The Brick Show

Our List: August 1 LEGO Set Launches

The start of a new month usually means one thing on a LEGO news site. It’s LEGO set launch recap time! We’ve covered a wide selection of sets coming out this August 1 and it’s time to take a look back. You surely won’t be lacking in choices with these:

Duplo

Icons

Marvel

Sanctum Sanctorum (76218)

Minecraft

Star Wars

Super Mario

All items above were featured by us here on The Brick Show. And there are still more LEGO sets coming out later this month. We’ll do further mini-recaps of these when the right time comes.

Icons Atari 2600 (10306) Announced, Listed

One can say that LEGO’s made a killer collaboration with videogame companies for new products. Look no further than the various sets for “Super Mario”, “Minecraft”, “Overwatch” and so much more. That synergy has also reached the very gaming platforms these games are played on too. Nostalgia must’ve filled LEGO-collecting gamers with the Nintendo Entertainment System set (71374) from 2020. So what if the brick-built NES console can’t actually play games? It just looked and felt so incredible. And Nintendo (and Sega) aren’t the only iconic names in gaming linking with LEGO. The Icons line will be getting a replica of a classic from Atari.

Ladies and gentlemen, as The Brick Fan tells it, the official listing for LEGO Icons Atari 2600 (10306) is up. Like the earlier NES set, this is a to-scale reproduction of a historical early-80’s videogame console. And like 71374, the Icons Atari (10306) packs some surprises like only LEGO can make them. Atari’s even two-upping the NES’s solo “Super Mario” brick cartridge with three top-ranked carts. The 2600 also packs a controller, cart storage, mini-dioramas for said titles, and more. It might be a lot easier to just direct you to the link, and these product info snippets. For this writer, who played the Atari 2600 at a very young age, is still somewhat overwhelmed.

Atari 2600 (10306)

Age 18+ | 2,532 pieces | 1 minifigure | $239.99 | Coming August 1

Build a 1980s gaming icon – Enjoy a mindful project crafting all the details of this Atari® 2600 (10306) buildable console model, complete with joystick, game cartridges and mini build story scenes

Revel in the retro details – This replica version of the Atari® 2600 console is packed with authentic details that you’ll remember from the original with a few LEGO® twists added

3 retro game cartridges – Assemble the 3 classic game cartridges: Asteroids™, Adventure and Centipede™. They slot into the console just like they did on the original

Build and reveal the 1980s scene – The hidden vignette shows a kid playing Asteroids™ in a 1980s room. Spot the details like the classic TV, boom box, posters, retro phone and roller skates

Create 3 game display pieces – Build 3 scenes inspired by the Asteroids™, Adventure and Centipede™ games, including a spaceship shooting at asteroids, a castle and a centipede with mushroom builds

Find the Easter egg – Did you know that the Adventure game is credited as being one of the first video games to contain an Easter egg? Look out for the LEGO® designer’s tribute to this fun fact

Catch this LEGO videogame console classic when it launches next month!

Recreate the Perfect Muscle Car With LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304)

LEGO has just announced earlier this week the arrival of another hefty set designed for the auto enthusiast in mind. And if in case you feel the need to build what could arguably be the world’s perfect muscle car – yeah I guess Stephen will really have something to say about it since he seems to be a fan of Ferraris, lol – then read on and see what the new LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304) has in store.

Since the rebranding of LEGO Creator Expert to LEGO Icons last month, LEGO has rolled out several sets that cater to the AFOL population. And this time around, LEGO fans and muscle car aficionados will want to have this 1,000+ piece set to be at the front and center of their collection.

The LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 is slated to be released on August 1st, retailing for $170. Read on for the rest of the set’s product details, and while you’re at it, you may also want to add this iconic set added to your wishlist by clicking on the affiliate link below.

LEGO Icons Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304)

1,105 pieces | $169.99 | Coming soon on August 1, 2022

Ready to push the limits of performance and style? Then start your creative engine. It’s time to pay homage to a vintage classic with this Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304) building project for adults. Take your time. This is an experience to savor. Make your choices. Create your perfect model. Then place it on display to admire the impressive looks of an iconic car.

Highly customizable

Just like the classic 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28, this highly accurate collectible LEGO® model car comes with a host of options so you can personalize your car, your way. With the roof or convertible? Classic or hideaway front headlights? White, gray, or red racing stripes? The choice is yours. But this car’s impressive looks are just the start. Authentic features include a detailed V8 engine, working steering and opening doors, plus an opening hood and trunk.

Drive your passion

Build creativity. Build concentration. Build your dream vehicle collection with buildable model vehicles, made specifically for adults.

Build an American car icon – Savor this project for adults as you craft all the details of the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (10304) model with its black color scheme, silver rims, and customizable options
Your car. Your way – With customizable options, you can personalize your model with the roof or convertible option, classic or hideaway front headlights, and a choice of racing-stripe colors
Authentic features – The LEGO® Chevrolet Camaro Z28 building kit is inspired by the original 1969 car and has a detailed V8 engine, working steering and opening doors, plus an opening hood and trunk
Retro accessories – This classic car collectible model comes with accessories including furry dice and a printed tile depicting an automotive magazine, plus a choice of 2 license plates
A gift idea – This LEGO® Chevrolet Camaro Z28 building kit offers a project for adults and a gift idea for classic car lovers
Dimensions – The model measures over 3.5 in. (10 cm) high, 14 in. (36 cm) long, and 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide

LEGO Icons Anniversary Sets Revealed via LEGO Con 2022

Thus did LEGO Con 2022 take place this past weekend. And around the world LEGO fans and collectors marveled at the products revealed that Saturday. This may be a flowery description, but the mood does need setting. We’ll start unpacking the various unveilings from LEGO Con last June including two new LEGO Icons Anniversary sets that celebrate two of LEGO’s iconic themes.

First, we’ll look at the following LEGO Icons Anniversary sets celebrating the LEGO brick’s 90^th anniversary. There’s one for the medieval builders and another for the space explorers. At last, we see the Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) and the Galaxy Explorer (10497). Both sets fall under the new LEGO Icons theme.

As expected, these anniversary revamps of classic LEGO sets are geared for age 18+ collectors. We can expect these to arrive this coming August. But now, let’s peruse their official LEGO.com Shop product listings here:

Lion Knights’ Castle (10305)

Age 18+ | 4,514 pieces | 22 minifigures | $399.99 | Coming August 8

A long time ago there was a child who loved to build with LEGO® bricks. Now that child is grown up and there’s a new quest to enjoy. Celebrating 90 years of LEGO history, the Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) building set is a new interpretation inspired by the original LEGO Castle System and a build requested by fans for years.

A classic build reimagined – Enjoy quality time crafting all the details of this Lion Knights’ Castle (10305) buildable model, inspired by classic LEGO® castle sets from days gone by
Requested by LEGO® fans – Created to celebrate 90 years of LEGO history, this set was designed following a poll of over 55,000 respondents on the LEGO Ideas platform
4,514 pieces – Enjoy hours of mindful building as you craft all the details of this epic build. Discover details on every side, then open up the castle to explore the story-packed interior
Packed with medieval details – Raise and lower the castle’s drawbridge and portcullis, explore hidden passages, escape from the dungeon, turn the mill’s waterwheel and prepare for battle in the armory
Secret hideout – Build secret hideouts for the forest people. Drop them through the dungeon trapdoor when they invade, and help them escape through the secret passage

Galaxy Explorer (10497)

Age 18+ | 1,254 pieces | 4 minifigures | $99.99 | Preorder available, Coming August 1

Join the celebrations to mark 90 years of LEGO® creations with this nostalgic building project for adults. This anniversary collectible edition of the Classic 497 LEGO Galaxy Explorer model (10497) retains all the joy of the 1979 set but on a bigger scale.

Join the celebrations – Enjoy quality time crafting all the details of this LEGO® Galaxy Explorer (10497) model, launched to mark the 90th anniversary of LEGO creations
Inspired by the 1979 original – The spaceship retains the classic color scheme and blended delta wing configuration of the original ship and stands on its 3 retractable landing legs
Astronaut figures – The spaceship comes complete with 4 astronauts and their robot helper
Authentic accessories – Accessories include a surface rover, plus a rover compartment with tools and an extendable ramp
Detailed interior – Open the cockpit to reveal the interior, where there are seats for all 4 astronauts as well as living quarters with 2 beds, computers and storage compartments

Visit LEGO.com to recap the event highlights of LEGO Con 2022.

LEGO Icons Loop Coaster (10303) Gets Official Product Listing

Way back in 2018, LEGO wowed amusement park collector-builders with a Roller Coaster set (10261) of the Creator Expert line. Some four years later, speculation began building of a possible follow-up, with a set number even: 10303. The release date is supposed to be this mid-2022. It also means that this set will now come out under the new LEGO Icons moniker, replacing Creator Expert. Well now we can stop wondering because LEGO has made its official reveal according to Germany’s Promobricks. It won’t have the new Icons logo on the packaging yet, but that’s not really important at present.

Anyway, here we have images and information snippets for the LEGO Icons Loop Coaster (10303). If this is a follow-up of sorts to 2018’s (now-retired) Roller Coaster (10261), it’s a big step up. Where the older set featured turns and inclines, the Loop Coaster boasts more advanced track elements. By that we mean this ride has loops (naturally). Another key feature is the elevator ascent from the station. The lift carries the coaster up to the top of a 90-degree incline. That’s enough momentum to propel the ride through two loops before returning to station.

Being an 18+ Icons set, Loop Coaster will cost a pretty penny when it launches, though LEGO’s not specifying yet. Here’s some more info from the official LEGO.com product listing:

Loop Coaster (10303)

Age 18+ | 3,765 pieces | 11 minifigures | $399.99 | Coming Soon

A roller-coaster build for adults – Expand your LEGO® Fairground Collection with this collectible LEGO Loop Coaster Building Kit (10303). A project for adults and a gift idea for amusement park lovers

Power up your coaster – Designed with reality in mind, this buildable model is prepared for LEGO® Powered Up (available separately) so you can upgrade the roller-coaster with a motorized elevator

Fairground details – Accessories include a park bench with map, balloon cart, pretzel cart, hot-dog stand, height marker and a covered boarding station with opening barriers and a control panel

11 minifigures – Includes a ride operator, balloon seller, pretzel seller, hot-dog seller, a grandma, a young boy, and 5 riders. 6 of the minifigures have reversible heads to show different emotions

LEGO Creator Expert Becomes LEGO Icons in June – Packaging Rebrand Starts 2023

One significant development in the naming of LEGO themes happened back in the year 2020. That was when the brand officially retired the “Creator Expert” offshoot of LEGO Creator. The company reasoned that the naming potentially scared off potential LEGO newbies. As part of the reorganization LEGO began using the Age 18+ classification for sets formerly under Creator Expert designation. You might notice though that we still tended to mention the name in our reports. The LEGO.com Shop continued using Creator Expert in their online listings after all. But starting next month, Creator Expert will finally have a new moniker – enter LEGO Icons.

According to Brick Fanatics, the former LEGO Creator Expert line will now become LEGO Icons effective June 1. The new designation will also blanket encompass specific set subthemes that originally popped up under Creator Expert. If you recall the Botanical Collection and Modular Buildings that LEGO.com lists as Creator Expert sets, they’ll become Icons sets. That upcoming LEGO Optimus Prime (10302) will thus be known as a LEGO Icons set upon launch. Icons itself will slot under the wider “LEGO for Adults” classification of 18+ sets introduced in 2021.

LEGO’s statement on the reveal of the Icons theme is to help “adult consumers”. They note that 18+ builders tend to go for sets that either reflect their interests/passions or be deeply immersive. That being said, apparently upcoming sets will not carry the mark in product packaging until next year. We at The Brick Show might bet that the next LEGO modular-building set in 2023 will debut the Icons mark. For the moment, let’s appreciate the nifty branding as featured in the banner image at top.

New LEGO 90th Anniversary Space Set Arriving Soon

For your friendly reminder, this year is the 90^th anniversary of LEGO. That plucky Danish toy company turned global brand giant’s been a good part of the lives of children and collectors. And in celebration, LEGO’s been hyping up revivals of classic sets given fresh new design revamps. Cases in point: LEGO Classic 90 Years of Play (11021) and the upcoming Lion King’s Castle (10305). Of course, those aforementioned sets are just the beginning. In fact, there’s a rumor about a possible 90th-anniversary set in the vein of the classic Castle theme. That means a classic LEGO theme throwback is arriving soon as the LEGO 90th Anniversary Space set.

Brick Fanatics has it that a new LEGO set number’s been floating around for the Creator Expert or Icons line. According to the rumor, it’ll be a space-themed set that remakes a classic entry of that LEGO theme. The LEGO 90th Anniversary Space set number 10497 will allegedly bring a new version of the Galaxy Explorer from 1979. This classic set features a space shuttle, planetary outpost, and rover, plus astronaut minifigs. You can see from the image how bare-bones the vehicle details were back in the day. It also means that if the rumor is true, a Creator Expert or Icons treatment of the set will look extremely fine.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is a rumor, and until LEGO makes an official reveal, we must treat it as such. There is, after all, the matter of the 90^th anniversary LEGO Castle (10305). Castle and Space were among the chosen themes voted for an anniversary set in 2022. The Castle (10305) was announced first, so one can assume it won. But maybe LEGO decided to give us more. You may be tired of hearing this by now, but it’s a matter of waiting once again.

From the Rumor Mill: LEGO Lion Knights’ Castle Set (10305) Coming August

In case you need reminding, this year 2022 marks the 90^th anniversary of LEGO. True, the LEGO brick only came to be in 1949. But we’re reckoning from the very start of the toy company founded by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Billund, Denmark. As part of celebration preparations from last year, LEGO gave adult fans a vote on what classic theme to revive. New sets from the top-voted theme/s would launch this year as part of LEGO for Adults. And as German LEGO news source Promobricks tells it, it seems that we can look forward to a revived LEGO Lion Knights’ Castle set.

From the 1980s to the early 1990s, LEGO released various castle-themed sets across multiple LEGO Knights lines. According to rumors, a LEGO Lion Knights’ Castle set will be numbered 10305, due to launch in August. It’s apparently based on the LEGO Lion Knights line from 1984, notably The King’s Castle of the Lion Knights (6080). The only other product detail this rumor has is the price: a whopping €349.99, or around $386.53 in exact conversion. It hints at two things. First, the castle build must be pretty huge. And second, it would seem only adult LEGO collectors could have that kind of cash on hand.

In closing, we’d like to remind readers that the above speculation from Promobricks should be considered a rumor and should be taken with a pinch of salt. We’ll have to wait until LEGO says something officially. Given that the rumored launch for this LEGO Lion Knights’ Castle set is slated for August, we might need to wait for a while.

LEGO Lands Multiple Nominations in 2022 Toy of the Year Awards

Every year the Toy Association honors the best products in the industry through its annual Toy of the Year Awards. It doesn’t take a follower of these events to know that LEGO is a regular nominee and awardee here. Being one of the biggest toy brands in modern history is a perk in itself. Furthermore, many of the sets they release year after year deserve nominations and wins. The 2022 Toy of the Year Awards is no exception. Of the 16 possible categories, LEGO has representation in at least eight. Some of these categories even have multiple LEGO nominees.

Here are LEGO’s 2022 nominated products:

Collectible of the Year

LEGO Marvel Series Collectible Minifigures (71031)

Construction Toy of the Year

LEGO Friends Heartlake City Grand Hotel (41684)

LEGO Marvel Daily Bugle (76178)

Creative Toy of the Year

LEGO Vidiyo The Boombox (43115)

Grown-Up Toy of the Year

LEGO Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (10280)

Playset of the Year

LEGO Star Wars – Boba Fett’s Starship (75312)

LEGO Super Mario – Adventures with Luigi Starter Course (71387)

Preschool Toy of the Year

LEGO Disney Ariel, Belle, Cinderella and Tiana’s Storybook Adventures (43193)

Specialty Toy of the Year

LEGO – Everyone is Awesome (40516)

STEAM Toy of the Year

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Ferris Wheel (31119)

Vehicle of the Year

LEGO Icons Porsche 911 (10295)

It’s amazing that one set from LEGO’s misfiring Vidiiyo theme also made it in. Then again, that would be the Toy Association’s call. Maybe the accolade (and a possible award) may reinvigorate interest in the Vidiyo line. Who can tell? Anyway, we wish LEGO’s 2022 Toy of the Year Award nominees the best of luck.