Algernon

I don't mind seeing it again. For some reason, I like it better now.

It does seem that way. It's a shame, since Alien Conquest and Pharaoh's Quest are both my favorite themes from this year. Although I do welcome LEGO Superheroes and the possibility of LEGO LotR, I'm gonna miss the classics.

That's an awesome idea - I hope LEGO does this, if there is a second wave.

It's extremely premature to give up hope. LotR is rumored to be a Summer 2012 wave, and we don't usually get pics of those for another few months. Additionaly, LEGO's been VERY hush-hush regarding pictures this year - the Marvel/DC sets don't even have non-prelims yet. I'd be a lot more surprised if we HAD seen evidence at this point. And after some thought I think that LEGO LotR is a real possibility. Castle is taking a break next year - and that's a pretty big hint that something is going to take its place. The Hobbit is coming out late 2012, and with LEGO's recent licensing frenzy, I'd be amazed if they weren't trying to capitalize on the forthcoming rush of LotR fan frenzies. As for the violence factor, I think LEGO's shown that they can handle that pretty gracefully. They've taken on a lot of risque licenses and handled it without making them seem inappropriate. Heck, the non-licensed themes are often more violent than the licensed ones! Count me among the optimistic.

Honestly, it kind of fits, doesn't it? Kingdoms is temporarily discontinued to make room for a different castle-related theme. The Hobbit is coming out next year and LEGO's recently gone on a licensing frenzy (Multi-year deal with Marvel and DC). If there was ever a time for LEGO LotR, it would be next year. I think it would be silly to discount the possibility. And I, personally, would adore a LotR line. I hope it comes true.

And I'm suddenly reminded of why I never buy Star Wars sets. Seriously, I've got better things to spend my money on.

And we still don't have non-prelim photos yet?

I don't think vibrant color schemes are inherently bad - the Space sets from the 90s had lots of black and neon colors and they're some of the best-loved LEGO sets around. But I do think that there's a difference between "vibrant" and "tasteful". Some colors just don't look that great together - I wasn't very happy with the colors of the recent Altantis wave at all. I'm not a big fan of yellow, since I've already got more yellow bricks than I'll ever need. However, it's the design of the vehicles that really makes or breaks a deal for me, so I'm still fond of these sets (and as many have said, the minifigs are fantastic).

An interesting observation. Personally I like the six-bladed look of the Dino Attack chopper, that's one of the reasons why I like it so much.

I do remember somebody mentioning a "November 2011" release earlier in the thread. I have no idea how credible this is, but as Aanchir has said, the 2012 wave almost always starts showing up in stores about a month early.

Very impressive miniaturization! It kind of makes me wish I had picked this set up back when it was still available. Oh well. Great job, I'd love to see some more SPIII miniatures from you.

It seems like most of these sets include an exclusive minifigure... that's kind of an odd move on LEGO's part, but I don't mind. It just makes the smaller sets a better buy.

Have we seen the UCS B-wing yet? That's the set that's interesting me most, since I'm kind of disappointed with the new Y-wing and the X-wing is pretty much the same as the old version.

The only really distinct characters I can make out are the two exclusives included with the HQ. They're great looking figs all right, but since they're not pervasive throughout the theme, I doubt they'll be as central to the story as Jake Raines was to PQ. I REALLY like some of these figs though, particularly the two included with the Raptor/Jeep set. That is definitely a must-buy - great vehicle, great dino, and great figs.

Still, it's a good sign. I really hope LotR is a legitimate possibility. I love LotR (even more than Star Wars) and a LEGO rendition has so much potential.

Right? I have the same dilemma. I like the pteranodon, but both of those sets are the theme's weakest imo. Of the two, I think the seaplane is a better buy, since the minifigures it includes are nice and I don't hate the design. I just wish the cockpit was a little more thought out. Of course, it all comes down to the price.

I'm pretty sure this was confirmed earlier in the thread - that's why clear pictures haven't surfaced until now. Unfortunately, that may mean it's a little on the pricier side.

Like White Cat said, those figs are fantastic and extremely useful but the seaplane itself is a little lackluster. I'm not sure exactly what bothers me about it - probably the awkward looking cockpit/front section. But the pterodactyl looks great and this could be a good parts pack if nothing else. Who knows, it could grow on me. Reviews are always very telling! Thanks for the fantastic pictures, by the way!

Disappointing news - no new Space sets either. I guess LEGO's focusing on new themes this year.

Man, it really seems like LEGO is being careful with the Superheroes line. Just about every other theme has had hi-res official pics posted but this one. I really want a better look at the Batwing!

Not just castle stuff - I'm noticing that a ton of these minifigs would be absolutely fantastic for steampunk designs. This and the Superhero theme will probably be my focus for this winter.

Good grief... have some free advice: polishing your post on a LEGO forum with vocabulary words like you're preparing a college thesis statement isn't a good use of your time. And more to the point... I'm surprised that you're more intimidated by the overgrown turkey I posted (I'll admit that it wasn't a very fair comparison), and while I suppose that is more a matter of personal taste, I'll bet you a shiny new nickel that LEGO's target audience disagrees with you. Besides, even though feathered dinosaurs are still dangerous (I never said they weren't) that doesn't make them scary. You could come up with any number of reasons why giant fluffy reptiles are the scariest beasts imaginable, but as you yourself said, it just conflicts to much with the mainstream perception of dinosaurs. If they more closely resemble a pheasant than a fanged death lizard, it's just not going to have the same appeal to kids (and probably adults too). Yes, birds can be dangerous. No, that does not make them scarier. I don't know when in this conversation we stopped talking about LEGO and started talking about my respect for feathered predators. I can promise you, though, that LEGO's choice of printing on an unreleased line of toy dinosaurs won't affect that. This is seriously off topic... it's probably best to end this discussion before it gets out of control. That seems to happen a lot here.

I'm also a big fan of those $20 vehicles. They all look great, and the fair price point makes them really enticing. Not as excited about the fire and police sets, but I'm enjoying the new "forest" twist on them.

Ehh... Best part of that set is definitely the Princess Leia minifigure.

Which are YOU more scared of? I don't think feathered dinosaurs would have made very intimidating antagonists. And if you're REALLY that concerned with scientific accuracy, then what you should be asking is why humans with modern vehicles are trying to capture live dinosaurs. Or you could remember that this is a LEGO theme.