The Hidden Side of LEGO Collecting: Why hs060 Statue of Evil Minifigures Are Becoming Collector’s Gold

Introduction: Uncovering LEGO’s Hidden Gems

In the vast universe of LEGO collecting, value isn’t always found in the towering Millennium Falcons or sprawling modular buildings. Sometimes, the true treasures are the overlooked pieces from themes that flashed brightly but briefly. The surprising secondary market for underrated LEGO themes proves that nostalgia and scarcity can transform a simple plastic figure into a coveted artifact. This brings us to the heart of today’s story: the curious case of LEGO Hidden Side minifigures.
Among these spectral collectibles, one figure stands out—or perhaps, lurks in the shadows. The hs060 Statue of Evil, a minifigure that once haunted just a single set, is now quietly appreciating in value and collector esteem. This post will explore why this particular figure represents a growing trend in collectible minifigures, moving from a brief background on its origins to a forecast of its potential future. It’s a tale of innovation, discontinuation, and the enduring power of a clever design.

Background: The Rise and Fall of LEGO Hidden Side

To understand the hs060 Statue of Evil, we must first revisit its home: the LEGO Hidden Side theme. Launched in 2019, Hidden Side was a bold experiment that blended physical building with augmented reality (AR). Kids (and adults) could construct sets like spooky schools or ghost trains, then use a companion app to \”hunt\” ghosts that appeared through their phone’s camera. It was innovative, interactive, and genuinely fresh.
Yet, by 2020, the theme was discontinued. Despite its creativity, the AR integration may have been ahead of its time or too niche to sustain a full product line. This rapid sunset is what often creates the foundation for underrated LEGO themes to become future collector favorites. The figures and sets become frozen in time, their availability limited to a short production window.
The hs060 Statue of Evil exists solely because of this theme and, more specifically, one set. It was exclusively packed into 70433 J.B.’s Submarine, a LEGO Hidden Side 2020 release. This inherent exclusivity—being a unique character in a single, late-wave set—immediately set the stage for its future status as a rare LEGO figure.

Trend Analysis: The Secondary Market for Rare LEGO Figures

The market for discontinued LEGO elements is a fascinating ecosystem. When a theme ends, its pieces stop being manufactured, but demand doesn’t always vanish. Instead, it often simmers among dedicated fans and collectors before boiling over years later. Platforms like BrickLink become the stock exchanges for this plastic economy.
The data for the Statue of Evil tells a compelling story. According to a discussion on Brickset, members of that community collectively own 2,307 copies of this minifigure. On the surface, that seems like a lot, but compared to minifigures from evergreen themes, it’s a relatively small pool. This limited circulation is a key driver of value. As of this writing, a new hs060 Statue of Evil fetches around $4.70 on BrickLink—a notable sum for a modern, non-licensed minifigure from a short-lived theme.
This activity is fueled by community engagement. The daily minifigure feature on Brickset, which recently spotlighted this very figure, acts as a catalyst. It reignites conversations, sparks nostalgia, and reminds collectors of what they might be missing. These discussions, as seen in the source article, often evolve from simple appraisals into shared memories and inside jokes, strengthening the figure’s cultural footprint beyond its raw stats.

Insight: Why hs060 Statue of Evil Stands Out

So, what makes this grey, scowling statue so special? Its appeal is a perfect storm of design, exclusivity, and community lore.
Design-wise, it’s brilliantly simple yet evocative. With its monochrome grey body, angry engraved face, and backwards-facing \”dress\” (a detail that sparked humorous debate among Brickset users), it captures a classic horror trope. This design resonated deeply, prompting fans to draw immediate parallels to pop culture icons like the terrifying Weeping Angels from Doctor Who. As user Zordboy warned in the Brickset comments, \”Whatever you do? Don’t blink.\”
Its exclusivity is absolute. If you want this specific Statue of Evil, you must find a copy of 70433 J.B.’s Submarine. There is no other way. In the world of collecting, this \”one-and-done\” release pattern is like a limited-edition print from a famous artist; it creates inherent, built-in scarcity.
Finally, the community reaction cements its status. The Brickset thread is filled with a warm, nostalgic longing for the Hidden Side theme itself. User Jack_Rizzo’s comment, \”Sigh, I miss Hidden Side…\” echoes a sentiment felt by many. The figure becomes a tangible relic of a beloved, departed theme—a physical memory that collectors can hold in their hands.

Forecast: The Future of Hidden Side Collectibles

What does the future hold for the hs060 Statue of Evil and its Hidden Side brethren? The trajectory looks promising for astute collectors.
Predicted Value Appreciation: Given its current niche demand and finite supply, the hs060 is likely to see gradual appreciation. While it may never reach the astronomical prices of some vintage rare LEGO figures, its value could comfortably double or triple over the next 5-7 years as the remaining new copies are snapped up and sealed sets become harder to find.
Market Indicators: The entire LEGO Hidden Side 2020 wave, being the final chapter, is poised to become the most sought-after. Sets that include unique minifigures or particularly clever builds will lead the charge. The theme’s unique place in LEGO history—as an AR pioneer—adds a layer of historical significance that future collectors may prize.
The Psychology of Scarcity: Discontinued themes follow a recognizable pattern. After the initial clearance sales, there’s a lull. Then, as the children who played with them grow into adults with disposable income, a wave of nostalgia-driven demand returns. Hidden Side is currently in that lull, making it a potential buyer’s market before the nostalgia wave hits in earnest.
Think of it like a cult classic film. It wasn’t a blockbuster in theaters, but over time, a dedicated fanbase grows, and original merchandise becomes prized. Hidden Side collectibles are on a similar path.

Summary: Key Takeaways for LEGO Collectors

The journey of the hs060 Statue of Evil from a pack-in figure to a collector’s gold candidate offers clear lessons:
* Underrated Themes Hold Potential: Discontinued and overlooked themes like Hidden Side are fertile ground for future-value collectible minifigures.
* Exclusivity is Key: Minifigures available in only one set, especially from a theme’s final wave, have a strong foundation for scarcity.
* Community Matters: The stories, jokes, and nostalgia shared on platforms like Brickset don’t just track value—they help create it by building lasting cultural relevance around a piece.
* Now is the Time to Explore: If you have any interest in the LEGO Hidden Side minifigures, the present moment may be an excellent time to acquire them before broader nostalgia inflates prices further.
The hs060 Statue of Evil is more than just a piece of plastic; it’s a monument to a creative, short-lived era of LEGO history. It reminds us that sometimes, the most interesting treasures aren’t in the spotlight, but hiding just out of sight, waiting for their moment to be rediscovered.
Inspired by the community discussion? You can join the conversation about this figure and thousands of others on Brickset.com, where the daily minifigure feature keeps the passion for building alive.