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In:Children’s Literature Across Media: Concepts and perspectives of transmedia narratives
Edited by Nina Christensen, Ute Dettmar and Sarah Mygind
[Children’s Literature, Culture, and Cognition 21] 2026
► pp. 14–30

Chapter 1
The building blocks of transmedial seriality

The Lego franchise

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Abstract
This chapter examines the role of Lego within the framework of transmedial seriality, highlighting its impact on children’s media. It explores Lego products both as toys and as sophisticated elements in transmedia storytelling, reflecting on their historical development from simple building blocks to complex narrative and aesthetic elements that span various media platforms. The analysis also focuses on how Lego transcends traditional media boundaries and adaptation logics, moving from toys to films, digital games, and beyond. Special attention is given to the video game Lego Dimensions, which demonstrates how the franchise incorporates both physical and digital worlds, offering a richer understanding of transmedial seriality. Key topics include the evolution of Lego’s narrative integration, its interplay across media, and implications for future transmedia practices.
Article outline
  • Transmedial seriality
    • Brick by brick: A brief cultural history of the Lego system
  • The building blocks of transmedial seriality
  • Conclusion: New and old dimensions of transmedial seriality
  • Author queries
  • Notes
  • References
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