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Showing content with the highest reputation on 01/07/2016 in Blog Articles
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We all love lists, right? Welcome to what I expect to be a new weekly blog entry for Brickpicker: Top 10 Best Sellers at LEGO Shop at Home. As most of you know, LEGO’s online site includes a feature showcasing the Top 25 selling sets, updated on a daily basis. While this list is definitely a small sample, I believe it can help us gauge what’s popular with end consumers at any given time, so that when retirement time approaches we have at least an idea of how well a set sold through it’s lifetime. I will also be excluding (basically skipping) those entries on S&H that are not sets. For example, if a baseplate is currently sitting in place number 5, I will replace it with the set currently in place number 6. As far as the schedule and format is concerned, this entry will be posted weekly, as daily seems as overkill to me. Also, unlike most of my other articles, I will try to keep it short and keep my comments about each set to a couple sentences (Maybe none if a set has been on the list every week). Other than that, I will shoot for Wednesday night releases of the updated entry. Hope you enjoy them! Top 10 Best Selling Sets (LEGO S@H) #1: 10251 Brick Bank - Buy Now! No surprise at the top. The Brick Bank is the newest modular and was introduced at the beginning of the year, so we can expect a rush of buyers as collectors and AFOLs look to expand their modular streets. #2: 75827 Ghostbusters HQ - Buy Now! Another of the long awaited new releases, the Ghostbusters HQ has involved in some controversy since it was announced. It will be interesting to see the reaction of buyers once reviews start coming in. #3: 40201 Valentine’s Cupid Dog - Buy Now! Much like the Bat and Snowman released by the end of 2015, this little set is one of the seasonal sets LEGO releases to match specific holidays. With Valentine’s Day a little more than a month away, it will be good to pay attention and see if there is any potential for this set in the short term. #4: 75105 Millenium Falcon - Buy Now! With Star Wars fever still in the air, this set was bound to be somewhere in the Top 5. As always, the most iconic Star War ship proves to be extremely popular, though this very same factor will probably mean a longer than average shelf life. #5: 75117 Kylo Ren - Buy Now! The new buildable figures introduced by LEGO seem to be popular with LEGO fans. I am not particularly into them, but it is no surprise that the star villain of the new trilogy occupies one of the higher spots. Even though his character may have disappointed some people… #6: 21028 New York City - Buy Now! The highlight of the new “Skylines” line in the Architecture theme. I actually really like these little sets, and with the proven performance of the theme in general, you can be sure this one will be sought after once it retires (Yes, I know it’s way too early to even think about that!) #7: 75102 Poe’s X-Wing - Buy Now! Extremely popular and great looking ship from The Force Awakens that has proven to be a somewhat successful flip for some. #8: 75139 Battle on Takodana - Buy Now! Another new release based off one of the best scenes in TFA, in my opinion. Part of its popularity may also be due to the fact that it is a cheaper alternative to acquire the Kylo Ren minifigure. #9: 21304 Doctor Who - Buy Now! Doctor Who fans can finally get their hands on the latest IDEAS set released, and by the looks of it that is precisely what they have been doing. The set is very well done, and its core fan base large and passionate enough that I think has the potential to be a top performer once retired. #10: 75114 First Order Stormtrooper - Buy Now! Finally, we close the list with another buildable figure, the FO Stormtrooper. I am somewhat surprised that this one managed to edge out the cool looking Captain Phasma, but I guess it just has more mainstream appeal. So that’s it for this week! Feel free to leave your comments below, I am also pushing to make these articles more interactive and engaging for all! Note: Be on the lookout for a new thread in the forum with an announcement about my future plans for the Brickpicker blog. I have some interesting ideas and will be including the community more and more in future entries. I will also update you on what types of articles I will be focusing on, and when you can expect them! Thanks for reading.5 points
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Hope you didn't spend all your money on the new LEGO Ghostbusters Headquarters. In November, we mentioned the possibility of new LEGO Ghostbusters sets coming, based on a press release from Sony Pictures, the rights holder to Ghostbusters franchise and the 2016 reboot film's distributor. Paul Feig, director of the new film confirmed today on Twitter that there indeed will be LEGO sets based on the movie. He states "Fun stuff coming from LEGO too. Just FYI. Sorry, bank account." Note this is ahead of any official word from The LEGO Group. The movie should no doubt drive buyers to all things Ghostbusters, including 21108 Ghostbusters Ecto-1. Will Ecto-1 disappear before the movie hits the shelves? Will there be a 2016 edition of Ecto-1 with the new Ghostbusters team? Share your opinion with us below.1 point
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Update.... Lego's announcement has been made. "POW" about the price . Sure looks cool though. I removed the initial Facebook pics and added Lego's official ones. 6052 Batman™ Classic TV Series – Batcave Ages 14+. 2,526 pieces. US $269.99 – CA $329.99 – DE 249.99€ – UK £229.99 – DK 2499.00 DKK Drive the villains out from Batman’s Batcave! Help Batman™ and Robin™ to drive the villain intruders from the Batcave, featuring a Bat Lab with Batcomputer, plus the Batmobile with stud shooters, Batcopter with flick missiles and the Batcycle. This special model, based on the classic 1960s TV show, also has a Wayne Manor section with an exterior wall to climb on and Bruce Wayne’s study featuring the iconic Batphone and a false bookcase that slides open to reveal the secret entrance to the Batcave. Before spiraling down the Batpoles into the Batcave, change identity from Bruce Wayne™ and Dick Grayson™ into Batman and Robin (separate minifigures included). Includes 9 minifigures: Batman™, Robin™, Bruce Wayne™, Dick Grayson™, Alfred Pennyworth™, The Joker™, Catwoman™, The Riddler™ and The Penguin™. This LEGO® model of the Batcave as seen in the classic 1960s TV series features 2 Batpoles for Batman™ and Robin™ to slide down, a selection of Bat-gadgets, helipad, plus a Batmobile and Batcopter. The Wayne Manor section of the model features Bruce Wayne’s study with the iconic Batphone, a hinged Shakespeare bust with secret button underneath, sliding false bookcase to access the Batpoles, and assorted elements including decorated wallpaper bricks, wall lamps, framed portraits, a framed fish and trophies. It also includes an exterior wall for climbing, with an opening roof for easy access to the Batpoles and an aerial element. The Batcave incorporates a hi-tech, 2-floor Bat Lab with Batcomputer element and a variety of detachable accessory elements, including a lie detector machine, table, chest of drawers, Bat-gadgets and test tubes with translucent elements. Also includes the iconic Batcave entrance for the Batmobile and a helipad for the Batcopter. The Batmobile features a dual cockpit with iconic Batphone, 2 stud shooters, an opening trunk, dual exhaust and sign stickers. The Batcopter has an opening cockpit for a minifigure, bat-inspired wings with 2 flick missiles, spinning rotors and a spinning propeller. A villain minifigure can grab onto the back of the Batcopter for more aerial battle action. The Batcycle features a driver’s seat for Batman™, translucent headlight element and a sidecar for Robin™. Also includes a cat. Weapons include The Joker’s TNT, Catwoman’s whip, The Riddler’s TNT and The Penguin’s umbrella. Accessory elements include Batman’s 3 Batarangs, rope, grappling hook and handcuffs. Includes separate minifigures for Batman™ and Robin’s alter-egos, so enter the secret doorway as Bruce and Dick, and slide down the Batpoles as LEGO® DC Super Heroes! Batcave measures over 18” (46cm) high, 22” (56cm) wide and 7” (20cm) deep. Batmobile measures over 2” (6cm) high, 8” (21cm) long and 2” (7cm) wide. Batcopter measures over 2” (7cm) high, 8” (22cm) long and 7” (19cm) wide. Batcycle measures over 1” (4cm) high, 3” (8cm) long and 1” (4cm) wide. 6052 Batman™ Classic TV Series – Batcave Ages 14+. 2,526 pieces. US $269.99 – CA $329.99 – DE 249.99€ – UK £229.99 – DK 2499.00 DKK Drive the villains out from Batman’s Batcave! Help Batman™ and Robin™ to drive the villain intruders from the Batcave, featuring a Bat Lab with Batcomputer, plus the Batmobile with stud shooters, Batcopter with flick missiles and the Batcycle. This special model, based on the classic 1960s TV show, also has a Wayne Manor section with an exterior wall to climb on and Bruce Wayne’s study featuring the iconic Batphone and a false bookcase that slides open to reveal the secret entrance to the Batcave. Before spiraling down the Batpoles into the Batcave, change identity from Bruce Wayne™ and Dick Grayson™ into Batman and Robin (separate minifigures included). • Includes 9 minifigures: Batman™, Robin™, Bruce Wayne™, Dick Grayson™, Alfred Pennyworth™, The Joker™, Catwoman™, The Riddler™ and The Penguin™. • This LEGO® model of the Batcave as seen in the classic 1960s TV series features 2 Batpoles for Batman™ and Robin™ to slide down, a selection of Bat-gadgets, helipad, plus a Batmobile and Batcopter. • The Wayne Manor section of the model features Bruce Wayne’s study with the iconic Batphone, a hinged Shakespeare bust with secret button underneath, sliding false bookcase to access the Batpoles, and assorted elements including decorated wallpaper bricks, wall lamps, framed portraits, a framed fish and trophies. It also includes an exterior wall for climbing, with an opening roof for easy access to the Batpoles and an aerial element. • The Batcave incorporates a hi-tech, 2-floor Bat Lab with Batcomputer element and a variety of detachable accessory elements, including a lie detector machine, table, chest of drawers, Bat-gadgets and test tubes with translucent elements. Also includes the iconic Batcave entrance for the Batmobile and a helipad for the Batcopter. • The Batmobile features a dual cockpit with iconic Batphone, 2 stud shooters, an opening trunk, dual exhaust and sign stickers. • The Batcopter has an opening cockpit for a minifigure, bat-inspired wings with 2 flick missiles, spinning rotors and a spinning propeller. A villain minifigure can grab onto the back of the Batcopter for more aerial battle action. • The Batcycle features a driver’s seat for Batman™, translucent headlight element and a sidecar for Robin™. • Also includes a cat. • Weapons include The Joker’s TNT, Catwoman’s whip, The Riddler’s TNT and The Penguin’s umbrella. • Accessory elements include Batman’s 3 Batarangs, rope, grappling hook and handcuffs. • Includes separate minifigures for Batman™ and Robin’s alter-egos, so enter the secret doorway as Bruce and Dick, and slide down the Batpoles as LEGO® DC Super Heroes! • Batcave measures over 18” (46cm) high, 22” (56cm) wide and 7” (20cm) deep. • Batmobile measures over 2” (6cm) high, 8” (21cm) long and 2” (7cm) wide. • Batcopter measures over 2” (7cm) high, 8” (22cm) long and 7” (19cm) wide. • Batcycle measures over 1” (4cm) high, 3” (8cm) long and 1” (4cm) wide. - See more at: http://www.thebrickfan.com/lego-dc-comics-super-heroes-batman-classic-tv-series-batcave-76052-officially-revealed/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+LegoEverlasting-LegoReviewsNews+%28The+Brick+Fan+-+LEGO+Reviews+%26+News%29#sthash.JizIQBcQ.dpuf ======================= Earlier today, a Greek Facebook user posted two pictures of set 76052, "Batman Classic TV Series - Batcave". Before quickly reviewing this set's highlights, I will "POW" my way to this blog's conclusion. If these pictures are fact, I'm officially declaring that set 76052 will be a winner for AFOLs, KFOLs and investors. While consider campy by today's entertainment standards, Adam West's Batman is still very popular despite debuting on the ABC Network 50 years ago (aired January 12, 1966 to March 14, 1968). Yes folks, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Batman TV series. Despite this set being Lego's 3rd Batcave since 2006 (excluding Juniors & Duplo) and won't be the last, it most likely will never be refreshed or redone. We have an iconic part of pop culture history in Lego form that will probably be available at retail for only 2-3 years. Box Design Highlights Includes 9 minifigures : Batman, Bruce Wayne, Robin, Dick Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Catwoman, The Joker, The Penguin and The Riddler Sorry Bat fanatics but Aunt Harriet Cooper, Commissioner Gordon and Barbara Gordon / Batgirl are not included. The rumored Mr. Freeze minifigure might be a polybag promotion. Vehicles included are The Batmobile, Bat-copter and Bat-cycle. Portions of Wayne Manor are included included the famous red Batphone and statue head that doubles as the secret entrance to the cave. A side wall is also included for Batman and Robin to climb. Portions of Wayne Manor are included included the well-known red Batphone and Shakespeare bust that doubles as the secret entrance into the cave. An outside wall looks to be also included for Batman and Robin to climb and dual sliding poles I expect MSRP to be around $199.99 considering the amount of minifigures and types of elements used. Update : a Mod at Eurobricks thinks retail price will be $270 with a 2,526 piece count. Retail availability looks to be next month.1 point
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The winter wave of Star Wars LEGO sets has begun to hit. The Force Awakens sets are front and center, just the way that should be expected weeks after the movie is released. Since they are here, it is time for a review. In this installment, we'll be looking at the set that is the turning point of the movie that brings our heroes and villains more firmly into their roles, the Battle on Takodana. REVIEW: SET DETAILS Set #: 75139 Name: Battle on Takodana Theme: Star Wars Parts: 409 Price: $59.99 Before we get to the build, let’s talk value. At $59.99 the price per piece works out to a bit under $.15 each. This is on the high side of pricing for a licensed set. There are 5 minifigures. This version of Kylo Ren and the Maz Kanata minifigure are unique to this set. BOX CONTENTS Some people may wind up picking up a set that is open box or, want to verify the box contents before beginning a build. For this set, there are 3 numbered baggies, a small sticker sheet with 2 stickers, and an instruction book. THE BUILD AND EXECUTION So, we're going to go bag by bag and talk about the build of this set. Bag 1: The first thing that I want to talk about is the thing I was almost indecently excited to make, the baton that the riot control Stormtrooper brandished. It's a simple build that consists of a white telescope piece 64644 (its first time in this color,) a white baraki eye 58176 which is not terribly common, a black 58176 (which is new in this color) and a gray clamp bar 48729b. I was genuinely more excited for this single thing than the rest of the build, which says more about y personality than the set itself. Every time I look at my Stormtrooper carrying it, I imagine him yelling out "Traitor!" I only wish that the tip was blue or forked, but I will live with it. So, now that we're past the exciting part, let's build Maz Kanata's castle on Takodana. We have to build the façade, and that needs a base. Very early on, we build the first play feature, a push bar that shoves out rubble in the form of 6 black studs. (I know, more tiny loose studs for the kids to easily lose.) Then you begin building the doorway that marks the main display feature of this set. TR-8R and his squadmate discuss how the TC-17 is not any better than the TC-16. Bag 2: First, you build some doors. Of course, they're simple. They're going to be a very minor part of this set, with nothing through the doorway, you're probably unlikely to even open them. Then you build up the façade. creating a lot of nice, temple/alien details. The triangular doorway is fairly accurate to the film design, including the lines on the door. To represent the large number of banners hanging outside of Maz's castle, we get one. Is this one the Mandalorian Bantha Skull associated with Boba Fett? The one that is prominently seen front and center? Nope. We get one that looks like a strip of bacon. Despite looking like bacon, it looks good hanging from the front of the castle build. I only wish that LEGO would release some more. I'm not sure what to call the decorative bits that come next, I guess antennas? Maybe Maz Kanata is getting space ESPN for her bar, and has to use satellite dishes in order to make her bar patrons happy. Bag 3: The final bag is full of play features. as an AFOL, these are not my favorite uses for LEGO. I'd prefer more complexity for the pieces, or more decoration. Anyway, you already have 2 play features in the making. Next, you build a collapsing tree, and add some levers for one of the play features (the collapsing wall) Then you top up the wall and make a box. I assume that the box is where you might conveniently find a lightsaber. The box slots into the inside of the wall. You can turn the knowb to kick it out. Finally, you make the wall pieces that explode when you turn the gear in back. REACTION I really like the looks of the façade. It will look great as a background display piece. It has a lot of little levers and play features for kids, and the number of minifigures is not shabby. This is the cheapest way to get Kylo Ren and Finn, as well as a couple First Order Stormtroopers. Maz Kanata is the only unique character, but I don't think that she is what will drive sales of this set. She looks good for what she is. The detailing on these figures is good. All of them have back printing. The Stormtroopers have the standard angry face. Ren and Finn (sounds like a folk group) have dual sided heads. Kylo Ren is probably the star attraction for this set. You can decide whether he's angry, or very angry. He comes with the same hairpiece as Ezra Bridger, all the young force users go to the same stylist I guess. I forgot to mention, I was so happy that all of the guns were the standard blaster. You may remember from my previous Star Wars reviews how much I dislike the stud shooters. LEGO provided the Battle on Takodana with the proper weapons. If I had to make a complaint about the weapons, I would wish that they were molded in white to distinguish them as the Stormtrooper guns from The Force Awakens. LEGO hasn't done that yet, I just think it would be cool. FINAL THOUGHTS Playsets are not great in the aftermarket. They do moderately well, but people want the vehicles for display. What generally drives a playset are the minifigures. The more unique and interesting minifigures, the better the playset does. For now, we have 2 unique minifigures and one that is only available in another set that costs more than twice as much as this one. Maz Kanata's unlikely to be a must have for collectors. She's more of an inaction hero, so not a lot of fun playtime with her telling people about their eyes. Kylo Ren and Finn are very likely to be reused. Interestingly, I think that the advent of this dual sided head will drive the price of the previous Kylo Ren figure up in the long run. I think his unique headpiece will eventually draw people back around. I would suggest that parter outers should get a hop on this Kylo Ren, since it's the one fans wanted most. People wanting to get this set for themselves will probably see a 20-25% discount down the road on Amazon, and eventually probably a clearance deal on these. It's not a terrible set. There's a lot of great architectural pieces for MOCs, 1x2 bricks with bricks molded onto them and 1x2x3 slopes. None of that though translates into long term gold. This set will likely appreciate after EOL, but unless it retires extra quickly, there are better places to park your money in the Star Wars world. Support the site Go buy it on Amazon If you want to see more of the 2016 winter wave check out EXTRA PIECES you get an extra white telescope and a claw as well as a couple lightsaber hilt pieces including the pearl dark gray hilt for Kylo Ren. What's a review without a few action shots? Well, at least they amuse me. I know Rey's not in this set, but I had to take a couple shots with her and Kylo.1 point