For most LEGO fans, this sword might appear to be just another custom third-party injection-molded offering. However, for anyone involved in the minifigure modding world, this is immediately recognized as one of Detroitika’s many handcrafted masterpieces. Not a single aspect of the sword you see below was injected into a molded form. Instead, sections of the sword were shaped out of raw plastic using various methods and later assembled together into the final product. Cutting, lathing, sanding, drilling, gluing, painting and etching were all necessary processes in the creation of this exceptional piece. So where did it all start? When I mentioned the usage of “raw plastic” I was referring to sprues. Sprues are the result of molten plastic left in injection channels which solidify after the injection-molding occurs. These sprues are attached to the product being produced but are not intended to be part of the finished item. They are...

Image via Wikipedia The Phantom, aka The Ghost Who Walks, was created by Lee Falk and first published on the 17th of February 1936. Pre-dating Batman and Superman, The Phantom was the first fictional hero to wear the skintight costume synonymous with modern comic-book superheroes. In one form or another, The Phantom has continued to be published since its creation and is currently available in comic book form in Australia and many parts of Europe. In Australia, the comic strip first appeared in 1936 in The Australian Women’s Mirror and, since 1948, it has been published by FREW Publications as an ongoing comic book series. Even today, it still has a cult following among an older demographic of fans. From the 1960s to the 1990s, many young Australian comic readers first encountered The Phantom via the inclusion of the comic in showbags at the local Royal Agricultural Shows. Showbags started as...

It's fairly well known that I have an affinity with frogs—LEGO frogs—and love building with them. What’s generally less known (and less posted) is that I’m also quite fond of playing with babies. Again, LEGO babies.  Throw in the fact that I’m one of BrickNerd’s resident LEGO Space posers (sorry for missing you, UniTron), and it was probably a good bet that I’d be the one to talk about the LEGO’s gift with purchase 40712 Micro Rocket Lanchpad, or as everyone calls it “BABY SPACE.” set provided by LEGO To answer your question of “How do I get this!?” the GWP is available with a purchase of at least 200 EUR/ 200 USD/ 320 AUD at your respective LEGO Store or Shop at Home. The promotion is available to Insiders (free to join) through Feb. 18th and then to everyone until Feb. 25th or until supplies are gone. Building Babies? While I'm...

Today we’re going to shine some light on the shadier side of LEGO City: the crooks, robbers and other lowlifes that keep the enormous police force busy. But before we get to what apparently is a crime-riddled city, let’s look at the history of LEGO’s city themes for a little context. A Peaceful Town When LEGO Town started in 1978, police sets were among the first wave. A boat, a few motorbikes and three different patrol cars were followed a year later by a police station and a helicopter. Set 1786 Jailbreak Joe from 1995. Image via Brickset Life in the town was peaceful for nearly 20 years until 1995 when Jailbreak Joe made his escape from the police in a red and black jeep. With three vehicles sent out to chase him (a car, motorbike and helicopter), we can only assume he was captured again with ease. A few years...

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You love the new LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31150 Wild Safari Animals released back in January, and as well you should because it’s a great set. But you were hoping for something with a color scheme that’s more LEGO Icons 10325 Alpine Lodge. Well, does next month have the set release for you! Clocking in at 667 pieces, LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31154 Forest Animals: Red Fox adds to the creatures currently available in the Creator line, seemingly targeting kids and adults at the same time. But how does this new set stack up? What surprises does it offer? And what is the noise that a fox makes? You’ll have to read on to find out. LEGO Creator 3-in-1 31154 Forest Animals: Red Fox is available from LEGO’s website starting on March 1st, and retails for US $49.99 | CAN $64.99 | UK £44.99. The LEGO Group...