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.

New LEGO Exclusive – Monster Fighters 10228 Haunted House

This new addition to the Monster Fighters theme is due out from LEGO Shop at Home in September, and, frankly, I can’t wait. This model looks great! I bet you could plop it down next to the Cafe Corner series of buildings, and it’d fit in perfectly (though it might bring neighboring property values down). Not only is it a cool design, but it looks chock full of great parts, including zombie heads on the columns!

Without further ado, here’s the text from LEGO:

10228 Haunted House
Ages 14+. 2,064 pieces.
US $179.99 CA $199.99 DE 149.99 € UK 119.99 £ DK 1499 DKK
Enter the Haunted House at your peril!
The crooked Haunted House is home to the scariest ghosts and monsters. Tremble in fear as you open the gate, go weak at the knees as you step onto the porch and gasp in horror at the fireplace, kitchen, office, folding staircase, bedroom, potion room, music room and collection of other creepy objects. Dare you enter the Haunted House?!
• Add to your LEGO® Monster Fights Collection with the first officlal LEGO® Haunted House!
• Includes 6 minifigures: 2 glow-in-the-dark ghosts, Vampyre, Vampyre’s Bride, Zombie chef and butler
• Features unique ‘crooked’ design featuring boarded up windows and working front gate.
• Haunted House opens to reveal detailed interior with 3 floors.
• First floor features fireplace that swings open and displays a ship in a bottle on the mantle.
• Cook up a ghoulish meal with the Zombie chef in the kitchen complete with old-style stove, jars and table.
• Write letters from the Vampyre’s haunted office.
• Pull the lever hidden in the chimney to release the drop down staircase and access the top floor.
• Top floor features gramophone, records and newspaper LEGO® elements.
• Customize the Haunted House with new stickers for wall hangings, spider webs and curtains.
• Measures 15.4” (39cm) high, 9.4” (24cm) wide and 7.5” (19cm) deep

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Real World Fighter Contest

TR Brownridge (.Tromas) is hosting a contest over at the Starfighters flickr group. Entries close August First. Check it out.

Bricks & Heroes at Memphis, Nov 9 -11

This fall, the 2012 Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention will be featuring a section dedicated to Lego where you can see and and display creations. In addition there will be Lego vendors, brickfilm showings, and discussion panels. Click on the poster below for more info.

Seoul’s Sungnyemun gets the LEGO Architecture treatment [News]

I had the privilege of visiting Korea three times while growing up in Japan, but unfortunately I was too young to remember much. Which is a shame, because I would love to have seen the Sungnyemun, or “Gate of Exalted Ceremonies,” in Seoul. LEGO recently announced that this gorgeous structure — sadly destroyed by fire in 2008 — will be released on June 1st as part of the LEGO Architecture series.

LEGO Architecture Sungnyemun

Here’s the full press release:

Sungnyemun has stood in the heart of South Korean capital since 1398 as one of the most complete examples of Joseon Dynasty architecture. It is listed as the country’s foremost National Treasure.

“Sungnyemun survives as a symbolic marker of a lost place in time,” says the architect and designer of many of the LEGO models Adam Reed Tucker. In capturing the essence of Sungnyemun in LEGO bricks Adam looked at the aesthetics rather than engineering, especially the use of colours, patterns and materials that define the ‘spiritual DNA’ of a culture.

Construction of Sungnyemun started in 1396 and was completed two years later. Further alterations and renovations continued over the next 600 years. In 2008 the wooden structure was completely destroyed by fire and it is expected that the restoration – using traditional hand tools – will be complete at the end of 2012.

LEGO Architecture products feature well-known buildings, and the work of important architects. Aimed at inspiring future architects, engineers , designers and architecture fans around the world, the range contains a booklet featuring step-by-step building instructions prefaced by history, information and photographs of each iconic building, its design origin, its architect and its architectural features.

The LEGO 21016 Sungnyemun will be launched officially at the Danish Pavilion during the EXPO 2012 exhibition held in Yeosu, South Korea. It will be available for purchase from June 1 in LEGO brand retail stores, LEGOLAND Stores and online at http://shop.lego.com/. The product is designed for ages 12+ and includes a booklet with facts and history about Sungnyemun. Recommended retail price is $34.99 in the US and €34.99 in most European countries.

LEGO Lord of the Rings out + free Hulk minifig & new Kingdoms chess set [News]

The third-quarter LEGO sets are now officially out, led by both the new LEGO Lord of the Rings and Marvel Super Heroes sets. If you buy $50 from the LEGO Shop between now and the end of the month, you’ll get an exclusive Hulk minifig that’s not available in any set, for free. And you’ll get the original Frodo minifig movie poster with any LEGO LOTR order.

Having *ahem* cheated and picked up some of these sets at a local brick-and-mortar store on Sunday, I can attest to the awesomeness of a tiny Gandalf and even tinier Frodo — with suspenders! — in 9469 Gandalf Arrives.

Here’s the list of all LEGO LOTR sets that are out now:

9469 Gandalf Arrives: Comes with Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, and one of the new horses Chris covered in his review of 9471 Uruk-hai Army.
9470 Shelob Attacks: Includes Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, the One Ring, and Gollum.
9471 Uruk-hai Army: With Eomer, Rohirrim archer, four Uruk-hai, and a new horse.
9472 Attack on Weathertop: Has Aragorn, Frodo, Meriadoc Brandybuck, two Ringwraiths, and two of the new horses in black.
9473 The Mines of Moria: I picked this one up locally too, and it’s a pretty fun build that has lots of play features and cool minifigs — Legolas (resulting in the inevitable puns while I built the set, followed by swooning from my wife), Gimli, Boromir, Peregrin Took, two orcs/goblins, and a very large cave troll.
9474 The Battle of Helm’s Deep: The largest set in the theme at $130 and over 1,300 parts, this set comes with Aragorn, Gimli, Haldir, King Théoden, and four Uruk-hai (including the torch-wielding berserker).
9476 The Orc Forge: This set is exclusive to one of the big-box retailers if you don’t get it directly from LEGO, and has Lurtz, two orcs/goblins, and another Uruk-hai.

Here’s a closer look at Helm’s Deep:

Finally, just when you thought the current LEGO Castle theme was (mostly) dead, LEGO has just released a new 853373 LEGO Kingdoms Chess Set.

Main Hulk minifig offer link for US readers:

For our Canadian readers:

And for our UK readers:

Disclaimer: We do this to pay the bills, which are very real thanks to several hundred thousand wonderful readers like you out there who loyally visit Brothers-Brick.com every week. :-) Similar deals may or may not be available in other countries.

Check out these Studs!

Brandon Griffith, who you may remember from his role in the awesome Tower of Orthanc diorama, has a cool new project up on Kickstarter. It’s a set of trading cards, but the subjects aren’t athletes, they’re LEGO builders and their creations. The mock-up photos look pretty awesome to me, and I’m also honored to say that I’ve been asked to be an artist in the series.

10226 Sopwith Camel biplane announced, plus 65-piece mini version [News]

This past weekend, LEGO announced the new 10226 Sopwith Camel set at AFOLcon in Manchester, UK.

Lots more photos in the photoset on Flickr.

In addition to the large-scale version, LEGO will also be releasing a mini version:

Here’s the full press release:

10226 Sopwith Camel

Ages 14+. 883 pieces.
US $99.99 CA $129.99 DE 89.99 € UK 79.99 £ DK 799DKK

Relive a classic era of aviation history with the Sopwith Camel biplane!

Recreate your very own piece of aviation history with the historic Sopwith Camel. This detailed replica of one of the most recognizable British single-seat biplanes ever to have graced the skies. Features include a realistic rotating propeller and engine cylinders, hinged tail rudder, realistic tension wires, functioning wing ailerons and tail flaps that can be controlled from the cockpit – just like the real plane! The detail doesn’t stop there; this authentic model has over 880 bricks, including dark green, dark tan and metallic silver elements.

Features include a rotating propeller and engine cylinders, hinged tail rudder, functioning wing ailerons and tail flaps that can be controlled from the cockpit

Includes dark green, dark tan and metallic silver elements

Recreate a piece of aviation history

Turn the propellers and see the cylinders rotate
Model measures over 15” (40cm) long and has a wingspan of over 19” (50 cm)

Available for sale directly through LEGO® beginning June 2012 via shop.LEGO.com, LEGO® Stores or via phone.

LEGO adds:

In addition the Sopwith Camel has many sought-after parts including some metallic parts on the cowling and new 1×1 round tiles. “We’re also introducing the 1×1 brick in dark tan, which was on our top ten list of elements that our fans want and we give you quite a few of them,” adds Jamie

“We have tried to avoid stickers wherever possible and have a brick-built rudder in the characteristic red, white and blue of the original. Also included are dark green 8×16 plates and 1×3 tiles in the same colour.”

Finally, here’s the designer video:

Brick Fiesta registration reminder

If you’re considering attending Brick Fiesta from July 4-8 in Houston, you have until the end of this month to guarantee registration with an engraved brick badge. For more info on the convention, check out their website.

LEGO Star Wars on sale + free shipping & exclusive TC-14 minifig [News]

The annual LEGO Star Wars sale on May 4th (“May the Force…” — you get the idea) is upon is. The pickings are a bit slim this year, but you get free shipping on all orders over $75 and various gifts with purchase — R2-D2 poster, TC-14 minifigure, etc.

The only two bigger sets on sale are Imperial Shuttle” and Super Star Destroyer — both at 20% off.

Link for our Canadian readers:

Link for our UK readers:

Brickfete, Toronto, Jul 12-15, 2012

For all the LEGO fans in and around Toronto (or Canada and North Eastern USA in general), the dates for Brickfête have been announced. It will be held July 12-15 this year at the Hilton Hotel in Toronto. Press release below.

This is a call out to all AFOL, LEGO collectors, builders, hobbyists, enthusiasts and vendors within walking, driving or flying distance of Toronto, Canada. The Brickfête Team would love to see you this summer for our annual LEGO Fan Convention. Join us for some good times completely focused on our beloved obsession with the brick.

This July 12, 13, 14 & 15, 2012
Hilton Hotel in Toronto, Canada

To register for the four days visit our AFOL portion of our site… www.brickfete.com/AFOL/event

Our new hotel venue is awesome! Incredible hotel rates have been secured and there is free parking for all Brickfete guests. If you are from out of town (or country) we are located right across from the Toronto Airport, which means you can just fly here, board the shuttle to the hotel and not worry about renting cars, maps or public transit.

Join our website’s free forum if you have any questions or want to discuss things such as sharing a room, collaborative builds, or just a chance to connect with others before the event.

Our list of events are being posted and there is something for everyone to get involved with.

Build Challenges
Live Auction
Prize Raffles
Games
Contests and Activities
And more to come…

Display with us and enjoy the company of other AFOLS. We can’t wait to see you on the attendees list and to see what you have built.

If you are new to conventions and are hesitating… check this forum post out and feel free to ask questions www.brickfete.com/AFOL/thread/120

All the rest of the details and more can be read on www.brickfete.com

Does your child love LEGO?

Check out Brickfête’s Public Expo Days
The general public is invited to view the awesome LEGO Creations on display
July 14th and 15th, 2012 – 10am until 3pm
Tickets sold at the door and online

We cant wait to see you there,
The Brickfête Team
“A festival run by fans, made by the fans, for the fans.”

LEGO Cuusoo goes Back to the Future with Masashi Togami’s DeLorean [News]

LEGO Cuusoo is really picking up speed lately, breaking 88 miles per hour moments ago! Masashi Togami’s DeLorean project on Cuusoo achieved the 10,000 vote threshold tonight, meriting it an official review by the LEGO Company, and if all goes well, development into an official LEGO set.

Survey Time!

The good people at LEGO have asked us to spread the word about a customer survey they’re running. It’s targeted towards the adult and teen fan communities, and you have to be at least 13 years old to respond. As a fan, I’m happy to have my voice heard by folks inside the LEGO company, responding to the survey seems worth the time. Here’s the word from LEGO, followed by links to the survey in various languages.

Dear LEGO fan,

The LEGO fan community is important to us. To improve and support the LEGO fan community we have partnered with Aarhus University, Denmark, and DePaul University, Chicago, to carry out this survey. The survey is part of a large ongoing research project aimed at better understanding user activities and interactions in communities.

We would greatly appreciate if you would complete the questionnaire (see link below). It will take you approx. 20-30 minutes. Please note that you must be at least 13 years old to take this survey.

The survey ends by May, 17, 2012 (midnight GMT). All responses are strictly confidential. We will share the top line findings (in English) with you once we have analyzed the data (approximately end of June 2012) through the LEGO Ambassadors.

Thank you very much for your help!

Kind regards,
Jan Beyer, Community Operations Manager EU/Asia
James Foulds, Community Operations Senior Manager, Americas/Australia
Tormod Askildsen, Head of the LEGO Community Events & Engagement team

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEGO_Fan_Survey_German
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEGO_Fan_Survey_English
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEGO_Fan_Survey_Spanish
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEGO_Fan_Survey_Korean