Kaneda's Bike

Akira, the landmark animated feature that introduced so many to the wonderful world of anime. And Kaneda's bike, everyone's favorite thing in that movie. There have been many, many versions of this built in LEGO, but few very successfully at Minifig scale. This one by Tiler is perhaps the most successful ever constructed. And now you can build your own because he shared some instructions!

Akira – Kaneda's Bike
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Ryuk

I happened into the room while my son was watching Death Note a couple months ago. I was impressed with the art style and concept, and fascinated with this guy, Ryuk. He's almost like Jiminy Cricket's alter ego, getting into your head and wreaking havoc mainly because he was bored. The series is dark, very dark, but strangely beautiful, much like this bust of Ryuk by builder Combee

Rei's Plugsuit

As is usually the case when a cool anime MOC is posted, like this one from nobu_tary, I have no clue who I'm looking at. And of course doing my due diligence I Google it so I can at least post with a minimal amount of knowledge. This morning I learned about plugsuits, and I have to say if I could work out a way to control my computer, or better yet my motion control slider with one of these, I would look totally awesome here in the studio wearing one of these skin-tight beauties. Wait, where are you going?

Rei Ayanami

Builder Showcase - Mike Dung

Builder Showcase - Mike Dung

One of the things I most love about the AFOL community is it knows no borders and speaks a common language. I have contact with builders from all over the world, and very much enjoy sharing their work on this blog. Through it I have made friends in so many countries I've lost count. It also exposes me to different pop culture, that while I may not completely understand, I can totally appreciate. One of these builders is Mike Dung. He's one of the reigning kings of manga builders, and his lovely characters are responsible for a great many Google searches  on my part, but all worth it.

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Kancolle Yamato

I love this guy's work!  Mike Dung has created another impressive character from a game I've never heard of.  Kantai Collection, also known as KanColle, is an online browser game in which one assumes the role of an admiral, assembles a fleet of kanmusu ('ship girls' based on World War II-era ships and submarines), & battles against fleets of unknown warships. (Courtesy of Kancolle Wiki).  Chicks with guns:  I've got to check out this game!

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M REF BARON

As I get older I find that it is the small things that kick off memories of my childhood and this gun-suit did just that. I can remember one specific summer in my youth watching back-to-back-to-back episodes of Gundam Wing with my cousin every morning for a week while on vacation. This suit may not be from Gundam Wing, but it sure would fit right in. One thing I really like about this build by Lu Sim is the "weight" of the various sections. In traditional anime style various parts are over-exaggerated in size and pointy at just the right.. erm... points... Also, +10 nerd points for being in BrickNerd colors!

M reF - BARON

Terraformar

It's long been said that the cockroach will outlast us all, but how will it evolve? Well, here's one possible scenario, Terraformar. Yes, super evolved anthropomorphized cockroaches living on mars with incredible strength and an instinctual hatred for humans. But really who can blame them. Do you suppose they've ever invent the "Human Hotel"? (wait a minute, that's already been invented...hmmm.....)

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Snow Miku

I know it's winter. I know this because Santa visited recently and shorts are hard to find in the stores. Yes, it's snowing and cold in a great many places in the northern hemisphere, but California isn't one of those places (as in not cold, we're still in the northern hemisphere, most of the time). I also know it's winter because of awesome MOCs like this one from MikeVD. Yes, Miku looks quite cozy in her winter coat with her furry little friend.

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Tony Tony Chopper

Once again my ignorance of anime is brought to my attention. And as usual my quick little research to familiarize myself with the subject matter has left me with more questions than answers. I really like this cute little MOC by MikeVD, but I have no idea who it is. To quote One Piece Wiki: "Tony Tony Chopper is the doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. Chopper is a reindeer that ate a Devil Fruit called the Hito Hito no Mi". So, yeah.

Tony Tony Chopper

Snow Miku 2013

Once again I find myself on the fringes of understanding an anime character. Through some quick searches I can see it has something to do with a festival? I dunno. What I do know is this build by Mike Dung is gorgeous. The contouring and building is excellent, but and posing and photography is what sets this apart. She evokes emotion and draws you in, and that's what characters should do.

2013 Snow Miku

Miho Nishizumi

Really how can you go wrong with big eyes, a small mouth, fantastic hair...and a tank! Builder MikeVd is back with another anime inspired MOC that I have no idea about, and this morning is too crazy to fake it with Google. OK, I know a little about it, she's from Girls Und Panzer, which brings together the natural combination of teenage girls and WWII weaponry.

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