The year was 2006. The inception of the Ninjago theme was still five years distant, LEGO set numbers had 4 digits, and the Exo-Force theme debuted as LEGO’s first foray into the already vast arena of anime-inspired mecha models. TBB Alum Carter Baldwin pays tribute to the too-short-lived theme with this dazzling LEGO mech inspired by set 8106 Aero Booster. Carter drew the color scheme and overall shape from the original set, but “changed the mission profile to a ground-based heavy shield mech” – a choice which I heartily applaud. I absolutely love how the curve of those transparent leaf parts suggests a larger spherical shield being projected that remains invisible until hit.

It’s a remarkable build, but also an incredibly dynamic scene. From the kinetic action and sheer mass of the mech captured in the pose, to the debris flying out from underfoot, to the way that multi-barreled cannon is slung under the right arm – being readied to swing around and return fire at an unseen assailant. Truly inspired work!