Today, we’re republishing a feature on the creativity and illustrations of Felix Dyson. Revisiting this incredible work, we also want to share a link to their GoFundMe fundraiser as they fight some medical issues, if you are in a position to contribute. Article originally published March 23, 2021 Most digital LEGO builders strive to create realistic images of their models, working to produce renders indistinguishable from photographs taken of MOCs built from physical bricks. However, Felix Dyson (a.k.a. “3 !” on Flickr) continues to forge their own digital path. Join us as we learn how they leverage digital LEGO building tools to create the airships and other illustrations for their various webcomics. (How could we call ourselves Nerds without discussing comics!?) The VSS “Yet to Be Named” A Quick Introduction to Digital Building Digital building of LEGO models has become increasingly popular within the fan community in recent years, especially with digital...

Constructive criticism within the LEGO community can be hard to give and take, especially between two people of vastly different skill levels. I’d like to share some thoughts that I used recently when my soon-to-be TFOL and I collaborated on a project for a LUG display. He’s a decent builder for his age but has difficulties with the revision processes. I was not at all sure how it would go—we have similar personalities and interests, which can lead to a good time or a lot of head-butting. “Let’s Play a Game” Display, Featuring CLUE, Warhamer 40K, D&D, Chess, Settlers for catan, jenga, and Mobile Frame Zero. Thanks to Parker G and Chris H for the Mimic and Jenga respectively. Overall, things turned out very well, but unfortunately, I only have pictures of the finished product. My family enjoys playing board games, and I decided to do a board game-themed table at...

Best of BrickNerd — Article originally published January 5, 2023. Celebrating 90 years of play, LEGO brought back one of its most iconic sets much to the delight of LEGO Space fans everywhere—Galaxy Explorer 10497 (a quasi-UCS remake of the original 497 Galaxy Explorer from 1978). This was an amazing love note to both fans who grew up with the original set and all subsequent fans that have fallen in love with the Blue, Bley (Medium Stone Grey) and Trans-Yellow colour scheme that has become known as the so-called Neo-Classic Space (NCS) theme, best represented by superstar builders like Pete Reid:  Neo Classic Space LL 497 by Pete ReId During the anniversary, Castle fans were also appeased by probably one of the coolest sets of 2022 with a (big castle) which also (sorta) released with a fitting Gift With Purchase (GWP) hearkening back to the original Forestmen. Sure the Lion's Knight Castle was about...

The LEGO seasonal sets have become something of a regular tradition by now. Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, so what are we getting this year? In 2022 we had 40522 Valentine Lovebirds, with 40462 Valentine’s Brown Bear the year before. In 2024, LEGO are switching it up, and our love-themed offering is a Gift with Purchase in the form of 40679 Love Gift Box. It will be available with purchases totalling US $75 | CAN $TBD | UK £TBD, and consists of 158 pieces. It’s available for two weeks from February 1st, so if you need a gift for a LEGO-loving partner, you can get one in time for the 14th. But should you? Keep reading to find out! The LEGO Group provided The Brothers Brick with an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews. The box and...

LEGO builder Isaac Wilder is sort of a master at creating patinaed vehicles, but he didn’t perfect the technique instantly. He tells us that way back in August of 2020, he approached legendary builder Simon Liu about patina techniques and he gave him some sage advice. This turned into a small “patina collaboration” of sorts, and, speaking from experience, it’s kind of magical when that happens. Isaac is also an admirer of VW Life on YouTube so, over time, he kept up with his inspirations and practiced the patina look and now we have this. In a vehicle with this much character, it makes you think of the adventures it may have had. Perhaps it had a fresh, psychedelic paint job during the Summer of Love; maybe its occupants made tofu and granola in it for years at a time; or maybe it was involved in a medium-speed chase from the...