Optimus Prime

Optimus Prime has graced these pages quite a few times in the last couple years. It's fascinating to me that the same character can be built in so many ways and styles, still be instantly recognizable and always irresistible. This chibi version by The real Eric Tsai is as cute as it is impressive.

The 70's

Don't look for bell bottoms, the Gong Show or Star Wars, it's not that 70's. Builder gid617 has built a fascinating timeline of the 1870's, with a fantastic history lesson to boot. Various points along the decade are called out, and a lovely little vignette illustrates that event. Click through for a little historical knowledge and some excellent little MOCs.

Note: I took the liberty of color correcting this image, hope you don't mind gid617

To War!

At first glance you might expect this latest entry to Iron Builder to have made excellent use of the handcuffs seed part, but you'd be wrong. The seed part is the pitchforks in this thirteenth IB build from 6kyubi6. And yes, the pitchforks are in there, but wow, there hasn't been this clever use of handcuffs since Fifty Shades of Gray.

P1ng

Builder Thirdeye88 was kind enough to share this with the people in the Google+ Hangout after the somewhat disastrous LiveBuild yesterday. It has to be one of the most slender and tallest character MOCs I've ever seen, yet it's packed with character and stands on it's own. My favorite detail has to be the soccer control handles as upper legs, that's some inspired building.

You Have One Point Left On Your License

There are many things to love about The Fifth Element. There's the quirky humor, the stunning visuals and of course Leeloo. But one of my favorite things about the film are the vehicles, especially Dallas' cab. This version by Mad Physicist captures it's futuristic yet utilitarian aesthetic perfectly. I love the mix of old and new grays as well as the sticker use to really get a good aged look.

Polar Transport

Feast your eyes on this magnificent build from Vince_Toulouse. This combination wheel and tread transport is designed for snow, but I think it would look just at home in a thriving metropolitan environment. Those art deco lines and unconventional forms are total eye candy and every where you look is interesting contours and details. This thing is a beauty.

Use This, Just Don't Wear A Red Shirt

Star Trek: The Next Generation had some pretty cool tech in it. I'll admit at first I hated these phasers, but over the years they've grown on me (and I have a toy one in the attic). This prop replica by eldeeem isn't quite the right scale according to the builder, but you can't tell from the photograph, it looks spot on and quite cool.

Beetle Rat Rod

Here's a fun fact, my first car was a Beetle (well technically, it was a Chevy Luv, but that broke immediately, so I don't count it) and parked outside the studio right now is my convertible Beetle. I've always loved classic VW, and I think I could find a place in my heart for even this beast by Lino M. Yes, it's ugly in a beautiful way, but that's sort of the point of rat rods. Although I do have to take issue with the engine placement...

Floor Of Illusion

As "Tequila" bopped from the jukebox in the corner, Carl and Benny sat down for a delicious treat at the local diner. While slurping his chocolate shake Carl absentmindedly looked around the room. "Hey Benny, what if I told you all the gray lines on this floor were parallel?" Benny looked at the floor mostly disinterested and shrugged. "hey Carl, what if I told you while you were staring at the floor I stole your fries?" 

Nice build vitreolum

Nerd-ptician

While I'm not entirely sure how to pronounce nerd-ptician, I can certainly relate to this MOC by 6kyubi6. Not only does it feature BrickNerd's mascot Nerdly, but just in the last few months I've come to accept that my peepers are not as good as they used to be. Yes, I wear reading glasses now, and no, they're not as fashionable as anything depicted here.

Mothering Sunday

Here in the US we won't be celebrating moms until May, but across the pond it was yesterday and this MOC by MinifigNick sums up motherhood in typical charming fashion. Moms all over the world should appreciate this image. While we all love our moms and occasionally remember to tell them, we could probably have just picked up our stuff from time to time and sent the message just as well. This one made me and my wife laugh.

Behemoth

A good MOC has all the elements you might expect, like color selection, form continuity, clever part use and good presentation. A great MOC tells a story, evokes emotion or conjures other senses like smell and sound. Can you practically smell the oil and soot of this beast by Captain Smog? How about the squeaking of chain, puffing of steam and grinding of gears, can you hear them? I can.

SNICKT!

Iron Builder rages rages on, and continues to heat up. Not to be outdone by 6kyubi6's Travis MOC, vitroleum delves into unfamiliar territory with this excellent bust of Wolverine. That's one of the things that's so awesome about Iron Builder, it pushes already amazing builders to to try new things and think outside the box. It's brutal, but it makes better builders.

Happy Icebreaker

Considering the sometimes tedious relationship between walruses and penguins I'm not sure permitting them to sail aboard their own icebreaking ships is wise. Then again, this particular walrus seems pretty competent, and that's a pretty smart outfit he's wearing, so we'll let this one go. A charming and whimsical MOC by the_jetboy.

Koi pond

One of the most tranquil places to spend any time at all is a well designed koi pond. I highly recommend pulling up a comfortable chair, putting on some relaxing music on your headphones, and just chillin' while you watch the fish. You'll find yourself so amazingly relaxed you may need help getting back to the real world. This pond by cmaddison my not have the lazy swimming and relaxing trickling water, but it has the right aesthetic.

CUB3

CUB3 will take little LEGO balls on a short but exciting journey through the assistance of Mindstorms, gravity and the creative mind of Legohaulic. I could try to explain more, but Paul Vermeesh put together an excellent video that shows this MOC off in real style. Have a view and enjoy!

The Far Side

LEGO and The Far Side is simply an irresistible combination as far as I'm concerned. This fabulous MOC by Dodge, built for MOCathalon 2015, is based on one of my all-time Gary Larson favorites. A whole story, with both humor and danger, in a single well crafted image, brilliant.

Ferrari SF15-T

While I don't personally follow F1, but I have some friends that do, and I know that the season opens this weekend. But you don't have to be race fan to appreciate this expertly crafted and beautifully photographed MOC by Nathanael L. The contours and details on this thing are as sculpted and gorgeous as the real car, it just screams speed.

Thanks for the head's up nlay3!

Taxi Driver

While the subject matter might not be exactly "kid friendly" the build quality is undeniable in this latest offering from 6kyubi6 for Iron Builder. It's been a long time since I've seen Taxi Driver, but I recognized this character the moment I saw it.

Grief And Joy

This is a powerful MOC by Sheo. Depression and grief affects so many people, including friends and family of mine. I consider myself lucky that I spend the vast majority of time on the far right of this image, but like everyone else I can sometimes find myself somewhere in the middle. Luckily I can maneuver back to the right with little effort, and I like to bring those on the left with me.