Combee

Great find, the amount of work put into that was very impressive. Jabba looked hilarious (with lipstick!) and the Mon Calimari looked great.

They are available online from Walmart and Amazon without markup.

No need to be so rude. I think most people will acknowledge that Tolkien has inspired much of the modern day fantasy genre, but to claim that she stole his ideas is a bit much.

They probably just have multiple molds. Some may be newer (3 bar design) but they're using all of them. Personally, I don't prefer one over the other.

That's partially true, another factor to consider (and one that we don't really have much information on) is how many cavities are in each mold, i.e. how many parts are produced per cycle. For example, lets say they can produce 4 small 1x2 plates in the same amount of time that it takes them to make a single 1x2 brick (obviously I'm making numbers up). In this situation it may be cheaper for them to make 1x2 plates vs. 1x2 bricks. Thus, another contributing factor is the rate at which they can produce components.

That's because it's his beard, he braided it.

I agree, I think the grey hat looks better and more accurate (I also happen to be colorblind )

I was wondering about that as well. I think it will, it would look a little strange if he only had it in the front, after all in the movie he's shaped like a ball

I'm pretty sure it's this weekend!

From the article that spoiled the first Hobbit minifigs: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/hobbit-movie-lego-sets-comic-con-2012-346300 "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey mini-figurines, which will launch Dec. 1, timed to the movie’s Dec. 14 release." I figure this pretty much confirms the date in the instruction manuals as the release date for the next wave.

I'm assuming these come from a Bag End set based on what Bilbo is wearing. I think he'll look better in the version wearing a jacket because the colors will be different.

Yea, it's the same hat. I think there might be a version of that hat in sand blue: Bricklink

That's a really great helmet! Hopefully we get an official one that looks that good!

Looks like they made the minifig capture the attribute of the character: bald, partially bare armed, and wearing gloves. I guess it would be a little better if they had printed sleeves on part of his arms but I think it looks pretty accurate.

Whoa! Those look awesome! Lego is pulling out all the stops on this one, they look just like they will in the movie! My one complaint (and it's not really a complaint because they look amazing) is that Bilbo looks too similar to Sam. This may just be because of the color scheme (similar color clothing and hair). Also, Bombur's belly looks pretty funny Can anyone tell if that is part of the beard mold or a new "fat minifig torso" (similar to Toth's ideas in his portfolio)? Also, sounds like we'll be seeing some of the sets real soon: "Lego, which has the licenses for both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, also will be spreading its dragon wings with reveals of its film-themed sets and figures" (taken from the article)

I am working on something that is somewhat related to a children's tale. Hopefully I'll have it done within the next month.

Thank you! It did pretty well in the competition (almost got a perfect score ) Haha, we wouldn't want that! I had fun building the bed, though I think the canopy may look a little big. I was going to include more mattresses but I was worried about not being able to see the princess when taking photos.

Well.... I'll add the obligatory: too pricy for that amount of bricks. On the plus side, the ship looks great to me.

Nice build! I like that you put so many details into it: in particular I like the hamburger and the little coat rack

Looks like they're also available on Amazon (but I only found them by the set's names).

Looks like the summer sets are finally available in the US online at Amazon, Walmart, and TRU (watch out for the markup).

Wow, that is a stunning build! Great sculpture, I think you nailed the forms perfectly. I really like how you did the cat's eyes and that you included a little ball on its collar! Excellent work.

Wow, what a beautiful build! I personally love camping/hiking/being in the outdoors so this MOC really hits it home with me. You've included tons of great details, in particular I really like the railings around the porch and the sandy slope going down into the water. I'll definitely be voting for your CUUSOO project and I might just have to build myself a little cabin because this just looks great

As much as I loved the books the heavy religious aspect almost guarantees that Lego wouldn't have done it. But, with not a lot of info about this theme, we can still hope for armored bears

I'm pretty sure it was this: Still have that "minifig" sitting around