Zarkan

Man, Alfred's sure agile for an old man. Maybe he's taking steroids? Or maybe he found the fountain of youth? Nah, I bet he's just going to Poison Ivy's youthness spa and will eventually turn into a tree.

He means the beret that one of the rebels is wearing. Oh, and nice MOC and comic. Your creations are pretty nice.

Simply beautiful. All the awesome details like the tile scales and the sail wings add to the uniqueness, and the color scheme is awesome as well. I think the only realy flaw is that the tail is pretty plain - but since that's such a minor part, it isn't a big deal. Awesome job, DV!

Yeah, that was great - and the whole scene was so true to Joker's character.

What's even scarrier is that the grey and black Rahkshi rip-off reminds me a lot of Skrall from the 2009 pics. They both have long serpent-like heads, a hunchback, and spinning buzz-saw weapons:

Thanks for the wonderful review. This is really a beautiful set - I love the old lego houses from the 80's and 90's - they were always very quaint and well designed. Actually, I like the old car designs too, but only for their nostalgic value (in reality, they are very unrealistic and look more like go carts). That said, not all four wide cars are silly looking - the 4-wide cars in these city sets are awesome and fit in with the modern CITY style great.

Great article. I personally agree that Dino Attack was underated. Although I didn't like the tank, and the large jeep wasn't especially good, I loved the other vehicles. However, I hated the dinos - they were simply too silly looking, with their light-up eyes and bright red, yellow and green highlights. You really hit the nail on the head in regards to the lack of buildings. I think Dino Attack would have been a lot better if we got a few playsets with wrecked buildings. I also would have loved to see a base of opperations for Dino Attack. Add those kits and some better looking dinos, and I would have given the line more than a 3.

I wouldn't say it's fair to call the whole show plotless - there's a lot of episodes that have decent plot overall. Episodes like Grundy's Night, The Laughing Bat, Strange New World, Artifacts, Two of a Kind, A Matter of Family, Riddler's Revenge, and many others were not all action (Riddler's Revenge was mostly talking and flashbacks, for example). A lot of the earlier episodes had that problem, but it improved in the later seasons. And the Two Parters all were great. Also, how can you say that actors like Rino Romano (Batman), Robert Englund (Riddler), James Remar (Black Mask), Dorian Harewood (Martian Manhunter), and others were bad? Yes, I know that there were bad voice actors, but not all were bad, and even some of the worst ones sounded good sometimes (listen to Joker in his first episode, and then listen to him in The Laughing Bat. Notice how much better he sounds in the latter?). Villians? I don't see how villians like Riddler, Black Mask, Clayface, Bane, and others qualify as "terrible terrible." And personally, some of the other villians like Mr. Freeze and Catwoman had amazing character designs, even though their voices weren't great at all. I guess it's just a matter of viewing The Batman in it's own right, instead of comparing it to BTAS. BTAS is better in many ways, but IMO The Batman did shine in some ways (especially in the later episodes). The amazing animation (compared to BTAS's inconsistent, often choppy animation), innovative character designs, and a fair amount of episodes with good plot and voicework combine to make it worth watching, even if it isn't as good as BTAS.

The Pirate line as a whole What I like The figures are awesome, with great new torsos and hats, and fitting faces. The overall look resembles the old pirates a LOT. FIRING CANNONS! Lots of acessories, including a few new ones. Tons of great pieces. The amount of figures in each set is good. Design as a whole is great. Lots of animals in the sets. :happy: What I don't like Some sets need one or two new figures. Design is poor in spots. Stickers. <insert that tiresome argument> palm trees. No rigging on the large ship. 6243 (Large Pirate Ship) What I like The color scheme is fairy subdued, compared to the pirate ships from the last few years of normal pirates back in the mid 1990's There's lots of acessories, and at least three firing cannons. The design is very nice overall. Pirate lass is awesome! Includes a monkey, shark, and parrot. What I don't like The design is missing rigging, which is a bit annoying. I wish they had brought back the old string pieces with the lego stud ends. The ship needs at least two more pirates to have a full crew. However, since we get two imperials in the kit, this is understandable. 6242 (Imperial Base) What I like The set has a great figure selection and lots of acessories. A rat, crocodile and monkey are included. It also includes 3 Imperial flags, dynamite, and a black barrel. Design is really nice for the most part. What I don't like Brick walls appear to be stickers. Palm tree looks <insert that tiresome argument>. The little corner shanty doesn't look that great. 6241 (Pirate Island) What I like It has an awesome new sand baseplate. The set includes a crocodile, roasting fish, cannon, treasure map, and lots of other goodies. :happy: The shipwrecked sailor (Ben Gunn?) is awesome AND hilarious. What I don't like The set is very basic, construction wise. Doesn't include a REAL palm tree (although we'd probably get a <insert that tiresome argument> one if it did). The dock isn't that great. 6239 (Small Cannon set) What I like This looks to be a great army builder kit, since it includes a cannon, imperial soldier, and pirate. The acessories are nice. What I don't like Could have included another imperial soldier - the smallest castle set from 2007 had THREE figures. 6240 (Raft and Kraken) What I like The raft is decent. Includes some great acessories, and what appears to be a spyglass. What I don't like The "Kraken" is extremely disapointing - I wanted more than a red octopus. :sad2:

Oh, okay. I wasn't quite sure, but from what you said, it sounded like I was the one who started the "fans complain about complaining, fans praise fans" phase. Glad to see that wasn't quite right. Actually, I realize that my post may have been a bit strong, but all it really meant was for everyone to put away nostalga for a bit and judge the sets on their own merit. Compared to the older sets, they're not really a big jump at all - but as a whole the sets are very nice, especially compared to the Dark ages and 4+ crap. That said, I know I can't really share the sentiment of many of the older fans, since I got into lego IN the dark ages - so I'm sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings.

Actually, I didn't say that all AFOL's were doing that - I only was pointing out that there was a lot of complaining going on despite the awesomeness of having a pirate line similar to the old one. Look at this topic, and you'll see nearly as many negative posts as positive ones. I realize that there are some AFOL's posting very postive comments about the Pirates, though, so please don't take offense at my post.

Hey guys, a little tibit of info just came out. Nuhrii the Metruan, who has influenced Bionicle somewhat (the Toa Mangai, Toa Naho, and Nektann the Skakdi warlord were all his ideas), sent several PM's to Greg on BZP. The answers lead him to this conclusion: that Mata Nui may actually leave the surface of the Bionicle Planet and go somewhere else, taking the ENTIRE Matoran universe with him. Basically, this means that if the Mata Nui set is the size of a Titan or Toa, all the sets next year are around the size of the Matoran universe as well, and the entire new universe is in a totally different scale than the original bionicle universe.

Okay, I really couldn't wait to write my analysis of the new kits until I got back from vacation. I guess it's because they are so awesome. Digger - A really nice small set that would probably look good even in smaller towns, since the size isn't enormous. I also want to say right now that the new cauion signs are awesome, so I'm glad we're getting them in almost every new construction set. Dump Truck - Some people don't seem to like the technic dumper, but personally I think it's an ingenious alternative to using a big mold or regular bricks. I'm also glad that this kit is at a reasonable scale, unlike the GIGANTIC dump truck from 2005. Man, that kit was more like a dump tank, which is why it's one of the few CITY sets that I hate. Pavement Roller - I like this kit, even though it's not as good as some of the other ones. Using the Viking wheels with the new hexagon pieces actually looks pretty good, and the overall design is pretty decent. Plus, I'm not sure if we've ever gotten a pavement roller before, so that's awesome (someone please correct me if I'm wrong - I'm not totally sure). Bulldozer - This kit looks great, and it seems really well designed, but it has the same problem the previously mentioned dump "tank" has: it's ginormous. I doubt that this vehicle would fit into any town at all - even a town with a heavy CITY presence. Oh well, at least the kids will love it. Crane - Okay, what is with that giant one-piece crane shaft? I'm not usually against big molds if they serve a purpose, I draw the line at molds that big that have barely any construction points. Also, the crane as a whole seems kinda thrown together - it pales in comparison to the awesome dump truck and digger. Again, the kids will love it, but there's not really much here for older fans. Construction Site - Yes, this is the best of them all! Look at the value - you get a mobile crane, a decently scaled transport truck, a small digger, a lift, and an actual building in progress! This is really wonderful, as I've been tired of seeing so many construction kits without actual stuff for them to construct (even the older days had this problem). The set as a whole looks really well designed, and I'm thinking this could be the best seller of them all due to the high play value. Tractor - Firstly, I've gotta say that it's plain awesome that we're FINALLY getting farm sets. It took TLC nearly half a century, but lego minifigs are finally going into agriculture. Now, as for the tractor, I love it! It's not exceedingly big, and has a good design. A winning combination, if you ask me. Truck and Horse Trailer - That is a NICE truck, I've gotta say. And I love the little trailer as well, although I hope it has a decent back. And yay, a plain horsey! Combine Harvester - Man, this is sure a big set. However, since these vehicles are ginormous in real life as well (although not quite as big as this). I'll let it pass. It looks well designed as well, and has a great piece selection. Only question is, where's the darn crop fields? Farm - Awesome! This is wonderful as a playset - and I can see just as many girls buying this as boys. The barn and silo are a bit disapointing, but overall they look very decent. And the feeding stable, tractor, and minifigs are awesome (finally, a female!). Best of all: COWS! City Life - This kit is simply spectacular. In one small box you get three road signs, a stoplight, a bench, a fire hydrant, a cart with box, and four minifigs - including another female! Man, I love everything about it! I think I may actually purchase all the farm sets, since I love them so much. They won't fit in my town, but I would love to have a separate country display made with these sets. I'll probably purchase the digger too, as my current one is not the greatest, and the City Life kit is a must for me. Overall, this looks to be the best year for CITY ever, and I'm hoping that we'll get more farm sets. Maybe a farmer's cottage, or milking barn, or riding stable? The possibilities are amazing!

I just don't get AFOLs sometimes. With all the complaints about the modern incarnations of town, castle, and space, it seemed that only a classic approach to the old themes would satisfy them. And now here we are, with a new Pirate theme that is strikingly similar to the old one - and people still are complaining like crazy! TLC took special care to make a theme that stayed close to its roots, and basically all many of the older fans of Lego can say is that it's inferior and uninnovative. Seriously, I'm begining to think that the only thing that would please some of the members here would for TLC to stop producing any original sets, and only re-release old sets. I dunno why this is, but maybe it stems from nostalga and a feeling of loyalty to the old lego sets (again though, I'm not sure). Regardless, this constant complaining and negativity is really sad, because TLC has jumped back from the Dark Ages, whether you guys can see it or not. TLC is finally trying to please both adults and kids by bringing back their classic themes, instead of focusing on seemingly easy money-makers and pointless licsensed themes (which were the products of the Dark Ages). Can't you guys be greatful that TLC is no longer churning out stuff like that? Please guys, focus on the positives: Pirates is back, it's not 4-Jr or Duplo, and it looks a lot like the classic lego pirates. We all need to support TLC in doing this, instead of longing for Legends and the old days of doing things. TLC may be different today, but it's getting better every year, and will only continue to improve. That's a sign of rejoicing to me, and IMO it should be for the rest of you.

I have mixed feelings about these sets - mainly because they continue to use the Inika designs, and once again there are no new limb parts. Why does TLC keep using the same designs? I really want to see more of the originality we saw in 2007. On the other hand, the overall look of the sets is AWESOME! The masks and weapons are simply amazing, and the colors are so win in every way. Speaking of which, while there is a lack of new basic molds, there are more recolored pieces here than in any previous year. I don't like that they are reusing the Av-Matoran design, but I DO like that they are all in new colors. Oh, and I'm not sold on the titans, but still - 2009 is really looking good!

I wasn't going to post at all until I got back from vacation (I'm not used to the type of keyboard they have), but I felt I needed to say something. For all those who are complaining about the quality of the farm sets: lighten up! The mere fact that we're getting sets like this is a miracle, considering that even the much loved 80's never had a farm line. We could have just gotten a new Emergency line or another second wave of a subtheme - but instead we got something that's almost too true to believe. And now some of you are still complaining? Think of all the posibilities if this line sells well - we could get more kits like houses, shops, and other awesome stuff. We seriously need to all support TLC right now and give them a big hand of applause for doing something like this - would you rather we go back to the period where we only had police, fire, and rescue sets? TLC is finally getting back in its grove, and I just don't get why some members complain so much. Anyway, I'll have to keep my analysis of the sets short for now, but here's a basic summary:

Well, that would be a good solution - if the instruction manuals didn't get bent a lot too! Although that isn't as big an issue as other problems, it still needs to be adressed eventually.

Man, this game is looking so cool! And it actually seems really dark in certain areas - playing as villians and fighting cops that are shooting at you with semi-realistic guns rarely is seen in a kids game. Funny, I think that the actual minifig looks a lot like that picture - scaly, evil, and lizardlike.

Hahaha! That was great - and the animation was amazing! Now, if only the Gunship actually came with that many clones.

I nulled. Sorry, but I couldn't decide which entry I liked better - and there were more than just bonesiii's and Mihunai's.

Thanks! Since I posted that picture, I've made the legs and feet - so I'll post another picture soon. Here's the progress, as of August 13:

Welcome to eurobricks! I'm sure you'll have a great time here. And, woah - a fan of space AND castle? Regrettably, we don't get as many of those here as I'd like - a lot of the members here are fans of one or the other. Norro leads the castle fans, while snefroe leads the space fans.

A lot of people have been making great points about this issue, and I'm just going to add one of my own. Remember, America is one of TLC's biggest markets, but it's also one of the most struggling in general. Prices of most everything have been going up in the USA - especially gasoline, which is made from the oil that is also made into lego. People in America are starting to be more careful about what they buy, and that includes tightening the belt when it comes to non-necessities of life. Basically, if TLC raised the prices in America by a ton, then a lot less people would buy lego, and Megabloks, Bestlock, and K-NEX would probably win out among the average families. Also, prices on some lego brands ARE going up in America. Bionicle canister sets jumped three dollars in price this summer, and most of the new Starwars Clone Wars kits are at least 5 dollars more than normal. In fact, the Gunship is TWENTY dollars more than normal! This is why I abandoned all plans of adding to my starwars army this year.

Okay, here's a few of my ideas. Idea #1: I'd love to see a new space theme that combines elements from classic space and the design techniques from more recent themes like Mars Mission. There is a ton of potential for a theme like this, and it could go for many years. The theme would start out with two factions - a blue and grey faction with futuristic astronauts, and a red and black faction with evil minifigs like Blacktron. In later years they could add more factions like a space pirates faction and a new alien faction - each with varried colors and styles of design. Each faction would eventually get their own base and capital ship - and there would be lots of space ships, some rovers, and maybe some mechs more in the style of Battletech, not Manga and Anime. With the success of Mars Mission, it would be a good move to make a more versatile theme like this, and both kids and AFOLs would love it. Idea #2: I totally agree. A theme like this would have tons of possibilities, and could be done in a non-violent way. There are so many different and recognizeable planes out there that the theme could last for a while. First year planes could include the Sopwith Camel and Tri-Focker from early aviation, the P-51, Me 109, and A6M Zero from WWII, and the F-14 and F-22 from modern aviation. The theme could expand outward from there, with more planes each year, and could also include a helicopter or two. And this theme would not be controversial if it was done less with the war outlook and more with the "classic planes of aviation" strategy. Kids could easily connect the dots and have dogfights without TLC actually telling them that they could do that. Idea #3: I want to see more classic town themes revisited in the new City style. A new Spaceport theme is a must - it has plenty of potential. A space shuttle, lunar lander, rocket launch, training center, shuttle piggyback, lunar rover, and a couple other kits would be included. I'd also love to see a new Race theme - one without fancy trademarks and with other race types besides cars. Dragster kits, Jetski kits, and maybe even airshow kits with racing planes would go alongside the essential car racing kits like a racetrack and car carrier. Another idea - new Diver kits. I really wanted to see a second Aquaraiders wave, but now the chance is gone for that. So a new underwater theme with realistic subs and boats would fit the bill nicely. There would be lots of playability, with sunken ships, coral reefs, and tons of normal minifig scale creatures. Finally, I want to see more expansions on some of the already established subthemes. A new emergency rescue wave is a must, with a big $80-100 hospital, a hospital plane, hospital boat, and a smaller road vehicle. I really want to see an Octan tow truck and tanker truck, and maybe even a giant fuel tanker ship. Speaking of which, some more Nautical kits to go with the harbor should be made eventually. A marina, tug boat, and some other boats like racers and fishing boats would be awesome. And some new transportation kits like a transport helicopter, airport baggage carrier, and post office would be great. Phew, took a while to type that up.

Thanks for yet another awesome review. This sums up my opinion exactly. I can easily admit that the design of the kit is spot on - but unfortunately, the actual design of the ship in the new movie is garbage. Actually, despite the Millennium Falcon's odd design, I really think it's a pretty appealing ship - and its really cool! I can't say the same for the Twilight, though.