lloyd [30609] & wu key chain [5004915] reviews

Lloyd [30609]

Or alternatively, UK LEGO Store LEGO Ninjago Movie Promotions...

Better late than never! The promotions may have started since 15 September, but they won't end until at least the end of October. So, there's still plenty of time!

For the first promotion, it's only available at LEGO Stores. You can get a free exclusive LEGO Ninjago Movie Lloyd [30609] minifigure with any purchase over £25. The offer is valid from 15 September to 29 October, or while stocks last. And it is limited to one set per household.

Lloyd

At first I thought the free minifigure (pictured middle below) is the same as the ones from the LEGO Ninjago Movie Collectible Minifigure Series [71019] (pictured left- and right-most) but, as you can see, it's not. It may have shared a lot of elements with other Lloyd minifigures, but the one in the [30609] set has exclusive printings on his head and torso. The torso print is really interesting in the sense that it was caught halfway in transformation from being Lloyd Garmadon to the Green Ninja. Almost like Clark Kent ripping his shirt off to reveal Superman. The free polybag also comes with Lloyd's sword, a silver curved katana adorned with a golden tassel at the end of its handle. The Lloyd [30609] polybag is a definite must have for any LEGO Ninjago Movie fan.

Lloyd Green Ninja Transformation

The other promotion is a bit more exclusive. If you have the 2017 LEGO Wall Calendar, don't forget to redeem your voucher. Simply bring Voucher 9 to a LEGO Store to get a free LEGO Ninjago Movie Key Chain, more specifically, Master Wu [5004915]! The voucher is valid from 15 September to 31 October, or while stocks last. The original qualifying voucher must be supplied to redeem. Meaning, no photocopies will be accepted. The Wu Key Chain [5004915] cannot be exchanged or substituted for any other item or cash value, and is not available for purchase. And, sweetly enough, there's no purchase necessary.

Wu Key Chain [5004915]

The Sensei Wu minifigure in this key chain is identical to the ones found in the Master Falls [70608] and Green Ninja Mech Dragon [70612] sets, wherein he dons a white robe, zōri sandals, and an angered expression. The only difference is that the parts are permanently glued together, and the unit is attached to a chain.

Master Wu

The LEGO Ninjago Movie promotions are now in full swing in the UK for the movie widely comes out 13 October! And if you check your local cinemas, some are offering special advance screenings on 7 to 8 October! So, go!

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 27

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 27

The LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 27 is already available and the awesome gift is Rey's Speeder!

Finally! the LEGO Star Wars Magazine has finally caught up with The Force Awakens (but then there's Rogue One and the upcoming The Last Jedi, no pressure)! And what's the best way to represent the new trilogy in this monthly magazine than with Rey herself (though she's just a tiny black round plate).

Rey's Speeder

Building the model is a lot of fun. The build starts with the hood on an upright position then eventually rotating to gradually reveal the final look. The design is really smart considering the scale, with every detail depicting something, like Rey's salvage bag and her hauls. It just fell a bit flat when placed on a surface. I have to place it on two transparent clear round tiles to make it appear like it's hovering.

Rey's Speeder microbuild reminded me a lot of Luke's Landspeeder (see it in this post), and it's really easy to see why. Both shared the same color schemes, and even the same elements. (Duh, they're both speeders in desert planets!).

First Order Snowspeeder

For next month's issue, which comes out on 11 October, make way for the First Order Snowspeeder. Yahoo! More The Force Awakens love!

P. S. I think the Original LEGO Star Wars Minifigure stamp pictured above is a mistake, unless they do include a minifigure. We'll see next month!

force friday II millennium falcon posters

Millennium Falcon VS The First Order

Awesome LEGO Millennium Falcon posters!

Included in the Force Friday II and Millennium Falcon [75192] launch promotions was the free VIP posters. For LEGO VIP purchase of any Star Wars set, a Millennium Falcon mini poster was given away, and there's a different one each day! Why limit to VIP? Because it serves as an invitation for the early VIP access to purchase the biggest LEGO set ever! At the back of the poster is the date 14.9.2017 and the website VIP.LEGO.COM.

The first poster is a brick version of the chase in Jakku in The Force Awakens, wherein Rey and Finn were trying to evade the First Order. The epic scene was set against a sunset, making it very vivid and colorful.

The Millennium Falcon [75192] has a feature of switching the model from the latest trilogy to the original one. So, it only makes sense to make a poster depicting the old gang of rebels. For the second poster, the chosen scene was from The Empire Strikes Back, wherein Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and C-3PO desperately tried to escape the Imperial forces by navigating through the Hoth asteroid field.

Millennium Falcon VS The Galactic Empire

The third poster is just a few frames away from the second one, wherein our heroes were almost eaten alive by an exogorth, or commonly known as a space slug. The scene shows the Millennium Falcon on the verge of escaping through the galactic monster's orifice.

Millennium Falcon VS The Space Slug

These free posters were printed in high quality on thick card boards. Very fitting for LEGO's newest and biggest flagship set. I just wish the artist was credited in order to associate these fantastic pieces of art to a name and a face.

iconic cave set [5004936] review

Iconic Cave Set [5004936]

Aaaaaaaah!!!


LEGO Stores are giving away not one, but two minifigures in their Iconic Cave Set [5004936]! It's free with any purchase over UK £25 / EU 30€ / US $50. The promotion runs from 10 to 30 August in-store and online. Play prehistorically with the caveman and cavewoman minifigures, complete with clubs and a cardboard cave house (which also serves as a storage box).

Caveman

The Caveman minifigure is similar to the one released in the first series of the LEGO Collectible Minifigures [8683] but with new print and hairpiece color.

Cavewoman

Likewise, the Cavewoman minifigure is identical to the one from Series 5 [8805] except for the new print and hairpiece color. I wish I have the original minifigs to compare them side by side but unfortunately, I was still on the dark brick ages when they were initially released.

Prehistoric Love

With regards to the box, to be honest, I love the way it was designed. Though a brickbuilt cave is more preferable, the cardboard cave is a cute alternative. The print is really fun to look at, and it is very reminiscent of The Flintstones. The quality of the cardboard is commendable as well with its smooth finish.

This is the third time LEGO has re-released minifigures from the Collectible Minifigures Series, with the Chicken Suit Guy [5004468] and the Gingerbread Man [5005156] as the first two.

I wonder who will they release next? And what will their accompanying box design be?

Back in Time

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 26

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 26

The LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 26 is finally out, and it's a bumper issue! Free Imperial Snowtrooper minifigure plus a bonus gift!

Minifigures are a bit of a rarity when it comes to the LEGO Star Wars Magazine. That's why this month's issue is special with the Imperial Snowtrooper minifigure giveaway.

The free gift is limited edition (in terms of distribution) but not necessarily exclusive (or sort of, depending on one's perspective). It is similar to the one released from the Snowspeeder [75049], AT-AT [75054], Assault on Hoth [75098], Hoth Attack [75138], and Star Wars Advent Calendar [75146] sets without the white kama and/or the white lamp holder piece (between the neck bracket and backpack). But nevertheless, a free minifigure is a free minifigure (not to mention this is great for army building)!

Before moving on from the Imperial Snowtrooper, let me just mention a page that has literally made me laughed out loud. In this issue, there is an activity encouraging kids to color in the Snowtrooper, inviting them to let their imaginations run wild and make colorful outfits! Isn't it hilarious?

Imperial Snowtrooper

As mentioned above, this issue is a bumper issue, meaning previous free gifts were re-gifted re-released. For the others, they got the AAT or Luke's Landspeeder. As for me, I got the Probe Droid! All of which were featured in my first LEGO Star Wars Magazine post.

Probe Droid

For next month, it's time to awaken the force with Rey's Speeder! Don't you just love the reddish brown color on LEGO Star Wars sets? The new issue comes out on 6 September.

Rey's Speeder

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 25

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 25

Better late than never. Issue 25 of the LEGO Star Wars Magazine has been out for some time now, and the amazing gift is none other than a Sandcrawler minibuild!

The free LEGO set for July is a miniature version of the Jawas' huge mobile fortress. The meter-tall humanoid species use the Sandcrawler both for their transport and shelter. The build is quite simple but efficient enough to be distinguishable. And of course, it's always fun to make smaller variations of iconic Star Wars models. It's such a shame that a Jawa minifigure is not included. I guess that's just too much to ask. Well, there's always future issues!

Sandcrawler

Next issue comes out with a LEGO minifigure. It may not be a Jawa, but it's equally cool! Free Imperial Snowtrooper minifigure next month! Issue 26 will be released on 9 August.

Imperial Snowtrooper

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 24

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 24

The LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 24 is already out and this month's free gift is the awesome A-Wing Starfighter!

The latest issue of our favorite magazine from a brick galaxy far, far away is filled with the usual comics, pull-out posters, fact files, puzzles, and more, encompassing all eras and even beyond (ehem, Freemakers, ehem). Speaking of comics, the one where the Skywalker twins used a Gungan Sub to save Lando and Chewie in Naboo painfully reminded me that I missed the LEGO version of the underwater vehicle! And not to mention the Queen Amidala minifigure! Say what you want but I super love The Phantom Menace!

Back to the magazine, the free LEGO set in this issue is an A-Wing minibuild. The A-Wing is a wedge-shaped starfighter widely used by the rebels for a long period of time, from the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire, to the Resistance against the First Order.

A-Wing

The mini A-Wing is a cute and fun model to build. With regards to resemblance to the film version, it's quite passable, but a casual fan may not be able to identify it straightaway. I like the green and yellow color scheme of the model, matching the one in the Vader’s TIE Advanced vs. A-Wing Starfighter [75150] set. The free toy is a nod to Star Wars Rebels after all. By the way, the transparent stand is not included.

Next month's cool toy is the Sandcrawler! It was not written but I highly doubt that the Jawas minifigures will be included. The new issue comes out 5 July.

Sandcrawler

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 23

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 23

The LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 23 is already available, and this month's free gift is the Vulture Droid!

The Vulture Droid is one of the many Droid Starfighters of the Trade Federation. It is also known as the Variable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid, Mark I, or as the Vulture-Class Starfighter. Construction was done in the cathedral factories of Xi Char. As a Droid Starfighter, a Vulture Droid is highly automated, meaning it doesn't need a living or even a droid pilot for, as its name implies, it is a droid itself!

The building experience is simple and straightforward. The color scheme of the droid is evidently there. I also love how symmetrical the design is. It's just unfortunate that you have to look at the final build at certain angles to see the resemblance. Oh, by the way, the transparent stand is not included, and was used for photographic purposes only. Overall, it's really a fun build!

Vulture Droid

Next month, more Star Wars Rebels! The Phoenix Squadron's logo is proudly brandished behind next issue's free gift, the A-Wing! Issue 24 comes out 7 June!

A-Wing

LEGO batman movie magazine: issues 01 & 02

LEGO Batman Movie Magazine Issue 01

The LEGO Batman (Movie) is literally everywhere, including the print media. The brick iteration of the Caped Crusader has also invaded the UK and EU LEGO Magazines, releasing two special issues with limited edition minifigures.

Just like the other LEGO Magazines, the glossy special issues contained comics, pull-out posters, fact files, puzzles, etc. about the LEGO Batman, his friends (which are, of course, family), and his enemies. Each issue comes with a free minifigure, which was labeled as limited. Technically, it is indeed a limited release, but it's not exclusive. So, bat-brick completists in other areas of the world have nothing to worry about for the minifigures can be obtained somewhere else. But if like me, you're a casual LEGO Batman collector, this is an easy way to get them.

For Issue 01, it just made perfect sense to include the man of the hour, Batman!

Batman

He comes complete with a cowl, a cape, a utility belt, and two batarangs. I love that the cape was packaged in the usual small box to preserve its form, unlike in The LEGO Batman Movie Minifigure Series [71017], wherein some of the capes have folds and creases. The included minifig head is dual sided with a crooked smile, and a clenched teeth pattern.

Batarangs

Issue 02's free gift is none other than the Joker!

LEGO Batman Movie Magazine Issue 02

The Dark Knight's best frenemy comes with his iconic purple coattail, which was also packaged neatly in a small box. The minifig head is also dual sided with an open mouth pattern, and a wide grin with pointed teeth together.

The Joker

Dynamites

It's such a shame the run of this mini-series ended with just two issues. The movie has given us so much materials (and not to mention minifigures) to explore. But it's okay. We can always use our imagination and creativity to build something Batman!

UK LEGO store R3-M2 promotion

Free R3-M2!
(Photo grabbed from: LEGO Store May-June 2017 Newsletter)

There's no stopping the 40 Years of Star Wars Celebration! Free LEGO R3-M2 [40268] minifigure!

Immediately right after the annual May the 4th Be With You promotions, LEGO has another droid to giveaway, and it's none other than Rogue One's R3-M2. It is an astromech droid part of the Alliance to Restore the Republic.

The promotion runs from 7 to 31 May with any LEGO Star Wars purchase. The offer is valid online at shop.LEGO.com and in LEGO Stores. Limited to one per household, and of course, while supplies last.

Now it's time to re-watch Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (which is already out on Digital HD, DVD and Blu-ray, by the way) and play Where's R3-M2?

R2-D2 [30611] review

R2-D2 [30611]

The exclusive R2-D2 [30611] set is the best free polybag ever!

In celebration of 40 years of Star Wars, LEGO is giving away a buildable R2-D2 [30611] set for every specific purchase. For me, this is the sweetest May the 4th Be With You promotion to date!

In the UK LEGO Stores, you can take this droid home with any LEGO Star Wars purchase of £60 or more, from 29 April to 6 May, or while stocks last. For more details, click here.

And in the Philippine LEGO Certified Stores, you can get this limited edition gift for a minimum single receipt purchase of P3500 on any LEGO item from 4 to 31 May. Then the redemption period is from 15 May to 31 July. For more details, check out their official Facebook post.

R2-D2

As I mentioned above, I consider this the best May the 4th free LEGO. Don't get me wrong, I love all those minifigures, but I have to admit they didn't put a huge smile on my face when I was building them. I was literally smiling the whole time I was constructing my very own R2 unit! It's really amazing to see the ingenuity of the design, considering there were only 70 pieces! The simplicity of the build is also a big win, for the final output is not only sturdy but also looks flawless.

To be honest, I'm quite surprised with the printed pieces. I thought since this is a free gift, only part of the dome was printed. But no, it is surprisingly detailed! I also thought that a sticker was used for the front tile, but it was printed as well (Yehey! I really don't like stickers on my bricks).

It's also worth mentioning that the dome piece can be rotated! How cool is that? And most importantly, R2's third appendage is included!

I wish more droids will be released in the future at this scale. I so love love this buildable R2-D2 figure. This is definitely the droid you're looking for!

birthday card [5004931] review

Birthday Card [5004931]

Wow! A birthday present from LEGO!

Using the first voucher in the UK / EU 2017 LEGO Wall Calendar, you can claim your birthday present from your favorite brick company. All you have to do is to present the voucher in a LEGO Store in the week of your birthday. And that's exactly what my wife did, for today is her birthday! (Happy birthday pi!).

I thought at first that the free gift is a literal birthday card, but we've discovered that it's more than that. Yes it is a card where you can write down your greetings, but there are bricks included as well in the Birthday Card [5004931] set.

Birthday Girl

The 20-pieces set also includes a kid minifigure, with two heads and two hairpieces to match the celebrant's gender. The unisex torso is printed with a blue sweater over a green striped top. And this is matched with a pair of red mini-legs.

Birthday Boy

A birthday celebration is not complete without a cake and a wrapped present. The minibuilds are simple but very effective, and not to mention super cute. The chocolate cake with marshmallow icing looks very yummy with a strawberry cupcake on top. The gift covered in orange and blue wrapping was finished with a yellow bow. At least that's how I see them, haha. Everything is neatly arranged in a 4x4 lime green tile. 

Happy Birthday!

For a free gift with no purchase necessary, the Birthday Card [5004931] set is a sweet gesture from LEGO. Thank you very much for making your fans' birthdays extra special!

LEGO star wars magazine: issues 21 & 22

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 21

More LEGO Star Wars Magazines!

Due to my unscheduled hiatus (sorry), Issues 21 and 22 have piled up in my drafts folder. That's the reason behind this bumper post.

For Issue 21, the free gift is the Imperial Combat Driver! Wow! Another minifigure! But as I mentioned in the previous LEGO Star Wars magazine post, he may look rather familiar if you own a certain someone's speeder bike. Still doesn't ring a bell? Check it out here. It's the minifigure from Kanan's Speeder Bike [75141]! If you can remember, two issues ago, in Issue 19, Kanan Jarrus was the first ever free minifigure in this magazine series. Now it makes me wonder if the Stormtrooper is next, or the speeder bike, haha. Anyway, a free minifigure is a free minifigure! And the Imperial Combat Driver is a great addition to any collection. Especially now that Star Wars Rebels is ending (boohoo)!

Imperial Combat Driver

For Issue 22, the free gift is a TIE Advanced minibuild.

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 22

When I first saw the preview image, I wasn't really impressed with it. It reminded me of the previous TIE Bomber minibuild, which in my opinion kind of look awkward. But after the final minibuild, I was actually impressed. At a certain angle, the TIE Advanced looks wicked! As if it will shoot right at you any moment.

TIE Advanced

Next issue's free gift is a new Starfighter, the Vulture Droid! Now, don't get too excited (like me). There's a very fine print in the lower left of the page that the Battle Droids minifigures are not included. Issue 23 comes out 3 May.

Vulture Droid

LEGO star wars magazine: issue 20

LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 20

The LEGO Star Wars Magazine Issue 20 is now available, and it's continuing the rebel streak! This month's free gift is the Ghost!

How do you follow up last month's Kanan Jarrus minifigure? Throw away his (or rather Hera's) ship in the mix! The Ghost finally received the microbuild treatment in Issue 20 of the LEGO Star Wars Magazine.

The building experience is a lot of fun. The microbuild really resembles the modified VCX-100 light freighter. My only complaint is there's no micro-Phantom, or at least a space for it. Overall, it is a solid build. I super love it! By the way, the transparent stand is not included.

The Ghost

On 8 March, Issue 21 comes out, and it looks like there's no stopping with the rebel streak, for next month's cool toy is the Imperial Combat Driver! He may look rather familiar if you own a certain someone's speeder bike (more on this next month), but it's a free minifigure! Thank you LEGO Star Wars Magazine!

Imperial Combat Driver