The LEGO Animation Book (2016, No Starch Press) by David Pagano and David Pickett, is an exhaustive how-to book teaching you everything you need to know (and more) about LEGO stop-motion animation, also known as “brickfilming”. Whether you’re just starting out, or a seasoned vet with multiple films under your belt, this book is a great resource.
Read MoreGeek culture is a little hard to define. Does that mean Star Wars and Doctor Who fans? Magic the Gathering players? Cosplayers and prop builders? It's sort of all those things, and a million more. It falls under my mantra of "fearless passion", or celebrating and sharing love for something without caring what others think. Sometimes it takes us a while to embrace our own geekdom, but when you really decide you're a nerd, and seek out other like-minded nerds, you'll be so much happier. So what does this have to do with this book?
Read MoreMy son and I are huge Minecraft fans. From the game itself, to story mode, to the collectible figures, to creating animations, to the LEGO sets...we just can't get enough of those pixelated blocks! We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to build LEGO Minecraft's 'The Fortress' set and we were not disappointed.
Read MoreThe excitement for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story grows as we get closer and closer to December 2016! I was fortunate enough to pick up the largest Rogue One LEGO set to be released this weekend, and wanted to give my thoughts on the build!
Read MoreI've never been to Washington DC, but it's always been some place I'd like to see someday. Among all the structures in the heart of the US political center the Capitol Building is among the most impressive. It's gleaming white columns, overall size and magnificent dome evoke classic roman architecture, and it stands to this day as a symbol of American democracy. Now LEGO has an Architecture version of this iconic building, and it's a very impressive set.
Read MoreI love the holidays. Christmas carols, yummy treats, time with family and friends, practically daily viewings of A Christmas Story and of course LEGO under (and on) the tree. I don't know about you, but there's always several LEGO Christmas ornaments on our tree, and this year there's going to be a few more thanks to this new book from No Starch Press and author Chris McVeigh
Read MoreYes, LEGO Collectible Minifigures Series 16 is finally here, with all the banana guy action you can take. I did an overview of the entire collection yesterday, and they're pretty awesome. This video however is just as terrible as most of my YouTube channel...You've been warned.
When Tommy asked me if I'd like to review one of the new landmark sets from the Architecture series, I jumped at the chance. Having never built a Architecture set before but having an interest in Micro Scale I was keen to see if I could pick up a few new techniques and being able to build somewhere I've visited on several occasions I couldn't wait for my parcel from Billund to arrive.
Read MoreThe first Type 1 sedans rolled off the line in the early 1940's, and the world was captivated by it's practically, price and unique appearance. My family had a beetle when I was a kid, my first real car was a beetle and I drive a newer convertible beetle now (but I wish I still had a vintage one). This new version by LEGO is as much fun as you'd think,
If you'd like your own copy of this fantastic set (and you know you do) please consider supporting BrickNerd and purchasing it using this link.
Micro scale building and mini models have always been a favorite of mine. Getting the detail needed and shapes required to convey something recognizable with a minimal number of pieces at a tiny scale is a skill many builders take for granted, or simply don't appreciate. I love scrolling through my Flickr feed and finding something appealing, only to discover upon closer inspection it is an order of magnitude smaller than I had first thought. That moment of "wait, that's only three studs wide?" always makes me smile. Well now No Starch Press and author Mattia Zamboni have assembled an entire volume of such tiny builds, and there's pleasant surprises on every page.
Read MoreFor the past few years the LEGO Group has released LEGO VIP exclusive sets available at LEGO stores or at their online shop for free to customers who spend a certain predefined amount. The past two sets have included modern takes on the classic Space and Pirate themes including the Classic Spaceman Minifigure and Classic Pirate Minifigure sets respectively. This year's set fits into the classic Castle theme and is aptly named Classic Knights Minifigure.
The Castle theme has been an evergreen series for LEGO ever since the original castle set was released back in 1978...
Read MoreI used to play quite a fair bit of Minecraft. I still play it once in a while when a new update releases, but back before I had a full time job, I would easily clock in at least 6 hours a day on it. Someone on Twitter said Minecraft is like a personal zen garden, which feels pretty accurate. It's relaxing to turn off your brain for a bit and just build stuff. Not unlike a certain building toy readers of this site would be familiar with...
Read MoreIt's been a long time since I've built a Technic set, at least a big one, but it was worth the wait. The Technic Porsche 911 is a phenomenal set, and I could go on and on about it. But I just shot a video instead. Check it out!
One of my friends is into birds, big time! His name is Thomas Poulsom. You might recognise the name from the Lego Ideas set 21301, Birds. Well he has written a book showing how you can build another 15 different birds from all around the world. And I have been lucky enough to have been sent a copy to review.
I was totally amazed by the original birds Thomas made and so when I heard that there was going to be a book full of bird instructions I was very excited. The book arrived recently and as soon as I opened it up I was blown away by how clear the instructions are laid out. Each bird has a parts list so its easy to get the bits together before you start. The steps are small and the sometimes complicated SNOT techniques are clearly explained. The book is in full colour and there is even a colour key for each bird.
I thought I would build a bird and see how easy it is to follow the instructions in real life. I chose the Canary (Serinus Canaria), collected up all the parts and built it. It was easy to follow and didn't take too long to finish!. Here is where I found a couple of weak points in the construction. However by adding a couple of plates I was able to strengthen the bird considerably. More an oversight than a fault. Overall the bird looks stunning. The half a stud connections in the wings are delicate but as this is a display model, thats not too important.
I can recommend this book not only if you are into birds but also if you like Creator style builds and are looking for more realism in the finished model. I plan to build a few more birds in the future. The book is published by Quarry and has a retail price of $24.99/£15.99/$29.99 CAN. Its available at Amazon (use the link on this page!) and is even available as a Kindle download. Nice work Thomas, now where are the instructions to that Hedgehog?
I can't say I was surprised when LEGO Ideas announced that the Maze was coming as a set. Builder Jason "JK Brickworks" Allamann is continually amazing us all with his clever mechanical builds. I used to play with one of these classic toys back when they were made of wood and used metal marbles. Now I get to play with one build from my favorite toys, LEGO bricks.
Read MoreWhen Tommy asked me to provide a set review, I initially met it with trepidation. Outside of the occasional Star Wars UCS or Ideas set, I don't purchase sets to build the model within. I much prefer to salvage them for the delicious parts within. However, upon completing 21027 I was quite pleased with the experience. (Side Note: Receiving a package direct from Billund was a hell of a treat.)
Read More21031 Burj Khalifa is one of the newest sets in the LEGO Architecture line. It's LEGO's second attempt at replicating the tallest building in the world (their first attempt was...unimpressive, to say the least. Unless you really, really, REALLY like 1x1 round bricks). How does this new one stack up?
Read MoreSeries 15 of LEGO's insanely popular collectible Minifigure line is here, and TLG was kind enough to send us a box to review. Like the many series before it, this is a wild blend of characters from all walks of life and from fact and fantasy, let's meet them...
Read MoreFor many LEGO fans, the Architecture series is the perfect marriage of love of the brick, and love of buildings -- but on a much smaller scale than the Creator Modulars. The first few models in this theme had included two New York City landmarks -- the Empire State Building (at 77 pieces and a $20 MSRP, probably the most insultingly priced of all LEGO sets) and Rockefeller Center, and later on, the Flatiron Building. Now, with what I'm calling the Skyline series, LEGO Architecture is growing up and giving multiple models in one set. #21028 contains five of them: a microfig-based Statue of Liberty, new versions of the aforementioned Empire State and Flatiron Buildings, the Chrysler Building, and One World Trade Center.
Read MoreA few weeks ago, Tommy asked if anyone on the Bricknerd Team wanted to do a review of one of the new LEGO Architecture sets. Yes! I volunteered for Venice. My wife and I went to Venice on our honeymoon, and I had been there a few times before. Tommy informed me that I should be on the lookout for a box from Billund, so I waited anxiously by the mailbox. But since it’s February in Vermont, my wife suggested I come inside. Good thing too, it was almost two weeks before it arrived.
Read MoreBrickNerd is your source for all things LEGO and the LEGO fan community
Like what we're doing? Become a patron to show your support, get early access, exclusive swag and more. Or leave a one-time donation by hitting the yellow button. Everything is appreciated!
BrickNerd is not associated with The LEGO Group.
Opinions shared on this site are our own and not the opinions of LEGO or The LEGO Group.
LEGO® is a trademark of The LEGO Group which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this site.
Copyright © 2013 - 2024 BrickNerd. All Rights Reserved.
Contact Us
