The Brick Show

For aspiring builder-members of LEGO Ideas, almost any subject or franchise not touched by LEGO before has “set potential.” Builders could drum attention for IPs that might be considered obscure outside their core fandoms. We can see this in some submissions of the Third 2021 Review Stage. Who can readily remember the “Short Circuit” duology of 1980s sci-fi comedy films? Outside its native Finland (and adoptive home of Japan), who knows of the adorable “Moomins“? In the LEGO Ideas product idea stage, none of it matters but the set build. Now, it’s a 1960s-80s young-reader detective story series’ turn to impress.

The Three Investogators

If you know other youth-sleuth detective series beyond “Nancy Drew” and “The Hardy Boys,” you’ve probably read “The Three Investigators.” Created by Robert Arthur, the investigators are three teen amateur detectives living in coastal California. With the initial patronage of iconic film director Alfred Hitchcock, the Three Investigators tackled mysteries from 1964 to 1987. Despite cancellation in the US, the franchise has continued internationally, particularly in Germany. LEGO Ideas member Valkon created a brick-built rendition of the investigators’ office/headquarters. This product idea just gained 10,000 supporters over the weekend. Now the impending scrutiny of the review team awaits it.

Junkyard Office

Readers of “The Three Investigators” would recall the titular team working out of a trailer inside a salvage yard. Valkon brings the setting to life in one of the busiest building sets yet depicted in LEGO Ideas. The trailer’s front yard is littered in random junk, with a table saw, birdhouse and bikes. Our heroes Jupiter Jones (German “Justus Jonas”), Peter Crenshaw (“Shaw”) and Bob Andrews operate their business inside the trailer. We see accurate depictions of their office, photography darkroom and multiple secret entrances as described in the books. “Three Investigators” fans would certainly love to see this become an official LEGO Ideas set someday.

When it comes to American fast-food chains that have been known worldwide for so long, McDonald’s easily comes to mind. Considered one of the pioneers of modern fast-food restaurant service, McDonald’s stood out from the rest thanks to iconography. Foremost among the chain’s symbols are the so-called Golden Arches. At present the phrase means the stylized yellow “M” logo. But in earlier years they meant the actual gold-colored arches decorating McDonald’s restaurants since the 1950s. That original aesthetic is brought back to brick-built life in a product idea by adammark. His work is the latest 10-K supported LEGO Ideas submission.

The “McDonald’s Franchise 1955-1969” gives a nostalgic look at a piece of global Americana from earlier times. This McDonald’s building is a walk-up burger stand where motorists can park, order their burgers and drive off. Said building, and its roadside sign, sports the telltale golden arches identifying the franchise.

Ideas member adammark sought to make the 50s-60s design as authentic as possible. The interior reflects the “Speedee System” layout including burger grill, soda fountains, beverage multi-mixer, condiment lazy Susan and more. Five McDonald’s employees operate these facilities: two cashiers and three cooks.

But what’s a restaurant without customers? That part’s covered too, with adammark providing three patrons on two vehicles. A grizzled farmer grabs his midday snack on his pick-up truck. Two high-school sweethearts enjoy their burger date aboard their convertible. If that wasn’t era-authentic then we don’t know what is.

In summation, “McDonald’s Franchise 1955-1969” provides a new building to slot into a LEGO City neighborhood. The added two car mini-builds are a sweet bonus as well. This work by adammark totally deserves its 10-K support. Now we have another strong contender for passing the LEGO Ideas Third 2021 Review Stage.

LEGO Ideas is an idea platform for proposing sets featuring franchises that are not yet LEGO-licensed IPs. And sometimes, you can judge from Ideas how much the LEGO fandom, or at least the Ideas membership, want something. Check the date of submission for a product idea. Now take note of the date when it received 10,000 supporters. The shorter the gap (for a licensed IP submission), the greater the fan demand especially if LEGO hasn’t already. If this latest addition to the Third 2021 Review Stage is any indication, builder fans want LEGO Stargate.

The “Stargate” franchise began in 1994 with an MGM sci-fi action film. It spun off into a 1997 MGM Television series that aired on Showtime, then Sci-Fi/SyFy a full decade. Top-secret military adventures using an ancient “Stargate” portal, connecting worlds across the galaxy, proved a hit with audiences. LEGO Ides member CaptainMutant, channels that hype into a brick-built love letter to the franchise.

This product idea depicts the Stargate device on its mounting within USAF Stargate Command in the Cheyenne Mountain complex. Given that the “Stargate SG-1” series will turn 25 years old in 2022, getting 10-K support for this build makes for perfect timing.

In addition to the Stargate itself and the entry ramp, CaptainMutant’s product idea includes a buildable vehicle and minifigures. We have Col. Jack O’Neill, Capt. Samantha Carter, Dr. Daniel Jackson, and rebel Jaffa Teal’c. They’re joined by Daniel’s pet cat Schrodinger and the MAL probe. The latter was added to the submission by CaptainMutant to celebrate 5-K support. And let’s not forget the Go’auld Jaffa invaders at back.

Additional props include tools for each Stargate operative and a Naquadah generator. Looking at this build, one can’t help but express support for a LEGO Stargate theme. This could be the beginning.