CubeDudes: Cartoony, geometric Lego figures

Pixar animator Angus MacLane created a way to show humanity in Lego that is bigger and more creative than a minifig, while still being charming and lovable: the CubeDude. Consider the Tron Guy CubeDude, above. His head is a cube seen from one corner -- hence the name. Nevertheless, the best of these creations are instantly identifiable. Heck, MacLane even included the Tron Guy's famous junk!

Since creating the theme in 2009, MacLane has built hundreds of the dudes, and inspired a legion of Lego fans who have built hundreds more. My favorites are legion, but I particularly like Marvel comic book character Iron Fist, doomed Reservoir Dogs cop Marvin Nash, rassler Sgt. Slaughter, and Goonies friend Sloth. Or, check out all of MacLane's CubeDudes.

If you're interested in learning more about the evolution of the Dudes, check out this great BricksABillion interview or read my book, The Cult of Lego!

John Baichtal is a contributor to MAKE magazine and Wired's GeekDad blog. He has also written for legendary tabletop gaming magazines Dragon and Dungeon, as well as Kobold Quarterly and 2600: The Hacker Quarterly. He is the co-author of The Cult of Lego.

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Layne

These things are just wonderfully intricate.