Brainbox

Really? Oh, well, I stand corrected. Possibly. Perhaps Ra's and Ubu (with Talia of course) seeing as how Ra's knows where the Batcave is. I think I agree. Batman is considered one of the best martial artists of the DCU (it's a contest between him, Batgirl, Connor Hawke and Shiva- I'm not counting Karate Kid as he's from the future DCU, and I'm not counting Prometheus as he downloaded the skills into his cerebral cortex). He's also one of the most intelligent (besides Lex Luthor and Mr Terrific). He's the ultimate sum of his parts- detective and fighter.

Bear in mind though that we're so far off-topic, that we've come all the way round the back of 'topic' that we're back on it... BB? Personally, I enjoyed it. I don't dislike the 4 'older' films (or the '66 film), I just think that this was more the Batman I know and love. It stripped the Dark Knight back down to his roots, to tell a fantastic story of his early career, introducing him properly for a new generation. I happen to know it did it's job, as I have friends who hate comics and superheroes, but loved BB. The Tumbler was completely different to anything we've ever seen before (barring the DKR Tank), and is actually grounded in logic- it makes sense that Bats would want something tough and protective when he's a little unsure of his abilities, to make sure he has somewhere really safe to go. As for the acting, well, Gary Oldman was fantastic as Gordon, with the right amount of stoicism and world-weariness, and the 'hero cop' angle was tackled well. Bale's portrayal of Bruce Wayne and Batman was good as well, as he managed to distinctly outline that the two are different, and I think it was suggested that the Wayne persona is the 'fake.' Hopefully, the guy who ends up playing Bats in Justice League (sadly not Bale) will manage this as well. The story was well-written, and it featured one of my favourite Bat-villains, Scarecrow, to boot. The opening hour was prhaps a bit slower than the rest of the film, but was still engaging. The Gotham presented was also quite correct, with all the grime, and the NY-influence taken into account. Which is important seeing as how it (and Metropolis) are next to NY, and both are based on the different 'parts' of NY. My only complaint with all the Bat-films is that none of them have used the correct Wayne Manor entrance (for the comics) to the Batcave: through a secret door behind a grandfather clock, accessed by turning the hands to 10:47, the time his parents died...

Ah yes, fond memories. Construction, but that might be over now, I'm not sure. So, yesterday we got a construction barrier-thing. Nice, if nothing new. Today, we got a fantastic roadworks flashing arrow. Honestly, it's brilliant.

Oh, I just *wub* theat mini-bot. Creepy, but strangely cute... Nice piece selection, and the idea of something with rotors that double up as cutters storming (no pun intended) through the jungle ripping it apart is just fantastic (to me, anyway). I'm liking the new swords as rotors blades, that's pretty innovative, and the exhaust pipe pieces are intriguing.

Ah, well, you say that, but Batman: Confidential recently mentioned in one panel (in flashback) that Batman had used this Tumbler-like Batmobile early in his career, before adopting faster, more streamlined Batmobiles. Which, to be honest, has always been one of the important points about Batman. He can't fly, run at near lightspeed or catch bullets in his teeth, he's just an ordinary guy... yeah, point taken, he dresses like a bat. But really, deep down, Bats could be anyone of us.

If we are going to get more Batmobiles, personally, I think the important thing is to keep them all unique. You know, chose some of the heavily styled or 'ridiculous' Batmboiles as inspiration, like this one. The Batmobile just as much about fear as Batman is, so they should look mean, yet sleek and stylish, and should be at least somewhat utilitarian. Erm... actually, that's a very good point. :-D

I certainly hope so. There're some of these (oh, alright, most of these) sets that I realy want, like, now. I love the colour of the train creator tub-thing, such a fantastic train-y colour. And the apparant size of the Impulse boxes is making me get all nostalgic about those really small sets you used to be able to get for

So... December 2nd: Fire tools. Yeah, okay, so they're always useful. Pity it's not much different to the last two years. Ah well. December 3rd: A burning box. My dad laughed. 'Nuff said... December 4th (today): Only just opened it, actually, I didn't have time this morning. Anyway, a construction worker. Add that to the two from last year and the year before... Well, what does it matter if it's a bit 'predictable'? It's an Advent Calender, and it's Lego. My friends all thought it was neat (and a bit sweet...).

Or the UK |-/

But is it really any more violent than, say, Batman?

Really, it's left up to the artists now. They're often just given free reign to draw whatever comes to mind Batmobile-wise. In fact, here's a very good site. Personally, I'd love to see Lego do the Justice Batmobile. Such a fantastic design, and it's from the marvelous Alex Ross (with pencils by Doug Braithwaite).

Mostly surprises actually. But no doubt I'll get a calendar, as I get one every year. And I have asked for Heroes: Season 1 on DVD and the online comics graphic novel collection (of the aforementioned). And hopefully some Lego. And any money I get will be going towards a laptop.

Picked up the Movie on DVD yesterday (finally available here),

Currently (still) working on the Batcave shelf, and I've got a large Arkham and a Neighbourhood contest entry to actualy start. Oh, and some more work on an ongoing Exo-Force project, and some more mini-vigs. And I've got a few things that're waiting for photography, and have been for ages.

And how many times does Santa appear? He seems to be everywhere. :-D Tsk. No self control some people. :-| ;-) So, yeah, nothing too special today, but so what? It's an advent calendar, and it's Lego. I have to say, some of my (new) friends thought it was kind of sweet that I had a Lego advent calendar.

All right, that's it. I'm now officially jealous. I really, really want these new sets, but there's nop chance I'll get them till after Christmas |-/ Anyhow, I like this set too. It's, well, cute. Even the minibot, while perhaps slightly weaker than his brethren in other sets, is still pretty cool. Add to that the fact that orange and black looks cool, and the certain fear factor often induced by large spider (no exception here), and you've got a good strong (relatively cheap) set.

I think this is probably my least favourite set of next years selection, but I still might get it, partly because of this review (thanks, btw). I quite like the mini-robot, and while there are a few problems (the front cockpit, the exposed axles) I relish the idea of MODing them out, and correcting them. And the change back to the original figs is welcome. I didn't really get any of this years sets, only last years. Makes it easier from a MOCing potential, anyway.

Well, team-up is certainly one way you could look at it... ;-)

And that's what makes Lego so great. It's only real limitation is your own imagination. Using large pieces in interesting and ingenious ways isn't really that different from using small pieces in interesting and ingenious ways.

Welcome back, and congratulations :-) . See you around.

Yesterday, went on a Maths trip to see some lectures in Manchester. Really good, but the minibus journey back was a bit cramped (we all ended up feeling each other up...), and I got soaked waiting for my lift. Today, finally started my Christmas shopping. Managed to buy... 1 present. :-|

I think it's all a matter of personal taste really. I mean, personally, I like some of the larger sets we've had as much as some of the smaller sets. Similarly, I've not disliked sets because they were necessarily small or big. Really, both have their plus points. The small sets are cheap(er), and are great for little parts packs, or presents, or impulse buys. But larger sets are an opportunity to include more figures, or more unique pieces/colours that smaller sets may not have. I mean, look at sets like the UCS ISD/MF or CC or castles or pirate ships, and say that you don't like big sets. That's not to say we should only have large sets though. They're good but in moderation. In fact, thats why they're good- because many people can't afford to buy a large set every week. That's what makes them special, it feels good to be able to reach up to that big set you've been saving up for, and take it down, knowing that you've had to work towards getting it. Rather than just going into a shop with

I think it might be, I certainly can't find it on Peeron or Bricklink. But it crops up in a few of next years sets, though. I know it's in at least two of the Impulse sets.

Not really. This way, you can add your own solution, however you want. Well, MOD them out and keep them for your parts bin. That's probably why they do it, you know.

Great review as always, Hinckley. Frankly I'm in love with this thing. So much so, in fact, that I've been calling it 'Shadow Panther' for weeks, but never mind... Anyway, why do I like it? Well, purple is such a fantastic Lego colour- it's sparingly used, which makes it interesting, and it simply looks great. Those jetpack/backpack things the robots are wearing, and if they are jetpacks, as the back of the box suggests, then the use of chaisaws is quite nifty and innovative. The minibot is cool, and certainly an interesting gimmick. Sure, they don't look quite as good in some of the other sets, but here it looks great. The overall structure and design are cool too. It's always nice to see an 'irregular' mech, and this is no exception. It's especially cool whee the spines are concerned. Plus, on top of all that, it's got a nice selection of parts, including some lovely new ones, and the inlaid box is interesting. Well worth getting, I think.