The Brothers Brick contributor Chris Doyle returns yet again with more Mosaic Madness.
Just in time for Halloween, I’ve adapted artist Christopher Cooper‘s Voodoo Glow Skull image into LEGO form. And, yes, it glows in the dark. Keep reading to see it in action, and learn a bit about the build.
Sometimes, with all the licensed properties and amazing in-house themed models, it’s hard to remember that LEGO is also meant for those who would rather create their own things. That’s why I’m so fond of DOTS – it’s a call to the artistically inclined to get to building. We’ve shared several reviews of the DOTS Extra DOTS booster packs, but now LEGO is also offering a cost-effective way to quickly add 1040 pieces into your parts bin. DOTS 41935: Lots of Dots is available now from the LEGO Shop Online for US $19.99 | CAN $24.99 | UK £17.99. We bought a copy, so come along as we take a look at just what makes up “Lots of Dots”!
Click to read the full hands-on review
Racing around the universe can get lonely, but the Student Scissors has found a solution – A cool bike that transforms into a robot companion! Viral Racer Unit-01 features a great looking pilot figure that makes use of the head from the Collectible Minifigure Series 19 Galactic Bounty Hunter atop a studly (although almost studless) brick-built body. The teal accents are carried over into the fenders on the motorcycle – a vehicle that has, shall we say, more to it than meets the eye.
Yes, the bike transforms into this cool reptilian looking mode. I really like how the dual radar dishes that make up the tires split, and how the dinosaur tail elements go from fenders to tentacles. Best of all, the overall shape of this mode doesn’t really suggest the motorbike version; rare feat in transforming models.
But best of all, the two figures fit perfectly together, ready to take on the world. Or worlds.
If you in the mood for more multi-form goodness, be sure to check out our transformable tag!
The annual LEGO fan celebration of SHIPtember has drawn to a close, and that means we get to revel in some really great, and huge, spaceships! My personal favorite this year is the B.O.A.T. by Julie vanderMeulen. This Blockade Out-runner Agricultural Transport is more than just 102-studs of streamlined goodness, it’s also a really clever way to make use of all those rubber rafts that pile up in your collection. Julie describes their use here as “24 individual bulk cargo pods…capable of delivering anything from apple pies to live zebras.” Also noteworthy is is the use of old Alpha Team: Mission Deep Freeze printed 12×3 wedges. It’s apt, as it’s also very cold…in space.
Spaceships come in all sizes, too. Check our our archive of awesome LEGO spaceships for even more out-of-this-world creativity.
Back in the dim history of 2014, LEGO released set 76023 The Tumbler, a UCS-scaled rendition of the Batmobile from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Now, seven years later, LEGO returns with an updated version to tempt a new generation of Bat-Fans. The 2049 piece Batman 76240 Batmobile Tumbler will be available November 1st from the LEGO Shop Online for US $229.99 | CAN $329.99 | UK £209.99. Will the build upgrades and the addition of new exclusive minifigure versions of Batman and the Joker be enough to tempt long-time fans into a second expensive helping of the Tumbler? Read on and judge for yourself!
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Click to read the full hands-on review
Return to the distant past of 2004 and the theme of Knights Kingdom II with King Crusher – a hefty brawler of a character created by djokson. The most impressive trick in this build has to be the usage of King Mathias torsos for the Crusher’s giant fists. But don’t overlook the shoulder armor that forms the chest, or the protruding jaw made from a 2×2 spoiler brick. Yeah, this is one fighter who’s earned their crown – and is ready to tackle anyone who might even dream of taking it from them.
There aren’t a ton of entries in our archives yet for Knights Kingdom themed builds, but we can only hope this creation will stir other builders into a renaissance of clever part usage and brawling armored bruisers!
One thing better than a model by a super-skilled LEGO builder is a model by two super skilled LEGO builders. Joe (jnj_bricks) and Brick Ninja teamed up to create the Temple of the Rising Sun, a moment of battle captured for RebelLUG’s Kingdoms at War II contest. Brick Ninja handled the foreground’s battle scene, fortress, and bridge. Joe created the temple and background landscapes. The cool thing to me is how integrated both builds are. The repeated motifs of circular gold rings, wall textures, vegetation style, and red accents unify the two creations into a seamless whole.
Brick Ninja’s fortress is alive with interesting shapes and creative part usage in the torches. The bridge is elegant and action-packed. And be sure to spend some time zooming in on the background to appreciate the great forced perspective building from Joe. And when you’ve soaked up all you can from this image, go look in our archives for more great temple builds!
One of my favorite movie trope mashups is when giant mechs do their fighting underwater. That’s why I was so excited when the latest wave of Ninjago sets, Seabound, came out. The first one I purchased was 71750 Lloyd’s Hydro Mech, a low-cost way to scratch that Pacific Rim itch while I contemplated the more expensive offerings. And, because I’m apparently addicted to writing LEGO set reviews, I waited to build it until I could share it here with you. This 228-piece set is available now from the LEGO Shop Online for US $19.99 | CAN $24.99 | UK £17.99. Come along as we take a deep dive into the shallow end of the pool!
Click to read the full hands-on review
It seems like just yesterday that we featured the Hornet Queen by Moko. Turns out she is more than just an imposing figure with amazing hair…the Queen’s armor and weapons detach and combine to an equally cool looking hornet! Those great Bionicle wings are a key feature, but my favorite touch has to be the transparent green minifigure helmet accessory used for the eyes. Super creepy looking! You can check out how things combine after the jump, too.
When it comes to finding creative uses for LEGO element 2417, the 6×5 plant leaf, Azurekingfisher is one of the best. Assembling that sphere had to be a labor of love, and the end result is certainly impressive. The choices of colors make for a vibrant hanging sculpture with plenty of texture and visual interest from the overlapping foliage. This ringed planet may not be from the Classic Space theme, but I think it could qualify for Classy space.
Curious to see what else Azurekingfisher has done with this seed part? Check our their other featured builds!
Art may be a very subjective topic, but Andreas Lenander knows the subject quite well. In a delightfully meta take on “Cubism”, they have incorporated LEGO DOTS cubes into the walls of a swanky art museum. The designs in the framed art are also quite lovely, showing the versatility of both Andreas and the DOTS tiles themselves. And that great bench and plant don’t exactly hurt the realism, either. This seems like a great place to stop and contemplate perspective issues and maybe enjoy a pricy beverage from the cafe. (Hey, the arts need to fund themselves sometimes.)
This build was inspired by design by Ryan Howerter, showing once again that great artists can build on each other’s successes. If you’re looking for your own sources of inspiration, might I suggest a stroll through our art tag?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been pretty tightly organized, but the past couple of years have seen a lot of shuffling when it comes to movie release schedules. Case in point: the Eternals. Originally slated for a November 2020 release, it was pushed back all the way to November of this year. That bump had an interesting effect on the film’s tie-in merchandise – LEGO was ready to release four sets, and already had them listed in their December 2020 catalog. Ultimately, those sets were never made available for sale, just sitting there as one of the bigger pre-release spoilers. That is, until now. Starting October 1st, we’ll be able to add the following to our shopping carts:
76156: Rise of the Domo – US $89.99 | CAN $119.99 | UK £89.99
76155: In Arishem’s Shadow – US $59.99 | CAN $79.99 | UK £59.99
76145: Eternals’ Aerial Assault – US $9.99 | CAN $13.99 | UK £8.99
76154: Deviant Ambush! – US $24.99 | CAN $29.99 | UK £17.99
We’ve already taken a deep dive into the Rise of the Domo and In Arishem’s Shadow sets, but there’s still more to cover. Come along as we take a look at all of the Eternals movie sets. Do they combine to make something greater than their (LEGO) parts?
The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of these sets for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews.
Click to read the full hands-on review