The right minifigs can elevate a build by making a scene come alive, suggesting a story much bigger than the LEGO model on display. The motley crew of pirates assembled by Bryckland have clearly seen their fair share of action, gaining infamy for their raids, but no shortage of glory too with close-calls and daring adventure too, I’d wager. Bryckland’s longship is a wonderful design, with a hull made of horns and rounded Technic elements, invoking ancient reed boats. Considering the sails are made from Hungarian Horntail wings, perhaps the hull is made of dragonbone or some other fantastical substance. The diorama is elevated by the patch of roiling blue sea.  Where will this voyage end? Perhaps with a little pillaging at one of Bryckland’s past ports of call. The post Steer clear of these surly Sea Raiders appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Jake Forbes

There are no shades of grey on the battlefield of chess — only black and white. Builder Herbert Lee explores that stark contrast with a pair of opposing pieces that are as commanding as they are elegant. The White Queen is almost entirely monochrome, with only black contrast for the eyes and hidden mixel joints to allow for regal posing. Herbert mixes soft, rounded parts for the queen’s dress with sharp horns and egg shells that should make you think twice before accepting her gambit. The Black King is no slouch waiting for his knights and rooks to keep him out of check. Armed with a jagged sword and Kylo Ren’s chiseled abs, he looks ready to pwn a few pawns. I appreciate the asymmetry introduced by a single metallic grey Bionicle chest piece as a pauldron. Seeing these two pieces, I can’t help but imagine a full board of such...

Batman has always been a bit of a rōnin at heart: a masterless warrior honor-bound to protecting people. So it makes sense that a fusion between Caped Crusader and samurai (and LEGO) would be supremely satisfying. It’s not the first time Batman and feudal Japan have come together (if you haven’t seen the anime Batman Ninja, it’s a odd mash-up), but this build by Dad’s Bricks (Joe) at Japan’s Brickfest is just plain awesome. Every aspect of the Batsuit makes an appearance, from the blades on his arms (now the samurai’s vambraces) to the ears on his cowl (now the helmet crest). I don’t know what the Japanese term is for “whoa,” but now I might have to learn it. The post This awesome Batman is a little far from Gotham City appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Ryan Kunz

Construction vehicles come in many shapes and sizes in the real world, but I’ve never seen one, LEGO or otherwise, in the shape of a cube until now. This boxy mech by SweStar looks like a cross between Ghost in the Shell and Super Mario. I love how the piston legs feel like they could hold the weight, although the sidewalk and street may not survive intact. Hopefully there is enough room inside for a mini-fridge. The post This LEGO construction mech is square, and that is OK appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Daniel

While I was more a Magic: the Gathering fan growing up, I was certainly aware of the trading card phenomenon known as Yu-Gi-Oh. And to see such an excellent recreation of characters/cards from the TV show in this LEGO build by mc tung takes me back to the early 2000’s, for sure. Featuring (from left to right) Swords of Revealing Light, Dark Magician Girl, Kuriboh, Dark Magician, and Blue Eyes White Dragon, these five iconic cards from the show and game stand before Yugi Mutou, wielder of this special deck of cards. Each of the figures are an outstanding creation on their own, and as a sextet are instantly recognizable. I especially like all the detail put into Yugi’s crazy hair and the billowing cape behind him. He’s even rocking his magical Millenium Puzzle and standard-issue Duel Disk. The post “My grandfather’s deck has no pathetic cards, Kaiba” appeared first on...