Lawn Pwner

It's been many years since I've used, let alone owned one of these machines. I loathe yard work, I really do, so I pay someone else to do it for me. That doesn't mean I don't appreciate the wonder that is the modern lawnmower. There's something very satisfying in a machine who's sole purpose is to spin a whirring blade of death and decapitate blades of grass. This version by Pepa Quin is more my speed though, small, quiet and made of bricks.

Jinkies, A LiveBuild!

Zoinks! We're having a LiveBuild tomorrow but we're not going to tell you what it is. Whatever could it be? We're not telling, but you can bet old man Johnson down at the abandoned carnival is behind it all! Yup, there's a whole lot of mystery to solve here.

You'll just have to join us at 9am PST to find out!

Oh The Retro Feels

As a card carrying charter member of the 8-bit club (no, that's not a real thing) I have the deepest affection for this MOC by Burglarhobbit. When we popped in the cartridge for The Empire Strikes Back way back in 1980 we marveled at the graphics, they were so "lifelike". Oh those were simpler times. Fun fact, I still have the poster for this game rolled up in my garage, it's rad.

Ford GT

If you look up "sleek" on webster.com you get the definition (as it applies here) of "having trim graceful lines <a sleek car>". That really doesn't seem to evoke the same emotional response as the lines and contours of this gorgeous Ford GT by Firas Abu-Jaber. The elegant intersecting forms of this MOC are effortless and beautiful.

Burger, Fries And A Lemon Coke Please

I'm a sucker for a retro diner. Just last weekend I was in LA and had to have lunch at Cafe 50's as soon as I saw it. I'm also a sucker for a retro build, and this immaculate diner interior by One More Brick  has all the right details. Now, can you tell me what fresh pie you have?

But It's Not Over

I've often wondered where the "fat lady sings" euphemism comes from. I suppose I could google it, but that would be too easy. But the notion that nothing is "over" until a heavyset woman wearing viking armor, not unlike this MOC by Pepa Quin, comes out belting operatic tones seems really odd. What if your opera is set in ancient Mongolia? She would be completely out of place. What if it's set in modern Los Angeles? Actually, that's not much of a stretch, never mind.

All right, you primitive screw-heads, listen up!

See this? This... is my boomstick! It's a twelve-gauge, double-barreled Remington. S-Mart's top of the line. You can find this in the sporting goods department. That's right, this sweet baby was made in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Retails for about $109.95. It's got a walnut stock, cobalt-blue steel, and a hair trigger. That's right... shop smart: shop S-Mart... You got that?

Nice job, Mr. Maddison. Nice job. Cute as hell and instantly recognizable. 

Famous Fleet

Builder baronsat has released instruction for an entire fleet of famous vehicles. I love the chibi style and proportions of these vehicles, they're recognizable and cartoony at the same time. My personal favorite is the Spinner from Bladerunner, but I like them all. How many can you name?

Rad Robots

I'm a kid of the 80's. You guys read about what it was like when the arcade was king, I was there. You hear Adam Ant on the Spotify, I bought the record. You mock break dancing, I did it (did I just say that out loud?) And when we thought 'robot', we thought of the likes of these MOCs by breaksbricks72 (and of course Star Wars). They're inspired by the Tomy Omnibots series, and they're totally bitchin' dude.

The First Jaw Dropping Moment Of The Episode VII Trailer

I don't think I'll ever forget the first time I saw this moment of the trailer, recreated brilliantly by KevFett2011 here in bricks. I was at Star Wars Celebration, sitting on the floor in front of the LEGO booth (we couldn't get into any of the places the panel was being simulcast, but luckily LEGO streamed it to their jumbotron) and there was a sudden hush as the trailer started. The first shot fades up and there's a soft "oooh" from the crowd. But as the camera panned over and it became apparent that wasn't a mountain in the background. There was a palatable rush of energy in the room, a collective intake of breath and a million goosebumps erupted simultaneously around me. One shot and we were hooked.

Ramen

I've only been to Japan once, but some of my more vivid memories were of the food. One afternoon we went to a noodle house, and I had some of the best noodles I've ever had. This MOC by Legorookie took me instantly back to that moment. And of course, now I'm craving noodles.

Iron Builder Is On

The part has been chosen, the gauntlet has been laid, the competitors are already engaged, it's time for another epic Iron Builder! This round it's Pepa Quin vs One More Brick, and it's going to be a good one if the early MOCs are any indication. I won't pick a favorite, but who are you rooting for?

The Trench Run

OliveSeon doesn't do anything on a small scale, and this epic MOC of the last moments of the battle of Yavin is evidence of that. This thing is nearly six feet wide! I love the captured action and sense of motion in this, I can practically hear the trumpets of John Williams' score and the sound of the ships. I do think the surface detail is a bit too dense in the trench though, I think if it had been a little more accurate it could have transitioned better to the forced perspective background of the MOC (which is brilliant by the way).

Juggernaut

No, not the Marvel Comic character.  In this case it's a kick-arse spaceship by my old pal Tim Clark.  Based on an image he found online, it took him a while to gather the appropriate bricks for the project.  Loaded with weapons and greebley goodies, the photo editing really brings it to life.  Gotta love the look of bley with red stripes...  Wicked!

Mad Doctor

Can something be beautiful, terrifying, intimidating and beaconing at the same time? This MOC by Moko makes me wonder. There's so many interesting details and fascinating forms you just want to get closer, but that stance, that attitude, and especially that right arm make you wonder just how close you should get.

Summer Is Winding Down

It's been a full summer. I've cruised to Alaska, attended Brick Magic, saw Eddie Izzard, went camping, attended San Diego Comic Con, Went to Disneyland, saw some movies, made some movies and managed to not get sunburned (much). Now it's only a couple weeks before school starts and hotels lower their rates. But we can all enjoy this embodiment of summer in a single MOC by nobu_tary, and get out the tanning butter one more time.

WWII Fighter Jet!

Here we've got two of my favorite things: fighters, and conspiracy theories.  First you've got the interesting curves of the fuselage in stark contrast to the sharp edges of the wings and tail.  But then Neomar throws in a reference to the Illuminati's secret military force complete with stolen Nazi scientists and the advanced technological innovations for which they were so famous.  This guy should write a book!

Lemonade

As I sit in a muggy Los Angeles hotel room, sweaty and sticky, the thought of lemonade actually crossed my mind moments before I scrolled to this sweet rod by Tiler. Of course it hasn't done much to stop the continual rivulets running down my face, but my eyes are no longer thirsty.

Ruckus

Well, a good wedding isn't over until there's at least three arrests and one fire of suspicious origin right? And nothing says "I do" like a good old fashion brawl in the great hall. I don't know what exactly transpired before this mayhem broke out, but builder Mark of Falworth certainly captured the action. Word is the stained glass was spared, that was a close one.