Nuju Metru

Don't worry about the timing this round... I hardly noticed this review to be a few days late! I find your Minifig Series reviews indispensable; they're the most thorough ones I know of, and I really appreciate all the work you put into them. Thanks for taking the time once again!

I designed this famous beast for a commission, and I'm very happy with how it turned out! This minifig-scale Balrog was a tremendously fun challenge to design. It has 39 points of articulation, can balance on its own feet in many poses, and features custom-cut cloth wings. If you're interested, instructions are available-- PM me for more information. All images link to their larger versions on Flickr! Or, to see more images, go check out the Flickr album. I appreciate any comments or critiques you may have. Thanks for your feedback!

. . . . . . . . BONEHEADS OF VOODOO ISLAND When BIONICLE is rebooted (a second time), I hope they go this old-school with it! These "Boneheads of Voodoo Island" are an homage to what I love most about BIONICLE: its unique tribal-meets-mechanical whimsy, which I think the first waves of both Gen. 1 and Gen. 2 captured so well. With these Boneheads, I wanted to go back to—or, actually, go radically further past—BIONICLE's beginning in two ways. First, I've chosen to imagine the intellectual property had stayed somewhere in its infancy (i.e., when BIONICLE was still "Boneheads of Voodoo Island"); second, I've opted to design these characters in an "older" technology vocabulary than normal BIONICLE characters. I'm really happy with the genre these two choices, working in tandem, have evoked. All pictures in this topic link to their larger versions on Flickr. Meet Pakuru the Warrior and Kopere the Adventurer. Find out more about them below! . . . . . . . . PAKURU THE WARRIOR Pakuru is a Toa-like protector of the people of Voodoo Island. Armed with a powerful mace and tribal blade, he's a real force to be reckoned with! Pakuru proudly wears ceremonial floral jewelry, and collects shells in his spare time. He enjoys that shell collection more than just about everything else. It brings him a lot of peace. . . . . . . . . KOPERE THE ADVENTURER Kopere is a Matoran-like denizen of Voodoo Island. He's equipped for any adventure. Kopere likes to fight smart. He takes down enemies from afar with his crossbow! Kopere's belt is laden with spare shots, plant samples, and a lantern (among other things). Don't mess with the belt. You'll regret it. . . . . . . . . That's all I got! Feel free to leave any comments or critiques in the comments below. I look forward to reading your thoughts! If you want to see a few more shots of these two, or wanna browse bigger pics, check out the Boneheads of Voodoo Island on Flickr.

Hey everyone! You may have seen my "Dragon Lands" series of fake-product MOCs on here before (Wave 1, Wave 2, Wave 3, Wave 4). After receiving so much support and enthusiasm for the project, I decided to try my hand at actually producing a set for sale. "64045 Imaust Encounter," my first commercial LEGO endeavor, is the result of months of planning, hours of designing, dozens of Bricklink orders... it constitutes a huge investment of time, money, and energy on my part. I'm very proud of the work and so wanted to share it here. Enjoy! 64045 Imaust Encounter Price: $69.99 USD Buy and build an authentic “Dragon Lands” set! For the first time ever, a “Dragon Lands” playset is available for actual purchase! This special model, 64045 Imaust Encounter, has been created exclusively for your enjoyment. 64045 features a new version of the classic fire dragon Imaust—with Wave 4-style wings, sturdy construction, and full poseability—facing off against the Faerie wizard Aona and her spring-loaded Spell Launcher. This exclusive set encapsulates the unique “Dragon Lands” design style, and is great for both play and display. Order to receive all the parts needed to make the model (including custom-cut cloth wing membranes) and a complete set of PDF instructions for the model. Includes Imaust, Aona, and an Ustokal Warrior. ONLY 10 ORIGINAL KITS AVAILABLE! Includes 2 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Aona and an Ustokal Warrior Imaust is fully poseable, with 32 points of articulation including folding wings and moving toes Each copy of 64045 features unique custom-cut cloth wing membranes Serpentine Imaust sports wickedly curling horns, sharp orange spines, and a travel saddle with a rucksack Shoot fire bolts with the spring-loaded launcher on Imaust’s side, and store the fire bolts under his wings Also includes Aona’s spring-loaded Spell Launcher disguised as a rock Weapons and accessories include Aona’s staff and an Ustokal axe Imaust measures more than 13” (33cm) long, with a wingspan of over 17” (44cm) Vast majority of parts packaged into 64045 kits came in new condition from Bricklink If you're interested in 64045, just shoot me a PM. I'll give you my email address, then we'll do business outside of EB.

Thank you everyone for your feedback! Another wave. I'm currently toying around with the characters and dragons for a fifth series of Dragon Lands- and I've already got some cool ideas! Yeah, I noticed the similarities from the get-go. I tried to stay as far away from my earlier design as possible, but I guess there are only so many ways a guy can do concentric circular fortresses! I like to think of 64044 as my more mature take on that basic framework.

The final set of the wave has just been added to the first post- 64044 Ardun Observatory. It's huge, go have a look!

It's been a while, but here's the next set- 64043 Dwarf Workshop! Go have yourself a look at the first post!

Very impressive! It's a treat to see my old Ideas project living on this way. I like the reworked gates and the siege tower.

I hate to double-post like this, but I've just added a significantly larger (we're getting to the big ones, now!) set to the first post: 64042 Ustokal War Wagon. Go see for yourself!

Thanks all for the feedback! The next set, 64041 Gutspark Machine Dragon, has been added to the first post. Have yourself a look!

Agh, you beat my review by less than a day (if Andrew posts mine soon)! I agree that Umarak is a solid set, and based on what I've seen of the other 2016 BIONICLE stuff he comes out on top for me, too.

New set added to the first post: 64039 Wurdrok Brute Dragon! Go have yourself a look!

New set added to the first post: 64038 Divining Tree Defense. Go take a look!

Take a look, everyone- I've just added the smallest set in the wave, "64037 Wolf Chariot Chopper" to the first post! I think you're reacting off some pretty strong suppositions... Labeling this new wave "second class/bad" after having seen only one set (a set, in general format, very similar to several I've "released" in the past, might I add; I don't think 64040 brings a ton of scary new elements to the table!) isn't too fair, in my opinion. I'm also not clear on how adding "steam" or "magic" into the wave subtitle changes anything about the wave's substance. Take a look at the newest set; maybe it'll give you a more accurate sense of the direction this edition of "(Not) LEGO Dragon Lands" is going in.

Howdy guys! This is the topic for my "fourth wave" of (Not) LEGO Dragon Lands. (Not) LEGO Dragon Lands is a MOC series that's meant to be like a new theme of LEGO fantasy; as such, the creations below are designed to be as stable, functional, and reasonably-sized as real LEGO sets. The creations I make in my "themes" (I've done several like this in the past) are designed to complement each other, and be highly playable as a cohesive theme. Like I said, this is the topic for the imaginary fourth wave of Dragon Lands (wave one can be seen in-depth here, wave two here, and wave three here). Because I'm boring and don't have enough fantasy villain parts of different species, it's human/Faerie vs. Ustokal again. The specter of the Zombie threat defeated (at the end of wave two) the Ustokal of the Essoni Desert have picked up right where they left off at the start of wave one: intent on conquering fertile lands from the Kingdom of Ardun and the Faerie Realm! But this time, the war has a new component - growing technology. The Ustokal magicians and engineers attempt to imitate the clever war machines of the Dwarvish people to gain an edge in the combat. Fun parts for me in making this wave: designing more siege engines, making a new (and much better) dragon wing design, playing with unorthodox colors, creating new characters, and the flagship set- that one's a real doozy! Just wait until you see it. All images link to their larger versions on my Flickr. Check out more photos, and videos(!), on the Wave 4 Flickr Album. 64044 Ardun Observatory Pieces: 1796 Price: $159.99 USD Defend the Ardun Observatory from Ustokal attackers! Potent wizards and warriors from across the land have gathered at the Ardun Observatory. Behind the sturdy walls of this ancient bastion, they read their fortunes in the stars and seek refuge from the invading Ustokal horde. But now, the strongest fortress of the Kingdom is under concerted assault by Vorash and his army! In what promises to be a battle for the ages, Orion, Finael, and Nynia fight to protect the castle and its secrets. Destiny is the most mythic machine of all! Includes Orion, Finael, Nynia, Vorash, Rothut, two Ardun soldiers, three Ustokal warriors, and a Flame Drake. Includes 10 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Orion, Finael, Nynia, Vorash, Rothut, 2 Ardun soldiers, and 3 Ustokal warriors[/h2] Three-layered Observatory features detailed sandstone walls, wooden shields, defensive crossbows, and proud banners Raise and lower the drawbridge with a working winch Close and open the portcullis on the inner curtain Shoot Nynia’s magic with the spring-loaded Spell Launcher on the outer curtain Penetrate the Observatory walls through secret passages Features an exploding wall section in the inner curtain Pull a switch to release the Legendary Staff from its crystal prison Unload and use the telescope under the dome Drop rocks on foes through the murder holes Ardun Observatory consists of 7 modules for easy construction and rearrangement Flame Drake is fully poseable, with 25 points of articulation including folding wings and opening jaws Flame Drake features flexible cloth membranes on its wings, fiery red scales, and detachable flame breath Assault the Observatory with a working catapult, siege ladder, and battering ram Also includes a spring-loaded Spell Launcher disguised as a rock Weapons and accessories include Rothut’s staff, Nynia’s staff, Vorash’s Darkfyre axe, the Legendary Staff, the Legendary Shield, a longbow, an axe, 3 broadswords, 2 spears, 3 Faerie blades, 2 pikes, 4 shields, and a chest of gold Flame Drake measures more than 8” (20cm) long, with a wingspan of over 13” (34cm) Ardun Observatory measure more than 21” (55cm) wide, 15” (37cm) deep, and 8” (22cm) tall 64043 Dwarf Workshop Pieces: 991 Price: $99.99 USD Build mythic machines in the Dwarf Workshop! The underground Dwarf Workshop has engineered fantastic new machines and forged Legendary Weapons for years… but now, its fate lies in jeopardy! The Ustokal wizard twins, Mogrot and Moscha, as well as their witch dragon Echegob, have discovered the location of the workshop and have come to steal its secrets, poison potion and evil magic brandished. Can the Dwarves and Kalfer use the mythic machines around the workshop to stave off the threat? Includes Fifrir, Gadril, Hvod, Kalfer, Mogrot, Moscha, and Echegob. Includes 6 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Fifrir, Gadril, Hvod, Kalfer, Mogrot and Moscha Echegob is fully poseable, with 34 points of articulation including folding wings, movable fingers, and opening jaws Echegob features flexible cloth membranes on her wings, long clawed talons, toxic green spines, and a sinister wooden talisman on her back Shoot Echegob’s poison breath by pressing the lever on her back, and store the poison bolts under her wings Dwarf workshop features rocky walls, wooden stairs and struts, amber lanterns, and other cool machinery Open the vault door at surface level to enter the underground workshop Use the working elevator to move between levels, and transport machines and crystals back to the world above Let foes tumble into the bone-filled dungeon by releasing a trap door Roll the Mining Machine along the ground to make its drill spin, and punch a hole through the cavern wall to find golden gems Send Legendary Crystals down the chute into the Workshop by opening the secret hole in the ground Set includes a spring-loaded Spell Launcher disguised as part of a tool bench Also includes a Dwarf artillery crossbow and Fifrir’s wings Weapons and accessories include 3 Legendary weapons, Kalfer’s sword and axe hands, a magic shield, a battle hammer, Moscha’s potions, Mogrot’s staff, Gold and mystic crystals, and a large assortment of tools Echegob measures more than 9” (25cm) long, with a wingspan of over 16” (41cm) Together, workshop structures measure more than 15” (40cm) long, 6” (15cm) deep, and 10” (27cm) tall 64042 Ustokal War Wagon Pieces: 757 Price: $74.99 USD Roll into battle with the gigantic Ustokal War Wagon! At last, Untlaz has finished his most powerful battle machine yet: the Ustokal War Wagon! With its strong hull, sharp spikes, spinning axes, and fire cannon, the War Wagon seems like an unstoppable force… and Althior and Brigid are one of the last lines of defense against it! In desperation, Althior turns to an old enemy’s talisman: a Golem control statue! With his incantation, rock and moss around Althior take on a new form and, bound together by swirling magic, stand to face the oncoming War Wagon! Includes Althior, Brigid, Untlaz, two Ustokal warriors, a Golem, and a wolf. Includes 5 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Althior, Brigid, Untlaz, and 2 Ustokal warriors Ustokal War Wagon features infantry-deterring spikes, a strong wooden frame, a victory banner, and iron grate windows Launch the three-shot, repositionable fire cannon on top of the wagon, and seat a gunner in the box Roll the War Wagon along the ground to make the axes in front spin Open the wagon’s hull to see pilot seat, a furnace engine, weapon racks, and the small catapult inside Pull back on the catapult’s bucket and release to launch small stones Fully poseable Golem has 16 points of articulation Fire Althior’s magic with the spring-loaded Spell Launcher in the Golem’s arm Set also includes a wolf and a Dwarf artillery crossbow Weapons and accessories include Althior’s staff, the Golem control statue, 4 crossbow bolts, a pike, a hammer, a wrench, a short sword, and 2 axes Golem measures over 5” (13cm) tall War Wagon measures more than 10” (27cm) long, 6” (17cm) wide, and 5” (14cm) tall 64041 Gutspark Machine Dragon Pieces: 418 Price: $44.99 USD Build Gutspark, the mythic machine dragon! The Dwarfish Mountains are under attack by the Ustokal army! With his ballista artillery, one Ustokal warrior holds hostage a Dwarf vault, in which is stored a critical Protection Vial. But Madeg the Magician and Fifrir the clockwork engineer have assembled a powerful engine to guard their people: Gutspark, the machine dragon! Endowed with the fiery spark of life by Madeg’s spells, Fifrir’s powerful mechanical wonder can take on almost anything! Will Gutspark be enough to defend the Dwarves from the Ustokal threat? Includes Madeg, Fifrir, an Ustokal warrior, and Gutspark. Includes 3 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Fifrir, Madeg, and an Ustokal warrior Gutspark is fully poseable, with 34 points of articulation including folding wings and a flexible tail Gutspark features brilliant brassy armor, metallic spines, patchwork wing membranes, and powerful mechanical limbs Seat both Madeg and Fifrir on Gutspark, and store extra tools on the rear saddle Launch Madeg’s fire magic with the spring-loaded Spell Launcher on Gutspark’s side, and store the magic bolts under the dragon’s wings Push the lever between Gutspark’s wings to make its head strike downward Also includes a spring-loaded Ustokal ballista Stash the Protection Vial in the opening underground safe Weapons and accessories include Madeg’s staff, a drill, a pair of scissors, a hammer, a wrench, a pike, and a Protection Vial Gutspark measures more than 13” (34cm) long, with a wingspan of over 20” (50cm) 64040 Zaechyr Shade Dragon Pieces: 259 Price: $24.99 USD Explore the night with the shade dragon Zaechyr! Nynia, the Faerie wizard’s apprentice, has always had a taste for adventure… So when the time came to choose her dragon companion, she sought out the unruly shade dragon Zaechyr! Stealthy and mysterious, Zaechyr possesses the ability to become invisible against the night sky. This is why Rothut, the Ustokal Elder Wizard, seeks Zaechyr’s scales for his nefarious potions! Can Nynia and Zaechyr escape unscathed? Includes Nynia, Rothut, and Zaechyr. Includes 2 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Nynia and Rothut Zaechyr is fully poseable, with 32 points of articulation including folding wings and moving toes Zaechyr features flexible cloth membranes on his wings, spiny purple scales, and a travel saddle Launch Nynia’s magic bolts with the spring-loaded Spell Launcher on Zaechyr’s side, and store the magic bolts under his wings Sheath Nynia’s sword in the saddle, and stow her staff on Zaechyr’s leg Also includes a spring-loaded Spell Launcher disguised as a small tree Weapons and accessories include Nynia’s staff, a Faerie sword, Rothut’s staff, and an astrolabe Zaechyr measures more than 13” (33cm) long, with a wingspan of over 17” (44cm) 64039 Wurdrok Brute Dragon Pieces: 275 Price: $24.99 USD Nothing can stop the brute dragon Wurdrok! Untlaz, the wily Ustokal mechanic, has stolen a top-secret mythic machine from the Dwarvish caves! Carrying the mysterious little machine in a sack, Untlaz plans to escape back to his workshop on the back of the brute fire-breathing dragon Wurdrok. But when Untlaz reaches the surface, Orion is waiting for him! Can Orion stop Untlaz before the Ustokal reaches his dragon, or will Wurdrok’s flame breath cover their retreat? Includes Orion, Untlaz, and Wurdrok.Includes 2 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Orion and Untlaz. Wurdrok is fully poseable, with 30 points of articulation including folding wings and opening jaws Wurdrok features flexible cloth membranes on his wings, fierce orange spines, and a reinforced saddle with war flag Shoot Wurdrok’s fire breath by pressing the lever on his back, and store the fire bolts under his wings Fire stones at Untlaz and Wurdok with the disc launcher disguised as a rock Weapons and accessories include a longsword, a shortsword, the Legendary Shield, and the mysterious sack Wurdrok measures more than 9” (25cm) long, with a wingspan of over 16” (41cm) 64038 Divining Tree Defense Pieces: 151 Price: $14.99 USD Discover the future at the mystical Divining Tree! Situated in the heart of a magic forest, the mystical Divining Tree has been a powerful oracle for generations. Through crystal balls and divination pools around the tree, Faerie wizards can catch glances of the future! A small party of Ustokal guerillas ambushes the tree, hoping to burn it down and deprive the Faeries of this advantage… but Aona has foreseen their assault, and awaits them! Will Aona’s magic be strong enough to defend the Divining Tree from its attackers? Includes Aona and two Ustokal warriors. Includes 3 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Aona and 2 Ustokal warriors Divining tree features vibrant leaves, deep roots, and lots of divination devices at its base Push down the lever to make the Divining Tree come to life Shoot the Ustokal with the triple spring-loaded Spell Launcher at the base of the tree Weapons and accessories include Aona’s staff, an axe, a pike, two torches, and two books Divining Tree measures more than 5” (14cm) tall and 3” (8cm) wide 64037 Wolf Chariot Chopper Pieces: 88 Price: $7.99 USD Face off against Vorash in his Wolf Chariot Chopper! On the field of battle, nothing can stand in Vorash’s way! Armed with his potent Darkfyre axe crafted by his court wizards, Vorash rides atop a wolf-drawn Chariot Chopper with slicing blades. Only Kalfer, the changeling hero, dares to face the Ustokal warlord. With his magic shield and variable battle arm, Kalfer is a force to be reckoned with. But can he stop the Chariot Chopper in its tracks? Includes Vorash, Kalfer, and a giant wolf. Includes 2 minifigures with assorted weapons and accessories: Vorash and Kalfer. Switch Kalfer’s arm between sword and axe modes Chariot Chopper features sharp spikes, an iron basket, and a rippling flag Roll the chariot along the ground to make the chopper blades spin Weapons and accessories include Vorash’s Darkfyre axe, Kalfer’s sword and axe hands, and a magic shield Chariot Chopper measures more than 6” (17cm) long

I'm extraordinarily impressed by your dedication to detail, accuracy, and simplification of the model, as you've recreated it. This review itself here is also quite comprehensive, and I really enjoyed seeing my build so thoroughly picked apart. Bravo - I never expected somebody to take my little creation as far as this!

Hey guys! These are a pair of MOCs I built when I went to hang out with the fantastic Darth Vader at his LEGO palace in SoCal. I made them in less than 24 hours, cumulatively, and I was pretty proud of that. S/o to Pat for letting me use all his gorgeous pieces... as well as his fancy camera. Here are Suzuno and Uegawa. I didn't bother thinking up much backstory for them- I think they're ancient warriors? Who have beef with each other? Iunno. Enjoy. (All images link to larger versions on Flickr) SUZUNO - THE CHALLENGER! UEGAWA - THE CREATURE! For more/larger pictures, check out the album on Flickr. Thanks for viewing, I appreciate all commentary!

Thank you, glad to hear from such a long-time fan of the theme! Yeah, one of the most fun parts of this wave for me was deviating a little from making just dragons. The Golem is one of my favorite creations I've ever made, actually, and the War Bee was a delight to build as well. Thanks, but I actually don't intend to post these, or any other, "(Not) LEGO Dragon Lands" sets on LEGO Ideas... I've already gotten a project to 10K, and that only made it so far because it was an existing IP with a worldwide fanbase. I just don't see my sets here doing terribly well, especially since they'd have to be posted separately.

Thank you both, I appreciate the compliments! For anyone who was interested in how 64034 and 64036 combine, by the way, I took a few pictures- only just remembered to post them here:

Thanks everyone for the positive feedback! Glad to hear you guys enjoyed the wave. Not sure, yet-- I've had a few ideas for a fourth wave, but it really depends on what sort of time I have going forward.

Last set of the wave, 64036 Sorcerer's Gully, has been added to the topic! Mm, I see what you mean. I hope that the style thing's rectified a bit more in the new set, what with the flowers and etc. I was trying to avoid a LOTR elf aesthetic, but given the parts I had and the look of the figures, it was a real uphill battle. I think the idea of a different insect steed is an awesome one, and it didn't even occur to me! The bee was already built, more or less, and considering the bees I also decided to include in 64036, I thought having one in 64034 made sense just as a way to unify the Faerie feel.

All the prizes have now been revealed- Go take a look at what y'all stand to win!

The second-to-last set of this wave, 64035 Dunrak Harbor, has been uploaded to the first post. Go take a look!

So yeah, I'm hosting a Dragon-Building contest over on Flickr. Click(r!) the image above for more information, including the contest rules and instructions for entering. I've posted this here because I figured that you guys in the EB Historical community might be interested in entering, too; you've all been so kindly complimentary of my "(Not) LEGO Dragon Lands" creations (check out Waves One, Two, and Three if you have no idea what those are), and I figure nobody wants to pass up the chance to win... fabulous prizes! 1st Place Prize: Morlac Ultimate Dragon 2nd Place Prize: Radgha Trophy 3rd Place Prize: 5006472 Zombie Ambush Best Minifigure Prize: 5006470 Prince Vorash A fun bonus that's come out of this contest, by the way: I've created a comprehensive set of Dragon-Building Guides for people who really want to participate in the fun but have no idea where to start, or for those seeking to build a dragon their own in the "(Not) LEGO Dragon Lands" style. If you're interested in entering, and don't have a Flickr account, please make one; it'll make my judging process a lot more straightforward. If you're really averse to making a Flickr for whatever reason, though, I'll allow you to post entry pictures/descriptions in this topic (as long as you can give me a really good excuse for not joining Flickr!). I'll also field contest-related questions here, if you have any. Happy building, hope to see some fabulous entries from you guys! Nuju

Hate to double-post like this, but I've added the next set - 64034 Faerie Outpost - the front of the topic. It's a cool structure, I recommend you check it out!