Tag: LEGO Star Wars

Introducing LEGO Star Wars 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina

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The latest addition to the LEGO Star Wars Master Builder Series takes a trip to the sands of Tatooine with 75290 Mos Eisley Cantina. This is by far the biggest brick-built recreation of the infamous intergalactic watering hole to date, coming in at 3,187 pieces. And it includes not only a full cantina, but even a separate Jawa trading post – along with a dewback, two landspeeders and an incredible 21 minifigures.

Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Obi-Wan Kenobi are all present and correct, of course – but the LEGO designers have also taken a deep dive into the obscurities of the Star Wars databanks, pulling up a whole host of barely-glimpsed background characters. If the names Labria, Hrchek Kal Fas and Momaw Nadon mean nothing to you, well, you’re probably a well-rounded person with interests beyond Star Wars. But that shouldn’t stop you from heading to Wookieepedia to learn more about these enigmatic aliens, who doubtless all have fully fleshed-out backstories.

75290 Mos Eisley Cantina will be available for LEGO VIPs from September 16 for £319.99/$349.99/€349.99, while everyone else will have to wait until October 1. Signing up to the VIP program is completely free, though, so it’s a no-brainer if you’re ordering directly from LEGO.com.

Check out the full press release and gallery of images below, and keep your eyes peeled for more on this massive Star Wars set in a future issue of Blocks. In the meantime, you can now order Issue 71, which features our own deep dive into the world of LEGO Super Mario, the anatomy of a Technic supercar, and a guide to making your minifigures move.

Coming from a galaxy far, far away and into to the homes of LEGO enthusiasts and Star Wars fans across the world – the LEGO Group’s new LEGO Star Wars building set,  the Mos Eisley Cantina set, will dazzle adult builders and film fans alike. Bringing to life one of the Skywalker saga’s most iconic locations, the new set is sure to become an instant classic as Rebels immerse themselves in the famous cantina’s world of smugglers, musicians, bounty hunters and Jedi Knights.

The impressive building kit gives adult LEGO fans the chance to relax and enjoy a mindful building experience as they reconnect with their passion for the original trilogy. Intrepid builders can even open up the set’s removable roof to admire its intricate details and act out their favourite Star Wars: A New Hope scenes, using iconic character mini-figures including Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, C-3PO. Additionally, the set features eight character minifigures that have been introduced in LEGO form for the first time, including Ponda Baba, Dr. Evazan, Garindan, and more.

As they embark on their journey to bring Mos Eisley’s quintessential taverna to life, films lovers and Star Wars devotees will be thrilled to discover the set’s special features, such as the attachable buildings, two Landspeeders – one of which has never been built in LEGO before – and a dewback LEGO figure. The LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Mos Eisley Cantina is also dotted with hidden details throughout, such as a “Wanted” poster featuring R2-D2 and C-3PO, to the kyber crystals hidden in one of the exterior buildings.

Once built, the 3,187-piece LEGO Star Wars Mos Eisley Cantina construction set makes for an extraordinary display piece, standing at over 7.5” (19cm) high, 20.5” (52cm) wide and 23” (58cm) deep when opened.

Part of the Master Builder series, the new Star Wars building kit is the latest example of how the LEGO Group aims to inspire builders to build, rebuild and get excited by the process of creation. Speaking about the creative process behind the new building kit, set designer Cesar Soares said:

“The first time I watched the Cantina scene in Star Wars: A New Hope, I was just 12 years old. I remember thinking, ‘this is where the adventure starts!’ Years later, when I then became a LEGO Star Wars designer in 2016, this was the first set I built. With this design, we’ve added external buildings like the Jawa shop, refined the details, and chosen an impressive 21 minifigure characters, including all-new alien figures. I love that all Star Wars characters have cool backstories, no matter how briefly they appear, it wasn’t easy to decide which characters to include in the set, but we hope fans will love the entire model and its line-up of heroes and villains.”

New additions to the Blocks Review Index: Star Wars and Minions

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The Blocks Review Index has been updated with review scores from Issue 69, including our verdicts on a fresh batch of LEGO sets from a galaxy far, far away. Alongside reviews of 75275 A-wing Starfighter and the entire first wave of 2020 LEGO Star Wars sets, we’ve also taken a look at the two Minions sets that did make it on to shelves this year (despite the movie being delayed to 2021).

You’ll find the scores from those reviews in the tables for each theme, either by navigating to the Review Index in the top menu, or clicking below:

Minions
Star Wars

If you haven’t yet spotted our handy Review Index, now is a great time to check it out. You’ll find our numerical verdict for every LEGO set reviewed in the pages of Blocks, along with the issue the review was originally published in. And if you want to read the full reviews, we have plenty of back issues available in our online store, including Issue 69.

Issue 70 of Blocks magazine is now available to order, featuring a review of 10273 Haunted House, along with a behind-the-scenes interview, plus instructions for filling out your fairground with a pavement, shooting gallery, ticket office and entrance.

Decorate your home with LEGO Art

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The LEGO Group’s ever-expanding catalogue of ways to part you with your money now includes artwork. The first wave of mosaics launching under the banner of LEGO Art incorporates two existing licensed themes – Star Wars and Marvel Super Heroes – alongside five iconic images.

There are 16 different tiled images to construct in all, across four different sets: Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe can be built in four different colour schemes; The Beatles builds each of the four band members; The Sith builds Kylo Ren, Darth Maul and Darth Vader; and Iron Man builds three different suits. You can also combine three copies of The Sith to build a huge portrait of Darth Vader, or three copies of Iron Man to build an enormous landscape of Tony Stark’s alter ego.

That will constitute a serious investment, though, with each individual LEGO Art set commanding a price tag of £114.99/€119.99/$119.99. Along with the 3,000 or so tiles or plates in each box, you’ll also gain access to a unique soundtrack to listen to while you build.

Check out galleries for each of the sets below, along with the full press release. You’ll be able to read more about LEGO Art in a future issue of Blocks. In the meantime, you can now order Issue 69, which features a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at another brand new LEGO theme, Monkie Kid.

31197 Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe
3,332 pieces
Pop art admirers can now recreate Andy Warhol’s famous bright pink screenprint of Marilyn Monroe from 1967, or reimagine it in three different colours using LEGO tiles. As art and design lovers tailor the tone of their piece to suit their artistic temperament, they can tune in to new insights and details about Warhol from those that know him best.

31198 The Beatles
2,933 pieces
Music lovers can bring Beatle-fandom into the home with a LEGO portrait of their favorite band member, whether it’s John Lennon, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison or Sir Ringo Starr. Each set can be used to create four unique portraits or collect four and display the full band side-by-side. Fans can get by with a little help from friends of the Beatles as they switch their headphones over to accompanying soundtrack to listen to music and stories about the band as they build.

31199 Marvel Studios Iron Man
3,156 pieces
Super Hero fans can decide between powering their hero up with the MARK III, the HULKBUSTER MARK I or the MARK LXXXV with this 3-in-1 set. After the tough decision is made, builders can recharge by listening to cool details about the set and stories from Marvel Experts as part of the accompanying soundtrack. Fans who want to channel Tony Stark and ‘run before you walk’ can combine three of the same sets into one to create the ultimate Iron Man artwork.

31200 The Sith
3,395 pieces
Celebrate iconic villains from a galaxy far, far away with this 3-in-1 portrait set. Choose between portraits that pay tribute to the Sith, with Darth Vader™, Darth Maul™ or Kylo Ren™, or take the artwork to the next level by combining three sets into an ultimate Darth Vader™ wall piece. The soundtrack means the Force will be with fans as they create their very own piece of wall art while listing to music from the films and fun stories from Star Wars™ creators.

Today, the LEGO Group is launching a new canvas for creative expression alongside a series of much-loved partners. Designed for adults who pride themselves on their love of pop culture, four new LEGO® Art sets give creative adults a different way to transform their passion into art.

Those who love Warhol or Marilyn Monroe, The Beatles or iconic characters from the Marvel Universe and Star Wars™ galaxy can pay homage to their idols by creating their very own LEGO artwork portrait to proudly display in their homes, offices or wherever they enjoy their music, film or art.

The LEGO® Art sets offer adults a new creative experience to help them relax and recharge as they transform a blank canvas (or in this case, small interlinking base plates) using LEGO tiles. Each set can be reimagined in a number of different ways to express the personality of each different builder, and to make it easy and simple for pop culture lovers to refresh the LEGO Art piece on display in their house. All four new sets come with a signature tile unique to the set that is worthy of any true work of art, and a new hanging element to make them easy to hang up and switch around.

With new research from the LEGO Group finding that 73% of adults often research new ways to help them relax, each LEGO Art set comes with a bespoke soundtrack that makes the perfect building companion. Featuring fascinating anecdotes from the creators of Iron Man and Star Wars, or those closest to the stories of Andy Warhol and the Beatles, the soundtracks dive deep into the inspiration behind each design to help adults fully immerse themselves in the building experience and unwind while they explore their love of music, art or film in a new way.

The LEGO® Marvel Studios Iron Man set will be available exclusively from LEGO Retail Stores and LEGO.com in most countries while the other three sets will be available from retailers from 1st August 2020, or from 1st September in the US.

Issue 69 of Blocks magazine is now available

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The latest issue of Blocks is now available to order.

It’s time to take a look at the LEGO Ultimate Collector Series A-wing, with the set getting pride of place on this month’s cover. The in-depth review goes over this long-awaited release, sitting alongside more Star Wars reviews and a look at LEGO Minions.

LEGO Monkie Kid has arrived, developed especially for the Chinese market. Senior Design Director Simon Lucas explains just what that process was like, revealing how far he and the team went to infuse the new action-adventure theme with Chinese culture, before Justin Ramsden details his experience making the Monkey King Warrior Mech. The features are illustrated with never-before-seen concept art and sketch models.

That’s not the only deep dive this month, as Blocks takes a look at collecting rare minifigures. Two of the world’s most knowledgeable minifigure collecting experts reveal just how hardcore the hunt can get as they highlight the real obscurities that are out there.

For those who have wondered why the colours of LEGO parts can vary, this month’s magazine provides the answers. Looking at the production of LEGO bricks over the past two decades, Blocks reveals how changes in the manufacturing process led to inconsistent shades of certain elements.

Mod Squad turns its attention to the Creator Monster Burger Truck, revealing how to take the wacky new set and turn it into a more City-friendly burger truck – or even a monster-themed burger stand. Technique offers building tips on putting together microscale castles, so readers can try out building their own fortresses at a size that fits on a shelf.

There’s always time for a dose of Blockstalgia, with Time Cruisers being the very appropriate theme for this month’s turning back of the clock. As well as remembering everything that was great – and weird – about the short-lived theme, the section unveils an updated version of 6492 Hypno Cruiser with an aesthetic that fits the modern era.

Plenty more can be found within the 116 pages, including Month in MOCs with classic van instructions, Top Ten Battle Packs, Month in LEGO, Ideas Spotlight, Piece Perception, Rebuild Challenge and LUG Spotlight.

There’s a new prize for Blocks magazine subscribers – LEGO Monkie Kid 80009 Pigsy’s Food Truck. To be in with a chance of winning, and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – check out the money-saving subscription deals available in our online store.

Everyone who subscribes to the print edition by September 1 will be in with a chance of winning (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).

Along with the 12 and 24-month subscriptions available online, we now have a 3-month direct debit option available. If you’d like to set that up, get in touch at subs@silverbackpublishing.rocks.

New LEGO Star Wars sets include AT-AT, Anakin’s Jedi Interceptor and The Razor Crest

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The LEGO Group has revealed official images for this summer’s LEGO Star Wars sets, which draw from the entire breadth of designs from a galaxy far, far away.

75288 AT-AT marks the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back with what looks like the greatest iteration of the iconic walker so far; 75293 Resistance I-TS Transport brings the theme into the here and now with a Galaxy’s Edge-inspired ship; and 75283 Armored Assault Tank (AAT) should make Clone Wars fans happy, if only for its minifigures.

They’re joined by sets based on The Mandalorian, The Rise of Skywalker, and both prequel and original trilogy films, plus an advent calendar. In fact, this might just be the broadest LEGO Star Wars wave ever released.

Check out the full product info and image galleries for the new batch of sets below, and look out for our reviews in a future issue of the mag. You’ll be able to get your hands on the sets from August 1.

For now, you can read the latest issue by ordering online, or setting up a subscription. Not only will you get each issue before it arrives in shops, but you’ll also be entered into our bi-monthly prize draws to win free LEGO.

75279 LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar
39.99 USD/24.99 GBP/29.99 EUR/269.95 DKK/49.99 AUD

Kids can wake up to a gift every day in the run-up to Christmas with the 2020 LEGO® Star Wars™ Advent Calendar (75279) holiday building set. Behind each of the 24 doors is a Star Wars LEGO minifigure, LEGO figure, buildable starship, vehicle or location. Also, look out for a code to unlock Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga game content. There are 6 LEGO minifigures and 6 LEGO figures to discover, such as Darth Vader with Christmas sweater decoration and D-O with a festive hat, plus a foldout playmat with an image of the Millennium Falcon with Christmas lights to inspire creative play. The 12 mini builds in this holiday calendar include Anakin’s Podracer, a Republic Cruiser and Darth Vader’s Castle.

75280 LEGO Star Wars 501st Legion Clone Troopers
29.99 USD/24.99 GBP/29.99 EUR/269.95 DKK/44.99 AUD

Create epic conflicts between 501st Legion Clone Troopers and the Separatist Army’s Battle Droids with this action-packed LEGO® Star Wars™ building set for kids (75280). The posable AT-RT Walker and BARC Speeder construction models each have new-for-August-2020 designs and authentic blue and white 501st Legion color schemes, plus stud shooters for battle play. Youngsters can reimagine memorable Star Wars: The Clone Wars scenes with 4 LEGO minifigures: 3 501st Clone Troopers and a 501st Jet Trooper, plus 2 Battle Droid LEGO action figures. They all have weapons and the AT-RT has attachment points for a blaster and electrobinoculars element to inspire creative play.

75281 LEGO Star Wars Anakin’s Jedi Interceptor
29.99 USD/24.99 GBP/29.99 EUR/269.95 DKK/44.99 AUD

Young Jedi can role-play Anakin Skywalker launching into battle piloting Anakin’s Jedi Interceptor (75281) with this action-packed LEGO® Star Wars™ set. This brick-built toy has lots of features to inspire creative play, including an opening LEGO minifigure cockpit, spring-loaded shooters, foldable wing flaps with space for R2-D2 and clips for spare ammo and Anakin’s Lightsaber.

75283 LEGO Star Wars Armored Assault Tank (AAT)
39.99 USD/34.99 GBP/39.99 EUR/349.0 DKK/59.99 AUD

Kids can enjoy hours of epic battle action with this LEGO® Star Wars: The Clone Wars Armored Assault Tank (AAT) building set (75283). The AAT has lots of realistic details to inspire fun, creative play, including opening hatches with space inside for the Battle Droids, LEGO minifigures, 2 spring-loaded shooters and a rotating turret with an elevating cannon. This action-packed set comes with 2 LEGO Star Wars™ minifigures – Ahsoka Tano and Ahsoka’s Clone Trooper – AAT Driver Battle Droid and Battle Droid LEGO figures, and assorted weapons to inspire role play. An awesome gift idea to enhance any fan’s LEGO Star Wars collection, this toy building kit is great for solo or group play.

75284 LEGO Star Wars Knights of Ren Transport Ship
69.99 USD/64.99 GBP/69.9 EUR/649.0 DKK/119.99 AUD

Fans can relive epic Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker action scenes with this Knights of Ren Transport Ship (75284) LEGO® building set. Hidden ‘skis’ underneath this Star Wars™ villains’ starship replicate the hover effect, and it has 2 opening cockpits for the Knights of Ren, a compartment for a captured LEGO minifigure and 2 spring-loaded shooters to inspire creative play.

75286 LEGO Star Wars General Grievous’s Starfighter
79.99 USD/74.99 GBP/79.99 EUR/749.0 DKK/119.99 AUD

Get set for an epic clash between General Grievous and Obi-Wan Kenobi! The powerful warlord Grievous is flying into battle in his awesome starfighter. Look out for the spring-loaded shooters. When the starfighter comes in to land, use Obi-Wan’s Lightsaber and the Airborne Clone Trooper’s blaster to challenge the warlord. Who will win this thrilling Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith battle? You decide!

75288 LEGO Star Wars AT-AT
159.99 USD/139.99 GBP/149.99 EUR/1399.0 DKK/249.99 AUD

Relive the Battle of Hoth and other classic Star Wars™ trilogy scenes with this AT-AT (75288) LEGO® building kit for kids! Different sections of the All Terrain Armored Transport vehicle open up for easy play, and it has spring-loaded shooters, plus a speeder bike inside. Fans will also love authentic details such as a winch to pull up Luke and his thermal detonator element.

75291 LEGO Star Wars Death Star Final Duel
99.99 USD/89.99 GBP/99.99 EUR/899.0 DKK/169.99 AUD

Kids can play out the epic Death Star Final Duel (75291) between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader with this LEGO® Star Wars: Return of the Jedi building set. Emperor Palpatine’s throne room has many cool features to inspire creative fun, including a LEGO minifigure Force-jump function. The stairs and bridge can also be collapsed, and Darth Vader can throw the Emperor in the reactor shaft just like in the classic scene.

75292 LEGO Star Wars The Razor Crest
129.99 USD/119.99 GBP/139.99 EUR/1199.0 DKK/199.99 AUD

Relive bounty hunter The Mandalorian and the Child’s battles against Scout Trooper and other enemies with The Razor Crest (75292) LEGO® Star Wars™ building toy for kids. This brick-built armored transport shuttle features a cargo hold with opening sides that double as access ramps and carbonite bounty elements inside, a dual LEGO minifigure cockpit, spring-loaded shooters, escape pod and more authentic details to inspire creative play.

75293 LEGO Star Wars Resistance I-TS Transport
99.99 USD/89.99 GBP/99.99 EUR/899.0 DKK/159.99 AUD

Young Rebels can play out heroic missions with this LEGO® brick-built model of the Resistance I-TS Transport (75293) from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a new land at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. The top of the shuttle lifts off and the sides open for easy play, and there are 4 rotating stud shooters by the cockpit and 4 rear stud shooters for battle action.