Sign of the Times: Failure of the Fourth Estate

Mike Doyle's Lego Sign Of The Times

“From reckless corporate consolidation of the media industry to the Presidential persecution of whistle blowers to the targeting of independent wartime journalists by our military, our system has completely failed us. The continuous stream of sensationalism feeds our addiction to drama, hyperstimulating the senses with fear and novelty. The war drums beat to the tune of our racing hearts – which rage with fury over manipulated messages driven by those in power.

Shut off the TVs – which drive us away from any meaningful existence. Ignore all mainstream messages – they are rooted in profit. Focus our thoughts and hearts to kindness, forgiveness and tolerance. The Fourth Estate will burn on its own.” — Mike Doyle

Sometimes you see something that you know will be the inspiration for many in the AFOL (Adult Fans of Lego) community. This MOC, called Sign of the Times is one of those that deserve renown. Created by Mike Doyle, Sign of the Times shows off a most impressive technique for building Lego smoke. Smoke is one of the toughest things to create out of Lego, typically the hard shapes and overall blockiness do not render the billowing clouds very well. What really sells this, is the combination of transparent pieces, and the color palette (only 8 colors!). Plus the decision to contrast the organic smoke with a very geometric building.

Mike Doyle is quickly becoming a huge name, check out Contact 1. A huge castle/city that had its  own Kickstarter campaign:  http://everydaybricks.com/contact-1/

Mike Doyle's Lego Sign Of The Times Detail

Sign of the TImes: Failure of the Fourth Estate by Mike Doyle (photographed by Matt Doyle) can be viewed over on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/7931559@N08/15429701386/

A Very Impressive Lego Batman Batcave – Dark Knight Rises

Brent Waller Lego Batman Dark Knight Rises Batcave

The recent Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, is one of the most memorable. The dark themes and design make this one of the most gritty versions of Batman. Completely skipping the overt campiness (and imagination) of the Tim Burton films. The Batcave is one of the most popular themes for a MOC. It is really difficult to stand out from the crowd, but Brent Waller has created something special with his Lego Dark Knight Rises Batcave.

Brent Waller Lego Dark Knight Rises Batcave Batman

In order to make a more awesome display, some liberties were taken with the layout. The waterfall and a few platforms have been moved in order to make the display more viewable. Most of the most popular Rogues Gallery villains have been hidden around the Batcave. Bane, Catwoman, Joker, Ras Al Ghul, Scarecrow, Talia Al Ghul, and Two-Face have all found their way in. Maybe Batman should install a security system.

Brent Waller Lego Batman Dark Knight Rises Batcave Tumbler

Check out more of the “Dark Knight Rises Batcave” by Brent Waller over on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wetwired/15513521055/

The Tumbler is designed by buggyirk and can be viewed on Lego Ideas: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/38399

The Bat is designed by jpvelociraptor and can be viewed on Lego Ideas: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/18529

The Sea Hawk, a Magnificent Lego Galleon

Janjy Giggins's Lego Galleon MOC, The Sea Hawk

“They arrived at the docks and Durstan saw it: his own ship, repainted in the King’s colours but as proud as when he’d last seen it quarter of a century ago.

The Sea Hawk.

The King himself was there to see them off. Durstan swore his loyalty and promised to do what he could to restore order. And then they took to sea, and finally he was homeward-bound again.”

Janjy Giggins's Lego Galleon, The Sea Hawk Crew

The Sea Hawk is one of the most grand Lego galleons ever built. It is a large Minifigure scale MOC ship. The overall shape, size, and volume of this ship is spot on. It also features custom sails, and detailed rigging. The end result is amazing. It also shows how some solid Photoshop skills can make an MOC even more believable.

Janjy Giggins's Lego Galleon MOC, The Sea Hawk Row Boat

The Sea Hawk is the first MOC created by Janjy Giggins. Which is going to be hard to top with future builds.

Janjy Giggins's Lego Galleon, The Sea Hawk Ship

Check out more photos and the full story of The Sea Hawk here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=100838

“Holy Guacamole” a Lego Batman Movie is in Production

The Lego Movie, Lego Batman Movie

It has been announced that Lego and Warner Bros. have fast-tracked a spinoff based on The Lego Movie starring Batman. The animation supervisor from The Lego Movie, Chris McKay, has been set to direct. With Seth Grahame-Smith (known for Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, and Dark Shadows) as screenwriter. Will Arnett is back as Batman, and Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Phil Lord, and Christopher Miller back as producers. The presumed release will be in 2017, which is probably pushing The Lego Movie 2 into 2018.

In the mean time, check out this video of Batman getting ready for his role in The Lego Movie. Maybe he will be more prepared for his film.

It was The Hollywood Reporter who first reported on this Lego Batman Movie: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lego-batman-spinoff-movie-works-738631

The Neo-Blacktron Alienator: A reboot of Lego set 6876

Jeremy Williams's Lego Blacktron Alienator

“You cannot hide, Federation!”

If one Lego theme could sum up the 1980’s it would be Blacktron. Jeremy Williams has created the Alienator, a Neo-Blacktron reboot of official Alienator (6876) from 1988. The iconic black and yellow color scheme, the laser gridded star field, and the clunky design is all perfectly represented. The first thing to be updated were the swinging skies which are now four hydraulic legs. One of the best features of this walker is the hidden Pulse Generator hidden in the central body.

Jeremy Williams's Lego Blacktron Alienator Details

Check out this Lego Neo-Blacktron Alienator over on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bricking-it/15175684850/

The Slave I, A Massive New Lego Star Wars Ship Revealed (75060)

Lego Star Wars Slave I, 75060 Box

Recently at BrickCon, Lego revealed its newest entry into the Lego Star Wars Ultimate Collectors Series (UCS) will be the iconic Slave I (75060). This new set will feature 1,996 pieces and will retail for around $199.99. This is the set that almost every Star Wars fan has always wanted. It will include a Boba Fett, Han Solo (and Carbonite version), Bespin guard, and Stormtooper Minifigures.

Lego Star Wars Slave I, 75060 Profile

Best of all the scale of this ship feels right, the set doesn’t feel too large or too small. It is officially in the Minifigure scale. The photos can be a little misleading, but this is a huge spaceship. Easily the size of a small dog, or baby.

Lego Star Wars Slave I, 75060 Minifigures

The Slave I is a modded Firespray-31 class attack craft, famously used by Boba Fett, and Jango Fett. The design of the model is a good compromise of the SNOT style and more typical Lego style. Most of the exposed studs act as a sort of texture, giving the Slave I a well used appearance. This is certainly not a brand new star fighter.

Lego Star Wars Slave 1, 75060 Ship

Lego designed the model to work in both configurations, the vertical and horizontal positions. The wings and cockpit can both rotate to fit whatever position Boba Fett is flying. Which is a really sleek feature for this set.

Lego Star Wars Slave I, 75060 Minifigures

The version of Boba Fett is exclusive to this UCS, as is the Bespin Guard. Also included is Han Solo, a Carbonite version of Han Solo, and a standard Storm Trooper.

Lego Star Wars Slave 1, 75060 Boba Fett

“75060 Slave I™

Ages 14+. 1,996 pieces.
US $199.99 – CA $229.99 – DE 199.99€ – UK £169.99 – DK 1699.00 DKK
*Euro pricing varies by country. Please visit shop.LEGO.com for regional pricing.

Lift off for bounty-hunting adventures in the Slave I!

Search the galaxy for fugitives with Boba Fett and his Slave I with rotating cockpit and wings, dual shooters and a display stand.

Track down fugitives with legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett aboard the powerful Slave I! This exclusive LEGO® Star Wars model features a rotating cockpit and wings for flight and landing mode, plus dual shooters and hidden blasters to repel attackers. Reenact the capture of Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and take off from Bespin with the carbonite-imprisoned Rebel hero in the cargo hold. Attach the stand to display this iconic ship in characteristic upright flight. Includes 4 minifigures with weapons: Boba Fett, Bespin Guard, Stormtrooper and Han Solo.

Includes 4 minifigures with weapons: Boba Fett, Bespin Guard, Stormtrooper and Han Solo
Also includes Han Solo in carbonite!
Features a rotating cockpit and wings, opening side hatches with hidden guns and missiles, 2 rotating dual shooters, cargo hold and a display stand with data sheet
Weapons include special blaster pistol for Boba Fett, blaster pistol for Bespin Guard and a blaster rifle for the Stormtrooper
Boba Fett and Bespin Guard minifigures are unique to this set
Rotate the cockpit and wings for flight and landing mode
Place carbonite-imprisoned Han Solo in the cargo hold
Open the side hatches to unleash missiles from the hidden guns
Showcase the huge Slave I in upright flight on the display stand
Recreate classic scenes from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
Measures over 7” (20cm) high, 17” (45cm) long and 14” (37cm) wide in landing mode
Available for sale directly through LEGO® beginning January 2015”

Make sure to check out the Slave I Design Video too!

Lego Elves: A Friendly New Theme for 2015

Lego has a new theme in the works, titled Lego Elves. It is a mix of 1/3 Lego Friends, 1/3 Lego Disney Princess, and 1/3 Disney Fairies. The upcoming theme has  had 4 of its sets officially revealed. There are still two more coming. If you look around you can find preliminary images for all of the these sets, including Box artwork. Check back here for more official artwork as it is revealed.

The new theme will include the following sets:

  • Aira’s Creative Workshop (41071)
  • Naida’s Spa Secret (41072)
  • Naida’s Epic Adventure Ship (41073)
  • Azari & The Magic Bakery (41074)
  • Treetop Hideaway (41075)
  • Fairan & The Crystal Hollow (41076)

It looks like these new sets will feature some new elements, and new color options of existing pieces. Lego Elves will be released in 2015.

Lego Elves Fairan And The Crystal Hollow, 41076

Fairan & The Crystal Hollow (41076) will include a Male figure, some nifty transparent pieces, a green key, and a cute woodland animal.

Lego Elves Aira's Creative Workshop, 41071

Aira’s Creative Workshop (41071) will include a flying machine, workbench, and a small aviary.

Lego Elves Naida's Spa Secret, 41072

Naida’s Spa Secret (41072) gets a purple dolphin (?), a book, and other relaxing accessories.

Lego Elves Naida's Epic Adventure Ship, 41073

Naida’s Epic Adventure Ship (41073) will include a sleek ship, a white clam, two gold clams, and a beautiful sail.