Are The Series 28 CMFs Worth It?

For fans of the Lego CMF waves, 2026's first minifigure line is a new take for sure. The next wave of collectible minifigures, known by set number Lego Minifigures Series 28 (71051), is slated for a January 1st, 2026 release. Is there a buzz? Honestly, I couldn't tell you... It’s rumored to be a themed series of animal-costume characters, which we have seen before, but instead of one in twelve, we see all 12 figures dressed as animals rather than typical everyday folks or licensed IP figures.

So instead of “Astronomer Kid” or “Steampunk Inventor” (like Series 27), we’re talking “Peacock Costume Fan”, “Koala Costume Fan”, “Dolphin Costume Fan”, and more. Leaks, which already include images of the full lineup, suggest the lineup includes:

• Peacock Costume Fan
• White Cat Costume Fan
• Fish Costume Fan
• Monkey Costume Fan
• Frog Costume Fan
• Koala Costume Fan
• Dalmatian Costume Fan
• Crocodile Costume Fan
• Dolphin Costume Fan
• Bunny Costume Fan
• Lion Costume Fan
• Parrot Costume Fan

Each figure appears to feature newly-molded animal heads or full body suits and fun accessories (e.g., banana for Monkey, lifebuoy for Crocodile).

At the typical CMF price point ($4.99 in the U.S.), the question is: are these worth your collecting time, money, and shelf space?

The short answer... probably not. If you genuinely like animal costumes, it may be worth it, but the biggest disappointment here is the lack of animals to accompany their animal costume counterparts. A missed opportunity indeed.

The Lineup

Here’s a closer look at what the series promises — and what to keep an eye on:

• Peacock Costume Fan: A bold tail piece, vibrant blues and yellows, visually strong. For display-value alone, this fig stands out.

• White Cat Costume Fan: Minimalist white feline look + yarn accessory. Cute, but in a crowded costumed-cat field.

• Fish Costume Fan: New fish-head mold, orange fins replacing standard arms, unusual and fun.

• Monkey Costume Fan: Brings a “gorilla-suit guy” throwback feel but cuter, banana accessory, good nostalgia plus novelty.

• Frog Costume Fan: Frog head mold + bubble blower accessory, great for quirky builds or dioramas.

• Koala Costume Fan: Aussie nod, with leafy branch and boomerang. One of the more “theme specific” characters; might appeal to regional collectors.

• Dalmatian Costume Fan: Dog-theme continues in CMF lines; frisbee accessory adds play value.

• Crocodile Costume Fan: Unique head mold + lifebuoy & rubber ducky… perhaps the best “character story” of the series.

• Dolphin Costume Fan: Similar concept to Shark Suit Guy but fresh; clam shell accessory adds maritime fun.

• Bunny Costume Fan: Tan/white color scheme, basket and Easter-egg accessories. Seasonal crossover appeal.

• Lion Costume Fan: New lion head mold + chicken-leg accessory. Combines character with humor.

• Parrot Costume Fan: Big beak head-mold + snack box accessory = colorful and eye-catching.

My verdict: If you’re into bold, display-worthy minifigs and costumed characters, or just a fan of animals in general, this series looks like a win. The focus on new molds and unique animal suits adds to the novelty of this series, even if it is a bit unorthodox; however, if you prefer themed/licensed figures (Marvel, DC, movie characters) or realistic characters that fit better into your MOCs, you might find the series a bit “silly” or niche.

Costume-minifigs (especially animal suits) have been a part of the CMF line for years, think Gorilla Suit Guy (Series 3), Hamster Costume Fan (Series 27), etc. There are even the newer dinosaur minifigure suits which some people like to collect. They really aren't for everyone, but there will be some die hard fans.

Why they work:

• New head-molds means collectors want them.
• The colors and uniqueness make them great for display.
• Great for “wild card” characters in your display or play-scene.

The downsides:

• If you already have several animal-costume figs, this could feel repetitive.
• Non-licensed theme may limit broader appeal (for younger kids or casual buyers seeking movie characters).
• Some animal suits might be less useful in scene-building (vs, say, a firefighter or a movie hero).
• Most people don't think for animal costumed minifigures as their next purchase.
• Because it’s novelty, some figures may sit unsold longer, older animal-themed CMFs sometimes linger in discount bins.

So… Are They Worth It?

If I were to give a quick “yes / maybe / no” verdict:

• Yes, if you:
  • Like to collect all CMF series.
  • Appreciate weird minifigures.
  • Want rare figures in your collection.
• Maybe, if you:
  • Want a broad range of characters for your MOCs.
  • Build scenes and need figures that “fit in.”
• No, if you:
  • Only collect licensed characters or movie heroes.
  • Are budget-conscious and only want minifigs with heavy “play value” (basically you prefer stability and resale value.)
• Prefer non-costume, more “realistic” characters.

For me personally, since I like Lego's licensed themes and prefer more realistic MOCs, I’m leaning no on this series. The novelty, the animal suits, the new molds: that’s all great, but they really are still just silly animal costumes with not much to offer. Will I buy every single bag? Probably not, but there are several figures here I’ll hunt down since I like their animal counterparts (Cat, Fish, Peacock).

Final Thoughts

Series 28 looks like a fun direction for the CMF line, it is definitely a bold take on costumes, new parts, bright visuals. It’s a good refresh of the formula, even if it might have a more niche audience. If you’re up for something playful, colorful, and a little outside the usual “hero or villain” lineup, this is one to watch out for. And for $4 a piece, its hardly a dent in your wallet.

But if you’re only in it for big-named characters, you might let the first wave go and wait for the next licensed series or special CMF series. Either way, keep your scanner ready, these will show up soon, and for many collectors, “which animal suit is best?” might be the fun part.