Few LEGO builders can deliver a sci-fi scene as well as the infamous Tim Goddard. And he delivers yet again in this beautiful scene set in the Star Wars universe. On a landing platform set out on the water, we spy a Shipwright-in-training testing out their new engine designed for propulsion in the air or water. With the crew observing an Emberfeather Crane, a sign of good luck on this final test flight. With so much detail in the scene, I think my favorite inclusion is the return of one of Tim’s builds from last year, standing tall in the background. The post One last engine test at the Shipwright Academy appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Kyle Keller (TBB Managing Editor)

On January 28th, toymaker Mattel announced a new brand for building kits called  Mattel Brick Shop with the first wave of sets appearing in May of this year. While details are light at this time, the newly launched website features graphics very similar to packaging on LEGO (sorry, “other name brands”) sets for 18+ builders. The press release states, “With Mattel’s trusted legacy and expertise, Mattel Brick Shop is designed to disrupt the status quo and elevate the building experience. Here, we bend the rules of construction with innovative features and materials that inspire builders to try something new.” As for what those innovations might be, the included image provides a possible clue, as the logo dimensions and orientation suggest a mobile phone. Perhaps app integration will feature heavily? Could the prominence of the word “shop” could indicate the ability to pick out bricks individually as one might from other name...

Okay, so maybe the ancient Greeks didn’t celebrate the Lunar New Year, but they certainly loved the Zodiac, and when it comes to snakes, who better to usher in the new year than everyone’s favorite gorgon, Medusa? James Zhan recreates this monster of myth with her writhing hair of snakes in LEGO as the figurehead of an ornate mirror, fusing whimsy and functionality. Perhaps it’s a warning not to get lost in your own reflection (or just a sly wink to Medusa’s fate in Clash of the Titans). James rounds out this beautiful and functional model with a microscale version of  Olympus above and a Greek city below. As a bonus, James created an alternate profile for Medusa with an open eye that can be swapped in should you dare to meet her gaze. The spikey vine works brilliantly in both orientations as Medusa’s eye lashes. The post Reflecting on Year...

Like the film that inspired it, Roland Grace’s LEGO model of Edward Scissorhands is an instant-classic. Every one of Edward’s characteristic traits is captured perfectly, from his wild hair and wary stare, to his ill-fitting borrowed clothes that betray just a glimpse of his “monstrous” true self. The build is exceptional, but the way Roldan has posed the impressive 20″+ figure is what really brings this iconic and misunderstood character to life. It’s rare today that such a well-loved and enduring piece of 90’s pop culture has not been serialized, sequel-ized, rebooted or otherwise rehashed, and I for one hope to see this film stay that way. But speaking as Roldan’s newest fan, I will be eagerly waiting his next release. The post This LEGO Edward Scissorhands model is a cut above appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Steve Barker

As a child growing up in a small town, LEGO made my world so much bigger. I could imagine life in space, the Middle Ages, or big cities because the act of building with bricks made history, science, and far-off places real. But it wasn’t until years later, thanks to communities like Brickshelf and sites like this one, that I came to understand how universal my experience was. One of my great joys in writing for this site has been the chance to learn from and be inspired by creations shared by talented builders around the world. Builders like Vooi Loon Low, a Chinese Malaysian AFOL living in Kuala Lumpur. A few years ago, Loon started sharing LEGO models of shops on Petaling Street, the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s historic Chinatown. Specifically, he’s been recreating the shops as they would have appeared in the 1950s. These buildings, sometimes paired with black...

Three years ago, one of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings was turned into a LEGO set in the form of 21333 The Starry Night – part of the LEGO Ideas theme. Today, another brick-built depiction of the Dutch impressionist’s work is unveiled, but this time as part of the popular LEGO Art line: 31215 Vincent Van Gogh – Sunflowers. This new display piece depicts the fourth and perhaps most well-known painting in Van Gogh’s sunflower series. Or more specifically, a repetition thereof, created in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where the real painting is housed. Consisting of 2,615 pieces, you can hang your very own copy on the walls starting from March 1st. You can also pre-order it now at an RRP of US $199.99 | CAN $259.99 | UK £169.99. There are a host of events surrounding the product’s launch in Europe, too, so be sure to read...

There’s something about this pigeon that I don’t trust. The way he stares with disdain as he paints the sidewalk with suspicious white dots… I’m not saying he’s connected to the mob, but he’s definitely a made bird. Made out of LEGO by Tobias Whelan [Intense Potato], to be specific. The builder is best known for vehicles and buildings (including New Hashima and the amazing Medina al Musawrah collab), but this foray into animal builds shows his range.  Tobias wanted to experiment with some of the newer curved elements that LEGO has added to the mix, as seen in the shaping of the bird’s head and chest. My favorite parts use has to be minifig arms for the bird’s toes.  A common pigeon from an uncommonly talented builder. The post A Goodfeather never rats on his friends appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Jake Forbes

LEGO launched the Helmet Collection as part of their Star Wars line some five years ago, and many of the early sets depicted Imperial designs. Since then, we’ve seen Mandalorians, clones, bounty hunters and Rebel Alliance pilots. Now, we’re coming full circle to the Empire again: 75429 AT-AT Driver has today been announced as the latest entry into the Star Wars Helmet Collection. The massive four-legged walkers they drove undoubtedly left an impression when they appeared in The Empire Strikes Back, and from this March 1st you can add the AT-AT Driver helmet to your collection. With 730 pieces, it will retail for US $69.99 | CAN $89.99 | UK £69.99. LEGO Star Wars 75429 AT-AT Driver | 730 Pieces | Available March 1 | US $69.99 | CAN $89.99 | UK £69.99 The post AT-AT Driver becomes latest entry in LEGO Star Wars’ helmets line [News] appeared first on The...

“Where does he get those wonderful toys?” you might ask. Well, in the case of Djokson, you build them yourself from the most unusual combinations of LEGO parts imaginable. The builder’s latest character, the Feral Jester, plays with more recent elements, like the color built from a mix of blue leaves, and the antennae which stem from the latest wave of Dreamzzz sets, like Cooper’s Gaming Controller Jet. I love the mosquito-like face which, paired with those razor-sharp fingers, makes this one clown you don’t want to cross. To learn more about the builder’s process, inspirations, and LEGO history, check out our interview with Djokson from last year. The post Why so delirious? appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Jake Forbes

With the holidays coming to a close, food consumed, and relatives gone home, you might think it’s time for a good solid nap—and the hero of Yuan He’s (aka BuildGoNuts) latest work would agree! The old gentleman has fallen asleep in his favorite rocking chair by the fire, midway through a book about boats and attended by his two cats. You’re probably not as comfortable as he is, but feel free to settle in as you peruse the fun little details surrounding him, from the pastries on the dining card to the model ship on the mantel. I also love the overlapping rounded bricks for the gramophone’s bell and the sideways grooved bricks used to get some fun texture on the rug. And that’s just scratching the surface of all the abstract little details on every surface that make the scene look so lived-in and cozy. The post Settle down for...