Category Archives: LEGO

You’d probably expect a lot of the posts on a LEGO website like The Brothers Brick to be about LEGO, and you’d be right. If you’re browsing this page, you might want to consider narrowing what you’re looking for by checking out categories like “Space” and “Castle.” We’re sure there’s something here that’ll fascinate and amaze you.

Storage just overflowing with bricks

Recently LEGO announced a collaboration with IKEA to produce some new storage solutions. They won’t be available to the masses until October 1st, but Brothers Brick contributor and LEGO Masters US competitor Flynn DeMarco and his partner Richard Board, collectively known as TrickyBricks, had a chance to try them out early. Using the largest box as a base, they’ve built a breathtaking palace of white and transparent light blues. I’m particularly fond of the crests formed from Legends of Chima Wings and Nexo Knight shields, and the repeated use of trophy statues help create a sense of vast scale. Also, check out that “studs to the side” inlaid mosaic in the central archway. The varied shades of blue and clear plate really unify the color choices of the whole creation.

But what really caught my eye was the way they didn’t just use the box lid as a base. By adding waterfalls of blue brick to the lower section, they created a great visual pun of “overflowing LEGO storage bins” – a common lament in my household. I’m not sure things are actually useful as a storage solution at this point…but I don’t think anyone will be complaining about that.

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The other famous blonde elf with a bow.

I can almost hear the collective eye-roll of Nintendo fans everywhere when they read this title. While there can be no argument about who came first, Legolas is not the only blonde elf archer with a big fan base. This model by Brixter Productions shows Link, the daring hero of The Legend of Zelda video game franchise first released in 1986, stands ready to defend the Princess Zelda.

This version of Link is from 2017 The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and he’s fully armed and ready for anything. The tunic is very well-crafted with a minimum of parts, and his wind-blown hair is a nice touch.

Jumping for joy on the moon

For some, the month of April in the year 1972 may not be memorable but for astronaut John W. Young this date marks the journey of a lifetime – he became the ninth person to walk on the moon. Young’s iconic jumping salute which has been captured both in photography and video is recreated in LEGO bricks by spacemanship123.

This brick-built astronaut seems to make use of a lot of tile type pieces as well as some slopes and a few LEGO Technic elements. A spacesuit does seem like it would be a tough model to design because of its bulky nature and also its requirement for articulation seeing as it is a figural build striking a pose. Designer spacemanship123 was able to make it happen by using various clip pieces in addition to some ball and joint elements. Overall I would say the idea behind this build is unique, perhaps even out of this world! It’s not an everyday occasion that a human lands on the moon, or that an astronaut is built out of bricks.

Snatcher, no snatching!

I’m a big fan of people using LEGO elements in unusual ways, and builder Djokson hits the sweet spot with Slizzk the Snatcher. Although described as “a pathetic little creature cursed with an insatiable desire to collect all things sparkly and shiny,” I don’t find Slizzk lacking at all. Two LEGO DOTs bracelets create a great color contrast with yellow Hero Factory armor. The black limbs show great articulation, and the end result is just charming as all get out. Sure, I’d probably be annoyed if they stole any of my stuff. But that’s not currently my problem.

This isn’t the first adorable creature of Djokson’s we’ve featured. Hopefully it won’t be the last, either.

A Swedish take on Blacktron

Some say that IKEA is for grownups what LEGO is for kids. I say, why not have both? Builder Kalais seems to think so too.

In probably the first example I’ve ever seen, Kalais used the new IKEA BYGGLEK storage boxes for a very modern-style Blacktron base. As far as getting the Blacktron look, this creation succeeds. From the laser-lime windows to the black and white accent bricks, you know this base belongs to the infamous space-faring evildoers the second you look at it. I especially like the power generator made from large wheels. Very clever!

The one downside about the BYGGLEK storage bins is that they don’t connect as regular LEGO bricks do. If you stare hard enough at the space base, you can see that the boxes are sitting on top of each other instead of locking in like normal bricks. Kalais has made up for that by using black bricks in places to give the illusion of the base being one solid tower.

This is a fantastic example of what you can do with non-traditional pieces like the BYGGLEK storage boxes. I hope to see more people become inspired by Kalais’ creation!

Bow before the mighty Lich King

Sometimes I look at something and think “Wow, that’s a really cool sculpture!” only to realize it’s actually made of LEGO. That was exactly my thought process when I saw Marcin Otreba’s Lich King Arthas from World of Warcraft. What I was first drawn to, oddly, was the base, and no way did I realize it was built out of my favourite plastic bricks.

The way the wedge plates are stacked and the cascading effect of the trans medium blue textured wedges make it hard to believe that’s not actually carved out of ice and snow. Then you zoom and realize this thing is an absolute tutorial on parts usage. So many amazing combinations of sword or blade elements really displaying how even specialized LEGO pieces can be combined in unique and spectacular ways. There so many different textures too, my favourite being the claw pieces simulate the white fur on the boots, and the chains creating the mail on his abdomen. The skull on his shoulder ain’t too shabby either. Be sure to zoom in to notice all fantastic parts usages.

TBB Weekly Brick Report: LEGO news roundup for September 19, 2020

In addition to the amazing LEGO models created by builders all over the world, The Brothers Brick brings you the best of LEGO news and reviews. This is our weekly Brick Report for the third week of September 2020.

The massive Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina set has arrived. Will it scratch your Star Wars nostalgia itch? Keep reading our Brick Report to get all the details.

TBB NEWS & REVIEWS: This week we reviewed three new sets including Mos Eisley Cantina, Diagon Alley and the Brickheadz Nutcracker. Plus, we get news about LEGO’s efforts towards sustainability and more!

- LEGO Star Wars 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina – largest Master Builder Series set ever at 3,000 pieces & 20 minifigs [Review] – The second and so-far largest LEGO Star Wars Master Builder Series set arrives in the form of 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina.
- LEGO 75978 Harry Potter Diagon Alley [Review] – Whether you are about to start a new year at Hogwarts, or you are looking for funny jokes for your wizard party, the Diagon Alley is your ultimate shopping venue.
- LEGO Holiday BrickHeadz 40425 Nutcracker [Review] – Check out our review of the latest BrickHeadz addition to the family, Nutcracker!
- LEGO to invest $400 million in sustainability, begin phasing out plastic packaging next year – The LEGO Group has announced that next year it will begin testing paper bags in packaging as the next step in its roadmap to producing only sustainably sourced products by 2030

LEGO Adidas ZX 8000 sneakers will retail for US $130 – Check out the full product gallery of the new LEGO Adidas ZX 8000 sneakers which will be available starting next Friday.
LEGO BrickHeadz Frankenstein and Star Wars Obi Wan minifigure now available for sale – LEGO BrickHeadz Frankenstein and Star Wars Obi Wan minifigure can go home with you now!

OTHER NEWS: There were quite a few other interesting LEGO news articles from around the web this week. Here are the best of the rest:

Someone Turned Lego’s Super Mario Into a Controller for the Super Mario Bros. Video Game, Gizmodo – A clever hacker has taken things full circle and come up with a way to use the Lego Mario figure to play the original Super Mario Bros. video game.
Lego Extends Facebook Ad Ban While Spending Resumes With Rivals, Forbes – Facebook Inc. will remain blacklisted by Lego A/S, after the maker of the world’s best-known toy blocks conducted a review of social media platforms to determine where to send its advertising dollars.
Lego, Warner Brothers Survive Bid to Undo Toy Patent Decisions, Bloomberg Law – Victories by Lego Group’s U.S. unit and Warner Brothers Home Entertainment Inc. over a rival’s toy patents will stand despite efforts to undo them.

LEGO returns to Burton’s Batman with the 1989 Batwing (76161), a 2,300-piece collector set [News]

Just last year, LEGO brought fans one of the most iconic iterations of the Batmobile, the swooping, elegant design from Tim Burton’s 1989 Batman starring Michael Keaton in the titular role. The 1989 Batmobile (76139) was a big success and received rave reviews, including our own. Now LEGO is hoping to strike twice by returning to the same source material for another of Batman’s crazy rides. Revealed today, the new 1989 Batwing (76161) has 2,363 pieces and will retail for US $199.99 | UK £179.99 | EU €199.99 when it’s available for LEGO VIP members October 21. It will be available for everyone starting November 1, and will include three minifigures of Batman, The Joker, and the Boombox Goon.

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LEGO Holiday set 40426 Seasonal Wreath [Review]

Have you heard? Winter is coming. That means it’s time to start thinking about festive decorations built out of LEGO! Let’s take a look at LEGO 40426 – a mysterious 510 piece set that will be released on October 1st. LEGO sent us a review copy, but didn’t provide any additional details, so we don’t yet know prices, or where exactly it’ll be available, or even the official set name. In the meantime, though, we can explore the parts, packaging, and multiple building options that this set has to offer. It sure looks like a wreath, but maybe it’s a Yuletide Frisbee or something.

Click to read the full hands-on review

The quintessential pit stop on the old town road

There’s a new build in town and it’s got it all! This LEGO saloon and hotel by Thomas Gion features plenty of interior details, cool techniques, and some sweet brick-built signage. We have “SALOON” in the classic Modular theme font and “HOTEL” in a distinctively Western-style serif font, complete with embellishing and everything. On the facade, the sideways log brick technique works wonders as wood-paneled walls. Thomas also has a water trough made of a translucent blue glass window. There’s also a water pump made of a crowbar and bar holder connection on top of a Technic connector spout. In addition to the neat details at the front of this build, it is fully furnished on the inside.

The floors and walls are detachable for maximum playability. The angled saloon doors look perfectly integrated into the build even with the upper floor removed, with the help of some wedge plates and triangular tiles. A SNOT tile technique is used for the wall frames, creating a very clean-cut appearance. I’m also impressed by the level of detail crammed into the hotel rooms, including ceiling to floor curtains and a mounted deer head.

Here is an up-close look of the saloon furnishing, though it’s not quite the same without the hustle and bustle of its daily customers.

Feeling the itch to go on a road trip? Take a ride through our archives for some more Western-inspired builds!

A little death (star)

Sure you can plunk down the monetary equivalent of a used Toyota and buy yourself the now-defunct LEGO 10143 Death Star II set. But who would you impress, really? Here at The Brothers Brick, you get more kudos and respect if you take matters into your own hands like Rui Miguel Anacleto did here. Even though it’s a wee little Death Star it is expertly constructed and well detailed. And it’s the perfect size and shape to turn it into an ornament for your Christmas tree. Now you have art and practicality all rolled into one. I’d like to see you try that with your 10143 LEGO set. If you do, let me know how that goes.

First contact

Bart de Dobbelaer never ceases to amaze me with his LEGO creations. Ever since his ‘The Life Aquatic With Clumsy Pete’ series, he has been making one astounding creation after another. First Contact is no exception to this. It features an out of this world landscape with a spaceship in a colour scheme that will send you on a trip down memory lane. The space crew is carefully conducting their work without noticing that their presence hasn’t gone unnoticed. Bart is a master at building alien creatures from obscure LEGO parts. He always manages to use the parts that I am never able to think of a good use for.