Media licensing has been the greatest boost to profits for Lego while simultaneously causing a shift away from creative/imaginative building. Meaning, more people (adults) than ever are buying lego sets but they build what’s on the box and then it sits on a shelf forever, instead of modifying the initial build or taking it apart and making something new.

I’m not trying to criticize anyone’s hobby, and I too have purchased an expensive licensed lego set, built it, and let it collect dust on my shelf. It’s such an expensive way to get or build a model of something though. I much prefer making my own creations. And i could take apart this cool, big, expensive batmobile, but I don’t because it reminds me of a movie i like. Contrast this with my lego space sets, which i took apart almost immediately after building in order to build an even cooler, bigger space station with.