LEGO News Archives | Page 44 of 413

LEGO Brick Train Awards 2022 Announced for September

While the COVID pandemic caused the world to mostly shut down in 2020, it didn’t exactly end everything. Numerous public events tried to make a go at hosting online alternatives, like the major Comic Cons and media awards. And then some events actually debuted because of the pandemic, like this themed LEGO building competition. Year 2020 saw the beginning of the Brick Train Awards, an online global competition with LEGO train builds. The competition has been going on straight through to last year. And now, they’ve announced their third edition set to start next month.

Brickset gives us word that the 2022 Brick Train Awards are soon to kick off, by next month in fact. Like its two predecessors, the competition involves LEGO builders showcasing their best brick-built locomotives and settings. Entries will be open to all interested participants classified into three regions (Americas, Asia/Australasia and Europe). Specialty retailer Trixbrix.eu is sponsoring the event, which will pick winners from 15 categories at regional level. From there, the Brick Train Awards panel will choose the global winners. They’ve also earmarked three categories for TFOLs (teenaged fans of LEGO), so everybody gets a shot at LEGO-train greatness. Here are the official categories:

Best steam locomotive
Best diesel locomotive
Best electric locomotive
Best other locomotive
Best consist / full train
Best passenger wagon
Best freight wagon
Best special wagon
Best digital locomotive
Best digital wagon
Best TFOL (Teenage Fan of LEGO) locomotive
Best TFOL wagon
Best TFOL display
Public vote
Best display

Applicants to the Brick Train Awards will have the rest of this month to perfect their ideas. That’s because the official entry period will be throughout all of September 2022. The awards in 2021 fielded more than 750 locomotive builds. Let’s see if this year’s contest can go better than that.

Walmart Exclusive Offer: Mini Castle Celebrating 90 Years of LEGO

LEGO might have its own exclusive online Shop and global Store chain to get its products to collectors. Still, major toy retailers around the world have been arm in arm with LEGO for decades now. And these partnerships have been putting out some great promo offers every now and then. Last week we had the buzz regarding LEGO purchases at Target stores being eligible for earning VIP points. Other times retail regulars might get chances at retail-exclusive LEGO sets. As you may have surmised, there’s an exclusive celebrating 90 years of LEGO available now. And you get it at Walmart.

The Brick Fan has it that Walmart is helping LEGO celebrate its milestone anniversary with this exclusive set. If you’re a longtime collector who knows of the classic Yellow Castle (375), this is a miniature version. It also comes with a special red tile with the “90 Years of Play” LEGO anniversary logo. Starting August 10 until 24, Walmart shoppers can get the Mini Castle by buying $50 worth of LEGO sets there. However, they must be from a list of qualifying products detailed here. Like with the Target VIP points, buyers must upload an image of their receipt to LEGO’s dedicated Walmart promo page. They have until August 31.

According to LEGO, once an August 10-24 Walmart receipt is uploaded, it’ll take 24 hours to process. The Walmart Mini Castle will then be shipped to a sender’s provided physical address, except for PO boxes. Of course, the offer’s only good until supplies last. But hey, any commemorative 90 Years of LEGO set’s worth aiming for if you’re a LEGO faithful.

LEGO Marvel Spider-Man Buildable Figures Listed; Coming September

This week we got a sneak peek at the next new LEGO Marvel sets launching very soon. These three items take after the early-2022 Iron Man (76206) buildable figure, but focused on the “Spider-Man” character line. We have Germany’s JB Spielwaren retailer to thank for early images and info on the Spidey LEGO buildable figures. It still wouldn’t beat the official feel of LEGO.com putting up a product listing on their website though. And good thing they didn’t keep us waiting for much longer. Promobricks got the scoop on these three sets and now we’ll take a closer look ourselves.

Miles Morales Figure (76225)

Age 8+ | 238 pieces | $24.99 | Coming September 1

A treat for Spider-Man fans – Put web-slinging Super Hero adventures into the hands of Spider-Man fans aged 8 and up with this LEGO® Marvel Miles Morales Figure (76225) building toy

Iconic Marvel hero – Kids assemble the 238-piece figure to create a realistic recreation of Miles Morales from the Spider-Man Universe

Fully jointed – All parts of the buildable Miles Morales are articulated, so kids can move, position and pose the figure just like the real thing

Spider-Man Figure (76226)

Age 8+ | 258 pieces | $24.99 | Coming September 1

A hands-on Spider-Man – Put the web-slinging Super Hero into the hands of Spider-Man fans aged 8 and up with this LEGO® Marvel Spider-Man Figure (76226) set

Iconic Marvel hero – Kids assemble the 258-piece figure into a realistic recreation of Spider-Man from the Marvel Universe

Fully jointed – All parts of the buildable Spider-Man are articulated, so kids can move, position and pose the figure just like the real thing

Venom Figure (76230)

Age 8+ | 297 pieces | $24.99 | Coming September 1

Super villain action – Put the big-toothed, claw-fingered alien from the Spider-Man movies into the Super Hero adventures of kids aged 8 and up with the LEGO® Marvel Venom Figure (76230) set

Classic Marvel character – Kids assemble the 297-piece figure into a realistic recreation of Venom, the alien enemy of Spider-Man

Fully jointed – All parts of the buildable Venom are articulated, so kids can move, position and pose the figure just like the real thing

LEGO Explains Further Target LEGO VIP Points Availability Promo

When the month of August started, LEGO made waves with collectors regarding their latest deal with retail giant Target. This involves the initiative making points from LEGO’s VIP program available when buying sets at Target stores. It’s an impressive deal considering that, while limited-time only, the promo lasts until the end of January next year. If US LEGO shoppers have Target stores nearby, they can earn VIP points (if members) over a six-month period. But for all the convenience there are of course some conditions regarding the LEGO VIP-Target availability.

Brick Fanatics brings us some additional specifics regarding being able to get VIP points buying LEGO from Target. One caveat, actually revealed upon the announcement, was the $=point difference between purchases direct from LEGO and from Target. Where $1 becomes 6.5 VIP points when buying from LEGO.com or LEGO Stores, Target has a $1=1 point rate. This is rather mitigated when one considers Target’s many discount possibilities with their LEGO set offerings. One new condition concerns the buyers. The VIP points promotion is effective within US Target stores only. Specifically, those availing the offer must have VIP accounts from LEGO.com US, not elsewhere. That’s unfortunate as Canadians or Mexicans can’t just travel stateside to join.

To avail VIP points from LEGO products bought at Target, VIP members must snap a picture of their Target receipt. Provided it has a LEGO item listed, sending the image to LEGO.com VIP Rewards Center will credit the VIP points. LEGO hasn’t said anything yet. But perhaps if the test with Target in the US is successful, they could partner with other retailers worldwide. It may not follow soon enough after Target, but it could happen perhaps in the future.

LEGO Ideas Product Idea “Garfield 2-in-1” by Yang Yang Gets 10-K Support for LEGO Ideas Second 2022 Review

Name, on short notice, popular animal characters from the most globally recognizable US syndicated comic strips. Chances are the top critters will be a dog (beagle, specifically) and a cat. The latter will most definitely be “Garfield”, the fat lazy yet lovable tabby created by Jim Davis. He loves lasagna, sleeps every chance he gets, dreads Mondays and squishes spiders on sight. His animated series are hits, his live-action adaptations less so. And fans love him enough to make “Garfield” merchandise sell like hotcakes. LEGO might join in on the merchandising bandwagon, if this fully-supported LEGO Ideas submission passes review.

Yang Yang, a LEGO Ideas 10-K Club Member, has another product idea to reach the magical 10,000 supporters. His latest submission to make review is Jim Davis’ “Garfield” in his natural habitat. Rather, make it two natural habitats in one. First, we have Garfield on an armchair, phone on one side, popcorn and remote in his hands. Pose him in front of a TV and he’ll fit in. Alternatively, the chair is transformable, becoming his box bed to sleep in. Either way, this cat smiles his self-satisfied grin as he sits or snoozes in comfort.

With LEGO Ideas Second 2022 Review getting really crowded, attaching a licensed IP to a submission seems might improve success chances. Problem is, there are quite the number of pop-culture product ideas in this batch too. This Garfield 2-in-1 build by Yang Yang will be in for a great run for recognition. We at The Brick Show look forward to success.

LEGO Starts Listing Advent Calendars for 2022: Friends, City, Harry Potter, Star Wars

August is as good a month as any to start hyping Holiday seasonal products. LEGO certainly thinks so, with the first previews of their seasonal sets starting this week. The holiday sets for 2022 are rather adorable, especially the polar bears. But they’re just the tip of the iceberg, and there’s a particular LEGO product line in the spotlight. Advent calendars? Longtime LEGO collectors will always look forward to new minifigures and trinkets to have with these sets. This year’s editions are shaping up to expectations, if The Brick Fan’s reports on each are any indication. LEGO’s already got them listed on their online Shop, so let’s check them out.

LEGO Friends Advent Calendar (41706)

Age 6+ |312 pieces | 4 minidolls | $34.99 |Coming September 1

Construct and play Advent Calendar – Build the excitement to Christmas with the LEGO® Friends Advent Calendar (41706), containing buildable characters, activities and accessories

Packed with play for kids – Comes with 3 LEGO® Friends characters, Santa and a reindeer, a sleigh piled with Christmas presents, plus fun Christmas activities

Kids join Olivia’s fun family Christmas – Kids tour the fun stalls of the market with Olivia, enjoying all the fun Christmas activities before visiting Santa and his reindeer

LEGO City Advent Calendar (60352)

Age 5+ | 287 pieces | 6 minifigures | $34.99 | Coming September 1

Packed with festive fun – Kids aged 5 and up can enjoy imaginative play as they count down to the big day with the 2022 LEGO® City Advent Calendar (60352)

Featuring 5 LEGO® City Adventures TV series characters – Minifigures include LEGO City TV characters Billy, Maddy, Mr. Produce, Tippy and Raze, plus a Santa minifigure

Fun playmat – Kids can fold down the back of the calendar to set the scene for imaginative adventures in a winter wonderland

Star Wars Advent Calendar (75340)

Age 6+ | 329 pieces | 6 minifigures | $44.99 | Coming September 1

2022 LEGO® Star Wars™ Advent Calendar (75340) – Build festive spirit during the Christmas holidays with this Advent calendar, featuring Star Wars characters, mini build toy vehicles and accessories

8 LEGO® Star Wars™ characters – C-3PO and R2-D2 in festive outfits, Darth Vader in a summer outfit, plus Luke Skywalker, a Clone Trooper Commander, Snowtrooper, Battle Droid and a Gonk Droid

10 mini build vehicles – Republic Gunship, Droid Trifighter, ARC-170 Starfighter, Bad Batch Shuttle, Luke’s Landspeeder, T-16 Skyhopper, V-35 Landspeeder, B-wing, TIE Interceptor and Hoth AT-ST

6 other mini builds – Moisture vaporator, a beach scene, ammo rack, Hoth defense turret, Hoth laser cannon and a Wampa cave

Harry Potter Advent Calendar (76404)

Age 7+ | 334 pieces | 7 minifigures | $44.99 | Coming September 1

A magical buildup to Christmas – Behind every door of the LEGO® Harry Potter™ Advent Calendar (76404) is a surprise toy from the Harry Potter movies

Includes 7 minifigures – Harry Potter™, Sirius Black™, Moaning Myrtle™, Lord Voldemort™, Horace Slughorn, Nymphadora Tonks™ and Neville Longbottom™, plus iconic items from the Harry Potter movies

Movie scenes to build – Toys from the first 3 days make a scene from the first movie, the next 3 days make a scene from the second movie, etc. Kids can also conjure up endless adventures of their own

LEGO VIP Offers Pirates and Treasures (40515) Polybag as GWP

It’s been years since the last prominent instance of pirate-themed AV media, in film, TV series or videogames. The same goes perhaps for LEGO, with the Pirates of Barracuda Bay (21322) Ideas set launching last 2020. But does this mean that pirates have lost its luster in popular imagination, much less LEGO building? Probably not if this new gift with purchase from LEGO is any indication. True, it’s only a polybag and also a VIP member exclusive. But its contents could enhance a LEGO collector’s pirate-themed building time. As Stone Wars has it, here’s LEGO VIP’s latest GWP giveaway promo.

The Pirates and Treasure VIP Add-On Pack (40515) is exactly what it says on the polybag. It’s a massive pile of pirate accessories and accouterments. Add these to any brick-built project to give it an undeniable pirate-y flair. From Jolly Rogers to tricorne hats, treasure chests to minifig skeletons, cannons to sharks, this pack’s got it all. And it can be had by VIP members for LEGO purchases of at least $50. The promo runs until September 30 or supplies of VIP Add-On Pack 40515 last. So Arrrrrh, what’re ye VIP Cap’ns still waitin’ for?

JB Spielwaren Reveals Upcoming LEGO Marvel Buildable Figures of Spider-Man and More

In late 2021, when LEGO was beginning to tease its upcoming 2022 sets, their Marvel line had a surprise entry. The Infinity Saga Iron Man figure (76206) stood out quite nicely. After all, it contrasted the cartoony Mech Armor sets that were simultaneously revealed with it. The brick construction made LEGO Iron Man fully poseable. Not to mention being battery-powered so his Arc Reactor can light up. As the year passed it felt like 76206 might be the only release of its sort for 2022. Then Brickset caught wind of new similar sets being listed on a German online retailer.

We’ve encountered JB Spielwaren before on The Brick Show. When they showcase upcoming LEGO sets before LEGO does, they really grab attention. There are more LEGO Marvel buildable figures on the way, and this time they’re of a Spidey variety. That’s right; Spider-Man and Friends (well, a friend and frenemy) are getting the Iron Man (76206) treatment. Check out these dynamic figures. They’re perfect for rendering in LEGO’s buildable-figure system.

Miles Morales (76225)

Spider-Man (76226)

Venom (76230)

These LEGO Marvel Spider-Man figures look to be releasing in time to celebrate Spider-Man’s 60^th Anniversary. Yep, our Friendly Neighborhood wall-crawler’s been protecting Marvel Comics New York for six decades. Marvel itself is hyping that milestone with the theme “Beyond Amazing”. And it shows in these LEGO tie-ins; they’re amazing like the comic-book legend they’re based on. Anyway, JB Spielwaren pegs these sets to release September. Now we wait for LEGO to confirm and show their product listings.

LEGO Galaxy Explorer 10497 – Free Alternate Building Instructions at LEGO.com

The 90^th anniversary of LEGO brought with it a series of brick-sets evoking popular themes from its decades-spanning past. The medieval aesthetics of Lion Knights Castle (10305) throws back to LEGO Castles. The blocky contours of Galaxy Explorer (10497) hearken back to the simple builds of old-school LEGO Space. Even the iconic LEGO spaceman minifigs are at the controls. By now Galaxy Explorer is fully available following its August 1 launch. Longtime LEGO builders or more recent fans by way of the “LEGO Movies” would certainly snap this up. And would you believe it; LEGO can make the experience better.

Brick Fanatics shares with us this neat extra treat or two, courtesy of LEGO, for the Galaxy Explorer set (10497). The Building Instructions portal at LEGO.com features two official alternative builds for the already cool-retro brick-built space vehicle. The alternates turn Galaxy Explorer into close approximations of two oldie LEGO Space sets. With the instructions you can turn the Explorer into a Space Cruiser (924) or Spaceship (918). These alternates slim down the Explorer and also swaps the cockpit between two-seater or solo. Only the pieces from Galaxy Explorer (10497) are needed to recreate 918 or 924, which is brilliant.

Both alternate building instructions for the Galaxy Explorer can be downloaded at LEGO.com free. We’ve already linked them to the names above. Of course, you need to have purchased the actual set 10497 to make use of these PDFs. That’s pretty much the point.

LEGO Marvel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” Sets Now Listed Online

Marvel Studios had a heck of a challenge producing a sequel to “Black Panther” following lead star Chadwick Boseman’s death. Judging from the first trailer to “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” shown in SDCC 2022, they show great promise. And just as promising are the merchandise tying into this upcoming MCU blockbuster. LEGO as expected is not slouching on their tie-in sets. We got a glimpse of them from the LEGO.com Building Instructions page. Now, the LEGO.com Shop has got the official product listings up according to The Brick Fan, so let’s have a look now.

Shuri’s Sunbird (76211)

Age 8+ | 355 pieces | 4 minifigures | $49.99 | Coming October 1

Wakanda forever! – Put the LEGO® Marvel Shuri’s Sunbird (76211) into the hands of a Black Panther fan and take their imagination to Wakanda and far beyond

4 characters – Includes Shuri, Ironheart MK1, Nakia and Attuma minifigures, plus a spear, fighting rings and jetpack. The buildable Sunbird includes 2 stud shooters, rotatable engines and foldable wings

Shuri’s Lab (76212)

Age 4+ | 58 pieces | 2 minifigures | $9.99 | Coming October 1

Made for kids aged 4+ – LEGO® Marvel Shuri’s Lab (76212) features fun activities and imaginative play possibilities with Black Panther and Shuri

Super-Hero characters – Includes Shuri and Black Panther minifigures, a disc shooter, accessories and a Starter Brick to make the building quicker so there’s more time to play

King Namor’s Throne Room (76213)

Age 7+ | 355 pieces | 3 minifigures | $34.99 | Coming October 1

Black Panther submarine – LEGO® Marvel King Namor’s Throne Room (76213) takes Black Panther fans’ imaginations on an underwater adventure

Marvel characters – Includes Shuri, Attuma and King Namor minifigures. The buildable submarine and throne room also includes seaweed and fish accessories

And yes, we pegged the launch period down pat for October. Wakanda Forever!