Hapori Tohu

The summer LEGO catalogs are coming your way, with Superman featured on the cover. The primary sets featured are the DC Superheroes sets based on Man of Steel, and if you make a purchase of $75 or more, you'll receive a Jor-El minifigure as well. Ninjago and Legends of Chima each have a section to themselves, although Hero Factory is relegated to a single page. Go ahead and check it out when it hits your mailbox--pardon me--postal receptacle soon.View the full article

There were some excellent entries in the BZPower T-Shirt contest this year, hosted as always by the indomitable BionicleRaptor. Check out the finalists here! Congratulations to a certain LEGO Community Coordinator, and we can look forward to the shirt becoming available for purchase.View the full article

As one convention ends another one approaches. With BrickFair New England wrapped up, of course filled with plenty of wonderful MOCs from members, anticipation begins for the next big event, for we all can never wait to hang out and cause more shenanigans. So get ready to send your MOCs to BrickFair Virginia for the biggest LEGO convention in the USA! All the details on when/where/how can be found in Black Six's blog entry. (Hint: It's at the beginning of August.)View the full article

Do you like butterflies as much as I do? Of course you do. Butterflies are awesome. Do you want to see Sean Kenney's latest work on display in Powell Gardens in Kansas City? Well you're in luck even if you won't be around while the display is there (June 1st - September 29th): <a href='http://www.kansascity.com/2013/05/31/4267225/lego-ingenuity-at-powell-gardens.html' target='offsite'>Here's an article</a> with pictures of the five-foot butterfly and a video showcasing the rest of his work on display including birds, frogs, koi fish, and a dragonfly. It's a fantastic display of nature and LEGO in harmony, and did I mention it includes a huge butterfly?View the full article

2013 summer sets may have been appearing in stores for a while, but now it's official because many of them can be purchased on Shop.LEGO.com in the US and Canada. This includes the next wave of Hero Factory figures, the Legend of Chima Ultra-Builds, and new sets from Lord of the Rings, Galaxy Squad, Castle, City, and more! It's always fun when new stuff becomes available!View the full article

LEGO has posted the second episode of LEGO Legends of Chima online. Featuring some sibling treachery, a jousting match and an explanation of the "Legend Beasts," I personally find this episode much more entertaining than the first. You can watch the episode on the Chima website.View the full article

Currently in the Czech Republic the Lipno Event is going on. They're lucky enough to have the honors of revealing a brand new LEGO set, which we also have some info and images to share. 10236 Ewok Village is the latest Direct To Consumer set, and is an awesome take on the setting from the end of Return of the Jedi. There's a designer video for this set . To see pictures of and read more about this impressive piece of model-building - read on!View the full article

Who wants to listen to a podcast? Well you're in luck, because it's time for Episode 47 of the BZPowercast. If you didn't realize it, you can click that link to download it or subscribe via iTunes or RSS using the links in the right sidebar. Here's what you have to look forward to: Time for a new episode of the BZPowercast! Another light show this time around - starting off is a Staff Interview of Blog Leader DeeVee (and special guest Nukaya). Then I give you all a preview of the almost-here BBC Contest for next month. Finally Hahli Husky and Janus (with the assistance of DeeVee and Nukaya) bring us another dramatic reading of a Bionicle comic. Share and enjoy!View the full article

We received for today from LEGO Digital Experience Manager and BZPower Administrator Kelly (aka Binkmeister) that both BIONICLE.com and BIONICLEstory.com will be taken offline in a couple of weeks. They're running on some older, outdated technology, and my guess is they are choosing to shut them down rather than spend the time and money to update them, which is understandable. If there's anything you want to save off the sites, now's the time to do it. Thanks Bink for giving us the heads up!View the full article

CW39 NewsFix has a cool story about some new specimens at the Houston Zoo. Rather than actual animals, they have added over two-dozen LEGO animals to their exhibits. These life-size creations will be there throughout the summer, so be sure to go check them out if you're in the area. Pretty impressive work!View the full article

Joystiq picked up some interesting info from Twitter. It seems that Venom and the Human Torch are confirmed characters in the upcoming LEGO Marvel Superheroes game coming to every platform and its brother later this year. The more characters the merrier, and hopefully it means more sets based on them!View the full article

Our good pal Kevin Hinkle recently passed on some information based on the fan community survey we asked you all to participate in a little while ago. There's clearly quite a variety in the people that make up our communities, and it's interesting to see some of the trends LEGO was able to capture from the results. Read on (you can do that now!) to see what they were able to pass on. Thanks as always to LEGO for sharing!View the full article

Nope, this is not news about another license themed game. Instead, Sony and LEGO are teaming up to design a new generation of interactive toys. A team at the Sony Computer Science Laboratories in Tokyo has created a game where they can use a PlayStation controller to move around motorized LEGO models. You can read more about this new mix between video games and LEGO Bricks here.View the full article

If anyone is visiting the LEGO theme park in Windsor or the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Manchester, be sure to keep an eye out for a tiny LEGO model of the Queen. Including the miniature rhodium-coated silver crown (with 48 diamonds), the mini queen stands 10 cm tall. You can check out a picture right over here.View the full article

We previously reported on the rare "Mr. Gold" minifigure hidden within the Series 10 minifigure collection. With only 5,000 of the figures produced, they're fetching handsome prices on eBay from adult Lego fans wanting to buy their way to victory. According to the latest update, fewer than 500 of the figures have been reported found, meaning there's still a high chance true collectors can find one organically.View the full article

Today in Times Square LEGO unveiled the world's largest LEGO model, an eleven-foot long X-Wing that's so large you can sit in it. Made of over five MILLION LEGO elements and some steel reinforcement, it's truly an impressive sight. Check out the Talkback for pictures and more details, and check back in a couple days for more pictures after I have a chance to go visit it myself! THE LEGO GROUP UNVEILS WORLD'S LARGEST LEGO MODEL TO DELIGHT LEGO STAR WARS FANS ACROSS THE GALAXY -More than five million LEGO bricks used to create life-sized X-Wing starfighter in celebration of new LEGO Star Wars animated TV special "The Yoda Chronicles" premiering on Cartoon Network- NEW YORK CITY (May 23, 2013) - The LEGO Group today unveiled the world's largest LEGO model, a 1:1 replica of the LEGO Star Wars X-Wing starfighter, in New York's Times Square. To celebrate the upcoming premiere of The Yoda Chronicles on Cartoon Network on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. (ET, PT), the massive replica took 32 master builders, five million LEGO bricks and over 17,000 hours to complete. The model weighs nearly 46,000 pounds, stands 11 feet tall and 43 feet long, with a wingspan of 44 feet. The Model will "take off" for a summer landing at LEGOLAND California Resort where it will be installed through the remainder of the year. "Just as kids love to test and hone their LEGO building skills and imaginative storytelling, our LEGO Master Builders are always testing their creative skills to top their last larger-than-life sized creations," said Michael McNally, Brand Relations Director for LEGO Systems. "The size and structural complexity of a freestanding model 42 times the size of one our retail sets was a challenge they could not resist."LEGO Star Wars is the original and most successful licensed product collection in The LEGO Group's history and remains among the best-selling global toy lines. The theme's evergreen strength comes from its appeal across generations to fans of all ages and a steady introduction of digital content such as The Yoda Chronicles to compliment the building experience. "Much the same way that fans can build the Star Wars universe with our LEGO sets, we are fortunate to work with Lucasfilm to build new stories, characters and vehicles through one-of-a-kind content such as the new "Yoda Chronicles" miniseries launching on Cartoon Network," said Nicholas Hort, LEGO Star Wars brand manager. LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter Model Fun FactsContains 5,335,200 LEGO bricks Weighs 45,980 pounds Height: 11 feet / 3.35 meters Length: 43 feet / 13.1 meters Wingspan: 44 feet / 13.44 meters 32 builders spent 17,336 hours to construct - about 4 months Built in the LEGO Model Shop in Kladno, Czech Republic Is a one-to-one replica of LEGO Star Wars set #9493; The model is 42x the size of the retail building set The model was heavily engineered to withstand all the transportation, setup/break down and to ensure it was safe for Times Square given the subway system below and California's seismic requirements for the LEGOLAND California Resort installation. How to Celebrate From a "Galaxy Far, Far Away" with Cool Content and LEGO Bricks "The Yoda Chronicles" The Yoda Chronicles is an exciting, funny and action-packed new LEGO Star Wars story told in three animated TV specials. "The Phantom Clone" will premiere on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. (ET, PT) on Cartoon Network with specials two and three airing later this year. In the first of three specials, a brand new character, Jek 14 will enter the Star Wars universe. Created by the LEGO Group, Jek 14 is a clone who has been ‘enhanced' by the Force. LEGO Star Wars Red Five X-Wing Starfighter The most detailed and realistic version of the construction set, the LEGO Star Wars Red Five X-Wing Starfighter, is now available as the ultimate collectible. This exclusive model that contains over 1,500 LEGO bricks comes with a special display stand and data sheet label, is available at LEGO brand retail stores and shop.LEGO.com for $199.99 USD. For more information, visit LEGO.com/StarWarsView the full article

During an event in Times Square, New York City, LEGO and Cartoon network have revealed more information about The Yoda Chronicles. Going in a new direction with a new story and new characters, this represents an interesting move in the partnership between TLG and Lucasfilm (now Disney)! The Phantom Clone will be airing on May 29th at 8PM and two other parts will be airing later in the year. Check out the Talkback for the full press release. The Jedi Master Returns In LEGO Star Wars:The Yoda Chronicles 30-Minute Special Premieres Wednesday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. (ET, PT) Two Additional Specials To Air In 2013 LEGO Star Wars returns in epic style with The Yoda Chronicles, an exciting, funny and action-packed new LEGO Star Wars story told in three animated TV specials. "The Phantom Clone" will premiere on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. (ET, PT) on Cartoon Network with specials two and three airing later this year. In the first of three specials, a brand new character, Jek 14 will enter the Star Wars universe. Created by the LEGO Group, Jek 14 is a clone who has been 'enhanced' by the Force. Set in the prequel Star Wars era, The Yoda Chronicles features the one and only Yoda -- the Jedi Master who has seen it all, done it all and taught generations of Jedi Knights. With help from a fresh class of Padawans, Yoda leads the Jedi in a desperate fight to stop Darth Sidious and his minions from creating a new super-weapon that could crush the Republic and win the war for the forces of evil. In "The Phantom Clone," under the orders of Darth Sidious, Count Dooku sets out to create the new ultimate weapon for the Sith. It is now up to Yoda and the Padawans to prevent Dooku from carrying out his plan but will they be too late? Tune-in on Wednesday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. (ET, PT) for action, suspense and comedy in this all-new LEGO Star Wars special. The LEGO Star Wars specials have quickly become fan favorites on Cartoon Network. Last year's The Empire Strikes Out premiered as the #1 telecast of the week among boys 9-14, and the #1 telecast of the day among kids 6-11 and key boy demos, according to Nielsen Media Research. LEGO Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles is written by Michael Price (The Simpsons) and produced by Threshold Animation. This special marks the first time entirely new Star Wars characters and vehicles have been created specifically for LEGO Star Wars. Building sets related to The Yoda Chronicles and featuring Jek 14 will be available in August. Cartoon Network is consistently the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming, industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.View the full article

Droid Gamers noticed that the LEGO Star Wars Yoda Chronicles game has appeared on the Google Play Store. The bad news is that until June 15th it's exclusive to Sony Xperia devices. If you have one, go check it out now, everyone else can get in line behind me to wait until the 15th. I'm looking forward to another official LEGO game on the Android platform!View the full article

Here's an impressive build, brought to us by Autoweek of all places. They have recently posted about a 1:7 scale Caterham (it's a car) built out of LEGO. It even drives and has a ton of other features. Go check it out!View the full article

Do you need a list of the most versatile elements to use in your next LEGO model? Of course you don't, you have your own list that's equally important as this one, and may even have some of the same parts. But if you're looking for a few good bricks to expand your collection, you may want to check out Warren Elsmore's list on Gizmodo. As a LEGO fan from age four and a professional artist, his list does have credibility, but don't take it as a comprehensive guide by any means. Suggest your favorites!View the full article

Once again, it's time for another review. While it's still in theaters, we thought it might be good to take a look at another Iron Man 3 set, this time Iron Man vs The Mandarin: Ultimate Showdown. Ta-metru_defender has picked up this smallest set from the lineup and is ready to share his thoughts on it with you all. Read on to see how ultimate it is! Presentation From the design of the box to the instruction manual, these are the first things you see before building the set. It's a small, square box. Obviously. The art on the front has the Heartbreaker Armor fighting The Mandarin, the top has the actual size Iron Man fig, and the back has the features. It's fairly straightforward. Interestingly, the back has The Mandarin zooming out of his vehicle. Because everyone's gut response to fight Iron Man is to get out of the thing that might be your advantage. Open the box! Two bags, instructions, and a loose Mahri-esque tube. No stickers or comics to be found here. So hey, let's build this set. Building Half the fun is had building the set. How fun is it to build and how easy or challenging is it? The Mandarin's vehicle, which shall henceforth be known as Trevor the Tractor of Destruction, is not a complex build. It comes together quickly. Like with most LEGO sets, it gives you that pleasant little zen-like feeling as you put it together, but it doesn't last long since it's, y'know, a simple set. Set Design Now that the set is complete, we can critique how it looks from every angle. New or interesting pieces can also be examined here. Both minifigs here are exclusive to the set, so let's take a look at them. The Heartbreaker Armor looks fantastic. It's a cool armor in the film and the LEGO representation is great. The faceplate's blue eyes, silver chin, and little red arrow on the top bears special mention for just being so darn detailed. It's a great minifig. We get the same head from the Avengers set last year, as opposed to the new Tony in the other Iron Man 3 sets. 
The Mandarin has the same head as in Malibu Mansion Attack, but a very different and far more guerrilla looking torso that will certainly be useful for anyone wanting to make a military MOC. His legs aren't printed which is a bit of a shame. Another bummer is that his beard obstructs his torso printing. Makes you wish LEGO had printed the beard on his face and/or given him a smaller plastic one. Oh well. On to Trevor the Tractor of Destruction. It's not a bad piece of construction by any means. We get details like a bumper and taillights (even Tractors of Destruction observe some semblance of road safety). Trevor's flamethrower is a little... oddly placed, seems The Mandarin would get really hot in the driver's seat, guess he figured, 'convection schmonvection.' Trevor's also got flickfire missiles and a pistol and signal light thingy on the side too. Playability The other half of the fun is in playing with the set. How well does the set function and is it enjoyable to play with? Let's talk about Trevor for a second. It's... well, like the speedboat and helicopter in other Iron Man 3 sets, it's nothing terribly amazing. The flickfires flick, but not nearly as well as in the speedboat. That said, you can always push it around. The real fun comes in making Iron Man fight The Mandarin. It is the Ultimate Showdown, after all. Behold, after Trevor falls Iron Man prepares to fight The Mandarin with the Signal Light Thingy of Destiny! One night only, Trevor VS Dummy! Flamethrower VS Fire Extinguisher! Tractor of Destruction VS Barely Competent Robot! Final Thoughts Once it's all said and done, how does the set stack up? Should I get it? Pros What's to like?The Heartbreaker ArmorCool 'figs, as usualTrevor isn't a total failure Cons What's not to like?$13 is a bit steepThough not a total failure, Trevor doesn't really do much The main problem with Iron Man vs The Mandarin: Ultimate Showdown, besides its unwieldy name, is its price. I think $10 would be far more reasonable for the set, given its 91 pieces and, well, lack of anything terribly exciting. It's hard for me to recommend it since Trevor just doesn't stick out all that much. Maybe if we had another set of armor (Silver Centurion, please) the $13 would be worth it. As it stands, though, I'm glad we got the Heartbreaker and not another Mk. 42. Having seen the film twice as of this writing, I love how it ties in to the movie. Any discussion related to that can be directed to the Talkback, with the appropriate spoiler tags. In any case, the main reason you (and by you I mean me) would buy this set isn't for Trevor or The Mandarin but for the Heartbreaker. Because what's life if you can't have an army of Iron Men? Everyone needs a hobby As always, I'll be answering questions and taking picture requests. Thanks to Ta-metru_defender for taking the time to put this review together. As he says, you can ask questions or leave your comments in the Talkback. And don't forget to keep checking back for for more LEGO set reviews and news, right here on BZPower! View the full article

LEGO has added the first episode of LEGO Legends of Chima to the video section of the Chima website. While I don't personally care for the show, I know quite a few LEGO enthusiasts do. With a flashback explaining the friendship between Laval and Cragger and an ominous ending, I'm sure fans will like it. So for all those who couldn't watch it on cable, you can check out the first episode right over here.View the full article

We're into the second half of May, which means a new episode of the BZPowercast is in the works. Which of course means we'll have a new Staff Interview! In order for that to happen, however, you all need to send PMs with questions to our lucky interviewee. Who will it be, you ask? Why none other than Blog Leader DeeVee! Ask him which city is better - Austin, Portland, or Vancouver, and find out how he builds so well!View the full article

BZPower received a mysterious package from The LEGO Group today. Opening it up revealed the pieces to create a cool set advertising the upcoming Yoda Chronicles. In addition, we were informed that there will be a big unveiling at Times Square, New York on May 23rd at 11 AM of the world's largest LEGO model. It'll be there from Thursday until Saturday (the 25th) so if you're in the area, be sure to check it out!View the full article

<b>The Fortnightly Flash Fiction Contests</b> roll onward, and we are pleased to announce another pair of winners for the Bionicle and OTC cycles, respectively: <a href=' http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9493' target='offsite'>"Bond of Heresy"</a> by Pahrak #0579, writing for the Bionicle theme "The Village" and <a href='http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=9683' target='offsite'>"Scepter"</a> by Baltarc, writing for the OTC theme "The Queens". Both stories are certainly worth a read and maybe a comment or two! In addition, be sure to check out the <a href='http://www.bzpower.com/board/index.php?showtopic=7076&p=547052' target='offsite'>currently-running Bionicle FFFC</a>: "Trial by Fire"!View the full article