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First Image of LEGO Unikitty Dr. Fox Magnifying Machine (40314) Revealed

If you need any indicator for how big LEGO Unikitty! is now, look no further than the never-ending parade of new sets and polybags depicting the cat/unicorn Master Builder and princess of the Unikingdom alongside her friends having fun in some pretty quirky set locales.

While the lion’s share of anticipation in terms of upcoming LEGO Unikitty sets lies in products like the Ultracatty & Warrior Lucy (70827) for The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, there are still little items in the line to consider, much like the Unikitty Castle Room polybag (5005239). One such set is coming soon.

This is the LEGO Unikitty Dr. Fox Magnifying Machine (40314), and it’s unique in that there are no characters included; just a large (life-sized?) version of a gadget used by Princess Unikitty’s Castle scientist Dr. Fox. It’s comprised of two distinct builds, a microscope-like device and a huge petri dish.

A total of 76 LEGO bricks and elements come together to form the setup of Dr. Fox’s Magnifying Machine (40314), including disk-shaped elements depicting stuff the magnifier is supposed to enlarged, all stored in the petri dish when not in use. While the existence of this Unikitty set is now known thanks to Brickset, LEGO has yet to reveal when it’s coming out. We’ll just have to stand by for further updates.

WATCH: LEGO Ideas Voltron: Defender of the Universe (21311) Designer Video

From days of long ago, from uncharted regions of the Universe
Comes a legend…the legend of Voltron, Defender of the Universe
A mighty robot, loved by good, feared by evil

As Voltron’s legend grew, peace settled across the Galaxy
On Planet Earth, a Galaxy Alliance was formed
Together with the good planets of the Solar System,
They maintained peace throughout the Universe…

Well, I guess that’s enough of the legendary blurb for now. We know the lowdown since late last month: our next much-awaited set, the LEGO Ideas Voltron: Defender of the Universe (21311) is coming, and nostalgic LEGO fans can’t wait. To gear up for the releases of LEGO Ideas Voltron (21311) next week (for VIPS) and next month (for general consumers), LEGO has now uploaded the designer video for it. Featured on the video are model designers Niek van Slagmaat and Mark Tranter, who discuss the manufacturers’ process in transforming the proposal of Ideas member Leandro Tayag (len_d69) into the official product it is now.

Perhaps the biggest draw about this immense set was that Ideas Voltron (21311) is technically five individual brick-built models that combine into one giant mech. The nice part as we’ve seen from this designer video was that all components were poseable alone or together, articulating as either lions or robot limbs.

The LEGO Ideas Voltron: Defender of the Universe set (21311) will be available (in limited quantities) during the 2018 San Diego Comic Con starting Thursday (July 19) this week to next Sunday (July 22). LEGO VIP members can get it the following Monday (July 23). And finally, it’ll be available to all starting August 1.

LEGOLAND Windsor Starts Summer of Fun Event by Trading Bricks for Sand Sculptures

Normally when one mentions sculptures being built on a LEGOLAND theme park somewhere in the world, the immediate assumption is that it’s a brand new multi-brick model or edifice designed by that park’s master builders and put together with high ladders and even cranes. It’s a LEGO park after all. Well, with the UK now getting started with their summer season, LEGOLAND Windsor is joining the fun by introducing a new sculpture to advertise the park’s Summer of Fun beach-party themed event period. But rather than splurge on more bricks to assemble, this build is a sand sculpture like you would find on a beach.

Guests to LEGOLAND Windsor will most definitely appreciate the sight of giant LEGO minifigures sitting on lounge chairs at the beach, all rendered in nicely-packed sand. This is the handiwork of professional sand sculptor Raymond Wirick, hired by LEGOLAND Windsor to illustrate “Summer of Fun”.

LEGOLAND Windsor Senior PR Manager Lauren Moss is well aware that most occasions when celebrated by the park and resort is celebrated by a new build, but they wanted to try something new by getting Wirick to make a sand sculpture for their summer event, which will last two months.

Aside from the minifigure sculpts, the main attraction of LEGOLAND Windsor’s “Summer of Fun” event is a “pop-up beach” featuring sand, pails, shovels and deck chairs for resort guests to build sand-castles and more to their hearts’ content. This will be around in LEGOLAND Windsor from July until September 2.

LEGO BrickHeadz Builder Mobile App Launched for Android

It’s hard to miss the fact that LEGO is heavily invested on other forms of media and communication well outside its core offering of toys and educational children’s products. Films and TV shows? They’re covered. How about videogames? LEGO has them too, from console titles to some fun mobile apps. And it’s incredible how many LEGO mobile apps they’re developing concurrently. Aside from baseline LEGO builds rendered in AR, and the app controls for the new LEGO Batmobile (76112), there’s a new app launched that’s based on the popular BrickHeadz line of cute brick-built figures. It’s called (simply) BrickHeadz Builder.

If you have seen LEGO Studio-AR in action then you have an idea how LEGO BrickHeadz Builder works: access to and manipulation of virtual copies of official LEGO sets to build and place on an AR environment in your phone or tablet. The primary focus however is the assembly and editing of a BrickHeadz figure serving as your player avatar.

Once your BrickHeadz is complete, you can participate in challenges and mini-games to unlock more stuff and BrickHeadz characters, build other LEGO sets, place sets and BrickHeadz to make your own vignettes to save in photo or video, and even set AI patterns to your BrickHeadz and let them do their own thing on-screen.

LEGO Group VP for Digital Games and Apps Sean McEvoy has great hopes for LEGO BrickHeadz Builder to become a hit with mobile gaming and LEGO fans. “We hope this new digital experience will inspire children to continue exploring their creativity and imagination in the physical brick world, where building possibilities are endless,” he said.

For the moment, LEGO BrickHeadz Builder is only available for Android devices, and can be downloaded from Google Play Store. It’s completely free and features no in-app purchases at all.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester Is In Need of A New Master Model Builder

This could well be the ultimate AFOL dream. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester, UK is looking for a new Master Model Builder and the job description is to build and play with LEGO every day (for 5 working days that is). It is expected to draw thousands of applications worldwide considering the fact that the position is so rare that one has even a higher chance of being an astronaut! As mentioned on the LEGOLAND Manchester’s recruitment page, the unique position is one of only 23 in the world, less than a fifth of the number of trained astronauts. Currently the LEGOLAND branch has Alex Bidolak as its resident Master Builder, and soon he will be joined by the successful applicant.

Qualified applicants will go through a series of paces headed none other than by the theme park’s ‘toughest’ panel of judges – LEGOLAND’s Creative Crew made up of children ages 6 to 10.

The kids panel will challenge applicants to come up with their own series of creative builds, giving them the chance to show off if they have the bricks for the position. As far as LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester is concerned, this is the very first time that they followed this recruitment strategy, giving it a fun, LEGO twist. After all, the spirit of LEGO is all about playing well.

According to Jenn McDonough, General Manager of Manchester Cluster, Merlin Entertainments, “This is a hugely exciting time at Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester. Such is the success of our popular family attraction, that we now need a second master model builder to join the fast-paced and brilliantly creative team here, to provide guests with an even more memorable and fun experience whilst visiting the attraction.”

So if you think that you have what it takes to be the next Master Model Builder of the planet, then be sure to submit your intention right here. Afterwards, check your email to confirm your interest and wait for your next big, brick-building adventure.

Source: Manchester Evening News

For SDCC 2018 Attendees: Lottery Results To Bag These LEGO SDCC Exclusive Items Will Be Released On Friday

If you are attending San Diego Comic Con next week, chances are you’re their not just for the panel interviews and events, but also for the LEGO SDCC exclusive items that will be out for grabs. These items are treated as gold in these fan conventions, with aftermarket prices (shame to those scalpers) that can soar to ridiculous heights especially at eBay. To address the situation and to ensure fairness in the distribution of these limited, ultra rare LEGO items , SDCC organizers have set up an online, electronic lottery system to determine qualifying attendees.

Though the SDCC Exclusives Portal has already been closed at 12PM (PDT) today following the deadline for submission of interest, for those who are fortunate enough to make it on time, the SDCC website announced that the Exclusives Portal random selection process will take place on or around July 13, 2018.

For a quick recap, here are the LEGO SDCC exclusive minifigures that will be given away during specific days at this year’s San Diego Comic Con.

LEGO DC Black Lightning – July 20, 10AM-12PM (PDT)

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes Sheriff Deadpool – July 21, 2018; 10AM-12PM (PDT)

LEGO Movie 2 Apocalypseburg Unikitty – July 22, 2018; 10AM-12PM (PDT)

Keep your fingers crossed and let us know in the comments below if you’re attending this year’s SDCC and if you made the cut in having these LEGO SDCC exclusive minifigures.

LEGO Partners With The London Natural History Museum For A Quest With Plantus Maximus

The recent introduction of the LEGO Plants from Plants (40320), a collection of botanical-themed building elements advertised as being the first set wholly manufactured using plant-based plastics, is the first big step by the company towards the use of sustainable materials for its products; the promotional push speaks for itself. In fact, there’s going to be a LEGO event for UK fans happening on the first weekend of next month, and it will be in association with a celebrated institution, the London Natural History Museum. Themed after one of LEGO’s ongoing promotions for the Plants from Plants (40320) set, participating children at the Natural History Museum will come up with their own sustainable superhero figure made of building elements from LEGO’s Plants from Plants (40320). They’ll do this by checking out museum exhibits to learn about nature and environment together with LEGO’s first botanical superhero, Plantus Maximus.

Taking only an hour long per session per day, the “Quest with Plantus Maximus” will have groups of five participants per session (3 children, 2 adults), and their sustainable superhero creations will get to join LEGO’s original character Plantus Maximus (made of the Plants from Plants parts) in a conceptual wildlife-friendly city of their own design.

Do note that while the London Natural History Museum LEGO event is free, interested builders in the area must book to join online at the museum’s official website. Said online booking for “Quest with Plantus Maximus” should open before the event period running August 3-5.

LEGO’s sustainable “Plants from Plants” set will have an official launch this coming August 1.

Weekend LEGO Fan Convention and MOC Exhibit in Santa Clara, CA with Bricks by the Bay 2018

Starting this Thursday is one of the major LEGO conventions to be held annually on the West Coast. The Bricks by the Bay is a big gathering of LEGO builders and fans around northern California, and an epic showcase of the best latest MOCs from creators in the area.

Running from July 12 to 15, Bricks by the Bay will be composed of two facets: the full four-day convention itself for participating LEGO builders with MOCs to display, and the two-day exposition of said MOCs on Saturday and Sunday (July-14-15) for general public admission and fun.

For those who are interested to attend the entire four-day convention, the only registration possible for joining the Bricks by the Bay 2018 will be at the door of the venue of the Santa Clara Convention Center. It’s $105 per late participant, and though they may no longer receive event souvenirs or exclusive freebies and there might be no guarantee that any MOC they brought could make the judging, still, attending the workshops and listening to master builders are all worth it. On the other hand, for those who are interested only to attend the 2-day public expo, you may click here to purchase tickets.

Once you’re registered however, it’s all LEGO-building paradise and camaraderie with workshops, games, panel speakers, meet-and-greets with famous MOC builders and more, especially considering the general theme of this con is Animation. Later guests who will arrive for the public exhibit are sure to find some mind-blowing MOCs in that theme (Saturday 11AM-3PM; Sunday 10AM-4PM).

In addition, there will be vendors on site for any exhibit viewer who has been inspired by what they see to purchase a LEGO set or two, plus various accessories. It’s a building bonanza from Thursday all the way to the start of next week with the Santa Clara Bricks by the Bay LEGO convention.

LEGO Ideas Spotlight: the “Will & Grace & LEGO” LEGO Ideas Project

The LEGO Creator Expert Aston Martin DB5 (10262) set may be based on a spy-car laden with weapons and gadgets and lots of fast-paced violence, but nonetheless, the set itself comes across as an impressive build worthy to be compared to other impressive LEGO Creator Expert sets. LEGO does have regulations on the level of content they want from licensed franchises. But this recent proposal on LEGO Ideas platform is of a potentially mature kind and of a different sort – the LEGO Ideas project Will & Grace & LEGO.

Some three months ago, NBC aired the season finale of the revived sitcom starring the most recognizable gay-hetero besties on TV, Will & Grace. Australian fan Mark Fitzpatrick was then inspired to conceptualize a set idea which eventually evolved to the Will & Grace & LEGO project based on the show.

Listed under his Ideas username SeeMarkGeek, the “Will & Grace & LEGO” set proposal is a remarkable recreation of the sitcom’s primary set location. That is, of course, the well-appointed apartment of gay corporate lawyer Will Truman (Eric McCormack), with interior designer and old friend Grace Adler (Debra Messing) as his roommate.

Not only is the set detail accurate to the show (no fourth wall for the audience and everything), the minifigures of Will and Grace, and their friends Karen and Jack, are marvelously designed.

SeeMarkGeek’s product proposal for LEGO Ideas comes across as really pushing the envelope on what franchises LEGO could render on their various sets and polybags. Will & Grace may not be violent, but its fame as a sitcom and cast of controversial characters raises the same questions that the first hints of a James Bond set did last month. At present the LEGO Ideas Project Will & Grace & LEGO has over 300 supporters. Let us see how far that goes in future. As for Ideas proposals up for review, there are now four for the 2018 Second Stage.

More at SDCC 2018: Unikitty! New Episode Premiere and Q & A Panel

We’re literally counting the remaining days before the 2018 San Diego Comic Con kicks off. For those who are lucky to be going there among the LEGO fandom, there are already a whole lot of awesome things in store. From an advance screening of LEGO DC Super Heroes: Aquaman – Rage of Atlantis, to a panel for LEGO Ninjago, and one for the LEGO DC Super Villains game, it’s all there. But more is still in store. Following in the heels of the production team and voice talent for LEGO Ninjago showing up in their panel, the team for Unikitty! is also getting a Q&A portion. Unlike with Ninjago though, Unikitty! is nebulous on who among the show-runners and cast they’ll have appearing for the Q&A.

Said portion will come following a live screening of the latest episode in the Unikitty! series on Cartoon Network. The Q&A might also be a good time for SDCC attendees to ask about what role Unikitty might play in the plot of 2019’s The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part. Here’s a complete description of SDCC 2018 Unikitty! panel.

Your favorite character from The LEGO Movie, Unikitty, is bringing her joyous kingdom to Comic-Con! Make sure to bring plenty of sparkle matter, positive vibes, and all your questions; producers and members of the voice cast will be on hand to share a new episode and answer your questions.

The Unikitty! new episode showing, and the post-screening Q&A panel with yet unspecified producers and voice cast, will take place on Saturday, July 21, the penultimate day for the San Diego Comic Con. In the meantime, several LEGO Unikitty! sets are already up in shop.LEGO.com ahead of their arriving at stores this coming August 1.