The Balrog of Moria

[Nuju Metru]

I designed this famous beast for a commission, and I'm very happy with how it turned out! This minifig-scale Balrog was a tremendously fun challenge to design. It has 39 points of articulation, can balance on its own feet in many poses, and features custom-cut cloth wings. If you're interested, instructions are available-- PM me for more information.

All images link to their larger versions on Flickr! Or, to see more images, go check out the Flickr album.
 

I appreciate any comments or critiques you may have. Thanks for your feedback!

[Rakrondewl]

Why hasn't this got more attention?  Your previous LOTR MOCs are incredible and this one is no exception.  I am really liking how you Incorporated constraction pieces to give it a more organic look.  I think the only thing that bothers me with the build is the lower legs/feet, they are a little long and stubby/blocky IMO.

 

Incredible MOC with very creative parts use and an over all look that captures the aesthetic of the creature extremely well.  Keep building my friend, you are a great inspiration to many.

[Onaku]

Incredible rendition of the Balrog, Nuju. The wings are a great piece of craftsmanship, and I adore the absolute inferno that rises from his back, impeccably faithful to the monster's appearance in the movies. Although I wish there were more lava-themed trans-orange cracks and such going on throughout his body, I do realize that the medium is somewhat limited in such details, barring stickers, so I won't hold it against you.

 

Also, the fire whip is really great, what with its transition from reddish orange to a more yellowish orange at the end. The shaping of the Balrog itself is also very great, and feels very organic in its soft curves and solid colour scheme. The head is well constructed, and the horns are actually quite ingenious.

 

Although the dark gray pieces are somewhat glaring, I don't really mind them all that much. Instead, there are two pieces that stand out to me more, but they are the ball socket pieces in the wrists. The lighter grey sticks out like a sore thumb, which is not a failing on your part as much as the part of LEGO for not making the piece in any darker grey or even black colour. As far as I'm concerned, though, it could just as well be some kind of metallic shackles on the Balrog's wrists. This thought helps to soothe the colour scheme stickler in me.

 

All in all, I feel that this is an excellent LEGO creation, and one that would make a highly worthy set on the shelves of LEGO stores were fate any kinder.

[ToaTImeLord]

How do people make those fire whips?

Is there a video or something.

[Wiriamu]

Very nice work-I love the Lego Lord of the Rings game and was bummed that the Balrog didn't get an actual set.

[MrSciFiGuy]

You dont see enough LotR MOCs. I love the design of the torso and the fire coming out the back. The custom face is great too. Interesting to see using more system parts. Most of the Balrogs I've seen have been CCBS. 

[Endless Sea (Alaki Nuva)]

Blocky, but still pretty well done.  I'd take inspiration for a dragon I'm planning out if it weren't mostly system.

[Onaku]

Congratulations on the feature. A bit late, in my opinion, but better late than never.

[Tahtorak ate my house!]

An amazing piece of work there! The System pieces worked brilliantly here. Love the bits of orange across the Balrog's body.

Edited October 20, 2016 by Tahtorak ate my house!

[The Invisible Handman]

Oh yeah that's awesome, I especially like what you've done for the wings and the face. It's practically flawless.