In the Barrels

Say what you will about the overall quality of the Peter Jackson Hobbit films, it's hard to deny that the Barrels out of Bond scene from The Desolation of Smaug was pretty cool. This awesome version by Graham Gidman beautifully captures the action. The part of this build that sticks out the most to me is the water: it's fantastically dynamic and extremely convincing. Also, the overall landscaping is very solid, with a few lovely trees, great color-coordination, and some of the best rockwork I've seen in a while. Oh, and those brick-built barrels are awesome.

Metropolis

Paul Wellington has outdone himself with this shot!  The realism and detail is quite extraordinary, and the eye-level photo makes it totally convincing.  Add to that some pretty slick photoediting, and you've got something truly special.  I wonder how much one of those waterfront condos might run?

Chinese Culture

Eastern culture blows my mind sometimes. We like to think we have deep history and culture here in America, and perhaps the indigenous people do, but nothing to compare with the east. People credit the Chinese with the invention of gunpowder and building really long walls, but very often stop right there. How about silk, paper, medicines, the compass? Their contributions to art, music, recreation and literature are often overlooked but we feel it everywhere. Builder Arzlan celebrates these in this magnificent MOC featuring Go, calligraphy, painting and playing Erhu fiddle. I'd also like to point out one other Chinese discovery, one of which I'm particularly fond of, tea. I'm drinking some as I post this.

"I'm The Doctor, And I Save People."

Jared (Umm, Who?)'s Tardis interior is a positively fantastic model, and looking at it gives me the same kind of excitement that I get from a new episode of Doctor Who. Every piece looks accurate and yet fits the tone and color scheme of LEGO very well - from the glowing central console to the round things.

Chinese Triplets

How cool is this?!  A miniature version of what was arguably the weirdest-looking Jaeger from Pacific Rim!  A NPU build by the very talented Grantmasters, the Crimson Typhoon features a clever use for a minifig boxer's protective headgear on its shoulder and some red knight armor on the other shoulder.  With three arms and an all-seeing eye in the middle, the Crimson Typhoon is ready to kick some mini-scale butt or perhaps any regular-sized minifig unfortunate enough to cross its path.  I'm looking at you Series 5 Lizard Man.

Parts Shop

So your faithful old ride is ailing, and you need to fix her, where to go? The parts shop of course. There's something supremely satisfying about diagnosing a problem, getting the parts you need and fixing your own car. It's been many years since I've done it, but I remember it well. This parts shop by builder sanellukovic should feel familiar to all the gear heads out there. It's absolutely packed with fun details and surprises, click through for more pics.

Big Boga!

*Insert Varactyl call here*

Markus Rollbühler has just built a beautiful and colorful replica of Boga, the creature that Obi-Wan rides around on Utapau while searching for General Grievous in Revenge of the Sith.  The craftsmanship in this model speaks for itself, especially with that dynamic pose Boga has done for the picture!  Markus has used his chosen colors very well - you're immediately drawn to the head of the Varactyl, which is built so well.  However, the tail, legs, main body, and dark orange base are also worth noting.  When I was a kid I wanted a pet Boga, but now I just want this model for in a case in my room!  Well done, Markus.  Thanks for bringing this great creature to life with your skills.

Rosenwald Apartments

Rocco Buttliere is known for his amazingly detailed skyscrapers featured in books such as The LEGO Architect,  and winning the coveted Brickworld Master Award this year.   But taking something as mundane as a public housing project from Chicago's South Side and making it beautiful takes that extra level of skill. 

"That Thing Is Not From The World Of The Living..."

What can you really say about any of Legonardo Davidy's creations? Just stare in awe really. As Davidy describes, this is the home of Brown Wizard (Radagasts) from The Hobbit. Only minor details are shown in the movie so Legonardo had to use a mix of creativity and fan art to make the whole thing come to life. I'll just leave this right here for you all to amaze at...

The Italian Job

Remember The Italian Job?  Where Michael Caine and his lads raced through Turin in iconic Minis to rob a bullion van at the orders of big-time criminal Mr Bridger?

Now you can watch it again, as UK builder and animator Steve Guinness has recreated it as a stop-motion brickfilm, complete with Minis, police chases, and a cliffhanger ending (see what I did there?).

'Hang on lads, I've got an idea...'

Deep Treasure, Sharp Teeth

I knew raccoons are attracted to shiny things, dogs bury bones and squirrels hide nuts, but who knew sharks were into treasure? If this MOC by LEGO 7 is any indication they seem to be a bit preoccupied by the doubloons, if you know what I mean. Makes you wonder about all those shipwrecks though doesn't it, hmmmm...

Hulk Vs Wolverine

A long time trope in the nerdasphere is "who would win in a fight..." The match-ups are always interesting, but not nearly as interesting as the passionate arguments from either camp. Take this pairing of Hulk vs Wolverine by builder icare_25. Team Hulk will go on about his super strength and unbound rage. Then team Wolverine will cite super healing and prattle on about adamantium claws. And while all this was going on I got the last slice of pizza.

Chopped

I wish I could speak with more authority on this, but besides a long history of watching American Chopper, I don't know much about motorcycles. What I do know is this bike by redfern1950s has a cool retro feel about it, from the springs under the saddle to the color scheme and custom wheels. The photography is also stellar, it's not easy to shoot a MOC with this much black.

Roadhog

When it comes to ruling the road, you really can't compete with a huge boar on a radical chopper, or a hog on a HOG, if you will. And when if comes to ruling a MOC-off, builder Djokson shows us what it takes. He and his buddy Lord-Oblivion have entered into a friendly competition. Not for prizes or awards, but for bragging rights. Ready...fight!

BrickNerd LiveBuild - Volkswagen Beetle

VW has been an important part of my life. The first family car I remember was a beetle, my first car was a beetle and I drive a beetle now. So to say I'm excited about this set is a bit of an understatement. I know this is last minute and I'm sorry I didn't announce it yesterday, but I can't wait to build this little beauty.

Join me live at 2pm PST as I build the amazing new LEGO 10252 Volkswagen Beetle live!

LL 122

One of the first comments on this MOC by I Scream Clone is "Thought this was by Peter Reid. Looks fantastic". I can think of no higher praise than to be compared to Legoloverman (and if I'm not mistaken he's got a cameo there in the green suit). This neo classic space beauty sports an unusual shape, with it's twin mandibles and foreshortened hull. But the color scheme, greebly goodness and classic color scheme hit all the right notes. The hangar is a pretty sweet addition too, and the perfect way to display this craft.

The Culture of Japan

Builder Alanboar creates this beautiful representation of Japanese culture to commemorate his honeymoon with his wife. There is so much detail in this creation, including the Kyoto Kiyomizu temple, and it all sits on a brick-built scroll. Some of my favorite details are the fins used for minifigure kimono sleeves, and (obviously) the mini sushi! Makes my desire to visit Japan so much stronger! 

Introducing MOC Nation

There's a new option on the web for custom LEGO creations and fans of LEGO of all ages, builders and designers alike, MOC Nation. For builders it's a chance to get your hands on sets designed by the greatest designers on the planet. For designers it's a chance to share your creations with the world and make a little money too. Today is the official launch date and while the catalog is small, it's going to be growing very soon. Head on over and check them out!

MOC Nation was created by Matt Gutierrez, Jason Gutierrez, and Andrew Capener — three AFOLs with backgrounds in e­commerce, entrepreneurship, design and a passion for all things creative. 

Kirika Towa Alma

As if it isn't always a bit awkward commenting on a character I don't recognize from a game or film I haven't seen, this goes one step further. It would appear that builder Pate-keetongu based this on concept art for a game he's never played, so we're both sorta in the dark. I know a good character build when I see it though, and this one is gorgeous.

Tsukiko

Confession time: I never watch any anime, ever. Not saying that I wouldn't like it, I just haven't watched any. So, I have absolutely no idea who or what this build by Djordje is. But I really dig it. This gal is a beautiful example of what can be accomplished by combining System and Bionicle pieces. Also, all the shaping is fantastic (especially on the skirt), and that purple hair is just awesome.