Invader Zim

Well that's the funniest damn thing I have ever seen. Tobias absolutely kills me, and thank you for making a Franklin for GOB. I actually live next to Newport Beach and I kid you not, went to Balboa Island this weekend and went to one of the chocolate covered banana stands (thought I just got an ice cream bar instead).

Phew, glad things calmed down there the last couple posts. For a second I thought this was going to turn into a Star Wars Forum style flame war.

The set really reminds me of the somewhat shabby equipment rental places at some beaches in Southern and Central California. In particular stands that are down on the sand at Huntington Beach. There aren't so many true boardwalk areas around here. In any case, it isn't particularly fancy (and calling it Marina is rather regrettable), but looking at it in person always makes me smile, so it is certainly one of the more enjoyable sets I own. Combined with City Corner it really looks like my summers growing up.

The shooting cannon might not be the issue so much as the base. The reddish brown base from the QAR exists only in that set so is very expensive. If you don't mind a slight color difference and want to save some money, the classic brown brown bases are MUCH cheaper on Bricklink. Given how dark the deck is it is hard to notice the difference in there so I think this works well. Also, I don't think pirates are too strict about perfect color matching.

If those roof pieces are dark red, people should have an easier time making Cafe Corner via Bricklink (and not have to order them from Norway like some impatient people). I am excited to see the interiors, the back makes it look like it will be quite filled out.

An employee at a local Lego Store expected them to arrive at the store Friday and then go on sale sometime the week after. It was actually pretty exciting already as they had the new City (Harbor, Marina, etc.), Kingdoms, and Alien Invasion sets already available.

FYI, for those in the US, ToysRUs is starting to sell City of Atlantis even though it it still listed as not available in the US by Lego Shop at Home. Picked mine up today. Price was 69.99.

Great review! This was a set I wanted when I first saw the pictures but then decided against when seeing the price. I ended up buying it anyways on an impulse, and though I do not like the pricing, it is indeed a very fun set. For the size the build was fun, it looks nice, and has fun play features. While I cannot recommend it at full price, if you can pick it up on sale it would definitely be worth it.

Wonderful MOC. I particularly like how much sense of motion pervades the entire display, especially the statue/creature.

Coincidence indeed. My local one had two of them sitting in a cart behind the customer service desk while every other item had been sold.

Thanks for posting this last set of pictures Brickster. I think they look great together . . . I just wish I had the floorspace (and beautiful white carpet) for such great pictures.

Andybear, Completely amazing! HK seems to have the best builders per capita on Eurobricks. I'm looking forward to your future posts.

Interesting renaming. I suppose that will appeal more to the primary audience than the Captains Cabin. When I picked up my sets at TRU both the boxes and the store labels were using the 'old' name. Zombie Pirates may not really be my favorite name ever, but with those bottles, globe, and new map they could call it just about anything and I'd get it.

The July sets don't really have very cheap sets with a bunch of knights. The cheapest set Blacksmith Attach (US $10) only has one knight in addition to the blacksmith. The Escape from Dragon Prison is supposed to be US $20 and has 2 Lion Knights and 2 Dragon Knights as well as a Dragon Knight Horse in battle attire. That may be the best of the new sets if you are primarily looking for knight figs.

Amazing work again JaredChan! I am always excited to see your MOCs. In particular the way the essence of a place is captured in your work.