In this ongoing “Before and After” series, we explore how custom-made creations sometimes anticipate official elements eventually released by LEGO. For this special summer edition, we’re diving deep (literally) into underwater creatures and swimming back up to land for a few surprises on the surface. Let’s take a closer look at these nautical elements and their official LEGO counterparts. Dangerous Anglerfish The depths of the ocean hold great potential for some amazing underwater adventures, especially in LEGO form. The sea bed is full of colorful coral, lurking monsters, and if you get too deep, one very hungry anglerfish. This monster is a crazy mix of glued and sculpted paper, with LED lights on the inside. I sculpted the anglerfish specially for dark and mysterious scenes where the small source of light from the fish’s body is a key element of storytelling. The fish becomes the main part of the environment. It’s...

LEGO phenom Zane Houston has been on something of a Pokemon kick of late. First Pikachu, then Haunter both left big impressions on us (although we’ve seen some equally good smaller ‘mons, too). But after two Pokemon from the first generation of games, Zane has brought a touch of Gen-2 epicness to the majestic Gyarados. It’s in these games that we first encounter shiny Pokemon, with a red Gyarados popping up at the Lake of Rage. Zane has captured the moment in all its studly goodness; we make a lot of builds that hide their studs, but I like how all these statues are really embracing their studs! The framing here is superb. The shot from below, combined with the brick-built splashes of water, really make you feel the ferocity of this powerful water Pokemon! Make sure you check out Zane’s photostream to see some fascinating insights into the build process,...

At first glance, I didn’t realize this was a LEGO build, primarily due to the wonderful scaling. But I was also caught off guard by Tim Inman’s choice of model. I have seen low-rider trucks, and I have seen campers. But I have never seen a low-rider camper. While the exterior design, from running lights to the paint scheme, is great, don’t skip out on a peak at the interior. The engine and cab fit the time period perfectly…space to jump around in both! Even though it is made from LEGO bricks, I can feel the cushy nature of those seats. Food and sleep…so long as we pack a lawn chair, I don’t need anything else. The post The low-rider you live in appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Nathan Schroeder

Today we’re joined by fan designer Jürgen Wittner, whose incredible Star Wars vehicles, built at 1:16 scale, are masterworks of LEGO engineering. We talk about his latest project, the Fall of Hoth, creative collaboration, and the process for designing and sharing these premium builds. TBB: Hi, Jürgen. It’s been some time since the Brothers Brick checked in with you, but you’ve been quite busy. Maybe we can start by talking a bit about your latest build, the Fall of Hoth. I saw the illustration by Laurie Greasley and the 3D model by Jeff Lu. What inspired you to continue adapting this image into LEGO? Did you coordinate with either of the other artists? JW: I stumbled across Jeff Lu’s 3D model in a Lego Star Wars group and immediately loved it. Then I researched more images of the model and discovered that this 3D model was based on artwork by Laurie Greasley,...

LEGO’s BrickHeadz line has proved to be one of the most enduring ways of collecting brick-built characters from your favourite IPs, with literally hundreds having been given the treatment over the years. With the fifth and final season of smash hit Stranger Things coming to Netflix this November, it’s perhaps little surprise to see LEGO return to the theme to celebrate the occasion. A four-pack of characters from the show’s first season, 40801 Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Will Figures, will hit shelves later this year. 542 pieces make up, as the name suggests, Mike Wheeler, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair and Will Byer. Although we don’t yet have a confirmed release date, we do know that it will retail for US $39.99 | CAN $54.99 | UK £34.99. LEGO Stranger Things 40801 Mike, Dustin, Lucas and Will Figures | 542 Pieces | Availability TBC | US $39.99 | CAN $54.99 | UK...