The Brick Show

LEGO Ideas Update: First Thirteen Qualifiers for the First LEGO Ideas 2023 Review Stage

Now that the LEGO Ideas Third 2022 Review Stage has been wrapped up, we are now seeing the initial batch of product ideas that managed to gather that needed 10K support to be included in the First 2023 LEGO Ideas Review Stage. Here’s a look at some of the product ideas that may turn out to be the next official LEGO Ideas set.

Right off the bat, I have to say that I am personally cheering for Ashnflash’s Shrek’s Swamp – 20th Anniversary set and the Retro Comic Store by LEGOverwatch. Ashnflash LEGO Ideas concept was an overnight success considering that an official LEGO set inspired by Dreamwork’s iconic green ogre can potentially become a tie-in set to celebrate this 2oth anniversary milestone. The recent box office success of the Shrek spin-off Puss in Boots: The Last Wish also catapulted this proposed set to 10K stardom.

Another product idea that I hope to see become a reality is the Retro Comic Store. It will be a great addition to any LEGO City MOC and other LEGO modular sets. It is also cool to see some vintage comic book titles rendered into printed LEGO titles, similar to our custom LEGO 2×2 printed tiles that we offer at our official storefront.

In any case, I hope for the success of all these product ideas as they enter this year’s LEGO Ideas First 2023 Review Stage. In no particular order, here are the initial batch of this year’s LEGO Ideas qualifiers. Click on their respective links below to learn more about these potential LEGO Ideas sets.

SHREK’S SWAMP – 20TH ANNIVERSARY

BRICK BOULEVARD

THE BOTANICAL GARDEN

THE STARGATE

SWEET HONEY

BABY GREEN SEA TURTLE – KINETIC

DR. SEUSS AND LEGO

STARGATE SG1 : EMBARKATION ROOM

MOTORIZED HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE

RETRO COMIC STORE

ROSCOSMOS SOYUZ MS SPACECRAFT

THE CROWN – A PIECE OF HISTORY

MEDIEVAL SEASIDE MARKET

Here’s How You Can Get Your LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP Set

Last week, the LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP set was revealed to be the next gift-with-purchase set. However, LEGO is still keeping this under wraps considering that we still have several promotional sets that are still active, particularly the LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575). If you’re looking to bag this one, you have until tomorrow, January 25, to avail of this set with qualifying purchases. But if you’ve set your sights on getting the latest Bionicle set, then read on because LEGO has released the details on how to get them.

In an email sent by the company to all LEGO affiliates, we now know when and how to avail of the LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) gift-with-purchase set. There has been plenty of mixed reactions regarding this one, but still, it’s great to see LEGO offering this classic theme back to AFOLs who grew up with the Bionicle theme.

From January 27 to February 9, 2023, you can have the LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP set for free for a minimum qualifying purchase of any LEGO City, Monkie Kid, Ninjago, Friends, DOTS, Creator 3-in-1, and Classic sets worth $95 above. As it seems, LEGO is giving its non-licensed themes a boost during the next few weeks.

Valued at $17, the said Bionicle promotional has a lower spending limit than previous ones. For example, the LEGO Houses of the World (40583) has a qualifying purchase of $250 or more for you to avail of it. The LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) also has a higher qualifying purchase of $190 and more when offered during the first two weeks of January.

The LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP set promo is not yet live over at LEGO’s Offers and Promotions page, but we can expect this to be up in the next couple of days. Here’s another look at what we can expect from this classic throwback set.

LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581)

219 pieces | $16.99 | Coming soon as a gift-with-purchase set

In 2001, The LEGO Group introduced a new theme that would become a sensation: BIONICLE®. This story of mighty heroes with elemental powers took the world by storm, inspiring comics, novels, and movies. Now two of the theme’s most popular characters return with this LEGO® Icons BIONICLE Tahu and Takua (40581) set. The articulated action figures come with a fire sword and a disc-thrower accessory. The set also includes a lava display stand, so you can pay tribute to BIONICLE in your home or office.

Get reacquainted with heroes – Tahu and Takua are articulated action figures of iconic heroes from the LEGO® BIONICLE® theme, complete with a fire sword and a disc thrower.
Watch them surf on lava – The set includes a lava display stand, allowing the duo to surf on the rivers of molten lava that flow from the Mangai volcano.
Dimensions – This product measures over 5 in. (13 cm) high and 2 in. (6 cm) wide.

LEGO DOTS To End in June 2023

In case you missed it, LEGO has decided to pull the plug on one of its relatively younger themes. As announced last week, the LEGO Group will discontinue the LEGO DOTS theme effective June this year.

This early retirement of LEGO DOTS may have been spurred by its below-average performance in the market. Since its inception in 2020, the theme has managed to develop its portfolio of more than 70 sets throughout its four-year stint.

Frankly, the news came as a surprise, considering LEGO just recently announced its Q1 2023 line-up of new LEGO DOTS sets. But as it seems, underperforming themes are eventually retired, and it’s a business decision that LEGO has to make, unfortunately.

Here’s the official statement from the LEGO Group.

Dear all,

After careful consideration, we have decided to exit the LEGO DOTS theme and integrate tile-based play into other themes within our portfolio.

January and March launches of LEGO DOTS novelties will go ahead but also be our last on this theme, with all current items from 2022 remaining active in the product line up until the end of the year.

LEGO DOTS was launched in March 2020 with the ambition to connect with kids through their passion for arts & crafts – looking at encouraging self-expression and to attract new builders to the LEGO brand. It was a completely new style of building which used brightly coloured tiles to ignite creativity with LEGO fans, in a fun and unique way.

Whilst seeing great appetite for this type of proposition and playing a key role in retaining kids in the LEGO brand, we also recognise the challenges of establishing LEGO DOTS as a long-term brand in the arts & crafts category.

We will refocus our attention on ensuring elements of tile-play live on across other areas of the business. We know there is still a huge appeal from the arts & craft community, and we want to ensure there are opportunities for kids who love the play proposition to still enjoy building in this way. We can also confirm this discontinuation will not affect our business direction on similar themes like LEGO Art and we look forward to more exciting launches in the future.

We want to thank all our LEGO DOTS fans who inspired us with their creativity!

I guess LEGO will be capitalizing on the LEGO DOTS imminent retirement as it is still expected to release its March wave of sets inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But after that, the curtains will eventually fall on this beloved theme.

So while counting the months before we see the end of LEGO DOTS, you may want to check out which sets turned out to be popular and enjoyed by the LEGO community. Here is our top 15 list of most wanted LEGO DOTS sets (in descending order) based on data shared Brickset data. Please take note that these are affiliate links. So just in case you want to purchase these sets through these links, we also get to receive a small portion of its purchase. It’s a great way to show support for what we do here in the blog.

Extra DOTS – Series 1 (41908) – 2020

Extra DOTS – Series 2 (41916) – 2020

Extra DOTS – Series 3 (41921) – 2021

Lots of DOTS (41935) – 2021

Cosmic Wonder Bracelet (41903) – 2020

Extra DOTS – Series 4 (41931) – 2021

Pineapple Pencil Holder (41906) – 2020

Extra DOTS – Series 5 (41932) – 2021

Extra DOTS – Series 6 (41946) – 2022

Rainbow Bracelet (41900) – 2020

Animal Picture Holders (41904) – 2020

Rainbow Jewelry Stand (41905) – 2020

Sparkly Unicorn Bracelet (41902) – 2020

Funky Animals Bracelet (41901) – 2020

Big Message Board (41952) – 2022

Build Your Very Own LEGO God of Fortune to Celebrate the Chinese New Year

Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Water Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. And LEGO Singapore joins in the celebration by offering a regional exclusive promo LEGO God of Fortune brick-built mini statue.

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A post shared by Brickfinder (@brickfinder)

Thanks to information provided by the Brickfinder, we get to see the intricacies of this miniature collectible. As it is, the LEGO God of Fortune is a gift-with-purchase set offered at Suntec City Mall in the famed Lion City. For every single-receipt purchase made at Suntec City Mall worth SGD $388 and above, you get to bring home this 132-piece giveaway. Some other conditions are attached to this promo, as you can see below.

Frankly, the purchase price point for this set might be a bit high. But as the Brickfinder mentions, this is a stackable promo. This means you also get to bring home for free other LEGO promos (such as the LEGO Year of the Rabbit and the LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack) during this time if you buy LEGO in Suntec City Mall.

And if you’re on the other side of the globe now, you can also have the chance to build your very own LEGO God of Fortune. You may download the building instructions here and check if you have the necessary parts to recreate this freebie. There seem to be no exclusive elements on this set, so you can check with your current LEGO collection if you have the parts available.

If you’re unfamiliar with this deity, this Chinese God of Fortune also comes by the name Caishen. He is said to bring good luck and prosperity to celebrate the new year.

Confirmed: LEGO Indiana Jones Will Make a Come Back This April 2023

We’re still months away before we see the return of one of the greatest film heroes of all time on the big screen. But as early as now, it seems that we’ll be seeing LEGO renditions of the great Dr. Henry Walton Jones Jr. any time soon. Irish toy store Smyth Toys has just confirmed that a LEGO Indiana Jones will arrive in April this year.

Shared by Max Bornicke from LEGO fan site Promobricks, the reveal came by way of a LEGO catalog made available at a Smyth Toys store. There have been several rumors as early as the first half of 2022 that the popular LEGO theme is making a comeback in line with the release of the latest film in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. In case you missed it, here’s the official trailer.

Since LEGO created tie-in sets for the franchise back in 2008, the theme managed to create 18 sets (including a polybag and an SDCC exclusive) spanning all four films (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). And after almost 15 years, we will see this LEGO theme revived for fans of the LEGO theme.

Max was kind enough to show a portion of this announcement via the LEGO catalog as you see below.

The April launch might be a regional exclusive since Promobricks reports that retailers from other countries mentioned a June 2023 release from their side. This is expected since the tie-in film will have a theatrical release on June 30, 2023. We just have to wait and see what LEGO has in store until then. In the meantime, be sure to keep in touch and bookmark our website for future announcements about these upcoming LEGO Indiana Jones sets.

LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) GWP Set Revealed!

LEGO seems to be on a roll with its recent reveals of gift-with-purchase or GWP sets. And this time, LEGO has revealed another one that fans of the classic Bionicle theme will be glad to have. The LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) has been listed and officially revealed at LEGO.com and is said to be available as a promotional set from January 27 to February 9, 2023.

Tagged as an 18+ set, this LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581) promotional set intends to appeal to adult LEGO fans of the classic theme. Coming in at 219 pieces, the set is valued at $16.99 and features two of the theme’s iconic characters. LEGO is yet to announce the purchase price point for this promo. But if we compare this to another classic promotional released recently, like the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser, for example, we can assume that the upcoming Bionicle-inspired GWP will somewhat require a qualifying LEGO purchase between $100 or so.

For now, let’s take a look at what to expect from this promotional set. Check out its official images and product description below. I’ll update this post once more info comes in.

LEGO Bionicle Tahu and Takua (40581)

219 pieces | $16.99 | Coming soon as a gift-with-purchase set

Get reacquainted with heroes – Tahu and Takua are articulated action figures of iconic heroes from the LEGO® BIONICLE® theme, complete with a fire sword and a disc thrower.
Watch them surf on lava – The set includes a lava display stand, allowing the duo to surf on the rivers of molten lava that flow from the Mangai volcano.
Dimensions – This product measures over 5 in. (13 cm) high and 2 in. (6 cm) wide.

From the Rumor Mill: LEGO 100 Years of Disney Collectible Minifigures (71038) May Include 18 Characters

Disney will mark its 100th anniversary this 2023 and LEGO is sharing in the festivities by launching several LEGO Disney tie-in sets. And this included the much-anticipated LEGO 100 Years of Disney Collectible Minifigures (71038).

While the recently released LEGO CMF Series 24 (71037) still enjoys a lot of attention, LEGO fans and completionists are now setting their eyes on the next series expected to be released in May. And rumors have it that 18 unforgettable Disney characters will grace the upcoming LEGO 100 Years of Disney Collectible Minifigures. According to the Back 2 Brick podcast as reported by Promobricks, this upcoming series will feature the following Disney characters in their minifigure versions.

Oswald the Lucky Rabbit (from classic Disney shorts)

Pinocchio with a fish bowl (from Pinocchio, 1940)

Jiminy Cricket with Umbrella (from Pinocchio, 1940)

Sorcerer Mickey with Bucket and Mop (from Fantasia, 1940)

Princess Tiana with printed 2×3 tile (from Princess and the Frog, 2009)

Dr. Facilier with printed 1×2 tile and walking stick (from Princess and the Frog, 2009)

Queen of Hearts (from Alice in Wonderland, 1951)

Princess Aurora with owl figure (from Sleeping Beauty, 1959)

Mulan with Cri-Kee (from Mulan, 1998 )

Ernesto de la Cruz with Guitar (from Coco, 2017)

Miguel Rivera with Guitar and Dante the dog (from Coco, 2017)

Pocahontas with 1×1 round tile with compass print (from Pocahontas, 1995)

Cruella de Vil with Dalmatian (from 101 Dalmatians, 1961)

Robin Hood with Bow (from Robin Hood, 1973)

Prince John with Bag (from Robin Hood, 1973)

Stitch with four arms and ray guns (from Lilo and Stitch, 2002)

Baymax with red hoverboard (from Big Hero Six, 2014)

Evil Queen with Magic Mirror (from Snow White, 1937)

This is a very impressive list if I may say since it’s not an easy feat to select which characters will get the LEGO minifigure treatment. Though I was hoping as well to see an official Snow White minifigure thrown in in this series, considering that LEGO has already released the classic Disney Princess’ Duplo and minidoll iterations.

The four-armed Stitch is number 1 on my list being a fan of Experiment 626 myself. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit is probably next considering the influence of the iconic animated character on Disney’s later characters.

So what do you think of this rumored LEGO 100 Years of Disney Collectible Minifigures? Do you think there are other characters that should have been included? Let me know in the comments below.

With more information from the Brickfinder.

New LEGO Promos and GWP Sets Now Up!

In case you missed it, several LEGO promos and GWP or gift-with-purchase sets are now over at LEGO’s home shopping portal and all LEGO stores. Now that the LEGO Icons Blacktron Cruiser (40580) promotional set has finally concluded, we can expect 2 additional GWP sets to be around (until supplies last) starting January 15 to 25, 2023.

The LEGO Year of the Rabbit (40575) can be yours for a minimum single-receipt qualifying purchase of any LEGO products worth $85 and more. This LEGO promotion is the 9th Chinese zodiac-inspired set from the seasonal series, so if you’re a completionist and wish to collect all these brick-built collectibles, you better not miss out on this one.

If you’re a LEGO VIP member, you are also in for another exclusive treat. Starting this week until the end of the month, there are two promos and GWP sets that you can bag for free with qualifying purchases. The LEGO Houses of the World 1 (40583) is presumably the first in the series of several culturally inspired brick-built home dioramas. Coming in 348 pieces, this LEGO VIP-exclusive set comes with a rather high price point in order to claim. For a single-receipt purchase of any LEGO products worth $250 and more, this freebie will be automatically added to your bag as well.

And to continue the Lunar New Year festivities, LEGO VIP members can also expect to have the LEGO Lunar New Year VIP Add-On Pack (40605). This LEGO promotion features an awesome selection of seasonal LEGO pieces offered in variant colors such as recolored lantern pieces, and minifigures accessories, including a couple of rabbit figures. You can have this freebie automatically added to your cart for a minimum single-receipt LEGO purchase worth $50 or more.

I have to admit that getting LEGO Houses of the World 1 (40583) may prove to be a bit pricy if you’re looking forward to collecting and completing its series. But if you have your LEGO budget ready for this month, then it’s still nice to see this collectible added to your cart for free. And since LEGO has already confirmed that there will be three more sets under this theme, then we better be ready for some serious LEGO spending.

For more info about these LEGO promos and GWP sets, be sure to visit LEGO.com.

What LEGO MOC Will You Build This Week? Try These Custom LEGO Star Wars Minifigures!

LEGO Star Wars is still going strong in 2023. In fact, 3 out of 10 LEGO sets that were ranked by LEGO fans over at Brickset as their top 10 faves for this year come from the galaxy far away. And for this week’s LEGO MOC build, we’ll focus on these custom LEGO Star Wars minifigures by LEGO fan Nick Chen.

I agree that LEGO has come up with many impressive LEGO Star Wars sets. Due to their design playability or the sheer number of pieces that comprise them, such sets are things of beauty to hold and play with. Now, if you’re like me, you’ll probably want a little bit of this or of that, especially regarding a set with a galaxy filled with so many characters and elements. Probably that’s the reason why I am fond of small collectibles from this part of the LEGO Star Wars galaxy, and I have particularly in mind the LEGO Star Wars Microfighters. With more than 35 sets under this subtheme since 2014, it’s an excellent alternative for their more extensive (and more expensive) siblings of starfighters and vehicles.

One particular LEGO fan probably has the same inclination as much as I do about keeping things small and yet, fun and playable. Nick Chen has a knack for creating tiny LEGO Star Wars ships that are smaller than their Microfighter counterparts – in fact, even smaller than the ones LEGO had before with their LEGO Star Wars Planets back in 2012. Nick came up with a fun idea of having his LEGO Star Wars minifigs donned with their particular ship as costumes and was kind enough to share his work for the LEGO community to enjoy. The photos below came from Nick’s Flickr page. Check some of his customized LEGO Star Wars minifigs below.

These small minifig creations are cute and fun enough to make up your dioramas. You may also create unique scenes, pairing them with any LEGO Star Wars sets that you have.

What do you think? What is your favorite among Nick’s LEGO Star Wars minifig costumes? What micro fighter would you like to pair it up with? Share with us what you think in the comments section below.

LEGO Ideas A-Frame Cabin (21338) Officially Revealed – Coming in February!

LEGO has officially revealed its next set inspired by the great outdoors. The LEGO Ideas A-Frame Cabin (21338) is coming to all LEGO stores and online starting February 4, 2023.

Designed by LEGO fan builder Andrea Lattanzio (aka Norton74 over at LEGO Ideas), her original creation features a two-story A-framed log cabin complete with an upper bedroom, ground-floor living room, and kitchen. You can read the full press release here.

The LEGO Ideas A-Frame Cabin (21338), along with the LEGO Ideas BTS’ Dynamite, topped the LEGO Ideas Second 2021 Review Stage to be the design of choice among 34 product ideas supported by more than 10,000 LEGO fans. The set is packed with plenty of details both inside and out. There are also plenty of new LEGO pieces that are pretty interesting. For one, I do love to have that otter and butterfly figures, including the canoe. Those excellent pieces will certainly add life and color to your next original creation.

This latest LEGO Ideas set is scheduled to be available starting February 4, 2023, with Early VIP Access starting February 1. Check out the complete product description and other official images below. You may also click on its affiliate link and this latest set to your wishlist.

LEGO Ideas A-Frame (21338)

2,082 pieces | Comes with four minifigures | $179.99 | Coming soon on February 4, 2023. Early VIP Access begins on February 1.

Take time out to explore the simple pleasures of life in the countryside with this collectible LEGO® Ideas display model of an A-Frame Cabin (21338). The iconic, steeply angled roof is easily detached for access to the detailed interior. The bedroom on the upper level and the living area, study and kitchenette on the lower level are full of accessories to create a cozy atmosphere. The set also includes 3 colorful trees that can be connected to create an island, plus a canoe.

Delightful gift idea
Bring the idyllic rural scene to life with 4 customizable minifigures and 11 animal figures, including 2 new-for-February-2023 moths. An ideal gift for lovers of nature or architecture, this building kit comes with instructions to guide every step of your creative experience.

Buildable models for adults
Welcome to your zone. LEGO Sets for Adults is a carefully curated collection of top-quality models. Whatever your passion, there is a mindful building project waiting for you.

LEGO® Ideas A-Frame Cabin (21338) display model – Escape the everyday and feel closer to nature as you build a detailed LEGO brick version of a classic A-Frame Cabin rural home
4 customizable minifigures and 11 animal figures – Mix-and-match elements to create 4 minifigures, plus 2 moths, 2 butterflies, 2 frogs, 2 birds, an otter, a spider and a squirrel
Cabin packed with accessories – The brick-built roof is detachable for easy access to the bedroom on the upper level and the living area, study and kitchenette on the lower level
3 buildable trees and a canoe – Place the trees separately around the cabin or connect them to create a small island that the minifigures can reach using the canoe
Gift idea for adults – Treat yourself or give this 2,082-piece set as a birthday, holiday or surprise gift to a lover of the great outdoors, nature, architecture or building with LEGO® bricks
A display piece for your home or workplace – The buildable A-Frame Cabin model measures over 9.5 in. (24 cm) high, 8 in. (21 cm) wide and 9 in. (22 cm) deep