured two 2.9-metre models of Chima's two main characters, Laval the Lion and Cragger the Crocodile, and a 3D recreation of Mount Cavora.[13]
In 2013, a Lego Chima Challenge roadshow toured the UK to engage children in the Chima product range. The roadshow launched at Chessington World of Adventures on 1 April 2013 and ran for seven months until October 2013.[11] The challenge involved thousands of children competing to the top of a leaderboard using Lego Chima Speedorz. The top 14 children were invited to a finale at Chessington World of Adventures where they competed to become the UK Lego Chima champion.[14] Senior Brand Manager, Sally-Anne Weekes stated, "Animals are a universally popular theme and something that we haven't had in the Lego portfolio for several years. Legends of Chima fills this gap and where better to showcase it than with the tribes' real-life counterparts?"[11]
Legends of Chima TV series
[edit]The Legends of Chima product line was based on the storyline of its accompanying animated television series that made its debut in 2013. It was produced by M2Film in Denmark and launched on Cartoon Network. Legends of Chima is set in a fantasy world that is inhabited by eight warring tribes of anthropomorphic animals. The associated Lego construction toys were launched to coincide with the U.S. premiere of the series in July 2013.[15]
Construction sets
[edit]According to BrickLink, The Lego Group released 136 playsets and promotional polybags as part of the Lego Legends of Chima theme.[1] The product line was eventually discontinued by 2015.[16] The toy sets were designed to resemble their associated animal tribes, such as incorporating gold colour and physical lion features into the vehicles and buildings related to the Lion tribe.[6]
In February 2013, the Lego Chima product line included Chima Starter sets, a range of action sets that included Ring of Fire and Boulder Bowling and construction sets, such as the Razcal Glider, Eris Eagle Interceptor and Cragger's Command Ship. In March 2013, the theme released the Ice Tower, Nest Dive and Jungle Gates action sets, which included a Lego minifigure, a Speedorz, two Chi weapons, five cards, six Chi crystals, and an orb-holding obstacle. The 2013 summer release included Skunk Attack, Eglor's Twin Bike, Gorzan's Gorilla Striker and The Lion Chi Temple set, which included seven minifigures. The product range also included constructible action figures that resembled the Lego Hero Factory product line.[17]
In 2014, Lego Legends of Chima released two waves of playsets to coincide with the second and third seasons of the Legends of Chima television series that aired in March and August 2014. The first wave focused on Legend Beasts construction sets featuring one minifigure from the Lion, Eagle, Crocodile, Gorilla and Wolf tribes.[3][18][19][20][21][22] Several Speedorz sets were released in March 2014, including Web Dash, a Speedorz with six legs. A second wave released in the summer of 2014 focused on themes of fire and ice and the introduction of the Scorpion tribe. The second wave included Vardy's Ice Vulture Glider, Sir Fangar's Saber-Tooth Walker, Laval's Fire Lion, Maula's Ice Mammoth Stomper and Flying Phoenix Fire Temple, a set that converted from a building to a flying vehicle.[23]
Web shorts
[edit]The product line was accompanied by a series of animated short films that was released on YouTube.
| # | Title | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Crash Course In Flying[24] | June 4, 2013 | Lego Legends of Chima web series |
| 2 | Tale of the Tribe Stone[25] | June 4, 2013 | |
| 3 | Like Father Like Son[26] | June 4, 2013 | |
| 4 | Speed Dating[27] | June 4, 2013 | |
| 5 | Razar King of Profit[28] | June 14, 2013 | |
| 6 | Plovar the Destroyer[29] | June 14, 2013 | |
| 7 | Air Head Flight Test[30] | October 24, 2013 | |
| 8 | Lennox the Brave[31] | June 20, 2013 | |
| 9 | Vibe and the Mellow Head Dude[32] | June 20, 2013 | |
| 10 | Crocodile Evolution[33] | June 20, 2013 | |
| 11 | Hy-Bear Active[34] | October 21, 2014 | |
| 12 | Animal Instinct[35] | October 21, 2014 | |
| 13 | Eris vs Black Cloud[36] | April 23, 2014 | |
| 14 | A Force of Nature[37] | October 21, 2014 | |
| 15 | Outlandish Tale[38] | October 21, 2014 | |
| 16 | The Cloud and the Shadow[39] | March 5, 2014 | |
| 17 | The Rumble in the Jungle[40] | October 21, 2014 | |
| 18 | The ShadoWind Chronicles[41] | March 5, 2014 | |
| 19 | 20 Royal Getaway[42] | March 5, 2014 | |
| 20 | A Plovar Makeover[43] | March 5, 2014 | |
| 21 | The Black Valious[44] | March 6, 2014 | |
| 22 | The Eggs Terminator[45] | March 6, 2014 | |
| 23 | The Flyin' Lion[46] | March 6, 2014 | |
| 24 | The Web and the Sting[47] | August 13, 2014 | |
| 25 | Haunted Lair[48] | May 27, 2014 | |
| 26 | Game of Legends[49] | May 27, 2014 | |
| 27 | Horn to be Wild[50] | August 13, 2014 | |
| 28 | Unfinished Business[51] | May 27, 2014 | |
| 29 | Whatever Happened to the Wind Shadow[52] | August 13, 2014 | |
| 30 | Dream Dreamless[53] | May 27, 2014 | |
| 31 | Big Boys Big Toys[54] | August 13, 2014 | |
| 32 | Completely Ridiculous Tale[55] | May 27, 2014 | |
| 33 | The Panther[56] | May 30, 2015 | |
| 34 | Nap time is Over![57] | May 30, 2015 | |
| 35 | The Good News Bear[58] | July 15, 2015 | |
| 36 | The 9th Phoenix[59] | May 30, 2015 | |
| 37 | Big Boys Big Toys[54] | August 13, 2015 |
Other media
[edit]Video games
[edit]In 2013, three games based on Legends of Chima were released. Legends of Chima: Speedorz was made available on the Lego website and for iOS on January 3, 2013. It is a racing game that involves collecting Lego studs and battling animals.[60] Lego Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey was released on June 25, 2013, for PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS and released on August 31, 2013, for Nintendo DS.[61] A MMORPG titled Lego Legends of Chima Online was released on PC and MAC browsers by WB Games Montreal. The game involved building an outpost, venturing across the land of Chima to complete quests and customising weapons. It was released in the third quarter of 2013 and shut down on June 1, 2015.[62] Chima is also one of several themes featured in the 2015 Lego Dimensions game, which included Laval, Eris, and Cragger as playable characters.
A mobile game titled LEGO Chima: Tribe Fighters was developed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for iOS and released on 12 February 2015.[63]
Attractions
[edit]In March 2013, Legoland Florida announced the introduction of a themed area of the park based on Legends of Chima. The expansion included an interactive water ride called Quest for CHI, Speedorz Arena and a 4D film titled The LEGO Chima 4D Movie Xperience.[64] On 27 March 2019, it was replaced by a themed area named Lego Movie World.[65]
On 24 May 2014, Legoland California launched the Legends of Chima Water Park, which featured several themed attractions including, Lion Temple Wave Pool, Cragger's Swamp water play area, Eglor's Build-A-Boat, Rhino Beach and Speedorz Arena. The water park also featured a 40-foot tall "floating" Mt. Cavora in the Lion Temple Wave Pool.[66]
Publications
[edit]In 2013, a monthly magazine aimed at children aged 7–11 was launched and published by Immediate Media. The first issue was published on 6 November 2013.[67]
A Legends of Chima Character Encyclopedia was published by Dorling Kindersley, which provides facts about the history, characters, tribes, vehicles and weapons in the theme.[68]
Reception
[edit]In 2013, The Lego Group reported that Lego City, Lego Duplo, Lego Technic, Lego Creator, Lego Friends and Lego Legends of Chima had contributed to an increase in sales in 2013 by 11 percent, and stated, "Lego Legends of Chima is a rich and engaging universe that children can explore in many ways. Not only by building and playing with Lego sets, but also in the digital world using apps, exploring content on LEGO.com, via videos and online games. The theme is a great example of how we bridge physical and digital play."[69]
On 25 November 2013, Business Insider listed the Lion Chi Temple as one of the "9 Hot Toys That Every Kid Wants This Year", describing it as, "one of the more extravagant locations in the show and toys in the series."[70]
Awards and nominations
[edit]In 2014, Lego Legends of Chima was awarded "Toy of the Year" and also "Boy Toy of the Year" by the Toy Association.[71]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "BrickLink Reference Catalog - Sets - Category Lego Legends of Chima". www.bricklink.com. Retrieved 2021-04-12.
- ^ a b Bamford, Vince (1 December 2012). "Lego Legends of Chima toys to better Ninjago sales". The Grocer. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ a b Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 176. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
- ^ Dolan, Hannah (2020-10-13). LEGO Minifigure Handbook. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 141. ISBN 978-0-241-45823-5.
- ^ "Legends of Chima - TV Review". www.commonsensemedia.org. 2013-06-28. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ a b Maciorowski, Ed; Maciorowski, Jeff (2016-11-07). The Collectible LEGO Minifigure: Values, Investments, Profits, Fun Facts, Collector Tips. Penguin. ISBN 978-1-4402-4705-7.
- ^ "Ten years of LEGO NINJAGO!". Brickset.com. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "3 Lego Chima Games for 2013". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "Samuel Thomas Johnson reveals how he got his dream job as a LEGO designer". ToyNews. Archived from the original on 13 July 2021. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
- ^ "LEGO Legends of Chima concept art showcases early designs for the in-house theme". Brick Fanatics. 20 December 2021.
- ^ a b c "LEGO Will Launch Its Legends of Chima Challenge Roadshow-Made-in-China.com". resources.made-in-china.com. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "LEGO Legends of Chima Races onto Shelves In 2013". PR Newswire. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "Lego's largest ever Hamley's window display for Chima". Toy World Magazine. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "Lego Chima holds final". Toy World Magazine | The business magazine with a passion for toys. 2013-11-08. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ Zahed, Ramin (2013-07-03). "'LEGO Legends of Chima' Roars on Cartoon Network". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
- ^ "Legends of Chima LEGO Sets". BrickEconomy. Retrieved 2021-06-15.
- ^ "Toy Fair 2013—LEGO Legends of Chima". Purple Pawn | Game News Across the Board. 2013-02-25. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ Dolan, Hannah (2020-10-13). LEGO Minifigure Handbook. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 150. ISBN 978-0-241-45823-5.
- ^ Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 201. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
- ^ Farshtey, Gregory; Lipkowitz, Daniel; Hugo, Simon (2020-10-01). LEGO Minifigure A Visual History New Edition. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 190. ISBN 978-0-241-50202-0.
- ^ Dolan, Hannah (2020-10-13). LEGO Minifigure Handbook. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 153. ISBN 978-0-241-45823-5.
- ^ Dolan, Hannah (2020-10-13). LEGO Minifigure Handbook. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-241-45823-5.
- ^ "Toy Fair 2014—Lego Legends of Chima". Purple Pawn | Game News Across the Board. 2014-02-25. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ A Crash Course In Flying. June 4, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Tale of the Tribe Stone. June 4, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Like Father Like Son. June 4, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Speed Dating. June 4, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Razar King of Profit. June 14, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Plovar the Destroyer. June 14, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Air Head Flight Test. October 24, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Lennox the Brave. June 20, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Vibe and the Mellow Head Dude. June 20, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Crocodile Evolution. June 20, 2013 – via YouTube.
- ^ Hy-Bear Active. October 21, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Animal Instinct. October 21, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Eris vs Black Cloud. April 23, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ A Force of Nature. October 21, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Outlandish Tale. October 21, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Cloud and the Shadow. March 5, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Rumble in the Jungle. October 21, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The ShadoWind Chronicles. March 5, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ 20 Royal Getaway. March 5, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ A Plovar Makeover. March 5, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Black Valious. March 6, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Eggs Terminator. March 6, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Flyin' Lion. March 6, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Web and the Sting. August 13, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Haunted Lair. May 27, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Game of Legends. May 27, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Horn to be Wild. August 13, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Unfinished Business. May 27, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Whatever Happened to the Wind Shadow. August 13, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Dream Dreamless. May 27, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Big Boys Big Toys. August 13, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ Completely Ridiculous Tale. May 27, 2014 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Panther. May 30, 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ Nap time is Over!. May 30, 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ The Good News Bear. July 15, 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ The 9th Phoenix. May 30, 2015 – via YouTube.
- ^ Ryan Winslett (2 January 2013). "Lego Legends Of Chima Games Coming In 2013". Cinema Blend. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
- ^ Thomas East. "Lego: Legends Of Chima coming to 3DS and DS in the summer". Official Nintendo Magazine. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
- ^ "LEGO Game Devs Build Their Own Universe". GameSpy. Archived from the original on 2013-01-05. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
- ^ "LEGO Chima: Tribe Fighters arrives in Google Play Store". AndroidCommunity.com. March 9, 2015.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (2013-03-19). "Cartoon Network, Legoland Plan 'Chima' Park Expansion". Animation Magazine. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
- ^ "Behind-the-scenes at the world's first Lego Movie World, at Legoland Florida". Blooloop. 2019-02-19. Retrieved 2021-08-30.
- ^ "LEGOLAND California Resort is Moving Mountains in Order to Open New LEGO Legends of Chima Water Park on Memorial Day Weekend!". PR Newswire. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
- ^ "Immediate Media Co to launch preteen children's magazine Lego Legends of Chima". www.immediate.co.uk. Retrieved 2021-07-12.
- ^ DK (2014-08-01). LEGO Legends of Chima Character Encyclopedia. Dorling Kindersley Limited. ISBN 978-0-241-01291-8.
- ^ "LEGO Group posts 11 per cent sales increase for 2013". ToyNews. Retrieved 27 February 2014.
- ^ Cooperstein, Paige. "9 Hot Toys That Every Kid Wants This Year". Business Insider. Retrieved 2021-07-13.
- ^ "2014 Toy of the Year Awards nominees revealed". ToyNews. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
External links
[edit]- Official website Archived 2013-01-11 at the Wayback Machine
Lego Legends of Chima
View on GrokipediaFranchise Overview
Setting and Premise
Legends of Chima is set in a jungle-like world known as Chima, a magical land of untamed nature, beauty, and wonder inhabited by tribes of anthropomorphic animals that walk, talk, and utilize advanced technology.[7] These highly evolved creatures, resembling lions, eagles, crocodiles, and others, live in elaborate castles, fortresses, and natural habitats amidst dense forests, swamps, and mountains, where once-peaceful coexistence has given way to conflict.[2] The geography includes key sites such as the Lion Temple, a sacred stronghold guarding vital resources; the Crocodile Swamp, a murky domain of rival inhabitants; the treacherous Gorge, a dividing chasm symbolizing tribal separations; and the barren Outlands, home to exiled and rogue groups.[8] At the core of Chima's lore is Chi, an ultra-potent natural resource that flows through the Sacred Waters from Mount Cavora, providing life force, energy, and power to the land and its inhabitants.[9] Originating from the heart of Mount Cavora, Chi evolved certain animals into sentient, bipedal tribes upon consumption, while those who abstained became the wild Legend Beasts; it manifests as glowing blue orbs in the Sacred Pool and enhances abilities, powers vehicles, and fuels weapons when harnessed.[9] The Lions, as guardians, distribute Chi equitably to the eight main tribes to maintain balance in the Sacred Pool, preventing overflow or depletion that could trigger natural disasters and disrupt Chima's equilibrium.[9] The central premise revolves around tribal alliances and rivalries sparked by the struggle for Chi, transforming former friends into enemies and threatening the world's harmony.[2] A prophecy emphasizes the need for balance, foretelling that when Chi's equilibrium is lost and the land's wounds deepen, the tribes must unite—potentially through artifacts like the triple-Chi armor—to avert catastrophe from rogue elements, including aggressive crocodiles and gorillas seeking dominance. This overarching mythology underscores themes of guardianship, conflict, and restoration, with the lion prince Laval embodying efforts to uphold the fragile peace.[10]Key Characters and Tribes
The world of Chima is populated by eight primary tribes of anthropomorphic animals, each possessing unique societal structures, cultural traits, and roles within the interconnected ecosystem powered by CHI. The Lion Tribe functions as the noble leaders and guardians of Chima, residing in the grand Lion Temple built around the Sacred Pool of CHI; their society emphasizes an honor code, balanced leadership, and the equitable distribution of CHI to maintain harmony among all tribes.[11] The Eagle Tribe serves as aerial scouts and strategists, dwelling in the towering Eagle Spire that houses an extensive library of knowledge; their culture prioritizes wisdom, precision in flight, and technological innovation for reconnaissance and support.[11] The Gorilla Tribe consists of forest-dwelling warriors who value physical strength and unity with nature, operating from forested strongholds with a societal focus on communal defense and environmental stewardship.[12] The Crocodile Tribe operates as antagonistic raiders from swampy territories, structured hierarchically under a dominant ruler with cultural traits centered on territorial aggression and strategic ambushes for resource control.[13] The Wolf Tribe embodies pack hunters, bound by fierce loyalty and a combat-driven society that thrives on group tactics and hierarchical obedience within their lunar-inspired lairs. The Rhino Tribe acts as brute enforcers, characterized by a straightforward, resilient culture that favors raw power and frontline charges in battles, often allying with more tactical groups. The Bear Tribe represents somewhat isolated but allied inhabitants, with a protective and laid-back societal structure that emphasizes defensive fortitude and seasonal introspection in their forested enclaves.[14] The Raven Tribe functions as sneaky inventors and traders, based in opportunistic outposts with a culture revolving around cunning negotiation, scavenging, and profit-oriented inventions.[13] Key characters from these tribes drive the dynamics of Chima, each bringing distinct abilities and motivations that reflect their tribal heritage. Laval, the lion prince and central hero of the Lion Tribe, is a brave and skilled fighter motivated by a deep sense of honor and the protection of Chima's balance; he wields the Valious sword and harnesses CHI for enhanced speed and strength in leadership roles.[11] Cragger, the crocodile prince and conflicted rival from the Crocodile Tribe, is a tactical warrior driven by ambitions of dominance and familial loyalty, utilizing a double-bladed sword and CHI-fueled aggression to lead raids while grappling with internal divisions.[11] Eris, an eagle warrior and strategist of the Eagle Tribe, excels in aerial combat and planning, motivated by alliance-building and scholarly insight; her abilities include piloting advanced interceptors and wielding an epic flail empowered by CHI for precise strikes.[11] Razar, the raven trickster and leader of the Raven Tribe, is a cunning mercenary motivated by self-interest and profit, employing hook-handed agility and inventive gadgets enhanced by CHI to navigate trades and skirmishes. Supporting figures include Longtooth, a wise and scarred lion elder from the Lion Tribe who advises with battle-hardened experience and CHI-amplified wisdom, and Worriz, the aggressive wolf pack leader of the Wolf Tribe, whose motivations stem from unyielding loyalty and combat prowess, using CHI to command group assaults.[11][13] Tribal alliances and rivalries shape the political landscape of Chima, fostering both cooperation and conflict over CHI resources. The Lion-Eagle-Gorilla-Rhino-Bear alliance represents a core group dedicated to defending the CHI and promoting stability, united by shared values of protection and direct confrontation. In contrast, the Crocodile-Wolf-Raven axis forms a rival coalition driven by conquest and resource hoarding, marked by aggressive pack dynamics and opportunistic betrayals that challenge the heroic tribes' guardianship. Cultural traits like the lions' strict honor code and the wolves' emphasis on pack loyalty further define these interactions, influencing diplomatic tensions and battlefield strategies. Later developments introduce the Scorpion and Spider tribes as ancient threats from underground realms, with the Scorpions led by hypnotic warriors craving CHI expansion and the Spiders employing webbing-based traps to disrupt the surface tribes' harmony, expanding the scope of Chima's ancient lore.[13]Development and Production
Concept Development
The concept for Lego Legends of Chima emerged in the early 2010s as part of the Lego Group's strategy to create new "Big Bang" themes—major, original intellectual properties built around transmedia storytelling across toys, animation, and digital media to captivate children aged 7-12 with action-adventure narratives. Tommy Andreasen, a Danish senior creative manager at Lego and co-creator of the Ninjago theme, served as a key figure in its development, contributing to the overall vision and storyline.[5][15] Chima was specifically designed to succeed Ninjago, which had launched in 2011 with an initial three-year lifecycle planned to conclude in late 2013, allowing room for fresh homegrown content in the action slot. Drawing inspiration from prior successful Big Bangs like Bionicle, the theme incorporated elements of tribal lore, epic conflicts, and collectible power sources to foster imaginative play and serialized storytelling. However, sustained popularity led Ninjago to run concurrently with Chima throughout 2013, extending its lifespan into an evergreen property.[16][15] Early prototyping focused on anthropomorphic animal minifigures, evolving from initial non-humanoid creature concepts to humanoid designs with molded animal heads, detailed printing for fur and feather patterns, and tribe-specific accessories to emphasize character individuality and tribal identities. Vehicle designs prioritized speed and combat dynamics, featuring modular builds like aerial interceptors and ground assault vehicles that integrated with minifigures for dynamic battles. The Speedorz mechanic—compact, rider-operated vehicles for racing and obstacle navigation—was refined through iterative design to serve as an accessible entry point for play, appearing in sets and tie-in games.[17][18] A core innovation was the integration of Chi as a glowing, collectible energy source, represented by translucent orange elements that "powered" vehicles and enhanced character abilities, creating a gameplay loop tied directly to the narrative of resource scarcity and tribal warfare. This mechanic supported transmedia synergy by linking physical sets to the accompanying animated series, ensuring cohesive storytelling across platforms. Internal decisions balanced an expansive world of up to 22 animal tribes while prioritizing core groups like lions, eagles, and crocodiles to avoid overwhelming production. The theme debuted in 2013 with coordinated toy releases and television episodes.[15]Launch and Marketing
The Lego Legends of Chima franchise was officially launched in Europe in May 2013, followed by North America in June 2013, marking the debut of its construction toy line centered on anthropomorphic animal tribes vying for the mystical energy source known as Chi. The initial wave included over 20 sets, featuring buildable vehicles, action figures, and collectible Chi orbs that enhanced gameplay by powering up characters and machines. These sets were positioned as an extension of the franchise's core concept, where animal tribes like the lions and crocodiles engaged in epic battles, appealing to young builders interested in vehicular construction and role-playing adventures. Lego employed a multi-platform marketing strategy to promote the launch, encapsulated in the "Unleash the Power" slogan that highlighted the transformative role of Chi in empowering the tribes. Promotional efforts began with trailers and previews at international toy fairs, building anticipation through interactive displays of key sets and characters. In Europe, a nine-month "Chima Challenge Roadshow" kicked off in March 2013, touring shopping centers, LEGOLAND Windsor, and Chessington World of Adventures, where participants engaged in Speedorz racing challenges with costumed Chima characters to win prizes and experience the theme's high-speed action. The campaign integrated TV advertising, cinema spots, digital online games, and in-store retail activations to immerse audiences in the Chima world. Key partnerships amplified the rollout, with Cartoon Network serving as the primary broadcaster for the animated series in North America starting in summer 2013, including tie-in promotions and exclusive content to drive toy sales. Internationally, the series aired on various networks, ensuring broad TV exposure across Europe. Complementary digital initiatives featured the Speedorz app, released in January 2013, allowing users to race customizable vehicles and collect virtual Chi, bridging physical sets with mobile play. Retail strategies involved exclusives such as promotional builds at stores like Target in North America, alongside a focus on the 8-14 age group for boys, with set prices ranging from $10 for small Speedorz racers to $120 for large flagship builds like the Lion CHI Temple, emphasizing collectibility and value through modular vehicle designs.[19]Animated Television Series
Series Format and Production
The animated television series Legends of Chima was produced by The Lego Group in collaboration with M2Film, a Danish animation studio specializing in 3D CGI animation.[4] The show adopts an action-adventure format, with each of its 41 episodes across three seasons running approximately 22 minutes.[4][5] Voice acting was handled by a ensemble cast, including Scott Shantz as the lion prince Laval, Bethany Brown as the eagle Eris, and David Attar as the crocodile prince Cragger.[20] The series was co-created by Tommy Andreasen and John Derevlany, who head-wrote the narrative to integrate with Lego's toy line for synergistic promotion.[5] Directorial duties were led by a team that included Peder Pedersen as story and episode director, alongside Thomas J. Mikkelsen and Erik C. Schmidt.[20] Legends of Chima premiered in the United States on Cartoon Network on January 16, 2013, with the first season running through December 2013 and subsequent seasons airing in 2014.[5][21]Seasons and Episodes
The animated television series Legends of Chima spans three seasons, totaling 41 episodes, with each season advancing the narrative through escalating conflicts over the mystical resource known as CHI, which powers the animal tribes' technology and abilities.[22][5] Season 1, titled Power of the CHI and consisting of 20 episodes aired in 2013, centers on the discovery of CHI orbs and the ensuing war between the Lion and Crocodile tribes. The story begins with young lion prince Laval and crocodile prince Cragger's friendship fracturing after Cragger's exposure to CHI, leading to tribal hostilities fueled by Crooler's manipulations and CHI thefts by the Wolf tribe. Key arcs include the assembly of heroes—Laval, eagle Eris, and gorilla Gorzan—to protect the Lion Temple, the ominous Eclipse of the Sun that disrupts CHI flow via a black cloud, and the climactic Battle of the Fangs, where allied tribes assault the lions amid depleting CHI supplies. Themes of loyalty and the corrupting influence of power dominate, with episodes frequently featuring high-speed vehicle races and moral choices that test alliances.[23][24] Season 2, Quest for the Legend Beasts, comprises 6 episodes broadcast in 2014, shifting focus to the perilous Outlands beyond Chima's borders. Following the heroes' pursuit of stolen CHI, they encounter ancient Legend Beasts captured by dark tribes like the Spiders and Scorpions, forging alliances with the Gorilla and Raven tribes to navigate carnivorous flora and treacherous terrain. Major events include the return of exiled lion Lavertus, who aids in a pivotal Speedor race before grappling with past betrayals, and revelations of the Phoenix prophecy foretelling Chima's potential doom. Recurring elements emphasize redemption arcs, such as Cragger's internal struggles, alongside intense aerial and ground vehicle battles that underscore themes of exploration and uneasy partnerships.[25][26] Season 3, Legend of the Fire CHI with 15 episodes in 2014, delivers the saga's resolution through an invasion by the Ice Hunters led by Sir Fangar, who seek to freeze Chima and seize all CHI. As tribes unite against the encroaching ice, Laval ascends as lion king, and the group ascends Mount Cavora to awaken the Phoenix tribe and harness Fire CHI as a counterforce. Pivotal arcs involve Scorpion and Spider defections to the heroes, the convergence of elemental CHI powers in epic confrontations, and the Great Illumination—a cataclysmic event restoring balance by evolving the land and purifying corrupted beings. Episodes highlight moral dilemmas in leadership and sacrifice, culminating in tribal unity, with episodes like The Heart of Cavora and Wings of Fire expanding on the Phoenix lore through extended vehicle assaults and prophetic visions.[27][28]Construction Toys
Set Releases and Waves
The Lego Legends of Chima construction toy line was released in four main waves from 2013 to 2015, encompassing standard buildable sets, Speedorz racing playsets, and Legend Beasts figures, with a total exceeding 55 sets alongside additional polybags.[29] Wave 1, launched in early 2013, introduced 18 sets focused on the core Lion, Eagle, Gorilla, and Crocodile tribes, featuring gliders, swamp vehicles, and introductory temples to establish the Chima world. Notable builds included 70000 Razcal's Glider, a compact Raven flyer emphasizing aerial combat; 70001 Crawley's Claw Ripper, a Crocodile swamp skimmer with claw mechanisms; and 70004 Worriz's Bridge Battle, a Wolf vehicle for tribal confrontations. Speedorz sets in this wave, such as 70100 Ring of Fire, provided quick-assembly racers tied to the tribes' animal designs.[30][31] Wave 2, released later in 2013, comprised 12 sets that shifted toward Speedorz racing mechanics and expanded battle scenarios, building on the initial tribal rivalries with larger vehicles and environments. Examples included 70010 The Lion CHI Temple, a modular Lion stronghold with defense features; 70014 The Croc Swamp Hideout, a detailed Crocodile base in marsh terrain; and 70011 Razar's CHI Blaster, a raven vehicle for aerial assaults. These sets incorporated more interactive elements like gates and launchers while maintaining the animal-inspired aesthetics of the core tribes.[30][31][30] Wave 3 in 2014 featured 15 sets expanding into the Outlands region, introducing Phoenix fire-based technology and Raven engineering alongside insect adversaries. Key releases were 70132 Scorm's Scorpion Stinger, a venomous insect striker; 70134 Lavertus' Outland Base, a Phoenix outpost with flame effects; and 70182 Fire vs. Ice, a Speedorz arena pitting tribal elements against each other. This wave emphasized environmental contrasts, such as volcanic and icy terrains, to reflect the storyline's progression.[32][31] The final Wave 4 in 2015 included 10 sets as legacy releases, tying together tribal alliances with Chi-powered builds and larger-scale confrontations to conclude the theme. Prominent examples comprised 70224 Tigers' Mobile Command, a versatile Tiger vehicle; 70227 King Crominus' Rescue, a Crocodile rescue mission set; and 70220 Strainor's Saber Cycle, a saber-tooth tiger vehicle with speed mechanics. These sets prioritized epic battles and character-focused constructs, featuring exclusive minifigure variants across the tribes.[31] Collectible elements throughout the waves included two series of minifigures with exclusive variants, such as armored Lion and Phoenix warriors, often bundled in polybags or larger sets to encourage tribe completion. These minifigs highlighted unique tribal designs, like feathered Eagle helmets and scaled Crocodile armor, enhancing display and play value.[33][34]Gameplay Elements in Toys
The gameplay in Lego Legends of Chima toys centers on animal-themed vehicles that incorporate dynamic building elements to simulate high-speed chases and aerial maneuvers across the fictional kingdom. These vehicles, such as speeders, gliders, and tanks, feature spinning mechanisms like rotors on lion copters or wheels on crocodile swamp bikes, allowing children to propel them manually or via flywheels for realistic motion during role-play scenarios. For instance, gliders like those built for eagle or raven characters include foldable wings and detachable boosters, encouraging builders to customize designs for tribe-specific adventures such as reconnaissance or combat dives.[35] Chi orbs serve as key power-up accessories integrated into the toys, representing the mystical energy source that enhances vehicle and character functionality in play. These translucent orbs can be attached to builds to "activate" features, such as unlocking hidden compartments in tanks or boosting minifigure mobility by clipping onto harnesses for added stability during imaginative battles. In gameplay, collecting Chi crystals—often dislodged from obstacles—allows players to "power up" their setups, simulating enhanced speed or strength, which ties directly into the theme's narrative of tribal energy quests.[36] The Speedorz gimmick introduces a competitive racing mechanic using small, flywheel-powered vehicles that players launch with rip cords through modular tracks featuring gates, traps, and disk-throwing elements. To play, opponents attach minifigures to their Speedorz, navigate challenges like swinging pendulums or flaming rings to dislodge orbs or spheres, and the winner draws a card to compare tribal stats—such as instinct, speed, courage, or strength—scoring Chi crystals accordingly; players can spend crystals to boost stats, with the first to six crystals claiming victory in tribal showdowns. This system promotes strategic disk launches and obstacle timing, fostering replayable races that mirror the series' tournament-style conflicts.[37][35][18] Battle play emphasizes tribe-versus-tribe confrontations through modular bases and poseable hero figures, enabling expansive role-play setups. Bases, constructed from interconnected bricks, allow reconfiguration into fortresses or arenas with trap doors and weapon mounts, where players deploy animal minifigures with articulated limbs for dynamic posing during skirmishes. Hero builds, like larger legend beasts, include swappable weapons and Chi-powered shields, supporting scenarios where lions clash with crocodiles in defense of territory, all without relying on electronic components.[38][39]Digital and Other Media
Video Games
The Lego Legends of Chima video game series extended the franchise's narrative and gameplay into digital formats, primarily targeting handheld and mobile platforms to complement the toy line's adventure and racing elements. Developed and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in collaboration with TT Games studios, these titles emphasized exploration, combat, and collection mechanics inspired by the animal tribes of Chima, with no major releases on home consoles.[40][41] LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey, released in June 2013 for Nintendo 3DS, with subsequent versions for PlayStation Vita in July and Nintendo DS in August, is a third-person action-adventure platformer developed by TT Fusion. Players control Laval, the lion prince, across 15 levels spanning Chima's diverse regions such as the Lion Temple, Gorilla Forest, and Croc Swamp, engaging in platforming, puzzle-solving, and combat against crocodile foes. Core mechanics include collecting CHI orbs to power up abilities and unlock the triple-CHI armor, alongside vehicle sections for racing and exploration, allowing switches to over 20 playable tribal characters like Cragger and Eris for cooperative play.[42][40][41] LEGO Legends of Chima: Speedorz, launched in January 2013 for iOS and Android devices as well as a browser version on LEGO.com, is a racing game that directly ties into the physical Speedorz toys from the construction sets. Players customize animal minifigures from tribes like lions, crocodiles, and eagles, then compete in high-speed races across tracks in the Falling Jungle, Rhino Canyon, and Swamps, using power-ups and CHI boosts to sabotage opponents or gain speed advantages. The game supports single-player challenges and local multiplayer modes, with unlockable riders and vehicles earned through tournament victories, emphasizing quick, arcade-style races that mirror the toy line's spinning mechanics.[43][44][45] Additional digital titles included LEGO Legends of Chima Online, a free-to-play browser-based massively multiplayer online game released in October 2013 for PC and later ported to iOS in February 2014, where players explored Chima's world, customized characters, and participated in cooperative quests and battles until its shutdown in June 2015. Complementing this, LEGO Legends of Chima: Tribe Fighters, released in 2015 for iOS and Android but later delisted from the official App Store and Google Play Store, offered arena-style mini-battles with selectable tribal warriors, featuring endless enemy waves, CHI-powered special abilities, and destructible environments across four unique arenas. The game has garnered nostalgic attention from fans, with discussions on platforms such as Reddit highlighting gameplay memories, high scores, and suggestions for re-release on modern devices. These browser and app-based experiences provided accessible, short-session gameplay focused on character progression and tribal rivalries from 2013 to 2015.[46][47][48][49][50][51]Web Shorts and Online Content
The webisodes of LEGO Legends of Chima, often called mini-movies, comprise a collection of 42 short animated episodes released between 2013 and 2014, each typically lasting 2 to 5 minutes. Distributed exclusively on the official LEGO YouTube channel and LEGO.com, these videos provided humorous, standalone side stories that supplemented the main television series by filling narrative gaps between seasons and exploring ancillary events in the Chima universe, such as comedic rivalries among tribes and mini-arcs tied to themes like the "Fire vs. Ice" conflict. Examples include "The Web and the Sting," which depicts spider tribe antics, and "Lennox the Brave," showcasing a lion hero's mishaps.[52][53][54] Complementing the webisodes, LEGO produced additional online animations in partnership with broadcasters like Cartoon Network, featuring character-narrated segments that delivered quick lore explanations and fun facts about Chima's tribes and artifacts in bite-sized formats suitable for web viewing. These clips emphasized educational elements, such as the role of Chi in tribal dynamics, to engage younger audiences between full episodes.[21][55] Interactive online content expanded the digital ecosystem with browser-based experiences hosted on LEGO.com, including Flash games centered on Chi hunts where players navigated Chima landscapes to collect the mystical energy orbs, and tribe quizzes testing knowledge of animal alliances and lore. Behind-the-scenes vlogs, uploaded to YouTube, offered glimpses into design processes, with creators discussing vehicle builds and character development.[56][57] By 2015, this web content had driven substantial online engagement, with popular webisodes accumulating hundreds of thousands of views each on YouTube, fostering quick interactions aligned with toy release waves and extending the franchise's reach beyond traditional media.[54][58]Publications and Attractions
Scholastic published over 20 titles related to Lego Legends of Chima between 2013 and 2015, encompassing chapter books, activity books, and official guides that expanded the theme's narrative through novelizations and interactive elements. These included chapter book series such as Attack of the Crocodiles and Beware of the Wolves by Greg Farshtey, which adapted key television story arcs into prose adventures focusing on tribal conflicts over CHI energy. Activity books like Lions and Eagles combined storytelling with build instructions for custom models, encouraging fans to recreate Chima's landscapes and vehicles at home.[59][60] Comics extended the Chima universe through serialized inserts in the Lego Club Magazine and standalone graphic novels that retold television episodes while introducing original side stories involving lesser-known characters and battles. The UK Lego Club Magazine featured the Legends of Chima comic series starting in 2013, depicting tribal alliances and rivalries in illustrated formats aimed at young readers. Graphic novels published by Papercutz, such as High Risk! and The Right Decision by Yannick Grotholt, portrayed epic quests like the heroes' journey through the Outlands, blending action sequences with character development unique to the print medium. Scholastic also released comic readers, including Eris to the Rescue by Marilyn Easton, which highlighted eagle tribe exploits in a digest-sized format.[61][62][63] Real-world attractions brought Chima's lore to life through immersive experiences at Legoland parks, emphasizing live performances and sensory cinema. In 2013, Legoland California premiered the Legends of Chima 4D Movie Experience, a 12-minute animated short with wind, water, smoke, and motion effects that depicted Laval's pursuit of Cragger amid a CHI-powered chase. Similar 4D attractions launched at Legoland Billund in Denmark and other international sites, allowing visitors to feel the intensity of tribal skirmishes. Live shows and pop-up exhibits complemented these, with 2013 performances in California and Denmark featuring costumed characters in arena-style battles, while Toys"R"Us stores hosted interactive Speedorz challenges as temporary exhibits to promote the theme's competitive gameplay.[64][65][66] Additional media included board games and trading cards that simulated Chima's tribe battles in tabletop formats. The LEGO Games: Legends of Chima (set 50006), released in 2013, was a buildable area-control game for up to three players, using customizable boards, dice, and microfigures from lion, crocodile, and eagle tribes to vie for CHI resources. Trading card collections, such as the Speedorz series, featured over 120 cards with character stats, obstacles, and CHI shrines, enabling quick duels that mirrored the theme's high-speed races and strategic confrontations.[67][68][69]Reception and Legacy
Critical and Commercial Reception
Legends of Chima experienced strong commercial success upon its 2013 launch, significantly contributing to the LEGO Group's overall sales growth that year alongside themes like Friends. The theme was highlighted as one of the top performers, helping drive a 13% increase in revenue for the first half of 2013 to DKK 10.4 billion. However, specific sales figures for the theme were not isolated in subsequent reports, and production ended after three years in 2015, with no further mentions of substantial contributions in the 2014 or 2015 annual reports, indicating a decline in performance relative to initial peaks. The theme contributed significantly to sales growth as one of the top-performing new launches, but the franchise's short lifespan suggests it did not sustain momentum amid broader market shifts. Critically, the animated series received mixed reviews, praised for its vibrant animation, unique animal-based storyline, and moral themes emphasizing teamwork, friendship, and loyalty, making it suitable for grade school audiences. Common Sense Media rated it appropriate for ages 7 and up, noting its positive messages and family viewing appeal despite some weaknesses like subpar CGI and silly humor. On IMDb, the series holds a 6.3/10 rating from over 1,600 users, with praise for engaging action but criticism for repetitive plots and underdeveloped characters. Toy sets fared better in enthusiast reviews, with Brickset users highlighting innovative elements such as buildable vehicles, articulated legend beasts, and unique minifigure designs; individual set ratings often averaged around 3.5 to 4 out of 5, though smaller polybags scored lower at approximately 3.2/5. The mixed reception stemmed partly from internal competition with the ongoing Ninjago theme, as Chima was originally positioned as its potential successor but overlapped in targeting action-adventure fans, diluting focus. An overabundance of animal tribes led to perceived saturation in storytelling and set variety. The franchise appealed strongly to children aged 6-10, particularly boys drawn to the anthropomorphic animal designs and vehicle play, but less so to teens due to its lighter tone and lack of deeper narrative complexity compared to licensed properties like Marvel and DC, which gained prominence in LEGO's portfolio during this period.Awards and Nominations
The Lego Legends of Chima franchise garnered recognition from various industry bodies for its animated television series, toy line, and related media, with accolades highlighting excellence in animation, branding, and musical composition. The series, produced by M2 Film in collaboration with The Lego Group, earned multiple honors at international festivals focused on children's entertainment and branded content.| Award | Year | Category | Result | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff Rockie Awards | 2014 | Breakthrough Entertainment Award of Excellence in Kids Animation | Won | Lego Legends of Chima (TV series)[70] |
| Banff Rockie Awards | 2014 | Best Branded Entertainment | Won | Lego Legends of Chima (TV series)[71] |
| US International Film & Video Festival | 2014 | Animation | Gold Award | Lego Legends of Chima (TV series)[70] |
| Cue Awards | 2013 | Best Score for Television | Won | Legends of Chima soundtrack (composed by Anthony Lledo)[72] |
| Toy of the Year Awards (Toy Industry Association) | 2014 | Boy Toy of the Year | Nominee | Lego Legends of Chima toy line[73] |