XimenaPaulina

"Waaah!!! I kissed a frog and expected a Princess but instead I got Shrek!"

Quoted for truth. What we have seen so far after the announcement: ..and my humble piece of advice: Seriously, I really don't get the early "fears" and "concerns" I've read. Have people acquired Nostradamic abilities or have travelled in a DeLorean or TARDIS and have seen the catastrophic future of the Star Wars franchise under the helm of Disney? I still say give Disney a chance. Save your criticisms when there is already something concrete to actually criticize A.K.A. the movies Episode 7, 8, 9...

Why would Disney do that? Disney = business entity, LEGO Star Wars = merchandise $$$

I welcome this development, and will properly reserve judgement until there is a "concrete product a.k.a. movie(s)" to actually judge. It just amuses (and surprises) me that some fans are quite quick to draw the trigger in shooting down Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilms. I personally think this is the perfect opportunity to inject new life to the franchise, it's the proverbial "breath of fresh air" that will finally pave the way for the next trilogy, which will hopefully revive the movies after the lackluster PT. This will also ensure that our beloved LEGO Star Wars will still continue throughout the next decade or so and will give the younger and new generations to come to learn about the SW universe. The first 2 trilogies had movies that were released every 3 years so it's just right up the "2-3 years" alley isn't it? A movie every 2 years is something SW fans aren't used to, so I think it would be better if they stick with the "a movie every 3 years" formula. Disney will probably make the next trilogy first and then assess the public's reception of the movies if it's still worth continuing making SW movies or not. Was there ever a contest to this "fact"? Did anyone challenge the supremacy of the Original Trilogy in the SW movie lore? It's a well-accepted viewpoint among all SW fans (including the younger PT and CW fans) that the Original Trilogy is the best there was, the best there is, and the best that there will always be. Whatever the turnout of the new movies will be, it won't change that "universal fact", so OT fans need not get "threatened" by the new direction the SW franchise is heading to.

I'm not a gamer, but I've been following this 5-part movie series over in YouTube, and I could really aprreciate how well it's done for a movie project that isn't as high-budgeted as true commercial films.

How fast EB is now after moving to the new server: [/url]Thanks for all the hardwork of the EB Admin & Staff for continuously improving our beloved forum.

One issue that has consistently been brought up in yearly LEGO Star Wars set release discussions is the perceived imbalance in the distribution of sets by subtheme. Since the start of the LEGO Star Wars license in 1999, all the sets have always been based on the OT and PT movies - until came the Clone Wars animated series in 2008 which has significantly changed the landscape of set distribution by subtheme. As expected, the onset of the new show has paved the way for a strong presence of TCW sets from that point forward, much to the dismay of some OT/PT fans. Most of the SW movie-based FOLs feel that "there aren't enough OT/PT sets" being released and "there's always too much CW sets" in the yearly line-up. While their sentiments can be understandably rooted to their passion towards the SW movies (most especially the most-beloved classic OT), are these sentiments fairly justified based on the actual numbers of the LSW sets released? To answer this question, I tried to conduct a simple (and hopefully useful) statistical investigation on the distribution of the LSW sets throughout the years - from the start of the license up to the present, and with a closer look in the so-called "Clone Wars Era" (2008-present). NOTES: The sets included in the statistical data are regular sets and does not include promotional polybags and minifigs, advent calendars, superpacks, conference exclusives, accessories (key chains, magnet sets, clocks, etc.) Brickset was used as basis of the set list by year, but I used my personal judgment in classifying in which subtheme the sets righfully belong to. The statistical data encompass all sets released from 1999 up to the confirmed 2013 sets (first half). I do not, in any way, claim to be a statistical expert but I did my best to make the statistical graphical analysis to be as accurate as possible. If you find any inaccuracy feel free to point it out and I'm very much open to corrections. KEY FINDINGS Overall (1999-2013*) Movie-based (OT/PT) sets account for almost 80% of all sets released, with OT sets making up almost half of all LSW sets. Both OT and PT have separately higher percentage of sets vs. CW overall (46% OT, 32% PT vs. 19% CW). CW Era (2008-2013*) Even during the CW Era, the combined OT- and PT-based sets outnumber the CW sets (54% vs. 41%); though the two trilogies have lower individual percentages against the CW sets at this particular period. In terms of average sets per year, the movies has generated a combined ~11 sets/year during the CW era, as opposed to the ~8.5 sets/year by the CW series. During the 5.5 years (including the first half of 2013) of the CW era, CW sets have only outnumbered the movie-based sets during the first two years (2008, 2009), and in the succeeding 3.5 years CW sets have been signficantly reduced in favor of OT- and PT-based sets. Despite the presence of CW sets in the CW era, OT sets had maintained a respectable average of ~7 sets/year, which is only a slight drop-off from ~8 sets/year during the Pre-CW years. CONCLUSION So what is our key takeaway from this statistical study? It is clear by the numbers that the perceived disappointment of some SW movie-based FOLs of having "not much OT/PT sets" is a bit 'unfounded' and presumably based on miscalculated personal judgement. The statistical results support the notion that TLG has been making a conscious effort during the past couple of years to please all LSW fanbases by giving a good balance of sets based on the OT & PT movies, CW series, and even SW video games like TFU and TOR. If there's one thing that I could suggest to TLG, if it is possible, is to give an equal number of sets for the movie and CW based sets, more like a 50-50 split (or close to it) - that way all the FOLs from the different SW genres will be satisfied with their "fair share" of LSW sets. But what's most important is at the end of the day we all realize that we are all fans of LEGO and Star Wars, and as such we should be a bit more understanding and trust TLG's decision-making with regards to which sets will be released every year.

I'm not much of a football fan before coming from basketball-crazed Philippines, but after living for more than a year and a half already in football-lovin' Singapore, I have been exposed to the sport and to my pleasant surprise I found it exciting and the passionate fans had a lot to do with it. I really find it amusing that people gather in eating centers (and in my place, at McDonald's), to watch in unison the football matches. I'll never forget last season's EPIC last game day of the EPL where ManU and ManCity where gunning for the championship in separate matches - and we all know what happened now - with the Blues coming from an improbable come-from-behind victory over lowly QPR in extra time to win their first league title. The fan's reactions were very entertaining to watch - with ManU's supporters cheering early, knowing victory is a few minutes away - until the miraculous comeback happened - the changes in the fan's reactions were priceless! (ManCity fans/ManU haters suddenly came out of the grave and celebrated amidst the silenced ManU crowd) Right now, I can't say I'm as hardcore as a fan like most of you here, I'm just a casual fan who regularly checks the standings to see how things are going in different leagues. And which team do I follow? I root for ManU in the Premiere League and Real Madrid in La Liga. I thought Hair Style and Looks were the main criteria.

I was never a fan of too much leg printing, but that B-Wing Pilot in the Planet Series 4 has won me over! Looks like I'll get the Endor, Hoth, and Kamino ones.

Things I like about the 2013 sets: the inclusion of civilian minifigs (females!) in the Fire Chief Car and Flatbed Truck sets and that dalmatian in the Fire Station. The best set in this line-up for me is the Museum Break-in, primarily because it's the first time(?) a museum has been featured in a set - it's always welcome to see new ideas like this. The same can be said for the Fire Helicopter - the first time I've seen that 'base model' used, though I liked the Chinook Forest Helicopter of this year a bit better. One thing I'm kinda disappointed about is the truck in the High Speed Chase set, I would've preferred to see the LEGO CIty Undercover version of the SWAT truck - it looks better IMO and the minifig (with the new hair piece) would've been sweet!

That turtle. Reminds me of Squirt from Finding Nemo. I love the idea of these Pet animals series - they may be "Polly Pocket-like" but I do find them cute and what's important is they're (compatible with) LEGO. As for the regular sets, what appeals to me the most are the Karate and Magician ones. The rest, however, I feel have the same 'old feel and look' of previous Friends sets that is becoming unexciting (at least for me; the Pet Salon looks eerily similar in design to City Park Cafe!). I hope to see sets with new and fresh concepts and design like the Karate and Magician sets and Pet animals series packs.

I would've wanted too for the Umbarans to get a proper helmet, though TLG might have thought these minor characters didn't deserve a new helmet mold and hence they had to resort using the Space/ADU helmet, which is the closest-looking avavailable helmet to the Umbaran helmets. The clone trooper in the MHC set is simply a generic 212th Clone Trooper (look closely at the text of the minifig line-up in the boxart). Besides, Commander Cody has a different Phase 2 helmet print than the one in the set, and has always had his signature visor.

The Rock (1996) - a personal favorite that I had just seen again. Probably the best Michael Bay movie IMO (and the highest-rated Michael Bay film in Rotten Tomatoes). Nick Cage's and Sean Connery's performance were enjoyable to watch, but what I really liked the most about the movie is how they portrayed Ed Harris as a "villain-fighting-for-a-good-cause" - a refreshing break from the stereotypical "pure-evil" antagonist mold. The sound work in the movie is also superb and really provides another level of excitement in the overall viewing experience.

I'm on the same boat as you as I'm appreciative of the more recent rehashes as it gave me the opportunity to own LSW vehicles I missed out before - like the Millennium Falcon, Gungan Sub, Desert Skiff, Jedi Interceptor, etc. The set updates have proven to be also good opportunities to significantly improve the previous designs with the availability of new parts. What I think TLG could do better to improve the perception of set rehashes is to spread the 'scheduled' re-releases in such a way that they aren't concentrated in a single year, just like this year where there seemed to be a huge concentration of rehashes - X-Wing, Y-Wing, TIE Fighter, Gungan sub, etc. - which gives the wrong impression that TLG might be running out of new ideas. They could probably balance out the line-up, say half should be "new sets" while the other half re-releases. Again it all boils down to the target market of TCW series - the kids (boys). The clones (along with the Jedi) are the main heroes of the series and as such appeal the most to the kids. Just think of how the 90s kids adored the Power Rangers or even the current younger generation's fondness of Ninjago - different-colored characters kids could choose from and "imagine themselves" as those characters. TLG has tried their best to diversify the CW sets - that's why we've gotten Bounty Hunters (Embo, Sugi, Bane, Sing), Nightsister Ventress and Nightbrother Savage Oppress, Pre Visla and Mandos. It's just in the so-called "pecking order", Clones and Jedis are prioritized first, followed by the other supporting characters. Besides, we don't even know what TLG has in store for us - remember that they plan things in advance and for all we know there are non-clone-centric sets down the pipeline.

A couple of recent ones: Big Weiner's Back - after returning from a self-imposed exile. Sexual innuendos are in. - "When you see it" (only "like-minded" people will be able to spot "it") From who? A wild educated guess: the Camster!

It was just another boring day with me killing time browsing YouTube videos when I chanced upon a couple of funny and awesomely-done LEGO Avengers Brick Flicks. First one is this video by forrestfire101 (Forrest Fire Films), who has has gained internet fame through his highly-successful viral video (owner of an astounding 107 million views!). I was quite surprised he has also done several Brick Films (he seems to be an FOL too!). by forrestfire101 (Forrest Fire Films)Next one is from Keshen8 (Custard Productions), who I believe is a friend of forrestfire101. by Keshen8 (Custard Productions)I'm sharing these since I really find these very entertaining to watch and at the same time the technical quality of these brick flicks is something to admire and learn from especially for aspiring brickfilmers. Do try to visit their YouTube channels and watch the other Brick Flicks that they've done - it's always good to support excellent Brickfilmers like them who've positively contributed to the FOL community. Enjoy!

Thanks for the clarification, as I have no idea whatsoever about the in-game material and I'm only aware of the trailers. Looks like the choice of troopers on the TOR BP is correct then. (though it would be an easy pass for me now)

I haven't noticed it earlier but now that you've pointed it out and after taking a closer look at the TOR BP, I'm kinda disappointed that the Republic Troopers in the BP are those orange Republic Fleet variants and not the red-armored Havoc Squad Republic Troopers we've seen in the Hope Trailer along with Jace Malcolm. I haven't played the game, so I don't know which of the two Republic Trooper variants is more 'prominent' - but I would've really preferred these troopers whose helmet is perfect for the previously released Jace Malcolm minifig: Old Republic Troopers by HJ Media Studios (flickr)

Thanks for the positive feedback guys! Though it's not that much work as most of you think (~6 hours gathering/sorting data, input in Excel + generating the graphs), I'm glad the statistical work has served its purpose in visualizing that there is indeed a decent balance in the current distibution of LSW sets by subtheme. I could understand the sentiments of OT/movie fans and I agree that "there could never be too many OT-based sets", though a good point has been raised that maybe it would be a better strategy for TLG to minimize rehashes of sets previously released and possibly explore new ideas or even new source material (novels/books? - even if it's a bit sketchy considering most of the classic ones are years-old already). But the major question is what else has TLG not covered in the movies? Cantina with the Bith band? A Yavin celebration set? (like the unreleased set) Geonosis Arena set? A set with Banthas? Probably an updated Cloud City? Just throwing out a few possibilities. As for CW fans, I don't think we'll be hearing anything from them since they're still getting their sufficient dose of CW sets - and with the on-going series source of new material will never be a problem.

Assignment Create a one-panel comic strip showing an exchange of dialogue, with a minimum of two characters with at least one spoken dialogue each. Draw the appropriate type of speech bubble(s) suitable for the dialogue using any of the techniques highlighted in this lesson (you may use Adobe Photoshop, MS Word, or any other digital software program). The work will be judged according to correct choice of speech balloon type, proper placement and positioning of the speech balloons, and the overall look of the speech balloons. Put your assignment in a new topic in the BF&CA subforum with a title of "Student Enrollment: Adding Dialogue to Comics". Post both the original image (without dialogue) and the edited image with dialogue. Resize the images as needed as per EB's maximum size of 800px wide. Feel free to ask questions if you need further clarifications.

One of the integral parts of comics is character dialogue, which is as valuable as the images themselves in conveying the story of the comics (of course with the obvious exception of “speech-less”/”silent-type” comic strips). Adding the character dialogue is usually done in conjunction with the post-editing of the images after the principal photography. At this particular stage of comic-making, one is expected to already have a general idea (or even better - a working script) on how the exchange of dialogue would be. This lesson will teach you how to add character dialogue in your comics – with emphasis to the proper usage of speech balloons and comic-book grammar. Lesson Sections Section 1: Types of Speech Balloons Section 2: Adding Speech Balloons to Comics Using Adobe Photoshop Using speech balloon custom shapes Manual drawing of speech balloons [*]Using Microsoft Office Word Speech Balloon Positioning Section 3: Traditional Comic Book Lettering and Grammar Deviating from the Norm & Exercising Creative Freedom Section 1: Types of Speech Balloons The visual tool used to represent speech/dialogue/conversation of characters in comics is Speech Balloons (also referred to as Speech Bubbles, Dialogue Balloons, Word Balloons). There are different types of speech balloons depending on the emotion of the dialogue, the nature/manner of delivery, and the source of the speech/sound. This lesson will tackle the various types of speech balloons used in comic books and its conventional proper usage in comic-making. Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: LOTR Funnies by Sextant Images Middle: Tabloit by Oky - Space Ranger Right: Wolverine's Worshipers by Oky - Space Ranger Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Forever Alone by The Penguin Middle: No Wiener? by Kiel.Da.Man Right: Princess Quest by Sandy Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Raging Plankton by Kiel.Da.Man Middle: Unlimited Powah by Oky - Space Ranger Right: To Infinity and Beyond? by TinyPiesRUs Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Hey I just met you by Kiel.Da.Man Middle: Lego Bin Laden Watching TV by Here Be Zombies Right: Do the Robot by pong0814 Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Shhh by Kiel.Da.Man Middle: Day 346 by Dan (LEGO365) Right: Day 270 by pasukaru76 Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Must save Friends by Kiel.Da.Man Middle: Day 271 by Dan (LEGO365) Right: supercutstext by TheLegoJoker Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Pay Attention by darkdragon Middle: Puny God by Oky - Space Ranger Right: My Precious by Kiel.Da.Man Examples: (Click on images for higher resolution.) Left: Triceratops Dewback by J.V.D. Middle: Civilian Marvel Heroes by Hobbestimus Right: Forgot to blow dry by Clone O'Patra Sources: 1. Speech Balloon , Wikipedia 2. Comic Book Grammar & Tradition , by Nate Piekos (www.blambot.com)

AMAZING!!! What heart-pounding action - spiced up with a sprinkle of humor! I could really feel the tense and gripping action scenes - and LOL at the babes swimming! The technical details of this brickfilm are all extremely well done - precise action movements, clever visual effects, effective scary background music and well-coordinated sound and voice effects - you're a very talented brick-filmer Sir! Hats off to you! Thanks for sharing, hope to see more brickfilms from you.

Thanks, glad you appreciate the mini-research. I do agree that age plays an important role on one's preference, though I guess it still depends on each person's "openness/willingness" to accept new things. I'm 30 now, I discovered SW (OT) in my teens, then came the PT movies, but I never found any problem accepting and 'liking to a degree' the animated CW series intended for the younger generation. What I'm curious about is, if an OT/PT movie fan still feels "there's still too much CW sets", isn't a 50-50 split already a reasonable allocation for both movies and CW sets? If not then how much more you want of the share? 70%? 80%? or even 100%? (totally abolish the CW sets despite it being the "in thing" and probably one of the BIG reasons our beloved LSW license is still on-going?) I'm just curious...really curious...since I'm having trouble understanding fanbases not being content with (what I think) is their 'fair share of the deal'.

Box set images from Brickset: (a bit small but would have to do for the mean time) I love the new eco-friendly-lookin' green Yoda boxart.

+ other similar sentiments. I do believe TLG is making a conscious effort to please both the older movie fans and newer CW series generation with the sets they're releasing. Remember this is just the first wave and there could be more OT sets in the second part of 2013. And since this wave coincides with the new TCW season it's quite understandable that there are more CW sets. Besides, last year the OT had the spotlight and we never heard any complaints from OT fans. I think both fanbases should be more understanding of the set releases, it's a give-and-take relationship considering we all love Star Wars! I must admit I was pleasantly surprised of how well-designed the Umbaran MHC is. I'm not normally a fan of CIS vehicles, and when I first read about this rumor it was sort of a Meh for me, but after seeing the pic I might just have to get this one.