M'Kyuun

Good riddance!

TrumpetKing67, Welcome to Eurobricks. The community here is great, and I'm sure you'll enjoy all the site has to offer. What part of WA are you from? I'm actually from PA, but I've lived in Spokane for over 9 years.

I'm aware of those parts, and they're useful, but quite bulky and limited. Ball joints are more compact and offer greater range of motion. LEGO's ball joints work great for very light models, but they quickly lose tension. Thus, I think a ratcheting system would provide the necessary strength enabling larger assemblies to be utilized. If I had my druthers, there would be a host of new ratcheting parts at smaller sizes. I dream. Captain Planet. I honestly didn't think anybody liked that show, and for good reason. However, everyone's entitled to like what they like. Something like Galaxy Rangers would be an interesting twist on the Western theme: Robo-horses, a cyborg, a sorceress, a Clint Eastwood-esque shape-shifter, and a computer hacker all in western duds teamed up with aliens to fight galactic bad guys with alien technology. That was a neat show...could translate somehow to LEGO.

Well I was actually hoping for a helicarrier from which Hulk can esape, but the set, as it is, is my favorite out of the Marvel lineup. I like the fighter...very reminiscent of the YF-23. Wolverine's heli looks good as well. The SHIELD truck looks nice with all the dark blue. The Quinjet looks ok...good parts pack. I'm a little disappointed that we're not getting a SHIELD flying car. I always thought it was cool, and it's feasible with all the new clicky hinges. I realize these are still preliminary, but I'll join the crowd in hoping that's not the final look of Iron Man's helmet. I'd rather they used the existing space helmet and just created a custom face plate, or just painted a minifig head. Either of those options would look better than what's on display. I guess we'll see in a couple months when official pics show up.

I'd also like to see a return of Blacktron. BT1 and 2 were both great themes with some excellent sets. I'd also like to see an updated Classic Space. Mark Stafford (Nabii), an AFOL turned TLG Designer, has some awesome models on his Flickr in line with what I'd love to see as a Classic Space revival. I have to agree that the "conflict in a box" concept has a tendency to minimize the quality of the primary model in favor of putting some small enemy vehicle or equipment in the same set. I suppose it helps sales, but I didn't need conflict when I was a kid. I bought the sets b/c I liked how the model looked on the box. Unfortunately, I doubt it will change anytime soon. As far as a new space theme goes, terra-forming would be something new. It'd be an opportunity to create a capital ship containing various pods, each with a different function, which could detach and land on the planet of choice. In this fashion the pods could themselves be self-contained sets, i.e. a garage and rover set; a lab set with robot surveyor; a botanical pod; a habitation pod for the busy terra-formers. Smaller sets could be various flying, crawling, and submersible vehicles used to explore and facilitate the terra-forming efforts. The vehicles could also be designed to transport the pods. And for conflict purposes, since it's a bit of a necessity these days, the planet's indiginous life-forms could strike back with their own assortment of vehicles and such. A revival of the Insectoids, with insectile mecha would be most welcome, IMO.

I got mine at Fred Meyers. They seem to get them the same time as TRU, only at $2.99 USD, and you can get as many as you like, or just buy the box. I got all but the lady in the red dress...she didn't really interest me. Love this series...the Genie is fantastic. I wish the minotaur could turn his head, but he's still quite nice. Keep 'em coming, LEGO!

The new dump truck has my vote. I may be biased since it's the only one I own out of the lineup, but I really like the look of the truck, sticker grill notwithstanding. It's a fun set, and the wheelbarrow is a welcome addition. The new hinge used for the dumping feature is interesting and should prove useful, although I think I would have preferred they'd used the faux hydraulic actuator parts(87617, 87618) to give it a more realistic feel. I think the whole lineup looks good. I'll probably get the camper and possibly the ambulance, as I have no versions of either in my collection. I wish TLG would release a copy of that yellow car as a stand-alone taxi. T'would be sweet.

At this point, I don't think the designers take scale into account as much as trying to get the model to match its inspiration, maintain price-point, and still have some play-features. Something on the scale of Star wars is definitely a conundrum for toy companies, b/c there's no way to really maintain proper scale, except perhaps in a microscale, in which figures would be so small as to be nearly pointless for lack of detail. I think TLG have made some good compromises, esp with the larger ships. They're not perfect, but I'm pretty forgiving, and I think the majority of the sets are pretty well done. As for favoring the original 7140 over the newest, and far more detailed and accurate X-Wing sets, I must respectfully disagree. The 7140, as well as most of the sets from 1999-2005 were lacking. They have their charm, more nostalgic than anything, but I much prefer the direction TLG have taken in creating better, more accurate and detailed representations of the various ships, especially the medium to smaller ships, where they can afford to create a more detailed model within price-point. I would love to see somebody build a mini-fig scaled Star Destroyer...you'd need a hangar or an empty warehouse to fit the thing, not to mention ladders and power lifts. It'd be a heck of an accomplishment. Surprised George Lucas hasn't commissioned something like that for Skywalker Ranch. If you're reading this, Mr Lucas....

I wonder how true that is, or if it's supposition. I was never a big fan of gimmicks, even as a kid. All I wanted was for my TFs to have more poseability, b/c, back in the 80's, they were basically bricks with a little arm movement. Transformation was the gimmick. Then, as now, all I wanted was a quality figure with very good poseability in all limbs, that transformed into a believable alt mode. That's why Animated was a successful toyline; they managed to make very toonish looking bots turn into vehicles, with both modes mirroring the animation quite closely. That's all I ask of Hasbro/Takara for the Prime toys, especially given their live-action movie resemblances. Kids are very savvy today, and they're surrounded by a large volume of very well made toys, especially when one compares to what we had 20 years ago. I can't imagine kids wanting a lesser quality main toy so that he/she can have a gimmick, especially if the option is put in front of them.

Based on posts I've seen on other websites, the feelings about the situation are mutual. Hasbro are alienating their fanbase, esp after they dangled the carrot, got fans excited by what was shaping up to be a very well-done toyline, and now are pulling the plug on what fans want in lieu of gimmicky, lesser toys. Well, I hope the sales, or lack thereof, show Hasbro where they've erred.

Great job on all. My favorite is your awesome update of the delivery van. A close second is the Steinwinter...an interesting concept. I worked around aircraft for 20 years, and indeed, it looks to be inspired by the ukes employed at commercial airlines. An aerodynamic trailer designed to conform to the truck would make this an effective design, but I digress; you've captured it marvelously. My hat's off to you, sir.

I think he means the various ball jointed parts, which are fine with small models, but become floppy when any substantial weight is put upon them. I wish they'd redesign the ball joints with a pin and dimple system to allow the ball joints to ratchet. Exo-Force was a cool theme, and I wouldn't mind a return. I liked the anime look to the figs; it was fitting to the theme, and an attempt to do something original, as far as LEGO goes. However, I think any mecha theme, whether the robots are designed for battle, for industrial purposes, exploration, rescue, etc, would do well if the mecha have good designs and some interesting functions/features. Even something like IGPX, an animated show centered around some very sleek looking racing mecha, would be interesting and a departure from what's already been done. It'd be a great challenge for the designers to create a non-combat mecha theme, and produce good mecha models equipped for other purposes. I'm sure folks would mod them with weapons, anyway, but they could start out innocent.

Sounds similar to the Playstation Armored Core games. If TLG were to make a battlebots theme with bots that are more "fleshed out" than the Exo-Force, and with perhaps a few new ratcheting joints, it'd do well, I think. EF were a bit oversimplified, but I think that was to keep the majority of them around the magical $20 USD price point. I bought quite a few, but I always felt like they could've been better. As a huge mecha and anime fan, they seemed a bit wanting, but I was just happy that they took the gamble. I still believe that a well-designed transformable theme is possible. When I say well designed, I mean that the vehicle modes are recognizeable and believable, and that the bot modes are still fairly poseable. There are some pretty solid designs on the internet...mostly of the Macross VF-1. With all the new parts out there, I hope there'll be a Greek mythology theme at some point ...that snake body piece would be great for Medusa, and we just got a Minotaur with the Series 6 minifigs. I think kids would dig it. I would've, but I've always had an interest in ancient history and architecture.

I have and will always hope for a well-done transforming robot theme in LEGO, although I'd prefer it to be original, but inspired by the likes of Macross, Transformers, Dorvack, etc. As more AFOLs join the LEGO Product Designer ranks, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I think steampunk could be done well if the same tone as Adventurers and Pharaoh's Quest is brought to bear. Large clockwork robots, dirigibles, ironclads, etc would be appealing to kids if done well. Who would've thought a Chinese Junk (Destiny's Bounty, of course) would be appealing...but you make it a flying ship, and it becomes so much cooler. It'd be a good reason for LEGO to create an old style diving helmet as well. My own preference would be more of a dieselpunk theme, or something similar to Sky Captain. Power armor, flying cars, retro-futuristic aircraft, robots, etc ...could be very cool. As far as appeal goes, I think these themes could be realized in a way that appeals to kids. James Bond is not really something that would appeal to younger kids...but Agents was done in a way to make it appealing. Likewise with Adventurers, Alien Conquest, etc. I know alot of folks would like to see Wild West make a return. I wonder if today's kids would relate to it...even here in the States. There are few if any western type shows for kids to watch. Although I'm not against it, and I think TLG could make some awesome sets, I've never cared for wild west cowboy and Indian stuff, with the exception of the original Wild, Wild West show, because of the steampunk vibe...sci-fi and adventure all the way.

Personally, the first wave of ninjago didn't grab me. I wasn't into the spinners (however, I fully realize these are for kids and they do like that sort of play), storyline, or really even the sets. These new sets, however, have definitely grabbed my attention. I got the Rattlecopter and Jay's Storm Fighter for Christmas (b/c my wife is awesome), and both are striking to me buildwise, swooshable, and just look neat. At first, the snake aesthetic of the vehicles was kinda silly to me...but from an imagination standpoint, they're cool sets and very well executed. Kudos to the designer of the Rattlecopter...one of the neatest sets I've built in quite awhile. I'm looking forward to getting the Destiny's Bounty...very steampunkish, and very cool. In keeping with the topic, while I don't follow the Ninjago story, I would hope they continue to make the enemies of the Ninjas something imaginary. Pirates seem too ordinary after evil skeletons and snake people. Something insectile, with insect people and their corresponding vehicles would be cool, as well as a modern nod to the old Insectoids theme. Just my two cents.

This is the review I've been waiting for, so thanks, and good job! This is my favorite Jedi starfighter design, and though I wish they'd kept retractable landing gear and a droid socket, I'm thrilled to have the droid socket at all. Great design all around. I'm also happy to see the lava droid, something I didn't think we'd ever see realized in an official set. Obi-wan's new hair is more fitting to the character, as are Anakin's new faces. Sorry to see the top and bottom of your Nute Gunray don't match. I've never had that issue, so hopefully it was a one time mistake. Great review of an excellent set.

I, too, hope that Kingdoms will continue alongside LoTR. The Mill Raid, set is amazing, as well as the Joust set (saw it in person at Brick-Con). Sets like these are great builds, and great story-builders as well. As far as LoTR goes, I'm a lukewarm fan at best. I'm curious to see the sets, although my preference will remain that TLG continue the Kingdoms line.

So Def, what is wrong with girls playing with bulldozers? Just kidding, sir. I know you're both articulate and fervent about the topic. I never imagined this theme would generate so much debate when first announced. Secretly, I've been hoping for years that TLG would make a midi-figure..similar dimensions to the original, but maybe a bit taller with ball jointed hips and shoulders, as well as elbows and knees...something with more poseability. I daresay, I found one of MegaBlocks' Halo figs and found it interestingly close to what I've wished for from LEGO for quite some time. I'm curious what kind of discussions such a figure would generate. And no, Jack Stone in no way qualifies in this, or any other theoretical, reality.

Thanks for the insight. According to the Wiki, In America, pink was considered a lighter shade of red, and thus more "fiery" for boys, and light blue more delicate for girls until the mid to late 1940s. After that, the colors were swapped as well as their gender associations. In France, during and prior to the 1940s, pink was already used to delineate female babies and blue for males, as mentioned in the book Little Women. I see your concern about LEGO sets being tagged as either for boys or girls, rather than being neutrally appealing. There's validity, I concede. We're very protective of gender roles, at least in America (I've not spent adequate time in other countries to make a valid observation). Essentially, a female child in our society could pick out a Police set or a Friends set with little concern either way for her choice; contrarily, if a male child picks up a Friends set, eyebrows would raise and there'd be reluctance, if not refusal, to allow him to select that set. America, despite some progress, is still very conservative concerning gender roles and preferences, leaning more on the male side. That being said, although they may have greater success marketing Friends among other girls' toys apart from the bulk of their product, I'm not sure I agree with it personally. I'd imagine market research led to this decision...to segregate the theme in favor of placement with other girls' toys. It may backfire due to similarity in color and appearance to the surrounding toys, whereas it'll clearly stand out alongside the other LEGO themes. Personally, I agree that tagging Friends specifically for girls is not the best approach, nor segregating them from other LEGO themes; however, I also understand this is an initial step with a new theme trying to incite girls' interest in LEGO. Is it ethically wrong? I don't think so. I don't think it compromises TLG's integrity; they want to find a wider audience among girls. I think the real targets are the parents and grandparents, who have preconceived notions of what little girls like to play with, based on their own childhoods and, of course, stereotypes. By making a product that resembles other current girls' toys and placing it among those toys, there is potential that it'll be noticed by parents and grandparents more there than if it was located among other LEGO sets, which most non-AFOL parents and grandparents, unfortunately, do consider as primarily a boy's toy. From a marketing standpoint, it makes sense to me, regardless of my opinion. Because the entire venture was aimed solely towards currying a stronger girl fanbase, labelling it as such only makes sense, even if we disagree with the decision. Due to their protectiveness of the brand, I doubt it was so easy a decision to market Friends away from the rest of their bulk product. They're taking risks to reach a wider fanbase. I still hope they're successful, and that Friends will expand, as well as the number of girls buying LEGO.

I'm a bit surprised that "Friends" is stirring up so much controversy, especially given the previous Scala and Belville lines, which were marketed pointedly to girls as well. While I understand Def's concern over the use of social stereotypes, I personally don't see the harm here. LEGO has been reinforcing historically masculine stereotypes in most of their sets for years via police, race cars, trucks, fire, space, airplanes, knights, and many other traditionally male oriented themes. Stereotypes are with us, and unfortunately they have long staying power, evidenced by the long standing tradition of signifying pink with femininity, and blue for masculinity. Given all the much more dire concerns in life and the world, I can live with it. Moreover, having recently walked the pink guantlet of girls' toys at my local dept store, I can't fault LEGO for following the trend. I've not lost my respect for them; contrarily, if these sets appeal to a young lady, or even to a boy, then I'm happy that they've chosen a product which will hopefully inspire creativity from a company who holds the enrichment of children (even us 40 yr old kids) as their highest priority. I'm also happy to see that there is a scientist among the Friends. I hope the line is successful for TLG, as there's definitely room for expansion in both roles portrayed and in the essential building aspect. My hope, ultimately, is that building and construction toys will become less stereotypically boys' toys, and more parents will see them as an avenue for creativity, artistry, and imagination fulfillment not just for their young lads, but for the ladies as well. If it takes new girly figs in a pink and pastel world to do it, then the benefits outweigh any potential social damage, real or alleged. My humble, uneducated opinion. I've never been invloved in any studies, although I do think it'd be interesting to have a group of ten boys and ten girls, ages 5-14, and let each of them choose one set from among a large selection of sets across all the current themes, including Friends, and see what the results would be.

I'll second Oky on Ratchet & Clank...some neat stuff in those games. My real dream license would be Macross, followed by Transformers. Both of the latter are certainly "dream" licenses.

I was lucky enough to grow up in the 80's and 90's, so I got to see, and own, a number of sets from nearly every space theme. Now that I'm older, nostalgia is hitting, and I've started trying to collect some of the classic sets that I never had as a kid. I have to say, though, even today, I think some of the Classic Space sets were some of the most striking looking sets ever produced..Starfleet Voyager and the venerable Galaxy Explorer spring to mind immediately. The gray, blue, and white pallette still stands out to me. I'll never forget seeing the Blacktron sets for the first time. It was such a radical departure, and the sets were awesome in their own right, esp. the modularity....and those sweet minifigs. I keep hoping for a modern revival of these sets. A Galaxy Explorer II would be great!

I like this set more for the aircraft than anything else. While the blades have a neat anime look to them, as weapons, I must agree, they're quite impractical. The red and green round tiles at the wingtips are navigation lights. All modern aircraft have them to avoid collisions, and I love it when the designers add in these little touches of reality. Conversely, the turbocharger sticking up on the plane's back is awesomely silly. Wish they'd used a cone instead of a slope for the nose (like the Agents' jet fighter), and black blades instead of gold. These are minor nitpicks, however, and I'll be picking it up at some point. I like the transforming vehicle theme (fond memories Of M.A.S.K.). Not crazy about Snappa's hairpiece or the Power Ranger-esque headwraps, but overall I like the new Snake themed sets.

I'm reading "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale and Other Classic Stories" by Philip K. Dick. He was a gifted sci-fi writer.

Actually, it's a rather fair interpretation of the Sikorsky Skycrane.