All About Bricks Awards 2013

Despite an irregular schedule over the past couple of months, a third batch of completely meaningless awards is here to finish off 2013 at All About Bricks. Find out which are the best themes and sets of 2013 as a way to reminisce about the last year in LEGO. Of course these are completely subjective, so please use the comments to argue how wrong the choices are.

Festive Fun at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The good people at LEGOLAND Windsor have passed along details of a special seasonal event. Rather than stay closed during the Christmas season a special selection of attractions will be open along with festive activities and of course the chance to meet Santa. Read on for all of the details...

To Complete or to not Complete: What is a Minifigures fan to do?

With images of the new series of LEGO Minifigures now released online, fans are excited as always to see what’s on the way. Apart from those who aren’t. For some collectors, The LEGO Movie theme is causing them to think twice about continuing to collect the Collectible Minifigures. But when The Simpsons series hits next year, everyone will have to have a hard think. 

A Different Side of Batman in The LEGO Movie

The latest trailer for The LEGO Movie has hit the interweb, and it gives a tiny bit more of an idea than the last one of the plot. Check out the trailer below, and then read on for thoughts about what fans should expect from this animated adventure.

From Redbeard to Brickbeard: LEGO Pirates Minifigures

Pirates is one of the most beloved LEGO themes of all time. Collectors still hunt down classic sets and talented builders create more intricate ships and buildings then LEGO has ever released. Pickings have been sparse since the brief return Pirates sets made in 2010, which makes the lone release of an exclusive Pirates mini-figure pack a fun treat.

Review: Ninjago Graphic Novels #6 & #7

Although the TV series has been off the air for the past year, Papercutz has continued to reveal the adventures in the world on Ninjago through the series of graphic novels. Fans of Ninjago have been so taken with Jay, Cole, Zane and Kai that the theme has been extended for at least another year – and with a movie in development probably longer. So with lots of focus on the new Legends of Chima, comic format has been almost the only place for new Ninjago stories in 2013.

LEGO Creator & Juniors 2014 Rumour List

It’s time to wrap up another batch of rumours with this being the last list for the time being. Enjoy!

LEGO Hero Factory 2014 Rumour List

For those who are into this sort of thing, here is a list of what LEGO may have in store for Hero Factory next year with no Super Heroes or Chima figures trying to pull focus.

LEGO Super Heroes 2014 Rumour List

The rumoured sets for January see LEGO narrowing their focus in the Super Heroes line, but there will be more to come throughout the year.

LEGO Friends 2014 Rumour List

It will be the third year for LEGO Friends in 2014. What will the girl be up to next?

LEGO Legends of Chima 2014 Rumour List

Despite not taking off with quite the sales LEGO had hoped for, Legends of Chima will of course be back as the company’s flagship line for boys. But what sets might it be back with?

LEGO Ninjago 2014 Rumour List

Ninjago has earned a second lease of life thanks to the success it has enjoyed over the past three years. Despite no new sets in the second half of 2013 as it was due to end, 2014 will see the line continue.

LEGO The Hobbit 2014 Rumour List

Technically this is a 2013 Rumour List, as the products will be released in December to coincide with The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug rather than January with the rest of the sets. Never mind, here’s what we can expect to see from Middle Earth next…

LEGO Disney 2014 Rumour List

Regular readers will already remember hearing about the new theme LEGO have for Disney next year, but now there are rumours about what the actual sets will be. Get ready girls, LEGO want more of your money…

LEGO Collectable Minifigures 2014 Rumour List

There’s not usually a great deal to report when it comes to the LEGO Minifigures line, but it seems that things are changing. An idea that floated around some time back is now ready to upset Minifigures purists, and excite those who are ready for significant change.

LEGO Technic 2014 Rumour List

For those who like all of those ‘other’ pieces… those ones that don’t have studs et cetera, here is the Rumour List for LEGO Technic in 2013.       

LEGO Star Wars 2014 Rumour List

There’s a bit of newness in the LEGO Star Wars line-up according to this rumour list, along with the obligatory re-treads. As with all LEGO Rumours, this should not be treated as any more reliable than something that might get whispered in the Mos Eisley Cantina.

LEGO City 2014 Rumour List

It is sunny August, so it must be time to think about cold January and the LEGO sets that are rumoured to be due for release. To kick things off this year it’s City. Stay tuned over the coming week for more set lists. As always, at this stage these are merely rumours and may or may not be exactly the sets that hit shelves in 2014.

Star Wars Celebration Europe II: LEGO

With the fiasco and ill will generated from LEGO attending Comic Con, the company went down the opposite route with their presence at Star Wars Celebration Europe II, the greatest party in the galaxy held last week in Essen, Germany. There was an exclusive mini-figure available, some incredible fan built creations and LEGO sets available to buy.

Comic Con: Who Benefits From LEGO Attending?

San Diego Comic Con has drawn to a close for another year, and LEGO have continued with the kind of presence that they have had at the event for the past few years. Having the Super Heroes theme, and it being Comic Con, makes it obvious what most of the focus LEGO have at the event is on. Things got so manic at the LEGO booth this year on the first day that security cleared everyone out of it and closed the booth down! So let’s pose a question… who the hell benefits from LEGO attending San Diego Comic Con?

LEGO Polybags Available in the UK

Image courtesy of Brickset.com

Polybags have been a fun part of the LEGO hobby for years, available at various times as promotional ítems. In the USA big chains have been selling them for years, and now polybags are available to buy in the UK. This will hopefully see more of the polybags released here in the UK and make it easier for collectors to track them all down.

The LEGO Movie Trailer Released

Many hardened AFOL are right now shaking their heads at the release of the trailer for The LEGO Movie, knowing that the 90 minutes that could be spent watching it could be better spent trawling Bricklink for that last elusive piece that will complete the greatest MOC ever. It’s probably that dedication that produces some great masterpieces, however The LEGO Movie looks like a fantastically frivolous part of the hobby with some nice touches. Read more to check out the trailer, poster and analysis.

LEGO CUUSOO: Vote for the Women

It's time to jump on a CUUSOO bandwagon. This was not a project that was on my radar, however it just hit 9,000 supporters. Having now looked around the web, it seems like other folk were aware and have been spreading the word about this excellent project. So why should this be the next LEGO CUUSOO project to become a reality?

Top 10 Collectible Minifigures: Series 7 - 9

With the tenth series of Collectible Minifigures available around the world, here are the top ten from the last three series. Well, my top ten. Have a look at the choices here, and then furiously get to the comments section or a message board to shout about your own favourites. Who will come out on top this time? Can anyone live up to the Haz-mat Guy?

Star Wars Days 2013 at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort celebrated Star Wars day from Saturday 4th May right through to the Bank Holiday Monday. It was three days of Star Wars related fun, including costumed characters from the saga, building activities and of course Lightsaber training for budding Padawans. Read on for a picture-laden report on all of the goings-on and to find out who went to Boating School...

Reaction: LEGO Star Wars Jedi Defender-class Cruiser (75025)

Courtesy of Eurobricks

After a few relaxing days in Windsor last weekend to celebrate May 4th, it’s time to get back to foaming with frustration like a proper fanboy. Images have emerged from GRogall at Eurobricks of the upcoming Jedi Defender-class Cruiser (75025). As a last minute image not numbered consecutively with the other sets, it is almost certainly a retailer exclusive (Toys R Us seems likely).

Breaking News: LEGO Games Cancelled

The die has been cast, and the LEGO Games theme will be wound down this year. After a big launch in 2009 that took the board games sector by storm, it seems that since then the popularity of the line has decreased. Four years is longer than most LEGO themes manage, but this was seen back in 2009/2010 as a line that LEGO hoped would be a supplement to the regular building sets.

Schedule for Star Wars Days at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

From Saturday May 4th - Sunday May 6th, LEGOLAND Windsor will be hosting Star Wars days. The event will feature special activities, competitions and screenings. Thanks to the good folk at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort the schedule for the events is now available, revealing what will be going on where.

Mr Gold Arrives to Shake up the Minifigures

Fans of LEGO have embraced Collectible Minifigures, feverishly collecting each series and enjoying either displaying the gang together or inserting them into existing LEGO displays. Young and old alike have been putting together each series of 16. But to celebrate ten series LEGO have decided to add a 17th character, the super-rare Mr Gold – in a move that is likely to delight all of these loyal fans…?

Exclusive Interview with Steve Lettieri of Killer Minnow

Steve Lettieri is a name that few LEGO enthusiasts will be familiar with. But nearly every LEGO fan will have seen the work that he and the team at Killer Minnow do. From print adverts and web shorts, to designs and story ideas, Killer Minnow work closely with LEGO to create the content that supports the sets. To share more about what Steve and his team do, he kindly took the time to answer questions about their work with LEGO.

Star Wars Days Return to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The team at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort have been in touch to let us know that Darth Vader and his Imperial Stormtroopers will be there to celebrate May 4th, the adopted Star Wars day. There will be events and activities for three days of fun from Saturday May 4th to Monday May 6th, including building activities, a Jedi Training Camp and the new LEGO Star Wars Gallery in the Star Wars Miniland Experience. Read on for all of the details!

Where could LEGO go next with the Disney license?

LEGO have been back in business with Disney for four years, and have produced sets based on popular live-action and Pixar movies. But is there more to find in the huge Disney back catalogue? Could the theme parks be a source of inspiration? Read on for thoughts about what else LEGO could offer from Disney if they were so inclined.

LEGO Collectible Minifigures - Ten Series In

It is nearly time for Series 10 of the Collectible Minifigures range to hit stores worldwide, and it seems like almost no time at all since this was a novelty and everyone was heading to the stores with their barcode lists. So here is the first of three articles over the coming months focusing on the Collectible Minifigures, part of the hobby that are so successful it is has created a new category in the toy market. Let’s look back at how all of this came about…

Reaction: LEGO The Lone Ranger

The gold diggers over at Eurobricks have struck brick in them there hills, having found high-res images of The Lone Ranger theme. First hinted at here and rumoured here, the new theme has been eagerly anticipated by fans of LEGO Western. With high-res images now available, it seems time to ask how this theme has shaped up – and wonder where all of the large barrel pieces have gone!

Exclusive Interview with Ninjago Artist Jolyon Yates

The LEGO Ninjago comic book series has been breaking records with exciting stories based on the popular theme. Regular artist Jolyon Yates has been bringing the series to life since #4, and he kindly took the time to talk about how his career began, being part of the Ninjago world and the process of bringing these characters to life. Read on for a fascinating interview that makes clear why Jolyon is such a qualified person to be providing the artwork for Ninjago, and for an exclusive sneak peek at #7 – “Stone Cold”.

No More Free LEGO with the Sun

The Guardian revealed this week that LEGO will be ending their promotional partnership with the high-quality, fact based journal known as the Sun. Anti-Page 3 campaigners are claiming success, as they felt that the intellectual publication’s love of topless women is at odds with the values of an iconic toy brand like LEGO. Do LEGO accept their social responsibilities?

LEGO City 2013 Analysis: Part II

This article has been bumped a couple of times due to more timely features, apologies for the delay!

Having looked at what is already available, now it’s time to look at what’s ahead. With previous subthemes returning, is there much in it for the long term collector? And how does the year shape up for LEGO City as a whole?

Turn the dome green, we shall

 

Master Model Builder Alex Bidolak has been painting it green over at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester, where a 7 foot tall model of Jedi Master Yoda witnessed the Trafford Center's dome being lit green, to celebrate the new LEGO Star Wars Miniland exhibit. All About Bricks will soon  be announcing which lucky reader will receive two free tickets to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

The Profit Keeps Coming for LEGO

LEGO have released their Annual Report, which shows that in 2012 the company sold nearly three times as much product as in 2007. The numbers, once again, are impressive and it is great news for LEGO.  Product lines singled out as success stories are Star Wars, City, Ninjago and Friends.

LEGO City 2013 Analysis: Part I

With New York Toy Fair now behind us, fans know exactly what will be coming for the entire year – and what it looks like. So how does the long adored City theme look for this year? What will it add to our LEGO layouts?

LEGO Launch The Yoda Chronicles

What The Yoda Chronicles is has been unclear for months, since the title of a new book was uncovered. The mystery surrounding the project has been much like that surrounding the little green fellow himself. With the Toy Fair season underway and the LEGO Star Wars website getting an update, things are starting to make sense.

The Force is Strong in Manchester

Star Wars Miniland continues to spread to every corner of the galaxy, as the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester will launch an interactive display of models based on The Phantom Menace. Read on for more information on the latest addition to the indoor attraction.

UK Toy Fair 2013 Report

2013 is the 60th year that the UK has played host to a national Toy Fair, where those in the toy industry get together to plan for the year ahead. The event ran from the 22nd to 24th January 2013 at the Olympia Grand Hall. LEGO were present, as were some other companies showcasing licensed LEGO products. Over the past few days All About Bricks has released lists of the sets that were shown, but for interesting titbits, reactions to the new product and what on Hoth The Yoda Chronicles is, read on...

UK Toy Fair 2013: Creator and Games

Just two quick lists to finish off with three sets each – Creator and Games. Click through to see which licensed theme is getting a Game, as revealed at UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Disney

LEGO are using three new Disney properties in 2013 ( as well as Marvel), although mainly in the Duplo line. Check out the latest news from UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: City

There are two additional subthemes to City this year, following the launch of Elite Police in January. Read on for the general release City sets for Summer 2013, straight from UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Castle and Lord of the Rings

The long awaited Lord of the Rings theme gets a new wave in the Summer (sets shown), with a wave for the next Hobbit film due in December (sets still to be revealed).  Also unveiled was a wave of new Castle sets. Read on for more reveals from UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Friends

After a huge launch in 2012 there are plenty of Friends sets coming in 2013. Read on for the sets revealed at UK Toy Fair 2013, including the second series of pets.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Legends of Chima

The huge new theme for LEGO gets even bigger this Summer, with a new bunch of sets, Speedorz and something else revealed. Read on for the latest from UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Galaxy Squad and Hero Factory

Hero Factory continues to scratch the niche of LEGO fans who like their action figures buildable, and the all new Galaxy Squad has had an official reveal. Read on for more Summer set news from UK Toy Fair 2013.

UK Toy Fair 2013: Star Wars

The latest LEGO news straight from the London Toy Fair! That’s right, to ensure that All About Bricks readers get a taste of exactly what will be coming in Summer 2013 reports from Tuesday 22^nd – Thursday 24^th January will be coming straight from the Olympia. There will be quick news snippets with all of the latest info, followed by some analysis once the event is over. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed inside the LEGO booth, however there are lots of set names, prices and thoughts to share.

A mixture of movie sets, The Clone Wars sets and something from the mysterious Yoda Chronicles make up the Summer wave of Star Wars sets. Read on for the LEGO Star Wars news from UK Toy Fair 2013.

Duplo Valley to open at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The little ones are not being forgotten at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, as Duplo Valley is set to open in May 2013. The Duplo Splash Safari, Duplo Drench Towers and Brick Ville make up the new area along with classic attractions. The good folk at LEGOLAND Windsor have passed along more details, so read on for the rest.