This scene by Moko makes perfect use of a rare transparent ghost shroud for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
Posts by Nannan
First images of minifigure-scale LEGO minecraft sets [News]
Pictures of the upcoming minifigure-scale minecraft sets have surfaced on a UK toy website. No word yet on the release date or MSRP.
The Cave (21113)
Venture into The Cave on a dangerous quest for vital resources! Wield the iron pickaxe to dig and battle against hostile zombie and spider mobs. Blast out valuable ores and minerals with the TNT and combine the flowing water and lava to create precious obsidian! When youre done battling and mining, restore your energy levels with the chest of bread. Proceed with caution! Rebuild the set for more LEGO Minecraft creations! Includes 2 minifigures with assorted accessories: Steve and a zombie, plus a spider.
The Farm (21114)
Yield renewable resources with The Farm! You’ll need food to survive, so fence in the livestock and channel the flowing water to nurture the crops. Harvest pumpkins, wheat, sugar cane and carrots. Use the crafting table to create a pumpkin helmet or jack-o-lantern. But watch out for the skeleton with his bow and arrow after nightfall! Rebuild the set for more LEGO Minecraft creations or combine with 21115 The First Night and other sets in the series for an even bigger Minecraft adventure! Includes a Steve minifigure with an accessory, plus a skeleton, cow and a sheep.
Via The Brick Fan
Fabuland Fun Fair
Paul Hetherington (Brickbaron) is the master of incorporating moving elements into dioramas. His Fabuland Fun Fair display shows a colorful theme-park featuring dozens of Fabuland characters and a slew of animated carnival attractions. The YouTube video below is a must-see.
HispaBrick Magazine 020 now available [News]
The latest issue of HispaBrick Magazine is available for free download. This issue includes features on Bionicle builders, reviews including the Exo-Suit and The Art of LEGO Design book, the Lego fan scene in Japan, and much more.
Kaneda’s Bike Book Review
The Arvo Brothers published a book on their masterpiece recreation of Kaneda’s Bike from Akira. This is a unique Lego book dedicated entirely to describing one creation while including a full set of instructions. The book is available for €19.99 + shipping and is sold directly from the Arvo Brothers, whom you can reach by email at arvobrothers[at]hotmail.com. Below is my review of the book.
Pros:
- Meticulous details documenting building techniques, parts selection, and references to the original model
- Includes commentary on steps in the instruction manual for an in-depth building experience
- Includes a parts list and sticker sheet
Cons:
- Almost impossible to recreate the model due to lack of availability of the x-pod lids used on the wheels.
This is a well-written book centered on one of the Arvo Brothers’ most iconic and beloved Lego creations. It is obvious that a lot of work went into designing the model and producing the book. It is a good read for fans interested in the minutia of the design process of a top-tier fan model. For those wanting to recreate the model, there is a full set of clear-cut instructions with supporting commentary for an in-depth experience on the build process. However, you will be disappointed to find out that a key element of the model is out of production and nearly impossible to obtain on the aftermarket even if you have money. Because of this detail alone, I hesitate to recommend the book because the majority of its content is dedicated to the instruction set. However, if you are still curious about the design process, this is a publication that will not let down your expectations.
Steampunk Slave I
Jonas (Legopard) built a steampunk version of Boba Fett’s Slave I. The caged appearance of various parts of the ship is fascinating, and the introduction of dark green adds a nice touch of color.
LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 12 revealed [News]
An official image of the series 12 collectible minifigs surfaced today, revealing the full lineup for the October 2014 release. The retail price will be $3.99.
EDIT (AB): As always, here’s our best guess at what these figs could be called (pending the official names from LEGO closer to the release):
- Gamer
- Miner
- Rock Star
- Swashbuckler
- Jester
- Princess and Frog Prince
- Japanese Horror-Movie Ghost
- Pizza Delivery Guy
- Barbarian
- Genie
- Lifeguard
- Wizard
- Hunter
- Space Dude
- Athena
- Pig Suit Guy
Smart brick for controling Lego vehicles
Check out this Kickstarter project by Mark Bollobas that introduces a Lego-compatible smart brick that lets you control your power-function vehicles with a smartphone via bluetooth.
The Art of LEGO Design book review
The Art of LEGO Design is a book written by Jordan Schwartz about ways to approach creative building. This book is the first of its kind focused on building tips. It is now available on Amazon. Below is my review of the book.
Pros:
- Features interviews with builders who have iconic building styles
- Thorough depiction of Jordan’s own building style
- Content includes specific examples as well as general concepts
Cons:
- Specific topics such as Fabuland and cloth accessories nudge out broader themes like train, military, Technic, Bionicle
Jordan has covered a lot of ground and touched on most major themes in Lego creations. This is a huge task for just one author and Jordan handled it pretty well. This book can be interesting to both novice and experienced builders because it offers the in-depth perspective of the author who is a jack of all trades builder along with that of about a dozen builders known for excelling in particular themes. Outside the builder interviews, the book is entirely focused on Jordan’s own views on Lego design and most models featured are his own. This is relevant if you want to look through the lens of one builder and learn the specifics of that person’s approach. It is not meant to be a reference for how to build in every major theme, but for new fans this book can be a nice springboard into making your own creations.
Invasion of the clone brands
The Adult Swim channel on YouTube posted a hilarious stop-motion video depicting what would happen if clone brands invaded the Lego world with a plot inspired by World War Z.
Beyond the Brick’s extensive video coverage of Brickworld Chicago
Beyond the Brick has posted a 1.5 hour long video tour of Brickworld Chicago. It’s the closest thing there is to checking out the exhibits in person.
LEGO Ideas 21109 Exo Suit box art revealed [News]
Last Friday the video announcement for the Exo-suit was posted, and now you can see the photo of the box art for the set and a comparison shot with Peter Reid’s original model. The set retails for $34.99 and is available August 1st. There is a highly limited supply, which means LEGO will not make more once the initial production sells out.