75581 Minions' Music Party Bus certainly offers the party atmosphere often associated with the Minions, packing a surprising level of detail with some enjoyable functions into a relatively small vehicle. Chief among these functions is a clever transformation.
As its name suggests, the model can transform from a relatively traditional bus into the stage for a party, which offers definite play potential. Four figures are supplied as well, although this selection is arguably inferior to those in other minifigure-scale Despicable Me 4 sets.
For the first time since 1958 LEGO is releasing a model of a place of worship. Here's the press release, which does not acknowledge the significance of this:
The LEGO Architecture Notre-Dame de Paris makes for the perfect new addition to the home of any fan of travel, history and classical architecture. The building experience and instruction booklet takes the builder on a journey through the architectural evolution of this iconic Parisian landmark, beginning in 1163, when the first stone was laid, through architect Viollet-le-Duc’s redesign work in the 19th century to Notre-Dame’s majestic appearance before the fire of 2019.
Inspired by the world’s most recognisable painting, the LEGO Art Mona Lisa invites art and LEGO lovers to recreate Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in 3D. This bold and unique interpretation comprises 1,503 LEGO elements and new colour hues to accurately reflect the colours used by da Vinci over 500 years ago, before the paint changed with age.
A teaser trailer has been revealed for a four-part animated series arriving in September, LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy.
The short video introduces the series' premise, as familiar characters and vehicles from the Star Wars universe undergo dramatic changes. These include TIE-wings, Rebel AT-ATs and even Darth Jar-Jar! This animated series also features the return of Jedi Bob, following his memorable debut in 7163 Republic Gunship.
It's owned by 1,567 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $6.10, or eBay.
Today's random minifigure is gdh002Gabby - Dark Pink and Bright Pink Striped Tank Top, Dark Pink Skirt, a Gabby's Dollhouse figure that came in one set, 10786 Gabby & MerCat's Ship & Spa, released during 2023.
Our members collectively own a total of 374 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $5.40.
30678 Minions' Jetboard is a new polybag that's now available from specialist retailers.
I recently purchased it and 30685 TIE Interceptor from UK-based authorised LEGO retailer Brick-a-Brac, which is one of the best places to source the elusive collectable bags at normal retail prices.
Announcements continue unabated, as the next LEGO IDEAS set has been revealed! The press release follows:
21349 Tuxedo Cat
1,710 pieces, rated 18+
$99.99 / £89.99 / €99.99
Available from 1st June at LEGO.com
Fun animal gift for adults
Build your passion for animals, art and design with this lifelike (and allergy-friendly!) tuxedo cat display model. Recreate the distinctive black fur and white underbelly of a tuxedo cat with LEGO bricks. Choose yellow or blue eyes and build the cat with either an open or closed mouth. Display your striking creation and adjust the head, ears, paws and tail for cute feline poses.
This collectable LEGO set includes illustrated instructions to guide you through every step of the mindful, creative activity. You can also find instructions and 3D digital viewing tools on the LEGO Builder app to enhance your building experience.
Many LEGO set designers use our BrickLists feature to maintain a list of the sets they've worked on and often provide interesting insights about their involvement.
Once a week we publish an entry from one of their lists on the home page to increase awareness of this information and to encourage more designers to create them.
My second collaboration with Gemma Anderson, where we worked together on all 3 models! We must have built over 20 different Cabins, and sketched out many more, before settling on this design.
FUN FACTS: - Note the moose skull above the door, in honour of the previous 3in1 log cabin (31048) which came with a brick-built moose. - The Canal Boat C model is the first ever Minifigure-scale Canal Boat!
New sets continue to be revealed, as German retailer Lucky Bricks has published official images of another upcoming Star Wars set, 75394 Imperial Star Destroyer!
Unlike the Star Wars sets announced last week, this one will be released on August 1st. Seven minifigures are included and notable among them is the exclusive Cal Kestis, joining Fives, Darth Malak and Saw Gerrera as the fourth 25th anniversary minifigure. I am delighted to see Commander Praji too, bolstering the ranks of Imperial officers.
21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V is often discussed among the most impressive modern LEGO sets and offers stunning detail. 10341 NASA Artemis Space Launch System looks similarly realistic in official images, containing the mobile launcher alongside the SLS rocket.
Dividing attention between the Artemis vehicle and its launch tower creates an opportunity for some interesting functions too, including accurate umbilicals, as well as the rocket's multiple sections. Furthermore, the model provides exceptional display value, given the complexity of the launch tower and the vibrancy of the SLS.
Welcome to "What's Up With That...?", the article series where I, ex-LEGO designer James and host of new YouTube channel TUBESIDE, will explore some of the frequently asked questions from AFOLs about the mysteries of the design decisions of The LEGO Group.
When would you say is the "golden age" of LEGO releases?
Is it now? Where there are so many great IPs and sets catered to every age group? Or back in the 70s/80s? When things were simpler, bricks were bricks and there was more space for you to use your imagination?
Well you're all wrong, the peak LEGO era was 1997-2004. This was the era when there was so much innovation happening. The excitement of seeing LEGO Star Wars for the first time, and then around 2002 when all those new bow (curved slopes) elements in cool new colours (dark red, dark blue, teal, etc), there were also things like Bionicle, taking storytelling and Technic into a whole new direction. Not to mention the start of mechs and robots entering the portfolio.
Yes, THIS was when LEGO peaked. Everything before was basic and simplistic, everything after was too detailed and too reliant on 3rd party IPs.
Wait, what's that you're asking? When was I the target age for LEGO toys? Well, my estimation would be around 1997-2004. Why do you ask...?
