MattedBricks

Thanks for the review! I don’t have any of these figures yet, so really looking forward to getting it! (If I can get my hands on one here in the US...) I only wish they would have included a reddish brown crow to go on top of the Snape Boggart. But otherwise fantastic!

Hello all. As Lego has moved along over the years, I have noticed steady increase in pieces that are updated with new molds. One that surprises me that has not been updated is the 2x2x2 slope piece used to represent dresses, robes, etc. Am I the only one that thinks this should be updated with a new piece? I have never liked the fact that using this piece makes a minifigure 1 plate taller than they should be, the arms can't sit flush against the torso (because it's wider than regular legs), the figure is static because the torso can't bend, they don't hold together well when played with, and dresses aren't square (well, you know what I mean). Why has Lego not created a new dress mold or standard minifigure equivalent? I don't mean to make this into a gender issue... but could this be because the major focus for girls' play is now the Friends, Disney Princess, Elves, etc. lines with minidoll style figures? My kids enjoy minidolls and minifigures, but I have noticed they like to use regular minifigure legs over these slope dresses. Just seems overdue for a new piece. Thoughts?

It’s been very interesting to read all the comments on cracking. I too have been afflicted with cracked Lego. I create a few MOCs once in a while, but mostly keep sets intact in Sterilite bins in a temperature controlled closet. I live in Utah (a dry area) in the US. I allow my children to gently play with my Lego after they have washed their hands. I never take the arms or hands off. I have found 163 pieces with a crack or break out of about 55,000 pieces. 39 of the 629 minifigures I own have had cracking issues. That’s 0.3% of the entire collection, and 6.2% for minifigures. For me, it has been across all themes. Though I have noticed that some sets have more issues than others, such as 7965 Millennium Falcon. Could this be related to where the set was produced, shipping conditions, or storing conditions even before the set was opened? It is interesting to look at the issue from different angles: the Lego group, kids, and AFOLs (or should it be AFsOL?). From a corporate perspective, 0.3% seems like a pretty good rate, statistically speaking; however, 6.2% is not nearly as good... But I only have my own data to go from. My kids aren’t really bothered by cracks unless it affects the functionality of the piece or is very noticeable. For me personally, cracks in a valuable or cherished minifigure is very irksome. Based on the discussion so far, it seems that there are several factors that could be contributing to cracking: 1. Fundamental quality – weaknesses in the plastic, molding etc. 2. Environmental conditions – Humidity, temperature, sunlight, etc. 3. Play – How the pieces are handled, stressed, hand oils, etc. 4. Time – cracks appear even though pieces were not touched or used As others have said, it would be very difficult to pin down the exact cause, as everyone’s circumstances are different. More than likely there are multiple factors combined that contribute to cracking. Though it would still be a relatively small dataset, it would be great to get more feedback from others in the forum on these correlating factors to see if there are any patterns. With more adult fans (highly scrutinizing of quality) buying more Lego than ever, it seems an issue that cannot be ignored by the Lego Group. As others have mentioned, Lego has fantastic customer service in this regard. But it is certainly frustrating when a piece cracks after a very short time or is no longer available to be replaced.

Any word on a LOTR (or Hobbit, or Middle Earth) book from DK?

The LOTR is the third best selling book of all time at 150,000,000 copies... So, I think it's safe to say those few of us here that enjoy the source material are not off our rockers. Just sayin'. I believe Lego understands the lasting appeal to young and old alike, and that's why they are willing to roll the dice, and give another go with the license.

I am ok with the big figs in concept, I just wish that they were a bit more proportional, as noted above. Cave troll, goblin king, etc. seem ok... But if they are anywhere from 7' ~ 9', shouldn't they just be slightly bigger than a minifig? Not double? That would be my preference. But since they have started down the road using the current established size, seems like that ship has sailed...

Got the new T-16 Skyhopper, and I have to say I am impressed. The build was fun, great figs, and the pilot's helmet matching Luke's training helmet on the Falcon in ANH, nice nod to OT fans. The effort put into the new Tusken Raider's head in noticeable. The two different colors of plastic so the nobs aren't just paint that rubs off in two seconds... quality. I can't help but speculate that we may see another Tusken Raider set soon... I can almost hear a bantha in the distance.... "Rrrruuuurrrrr..." (Perhaps wishful thinking...)

Do we know if the new DK book Lego Star Wars in 100 Scenes will have a minifugre included or not? Thanks.

Very excited. Do we have a confirmed DCPI? Thanks.

Barcode number worked like a charm at Target in Utah. Thanks Just2good! Picked up Witch King Battle. The guy at Target also mentioned it looked like they were scheduled to put them out on shelves this coming weekend.

So we were playing with the Mos Eisley Cantina set today, and my four year old asked me: "where's the guy who runs the bar?"... Excellent question. The ship has sailed on Wuher, but I am sure hoping some additional cantina patrons will make an appearance. Perhaps with Rebels?

Hearing everyone's sentiments and feeling the very same is quite vindicating. It has been a great run while it lasted. I'll always hope for more, no matter how many waves we get. And I would add my voice to those who have expressed views that while the Hobbit movies were not as good as LOTR, don't hold out on buying Hobbit sets because of it. I did, for a good while, and missed out on some great sets at great prices. We all know what aftermarket prices look like. My advice is pick them up while you can. I have picked up all but Goblin King... Bagend is fantastic, and Mirkwood Elf Army was a surprising gem (great number of figs, a brown warg, and a fun build with a creative elf launching play feature). Though I bought these sets for myself, my girls have loved the Middle Earth theme. Probably the one they ask to play with the most. (Yes, I do keep them separated, because everyone keeps messing with my stuff!)

Am I the only one that thinks the new cowl makes him look like double-chin Fatman?

What was the timeline for the Harry Potter DK book in relation to the end of the line?

Perhaps this was already mentioned, but the official comments from Lego (posted on Ideas' Facebook page yesterday) on NujuMetru's Minas Tirith: "who wouldn’t want to be a "steward" and have a beauty like this sitting next to the LEGO Tower of Orthanc?" give some small glimmer of hope that it is on their radar... Thoughts?