About Nannan

Nannan became involved with the online LEGO community in late 2004. He has been a builder for as long as he can remember. Nannan builds in a variety of themes that often overlap with the science fiction universe; other times they are purely made up ones. You can see his creations on Flickr, MOCpages and Brickshelf. In real life, Nannan is a physician living in Dallas.

Posts by Nannan

LEGO publishes The Brick magazine

I recently received a new publication from LEGO called The Brick, which is a magazine for adult readers that shares stories, news, and reports from the company.

I’ve learned much from this 90-page magazine that I would’ve never known even from years of building with LEGO bricks. Do you know what the net profit of the company was in the past three years? Does it surprise you that Bionicle is the most popular selling product line in Russia while roughly half of all castle sales went to the Japanese consumer? Learn more including info on the upcoming LEGO board games, working in the LEGO factory, and even coverage of the FIRST LEGO League. I’m happy to inform that the magazine is available to the public both in hard copy and electronic download. Enjoy!

If you’re requesting a copy of the magazine, we’d appreciate a mention that you’re are a reader of our blog. Thanks!

The Brothers Brick is funded by our readers and the community. Articles may include affiliate links, and when you purchase products from those links, TBB may earn a commission that helps support the site.

HMS Prince of Wales sails the high seas

6 months and 160 meters of rope later, Bonaparte built the HMS Prince of Wales, and what an impressive model indeed!

He’s got an eye on ya

Check out his funny vignette by crises called The Blind Date, featuring the new cyclops head from the upcoming Space Police line.

K.A.M. presents Jedi vs Sith Contest

If you want to win a chrome gold C-3PO or chrome Vader, you can enter the new contest on the K.A.M. forums. Your task is to present a custom force-user minifig in the backdrop of a vignette made from pieces of one battle pack. Think you’re up to the challenge? May the force be with you.

Clean up on sector 13

Keith Goldman presents a scene of waste disposal in a decaying sector of his Iron Reich realm. The color texturing creates an impressive rusting effect and I approve of the dump of parts – both mechanical and of the charred flesh. Dive into this degenerating world and don’t let its awesomeness dissolve your mind.

LEGO announces 10196 Grand Carousel: 250 USD, due out July 1 [News]

LEGO announces an impressive carousel scheduled for release in July 2009. This 3,263 piece kit includes Power Function elements that add motion and music to the model. Check out the full description below:

#10196 Grand Carousel

Ages 16+. 3,263 pieces
Available July 1st 2009

It’s a wonderful day for a ride on the merry-go-round! This elegant and beautifully detailed LEGO model isn’t just for show – it really spins and plays music while the horses and swing boats move up and down! Built with intricate, lifelike ornaments and features, the Grand Carousel is a spectacular addition to any LEGO display or carousel collection. Includes 9 minifigures and LEGO Power Functions motor and sound brick. Measures over 12” (30 cm) x 12” (30 cm) x over 12” (30 cm).

Features and Benefits

Experience the romance of this merry-go-round decorated with brightly colored elements!

Features 9 minifigures including ride operator!

The platform rotates clockwise/counter clockwise and the music plays!

The swing boats and galloping jumper horses move up and down!

Lots of realistic details including reflective decals on the center pole, ornate ornamentation, fleur de lys, bejeweled horses and profiles of jesters!

The tent-like top is made of canvas!

The Grand Carousel measures over 12” (30 cm) x 12” (30 cm) x over 12” (30 cm).

Pricing
United States $ 249.99
United Kingdom £ 166.35
Central Europe € 229.99
Canada $ 349.99

A minute in the bathroom...

…depends on which side of the door you’re on. Check out this funny vignette by pepik.

Via Klocki

Upcoming DK LEGO Pirates and Castle Brickmaster sets [News]

Pirate and Castle fans and collectors alike will delight in knowing that a new line called “Brickmaster” (not to be confused with BrickMaster) will release two new sets in these respective themes. These sets include 140 pieces and an idea book. Click on the pictures below for more information.

DK LEGO Castle Brickmaster:

DK LEGO Pirates Brickmaster:

Reviews of 2009 LEGO Indy sets: 7195 Ambush in Cairo, 7196 Chauchilla Cemetery Battle, 7197 Venice Canal Chase, 7199 The Temple of Doom

Eurobricks member svelte_corps has reviewed four of the upcoming Indiana Jones sets available mid-2009.

7195 Ambush in Cairo:

7196 Chauchilla Cemetery Battle:

7197 Venice Canal Chase:

7199 The Temple of Doom:

Three new LEGO Stores opening soon in Texas, Maryland, North Carolina [News]

I’m super excited to announce the upcoming opening of three new LEGO retail stores in Frisco, TX, Annapolis, MD, and Raleigh, NC.

There are special events taking place at all three new stores during their “Grand Opening Weekend.”

Frisco, TX

Dates:
May 15 – 17, 2009
Times:
Friday, May 15: 11am – 7pm
Saturday, May 16: 10am – 6pm
Sunday, May 17: 11am – 6pm
Location:
Stonebriar Centre
2601 Preston Road
Frisco, TX 75034

Lower Level near Dillard’s
Exclusive: LEGO Bucking Bronco

For those in the Frisco, Texas area, I will be attending the grand opening in less than a week since it’s only five minutes from my house. I hope to see some of our readers there!

Annapolis, MD

Dates:
June 5 – 7, 2009
Times:
Friday, June 5: 11:00 a.m.
– 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 6: 10:00 a.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 7: 11:00 a.m.
– 6:00 p.m.
Location:
Westfield Annapolis
Annapolis, MD

West Atrium near Stoney River
Steaks
Exclusive: LEGO Chessie Sea Monster

Raleigh, NC

Dates:
May 29 – 31, 2009
Times:
Friday, May 29: 11am
– 7pm
Saturday, May 30: 10am
– 6pm
Sunday, May 31: 11am
– 6pm
Location:
Crabtree Valley Mall
4325 Glenwood Ave
Raleigh, NC 27612

Promo Court
Exclusive: LEGO Lighthouse

LEGO has this to say about the events taking place at each grand opening:

Help a real LEGO Master Builder construct an 8-foot tall LEGO R2-D2™ during our 3-day Grand Opening Celebration weekend!

You’ll get a free LEGO® Star Wars™ Certificate of Achievement for helping, while supplies last! Visit the LEGO Store during the event to enter for a chance to win a $50 LEGO Store Gift Card! No purchase necessary to enter.

Plus:
On Saturday, be one of the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store and you’ll receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO set!

On Sunday, the first 300 customers to spend $35 in the LEGO Store will receive an exclusive, limited-edition LEGO Minifigure T-Shirt! Shirts are available in child’s sizes only.

Visit stores.LEGO.com for more details.

In addition, here’s a full list of upcoming stores:

Stonebriar Centre, Frisco, TX
Crabtree Valley Mall, Raleigh, NC
Westfield Annapolis, Annapolis, MD
Kenwood Towne Center, Cincinnati, OH
NorthPark Centre, Dallas, TX
Penn Square Mall, Oklahoma City, OK
Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH
MyZeil, Frankfurt, Germany

Playing with fire and summoning the undead...

…it’s what Kevin Fedde (Crimson Wolf) does to pass the time. Check out his scene called “Rise, My Minions.”

Micro beach house

Misa Qa‘s microscale beach house makes great use of the island baseplate from the LEGO Pirate line. It sums up the summer spirit perfectly as my summer vacation begins this week.