All About Bricks Awards 2012

Another year has passed, with more LEGO sets released than have ever been before. We approach the time of year when BAFTAs, Oscars and Golden Globes dominate the airwaves - but who needs a star studded ceremony and TV coverage? The awards that really matter are here at All About Bricks.

Only One Pass from the LEGO CUUSOO Review

Four sets had hit the 10,000 vote threshold. That meant four sets up for review. One has passed the review stage and will be made into an official LEGO set. There will be huge support for the set that was passed, but also huge disappointment for those that didn’t. Read on to see a video announcement for LEGO and analysis of the outcome.

The Ninjas who won’t Stop Spinning

LEGO have officially released some new information about Ninjago. It’s kind of surprising but also makes complete sense! Read on to find out what LEGO have announced, and what this might mean (or might not mean) for the theme.

A Christmas Tradition is Building

This year’s marketing strategy at LEGO brand stores is tapping into the nostalgia fans feel who remember rattling those wrapped presents in the hope they might hear the rattle of LEGO bricks. Each year LEGO improve their offering of Christmas products, and this year has once again seen a variety of items available. As the Advent countdown is past the halfway point, it seems a fine time to look at how the Christmas offering this year stacks up. 

More LEGO Books on the way next year

With the library of LEGO books every increasing as the sales continue to impress, and bigger sections in bookshops given over to our favourite toy, it will not surprise readers that 2013 will see the onslaught of LEGO literature continue. A variety of listings have popped up around the web, largely on Amazon. Let’s check out what’s on the way…

Deep sea LEGO themes always bubble back up

LEGO never like to let a good, or successful, idea go to waste. Fans are often disappointed when a theme is only available for a year and then disappears, but at least there is the comforting knowledge that it will probably be back. Renamed, changed a bit, but back none the less.

A Rant: Where's the Customer Service?

 As Christmas approaches, there are lots of special deals on LEGO. When running up a huge LEGO bill each year it’s important to make savings where possible to afford all of the awesome sets that are available. Unfortunately, here in the UK, many big high street names don’t value the customer enough to make buying those LEGO sets a very pleasant experience.

Review: Ninjago Graphic Novels #1 & #2

LEGO have created a rich back story to the Ninjago theme, which is explored in different media to create a full experience for young fans. Papercutz are releasing a series of Ninjago graphic novels aimed at children, and with Christmas approaching they might be a great gift to accompany that great big LEGO set. Read on for the All About Bricks review of LEGO Ninjago #1 and #2.

Haven't I seen that somewhere before?

LEGO has had some great licensed themes that fans have enjoyed, and have always had some extremely imaginative home-grown themes. But sometimes, the lines seem a bit blurred. Sometimes, the influence of a certain film on an “original” theme is not very subtle. Not that this is a bad thing, as it’s given us some great LEGO adventures over the years! Read on to see which themes probably didn’t come from a completely blank drawing board…

Top 10 Collectible Minifigures: Series 4-6

A year ago I picked out my favourite five Collectible Minifigures from Series 1-3. It’s been a while coming, but I have now selected what I consider to be the best of the bunch from Series 4-6. Just to be difficult though, I have decided to extend it to my ten favourites. Perhaps the quality has improved, perhaps I’m not being decisive enough, but get ready to disagree…

Fabuland Unleashed [aka Legends of Chima]

If that title made you chuckle slightly, I like your style. If not, read on to see what I mean. As well as making silly comparisons this article will check out those new images of Legends of Chima, the theme that will replace the ridiculously popular Ninjago. Will Legends of Chima be able to replicate that success and be the next winner for LEGO?

Hundreds of Ghost take over London at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

As of today, things have got decidedly spooky at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. 1,000 ghosts have invaded Miniland London as part of the Brick or Treat and Monster Fighters Fireworks Halloween events. To find out what other ghostly going ons there will be and see more of the ghosts haunting London, read on...

Gender Equality improves in LEGO City

Since the staple line was re-branded LEGO City, fans will know that just a few years ago the title of this article would have been ridiculous. When the men folk of LEGO City were heading off for fun in their red peak caps, having changed out of their Police or Fire uniform, there were no wives to go home to or single women to take on a date. Thankfully, the Forest Police and Miners now share their world with members of the opposite sex.

Post-Summer Clean Up at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

LEGOLAND Windsor is re-opening today. Didn’t know it had been closed? Well after a Summer of visitors turning up to enjoy the Resort, and check out some of the special events that have been going on, the park needs a bit of a spruce up. LEGOLAND staff have been busily dusting, polishing and maintaining the models and attractions at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.

LEGO Star Wars 2013 Analysis: Part II

The LEGO Star Wars rumours for next year are continuing. Hoth Bricks have reported a list that confirms many of those first revealed here, plus a couple of new additions. Read on for the rest of my analysis of the LEGO Star Wars line-up for 2013…

LEGO Star Wars 2013 Analysis: Part I

The LEGO Star Wars rumours for next year are continuing. Hoth Bricks have reported a list that confirms many of those first revealed here, plus a couple of new additions. Read on for my analysis of the LEGO Star Wars line-up for 2013…

LEGO Store Sheffield Grand Opening Report

Here in the UK, official LEGO brand stores are a rarity. Other countries enjoy multiple LEGO stores, however recently there were only three around out little island – including none in the North. This has all changed recently, with new stores opening in Manchester and Sheffield. I checked out the Grand Opening of the Sheffield store to share with All About Bricks readers what was going on.

Success for LEGO with Friends Launch

The latest news out of LEGO, showing profit and sales increasing yet again, focused LEGO Friends as the runaway success story of the year. With all of the push that LEGO Friends received as the company seeks to tap into the girl market, who knows to what extent other lines exceeded expectations.  But the news certainly seems to be mean that LEGO Friends has kicked off to a great start.

LEGO Star Wars 2013 Rumour List

It’s the time of year when we listen to the whisperings in the force to see what Star Wars sets LEGO may be releasing next January. The following list is a rumour list, and we will have to wait until an official announcement to know exactly which sets on the list turn out to be accurate.

Pirates and Cowboys: Disney in bricks

LEGO acquired the rights to produce Disney sets to much fanfare in 2009. Since then there have been ranges based on variety of Disney characters. They have been met with a varied reaction from fans and varied success when it comes to sales. Read on for some thoughts on where LEGO has been with the Disney license so far, and where it might be going in the future.

A big push for LEGO at International Comic Con

It’s a busy International Comic Con event for LEGO in San Diego. With announcements each day, an exclusive LEGO set for sale and exclusive prizes there is a lot to see. A few years ago, LEGO had a much more muted Comic Con presence with a special focus on Bionicle. Are LEGO doing a great job of utilising this huge pop culture event?

The success of LEGO Ninjago goes beyond the bricks

Unless you’ve been living in a Batcave for the last year and a half, you will have noticed that the Ninjago theme has been a runaway success for LEGO. The sales of LEGO sets are only part of the story however, with the latest Ninjago graphic novel release seeing an unprecedented print run and Ninjago shorts hitting cinema screens. Read on for more info on the new release and a special Comic Con freebie...

World Record Attempt at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort

The team at LEGOLAND Windsor have been in touch to let us know that next week they are planning to smash a Guinness World record to pieces. Once again a Tower Building Event will be taking place, aiming to build the world’s tallest LEGO tower – and you can get involved for free.

Zombies, Vampires and Werewolves in Monster Fighters

Recently LEGO released the news that a new exclusive set, Haunted House (10228), will round out the Monster Fighters range later this year. With the Monster Fighters range now officially available worldwide it seems a great time to look at this theme.

Hidden fun at the LEGOLAND Windsor Hotel

Guests are continuing to enjoy the newly opened LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel, and readers of this blog will know what an immersive experience it is. There are lots of neat little touches throughout the hotel that stop and make you say, “wow”. Even staff at the hotel were noticing great little details a week after it opened. To find out some of the fun additions to look out for, read on…

Looking back at LEGO Western

There are certain classic LEGO themes that have a special place in the hearts of us Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOL). Pirates and Castle are two that many fans remember fondly, and build impressive creations that are often superior to the classic sets from ‘back in the day’. But another theme, that didn’t have the longevity of Castle or even Pirates, was LEGO Western.

Star Wars Invasion at LEGOLAND Windsor

To celebrate the opening of the new Star Wars Miniland at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, March 24th and 25th 2012 saw Star Wars Invasion come to the park. The UK Garrison sent the Empire’s finest troops to take over the park, with various Star Wars activities taking place over the weekend. I checked the event out to see what was going on and share some images...

Free LEGO: The ethics of collecting

This week free LEGO is available each day at selected stores when UK fans buy a copy of the Sun newspaper. The ethical bit I’m discussing here is nothing to with having to buy a newspaper under close scrutiny as part of a national inquiry, but the ethical question of whether we AFOLs should be wandering out with armfuls of LEGO and stores running out by mid-morning. The debate pops up throughout message boards anywhere that the Sun promotion is discussed, and there are good points on each side.

LEGO Team GB Minifigures Officially Competing

For the first time, it's happening - the best-selling LEGO line, Minifigures, will be getting the licensed treatment. A range of nine Team GB Minifigures will be released exclusively in the UK to celebrate the Olympic Games being held in the country. Arriving at the eleventh hour on July 1st, fans are likely to be excited or frustrated depending if they live in the UK.

Why no fan should be without LEGO Books

Ten years ago there was a reasonable LEGO publishing schedule, with DK having a reasonable range of books available. Almost all of these were child targeted storybooks. Today, LEGO and DK have put together an impressive publishing schedule that sees must-buy books on the shelves every few months. How have books become a must-have addition to any respectable LEGO collection?

LEGO CUUSOO rejects Shaun of the Dead Project

One of the latest LEGO CUUSOO concepts to reach the magical 10,000 votes threshold is ‘The Winchester – Shaun of the Dead’ project. LEGO have reviewed the model, however, and decided not to go forward and turn it into a product. With Shaun of the Dead co-writer and star Simon Pegg promoting the project on national TV, only for the project not to go ahead, is there really no such thing as bad publicity?

Exclusive Minifigures from LEGO Shop at Home in May

It’s time for what now seems to be an annual event at LEGO stores, the May 4th (be with you) Star Wars event. But that’s not all that’s going on in May, with the new Marvel Super Heroes sets just having launched there will also be store activity relating to that. So let’s see what’s happening in LEGO stores this May...

Team GB to join the Collectible Minifigures

I have been wondering since the inception of the Collectible Minifigures when an exclusive, special edition or limited Collectible Minifigure would be released in-between regular series. We now have the answer, as Brickset are reporting that a special series of Olympic Team GB Minifigures will be released. There’s only one low-res image so far, and many fans are suspicious of whether it’s legit. 

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel Review

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel opened its doors for the first time on March 16th, 2012. The LEGOLAND Hotel houses 1,600 LEGO models and 5,000 mini-figures, promising an immersive addition to the park. Expectations were set high from the hints and teases that we have read and seen over the past few months, so I was there on the opening night to share with All About Bricks readers what it’s actually like to stay at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort Hotel...

All About Bricks Question & Answer #2

As if all of that new Ninjago product appearing isn’t enough, already we have a question on how long the line is set to last. And that newly announced R2-D2 (10225)... does it mark the beginning of more sculptures? When’s the Car Park (4207) coming? If everyone is this impatient I suppose you’ve already clicked ‘read more’!

Sales and profits up for LEGO in 2011

The Annual Report from LEGO show that the company has continued to show strong growth, with an impressive increase in both sales and profits. This is not unexpected news, as LEGO has continued to gain more shelf space in stores and sets regularly sold out as usual in the run up to Christmas. Knudstorp’s strategy for growing the company is continuing to produce impressive results. But with recent controversy over LEGO Friends hitting mainstream media, and collectors grumbling about Chinese parts, is it time to remind consumers that it’s not all about the money?

Ten more years of LEGO Star Wars

It was announced last month in a press release from LEGO that they have a renewed licence from Lucasfilm, meaning that collectors can look forward to up to ten more years of LEGO Star Wars products. Is it time for a celebration, forest moon of Endor style? Or have you seen enough LEGO Snowspeeders to last a lifetime?

LEGO Star Wars Miniland Experience: the Bricktistics

LEGOLAND Windsor will shortly be re-opening for the new season, with the unveiling of the LEGO Star Wars Miniland Experience. Our friends over at LEGOLAND Windsor have passed along some awesome Bricktistics about the new attraction. These are well worth a read and some may surprise you! Also included is an image of the almost completed entrance...

More details on Star Wars at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre this weekend

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, then why not head to Manchester and visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s Star Wars days. As well as the usual attractions, there are some special Star Wars additions for the weekend. The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre have passed along details of exactly what fans visiting can expect on the day.

Campaigning on CUUSOO: Western Modular Town

After fans of the online game Minecraft managed to mobilise on LEGO CUUSOO in recent months and actually get an official set commissioned, LEGO community websites have been promoting a very awesome creation for fans to rally behind. So here I am doing my bit, read on to find out why you should absolutely get over to LEGO CUUSOO and vote for this wonderful Western Modular Town concept.

Star Wars Days at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Report

The weekend coming – Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th February – will see the return of Star Wars Days to the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester, UK. To find out what went on last time, read on – and then get your tickets booked!

The LEGOLAND Discovery Centre held a Star Wars themed weekend on November 12^th and 13^th 2011. The event saw the busiest day in the Discovery Centre’s history, with many guests turning up in costume to meet characters from Star Wars. Read on for the full image-laden first hand report from Saturday 12^th November…

Here comes New York Toy Fair

London Toy Fair came and went, and offered a few sneakily taken images of sets we haven’t seen yet. But it was only a little glimpse, and hard to get a decent idea of what’s coming up.  But now the toy industry is gearing up for their annual bash in New York, so it’s time to start salivating at what might be officially revealed.

New LEGOLAND Hotel is nearing completion

This year will see LEGOLAND Windsor Resort open the doors of an all-new themed hotel. It is due to open in March 2012 and will allow guests to the park to fully immerse themselves in the world of LEGO. Greeting guests will be a whopping 5,000 mini-figures now that the finishing touches are added…

LEGO Avengers, Hobbits and Monster Fighters at London Toy Fair

Unfortunately I haven’t made it to Toy Fair in London this year, but thanks to the Internet and digital cameras we can still see a little of what is going on. What could LEGO be revealing on the walls of their stand? Read on for my reaction to some very cool images of the characters who will be popping in this year’s new Summer themes!

The Printed Bricks Resurgence (Or Not)

The issue of printed bricks is one that ignites the passions of hardcore LEGO fans. Years ago, it was common for bricks with designs to be printed – such as clocks or Police logos – now it is more usual for stickers to be provided in sets than printed bricks. Recently, printed bricks in LEGO Games have led fans to ask why some themes get printed bricks and other themes do not.

Stormtroopers, Ninjas and Police at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

There’s lots going on in 2012 at the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Manchester, UK. Not only will there be more special events, but also all-new attractions to keep the Discovery Centre fresh. Whether it's Star Wars, Ninjago, City or Friends that you prefer there's something for every LEGO fan. Read on to find out what’s in store between now and Easter…

Star Wars Miniland coming to LEGOLAND Windsor

The inconvenient British weather will be no match for the power of the force. Recent additions to LEGOLAND Windsor like Atlantis Submarine Voyage and Laser Raiders have wisely opted to be indoors, and the new Star Wars Miniland will follow this pattern. Read on to find out what exciting locations will be included…

Star Wars is invading LEGOLAND Windsor

LEGOLAND in California and Billund have already been invaded by the Empire's troops, and now LEGOLAND Windsor are set to get a visit from a galaxy far, far away. Ready for the opening of the all-new Star Wars Miniland, characters from the saga have invaded London in Miniland...

Where in the shop should LEGO be?

LEGO Friends is hitting shelves in shops around the world, as the company makes their big push into the girls’ market. But where should these sets be sat in the shop? In the LEGO aisle? Or with the other girls toys? LEGO think this question will make an impact on how successful the new line is.

The Least Surprising Announcement of 2012

It’s official – the first LEGO Super Heroes tie-in video game will be released this Summer, entitled LEGO Batman 2: DC Super Heroes. Exciting times! The press release is out of the bag, so let’s put it through the Bat-computer and see what comes out of it…