Category Archives: News

Stay current on the latest news and information about LEGO, from sales & deals to new set announcements. We also cover LEGO events and conventions all over the world.

TBB Weekly Brick Report: LEGO news roundup for December 28, 2019

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 last week of December 2019.

We review the LEGO Employee Exclusive set: The Christmas X-Wing. Keep reading our Brick Report to get all the details.

TBB NEWS AND FEATURES: This week we looked back at some of the best builds of the year, started packing our bags for BricksLA, and reviewed five new sets including: The LEGO Technic Top Gear Rally Car, LEGO Ninjago Avatar Arcade Pods and the LEGO Architecture Tokyo skyline.

Shortlist announced for Brothers Brick LEGO Creation of the Year 2019 – Check out the contenders for TBB’s LEGO Creation of the Year 2019!
LEGO Masters reality show announces teams, including some familiar faces – LEGO Masters has announced it’s cast of contestants for the upcoming brick building reality TV show.
Only 2 weeks to Bricks LA 2020, Southern California’s premier LEGO convention, Jan 11-12 – If you’re in southern California, be sure to check out Bricks LA to get your new year’s dose of amazing LEGO creations!
The story behind LEGO’s 1981 Classic Space Christmas card [Feature] – The LEGO Group creates a special Christmas card for its employees each year. Enjoy a blast from the past with the story behind their Classic Space-themed card of 1981!

TBB REVIEWS:

LEGO Ninjago Avatar Arcade Pods: 71714 Kai, 71715 Jay, and 71716 Lloyd [Review] – The 2020 Ninjago lineup is a cyberpunk aesthetic set in a digital world via a videogame.
Completing a lap around the test track in LEGO Technic 42109 App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car [Review] – We build and play with the latest LEGO Technic remote-controlled car, which is licensed by the BBC’s Top Gear. It leaves us with a lot of mixed emotions….
LEGO Architecture 21051 Tokyo skyline takes us to Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, Mt. Fuji, and more – A native Tokyoite takes a close look at the new LEGO Architecture 21051 Tokyo skyline set.
LEGO Star Wars 75273 Poe Dameron’s X-wing Fighter from The Rise of Skywalker [Review] – Poe Dameron goes through X-wings faster than Carrie goes through Manolo Blahniks. But how does his third X-wing (75273 Poe Dameron’s X-wing Fighter from The Rise of Skywalker) compare with previous versions?
Christmas X-Wing: the Lego 2019 employee exclusive set [Review] – This year’s LEGO exclusive employee holiday gift is a Christmas-themed X-Wing. Celebrate Life Day with an in-depth review of this festive set from a galaxy far, far away!

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:

Why Did Scientists Cool LEGOs to Nearly Absolute Zero?, Gizmodo – Scientists cooled LEGOs to nearly absolute zero—and hope to one day incorporate a LEGO-style material into a quantum computer.
How LEGO changed a blind superfan’s life: ‘I never thought it would happen’, Yahoo – Matthew Shifrin is a self-confessed LEGO addict. But the difference between Shifrin and other LEGO enthusiasts is that he’s blind.
Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley Shares What She’s Learned From The Trilogy While Building Lego, Elle – Daisy Ridley discusses the recent Star Wars Trilogy while building a Speeder Chaser.

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.

LEGO Ninjago Avatar Arcade Pods: 71714 Kai, 71715 Jay, and 71716 Lloyd [Review]

Each year LEGO’s homebrewed Ninjago theme finds a new setting for its cast of pseudo-ninja heroes, ranging from sky pirates to medieval fantasy. The theme has always reveled in a no-holds-barred approach to mixing and matching ancient bladed weapons, advanced technology, and outrageous antagonists. The 2020 lineup’s twist is a cyberpunk aesthetic set in a digital world via a videogame. All of the Ninjago heroes find themselves dueling in the cyber realms via their avatars, bringing a Ready Player One-like plotline to LEGO’s most successful in-house theme. Today we’re looking at a trio of small sets that serve as the entry points to theme both for the consumers and the characters in the world. These arcade cabinet boxes are the transformation portals wherein Kai, Jay, and Lloyd are transformed into their digital avatars. 71714 Kai Avatar – Arcade Pod (US $9.99 | CAN $13.99 | UK £8.99), 71715 Jay Avatar – Arcade Pod (US $9.99 | CAN $13.99 | UK £8.99), and 71716 Lloyd Avatar – Arcade Pod (US $9.99 | CAN $13.99 | UK £8.99) will be available starting January 1. They contain about 50 pieces each.

Click to read the full review

Only 2 weeks to Bricks LA 2020, Southern California’s premier LEGO convention, Jan 11-12 [News]

Bricks LA is Southern California’s premier LEGO convention, open to the public January 11-12. Builders from around the country will gather at the Pasadena Convention Center to showcase more than 13,000 square feet of amazing creations to eager LEGO fans of all ages. Vendors will be selling vintage LEGO sets, LEGO-themed jewelry, custom gifts, and more. Tickets are only $5, with kids under 5 free, and are available online.

Bricks LA also offers a special experience for adult LEGO fans, beginning January 10. Participants will enjoy LEGO-related games, panels, prizes, and more, as well as be able to display their custom creations for the public. For more information, click here.

The Brothers Brick is proud to be a sponsor of Bricks LA.

Completing a lap around the test track in LEGO Technic 42109 App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car [Review]

Some say that LEGO is only meant for kids and season 3 of Top Gear was the best one. All we know is LEGO and the BBC are bringing a very special LEGO Technic set, 42109 App-Controlled Top Gear Rally Car, and it is powered by a couple of new Powered Up motors. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, the car can be controlled via an app installed on a smartphone or a tablet. Despite the smart elements under the bonnet, the model consists of just 463 pieces, which makes it one of the smallest LEGO remote-controlled cars ever released. The set comes with a price tag of US $129.99 | CAN $179.99 | UK £124.99 and is already available in stores.

Click here to continue reading…

Christmas X-Wing: the Lego 2019 employee exclusive set [Review]

Each Christmas, the LEGO Group gives their employees a special gift in the form of an exclusive holiday-themed LEGO set. These sets often celebrate the company’s milestones, such as the home of LEGO’s founder with Ole Kirk’s House in 2012 and the 50th anniversary of LEGO trains with 50 Years on Track in 2016. This year, LEGO delivered a special present from a galaxy far, far away with set 4002019 Christmas X-Wing, designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the LEGO Star Wars license. Set 4002019 consists of 1,038 pieces and has been distributed to LEGO’s employees worldwide. Since this was given as a free gift, there isn’t any official retail pricing – Based on recent eBay completed listings, you can currently expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 USD. While not available in stores, you can purchase it via other avenues like eBay.

Read on for our in-depth review of this festive LEGO Star Wars set.

Shortlist announced for Brothers Brick LEGO Creation of the Year 2019 [News]

For nearly fifteen years The Brothers Brick has been highlighting the best LEGO creations, and 2019 has seen builders across the world put together some incredible models. To celebrate a year of great building, The Brothers Brick team has looked back over everything we’ve featured, and pulled together a selection of the finest LEGO creations of 2019.

Take a look at the fantastic models we’ve shortlisted, and stay tuned for the announcement of our LEGO Creation of the Year 2019 on New Year’s Eve!

Be sure to check out the LEGO Creation of the Year 2018, LEGO Creation of the Year 2017 and LEGO Creation of the Year 2016 to see what honourable company this year’s nominations are keeping.

Click to see all of 2019’s nominees

LEGO Architecture 21051 Tokyo skyline takes us to Tokyo Tower, Shibuya, Mt. Fuji, and more [Review]

It’s not often that a LEGO set transports me back home. But regular readers of The Brothers Brick know that I was born in Tokyo and lived in Japan until I was a teenager, so I was incredibly excited when LEGO announced 21050 Tokyo. I’ve enjoyed each of the previous LEGO Architecture skyline sets I’ve built, but how does this one stack up for someone who calls Tokyo their hometown?

Tokyo was revealed as part of the LEGO Architecture skyline series for 2020, alongside 21052 Dubai. Tokyo is built from 547 pieces and will retail for $59.99 USD | $79.99 CAD | £59.99 GBP. Both sets will be available starting January 1st.

Read our hands-on review of LEGO Architecture 21051 Tokyo skyline

LEGO Star Wars 75273 Poe Dameron’s X-wing Fighter from The Rise of Skywalker [Review]

Poe Dameron seems to go through X-wing starfighters more quickly than Carrie Bradshaw goes through Manolo Blahniks. His latest is a cute little number (75273) in orange and white with azure accents, which you can pick up for yourself for a mere $89.99 USD | $119.99 CAD | £89.99 GBP. Poe Dameron’s X-wing Fighter includes 761 pieces with three minifigs (plus Artoo) and will be available January 1st, 2020.

We’ll do our best to avoid any major SPOILERS, and we ask our commenters to do the same for another week or two, until more people reading this will have had the opportunity to see Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.

Notes on terminology: For simplicity throughout this article, we’ll often reference the Resistance X-wing’s model number and compare and contrast it with the original X-wing from the Classic Trilogy. The model number for the original X-wings flown by the Rebel Alliance was T-65. The updated New Republic / Resistance X-wing’s model number is T-70. Similarly, the wings that give the X-wing its name are technically called S-foils (as in “Lock S-foils in attack position!”). To avoid repetition, we’ll occasionally call them wings.

Read our full review of LEGO Star Wars 75273 Poe Dameron’s X-wing Fighter from The Rise of Skywalker

LEGO Masters reality show announces teams, including some familiar faces [News]

LEGO Masters has announced it’s cast of contestants for the upcoming brick building reality TV show. Many of the cast have had creations featured on The Brothers Brick previously, and we are excited to see what everyone else creates on the show. LEGO Masters premieres on Wednesday, February 5th in North America on FOX.

We are especially excited to announce that one of our own contributors Flynn DeMarco and his husband have been cast on the show. Many people may recognize his Treasure of Snake Queen diorama. We are excited to hear about some behind-the-scenes details from him once the show airs. Tyler Clites is also regularly featured on The Brothers Brick for his outstanding models.

Click to see all the LEGO Masters contestants and their bios

TBB Weekly Brick Report: LEGO news roundup for December 20, 2019 [News]

TBB NEWS & REVIEWS:

LEGO Collectible Minifigures 71026 DC Super Heroes: Getting back to the comics – We brought you an in-depth review of the latest batch of collectible Minifigs from the DC comic universe.
Fill it up at the LEGO 60257 Filling Station – We brought you a review of a new gas station with 2 vehicles and 4 minifigs.
LEGO City 60255 Stunt Team – This stunt team set features two off-roading vehicles
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31104 Burger Monster Truck – We reviewed one monster food truck, bringing the joys of fast-food on any terrain.
LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31105 Toy Shop Town House – The latest 3-in-1 creator set features a toy store with a retro rocket ride.

MORE TBB NEWS

Brick Fanatics Magazine to conclude – Brick Fanatics Magazine, the print magazine dedicated to building your world of LEGO, will cease publication.
Why the Lego Foundation is investing in learning through play – The Lego Foundation announced a $100 million investment into play-based learning initiatives for children impacted by crises.
Lego kids magazine branded sexist for saying girls would ‘stick out’ among scientists – Lego has apologized after a magazine produced by the brand was called sexist because of a comic strip where a character says ‘a group of girls among researchers will stick out like sore thumbs’.
They’re ready to show off their LEGO skills! – Meet the LEGO Masters contestants in the series premiere February 5.
Universal in Talks With Lego Group to Develop New Films Based on Toys – Universal Pictures is in talks with the Lego Group to develop new feature film properties based on the popular block toys, numerous sources close to the pending deal told Variety.
Flickr owner SmugMug says it needs more money to ‘keep the Flickr dream alive’ – CEO Don MacAskill is asking fans of the product to subscribe to Flickr Pro
Lego Builder’s Journey now available exclusively on Apple Arcade – Apple Arcade has a new brick-based puzzle adventure that’s all about quiet, thoughtful play.
Thor’s Hammer vs. Giant LEGO Block – Ever wonder what would happen if you dropped Thor’s hammer, Mjölnir on a giant block of LEGO? Wonder no more.

LEGO City 60252 Construction Bulldozer [Review]

The LEGO City is expanding in 2020, and we’re happy to show you a preview of one of the new sets! Today we’ll be looking at 60252 Construction Bulldozer. Designed for younger builders, this 126 piece set features two minifigures, a bulldozer, wrecking ball, and an assortment of construction-zone extras. Set 60252 will be available beginning December 26th in the UK and January 1st in North America, and it will retail for $19.99 USD | $24.99 CAD | £17.99 UK.

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LEGO City 60255 Stunt Team [Review]

LEGO is ringing in 2020 with a bunch of new City sets, and The Brothers Brick is here with a sneak peek! Today we’re looking at one of the smallest, 60255 Stunt Team, which contains 62 pieces and spans two minifigures, two vehicles, and a stunt ramp. This set will be available December 26th in the UK and January 1st, 2020 in North America. ($9.99 USD | $13.99 CAD | £8.99 UK)

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