You Poor, Unfortunate Souls

Constant Concepts gives us sense of what a minifigure version of Ursula the Sea Witch might look like if Disney and LEGO ever partner for a Little Mermaid theme.

Another fantastic, painted creation by CC. You can see more of his pieces on Flickr.

Catsy's on the Hunt for the MCP

Catsy has been working on his own version of a custom minifig in the key of Tron Legacy ever since BrickArms announced their new prototype. It looks like Will and Badger may have given him an early look at the goods...

I personally would like to see someone tackle the iconic image from the VFX concept trailer where the player jumps and the light bike coalesces around him (about :30 in). It almost looks like an exploded blueprint from an engineering diagram...



(Via Catsy's Flickr stream)

BrickArms Unveils Identity Disk Prototypes

Earlier today images of the new chakram prototype from BrickArms were unveiled on Flickr. The prototype shown uses a  glow-in-the-dark core with opaque over printing, resembling the new identity disk design from Tron Legacy.

The weapon sacrifices a bladed look to allow the minifig to grip it. Will and company also claim the finished product will fit over a standard LEGO stud. No word yet on when this item will be for sale.

I'm curious to see if any other custom houses will opt for the 'classic' design from the original film.

(Via BrickArms Flickr stream)

Traveler's Tales Next Game: LEGO Toy Story Racers

...well, almost. Oky Wan Kenobi, fresh off his mash up of Star Wars and Toy Story, is back with these adorable LEGO Toy Story Racers. Each Race car is designed to match the personality of the corresponding Toy Story character. Simple, yet effective designs.

If Oky's not careful, he's going to kick off an online trend of creating these little Racers for other LEGO themes.

Click over to Oky's Flickr stream to see more detailed pictures of each Racer (link below).

(Via Okayaraman's Flickr stream)

Disney Store Online - Prince of Persia 35% Off (US)

Toys N Bricks has announced that Disney Store Online is offering LEGO Prince of Persia sets for 35% off and up in the US. If you spend $50 or more there's free shipping with the code 'SHIPFIFTY'. The site is atrocious to navigate, so I've included the links to the individual sets below:

• Desert Attack
• Ostrich Race
• Battle of Alamut
• Quest Against Time

Do note that the Disney Store's starting prices are already marked up over MSRP, so judge for yourself the overall value associated with this deal.

I am also to understand that the UK site is offering up to 50% off! So if you are in the UK, it's definitely worth a look.

(Via Toys N Bricks)

Cap'n Jack Sparrow Minifig at Comic Con

Ace at FBTB.net posted this pic from the LEGO booth at San Diego Comic Con.

Cap'n Jack Sparrow was hiding in a Prince of Persia display, riding a camel.

This has a ring of truth to it as the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 teaser trailer premiered at the Comic Con panel of Tron Legacy.

I might have preferred to see a couple of official LEGO light cycles instead, but this is a close second.

(Via FBTB.net)

Prince of Persia Tanks at US Box Office

The film Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time debuted this past Friday in the US and ended the Memorial Day weekend with a paltry $30 million box office take. Dastan and company faced the fourth and latest Shrek film in its second week and the debut of Sex In The City 2, which may have pulled away some of the female viewers who would have liked to see Jake shirtless (I mean there's a shirtless minifigure for goodness sake!) Combine this with a confused and lackluster marketing campaign in the US and its easy to see why this $200 million film, didn't draw the masses. I've not seen much in the way of international box office numbers, but news reports from the UK would suggest the film is faltering there too.

So what does this mean for LEGO Prince of Persia? It's hard to tell at this point. Adult fans, and the European AFOL's especially, appear to enjoy the sets for the new building elements and unique minifigures. Eurobricks dedicated an entire month to the theme.

Recent numbers by TLG suggest that AFOLs only account for 5% of total sales. Without a strong film to further drive sales among the other 95%, however, we may see sets in the discount bins sooner rather than later. Good news for the cash strapped fan of LEGO, but potentially bad for the future of Disney licensed sets.

Although no other Disney sets have been announced outside of Toy Story 3, I think many were hoping for the potential of additional themes from future film franchises like Tron Legacy. Without other strong licensed themes to counteract the Star Wars juggernaut, it only increases LEGO's reliance on the folks from Skywalker Ranch.

We will also have to see how this impacts TLG's overall business performance this quarter. Many news stories have come out recently stating that LEGO was betting big on the theme, but with other items also launching in the April/May/June time frame (Toy Story 3, Collectible Minifigures, unlicensed LEGO themes) the potential impact may be softened in the end. Nevertheless, poor performance here will likely affect future decisions at the company.

The Brick Show Reviews Trash Compactor Escape

The Brick Show is back with a video review of LEGO Toy Story 3 set 7596, Trash Compactor Escape.

Jason confirms that all of the minifigures are "dirty" variants. What's also a nice detail is that the two alien figs have different face prints relating to the dirt and smudges. The dirt is also printed on the figs and are not stickers.

Now Jason claims that this will increase the collectability of the set. I'm not so certain. Die hard collectors may want it, but the jury is still out on if these variants will translate into high demand in the secondary market.

Still awaiting a couple more set reviews, which may be forthcoming. It's also very likely that these sets will be 'officially' available this weekend.

The Brick Show Reviews The Western Train Chase

The Brick Show is back and reviewing Toy Story 3 set 7597, The Western Train Chase. Once again we get an early look at all of the minfigures involved!

There's really only one new bit of information to report. Hamm comes with a rubber stopper on his undercarriage, similar to what a real piggy bank would have. This confirms what we suspected based on hi-res package shots of set 7596, Trash Compactor Escape, that Hamm can accommodate LEGO coins.

Mariann's comments on Rex, based on her experiences at Bricks by the Bay, were much more informative than what was shown here.

If you would like to see more on the minifgures, or if you'd like more info on the rest of this set (isn't it nice that LEGO gives you all those bricks for free with your minifigures), take a gander at the video...

The Brick Show Reviews Lotso's Dump Truck

The Brick Show website has a video detailing set 7789, Lotso's Dump Truck. The best part of the review, is we are able to get some of our questions answered regarding the minifigs included in the set. I will update the guide later today, but for now here are a few highlights:

• Lotso and Chunk do appear to have articulation in the shoulders and are not all one molded piece
• Chunk's face does rotate on an axle to show "happy" and "angry" expressions
• Stretch's base is made from a rubberized material
• "Little Man" is not quite a minifig. His head is a minifig standard, and by default so is the construction hat. However, he sits on a dark green (?) version of part 30151

Lots more to see in the video. I'm always amazed how the pack shots can make these sets seem large, but then when put in context are quite small...

When Buzz Met The Locusts

Considering the shear volume of Gears of War custom minifigures that JasBrick has been posting, I'm really interested to see this mystery project he's been touting on the interwebs recently.

Here we have a Gears of War Locust soldier via the way of a custom Buzz Lightyear head. Although Jas has developed a couple of Locust warriors in the past, this seems the most true to form so far.

There are several other custom figs on his Flickr stream, so check them out if you get a chance.

(Picture from JasBrick's Flickr stream)

Toy Story 3 Sets Availble at Toys R Us Online (US)

I just found out that Toys R Us is currently selling the Toy Story 3 sets online!

It states that the items are in stock and ship in 1 to 2 business days from the warehouse; however, after talking to some associates at a local store they have been instructed not to put these sets on shelf until May 1st. Not having completed the transaction online, it may say the same for shipping the online orders too.

Toys R Us does have free shipping on orders over $100, but if you're just looking to pick up a couple of the small to medium sets, then shipping costs can add up.

If Prince of Persia was any indication, then LEGO Shop@Home may pull the trigger soon too!

UPDATE: It looks like there's a crack down on early release. LEGO Stores and TRU's that have been caught putting product out before May 1st, are being told not to do so. So, if you see a set on shelf , pick it up now. Otherwise you'll have to wait a few more days.

Also note that the TRU website has removed the Toy Story 3 sets.

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: "Dirty" Variants

The "dirty" variants aren't a single figure from the upcoming LEGO Toy Story 3 line but a unique type of variant. Many of the figures that have previously been introduced or will be introduced will have one of these variants. To the best of our knowledge, the following figures will be offered this way:

• Woody
• Buzz
• Jessie
• Hamm
• Little Green Men
• Lotso
  

Now Showing
Set 7596 (Trash Compactor Escape) will have dirty variants of Woody, Hamm, The Little Green Men, and Lotso. Set 7599 (Garbage Truck Getaway) will have these variants for Jessie, Buzz, and Lotso.

Minifigure Parts
Most of the minifigure's parts remain the same as the "clean" variant figures. The main differences are printed smudges and stains that have been added. The Jessie figure does appear to have a different facial expression on the head. Other figures may also have different facial expressions from the original, but its difficult to tell from the current set of photos.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for these figures is low. A novel way to add variety to these sets, but I don't see aspects of the figures that would be desired in multiples.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then these figures have appeal. Beyond that, it seems kind of silly. Once the sets are released we will have to see how collectors have voted with their dollars in the secondary market.

(Pictures from Amazon.com)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: "Little Man"

Now Showing
"Little Man", as I've named him, is currently exclusive to set 7789 Lotso's Dump Truck.

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
This figure is a bit of mystery. He hasn't official been listed as a minifigure that comes with the set, he just sits passively in the driver's seat of the dump truck. I feel he resembles the old-school, Fisher-Price Little People.

"Little Man" is composed of a yellow construction hat, minifigure head with eyes and nose, and a dark blue torso comprised of part 30151. The dark blue is a new color for this part.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low. I don't see this figure being sought in multiples unless there's high demand for part 30151 in dark blue.

Big Draw
Its hard to tell at this point. We may have a new color for the domed part and the minifigure print on the face is new. The had appears to be a standard yellow version of part 3833. Are these big draws? Only time will tell...

(Picture from Amazon.com)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minfigures Guide

With the film set to debut in June, we may see these sets in stores as early as May 1st!

Each of the following links are tied to the original articles. These may be modified over time based on new news, so please check back often.

• Hamm
• Rex
• Lotso
• Chunk
• Stretch
• Twitch
  
• "Little Man"
  
• "Dirty" Variants
  

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: Stretch

Now Showing
Stretch is currently exclusive to set 7789 Lotso's Dump Truck. This will be the first time Stretch has been in the LEGO universe.

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Stretch appears to be composed of two parts. The first is a purple version of part 30151, a new color for this part. The face is printed on the dome.

There's also an eight-legged base that seem reminiscent of a splotch or splatter of paint. There appear to be 'suckers' on each arm. There are connections to the dome and at the bottom are similar to a round plate. The base is made from some form of rubberized material.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low to moderate. There will be a couple of features that will primarily determine this.

If the domed part that comprises his head is printed, then it may not be sought after in multiples. If his face is a sticker, however, builders might want part 30151 in the new purple color.

It's also possible that builders and custom minfig designers will seek out the octopus base.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then Stretch has appeal. Some of the unique parts may also make Stretch sought after. Once more details become available, we'll update this article.

(Picture from Amazon.com)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: Chunk

Now Showing
Chunk is currently exclusive to set 7789 Lotso's Dump Truck. This will be the first time Chunk has been in the LEGO universe.

Minifigure Parts and AccessoriesIt's difficult to tell if Chunk will come as a single piece or if the arms can be removed. The face changes by rotating on an axle, like a roller, revealing 'happy' or 'angry' expressions (as seen here on The Brick Show). The arms appear to be articulated at each shoulder independently. The legs could have articulation, but we can't tell from these pictures.

There's a character in the film named "Mr. Pricklepants". I was hoping it was this gent's name as its so ill fitting. It so happens that Pricklepants is actually a porcupine in liederhosen. Who knew!

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low. Unlike the army men, there appear to be no parts or accessories that would be sought after in multiples.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then Chunk has appeal. The face changing feature seems like a neat idea too. Come May 1st we'll just have to see what collectors starts clamoring for.

(Pictures from Amazon.com)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: Lotso

Now Showing
Lotso is currently planned for sets 7596 (Trash Compactor Escape), 7599 (Garbage Truck Getaway), and 7789 (Lotso's Dump Truck). These will be the first time we've seen Lotso in minifigure form.

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Lotso comes as one single piece with removeable arms. Video reviews from The Brick Show show that Lotso does have articulation in the shoulder.

Like several of the Toy Story 3 minifigures, Lotso appears to come in "clean" and "soiled variants". The "clean" variant appears with Lotso's Dump Truck (7789) while the "dirty" variant comes with the other two sets. The "dirty" variant also has a meaner expression on his face.

A cute little detail is that there is a printed tag on Lotso's bum, just to further establish he's a stuffed animal.

The only accessory seen with Lotso is his cane. That part seems to be represented by a 4L reddish brown bar.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low to moderate. Unlike the army men, there appear to be no parts or accessories that would be sought after in multiples.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then Lotso has appeal. Beyond this we will have to wait and see...

(Picture from Amazon.com)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: Rex

Now Showing
Rex is currently planned for sets 7597 (Western Train Chase) and 7598 (Pizza Planet Truck Rescue). These will be the first time we've seen Rex in minifigure form.

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Mariann Asanuma was able to handle Rex at the recent Bricks by The Bay event. In her own words:

As I actually held this figure at Bricks by the Bay I can answer what he is like. His legs are both independent and removable. They are attached to the body by technic pin attachments in the legs. The tail is attached by a technic axle and can be removed. The arms are one part and rubbery.

There are no known accessories for Rex at this time.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low to moderate. Unlike the army men, there appear to be no parts or accessories that would be sought after in multiples.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then Rex has appeal. The detachable tail may have applications for builders or custom minifig hobbyists. Beyond this we will have to wait and see...

(Pictures from Amazon.com and Eurobricks)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)

LEGO Toy Story 3 Minifigures: Hamm

Now Showing
Hamm is currently planned for sets 7596 (Trash Compactor Escape), 7597 (Western Train Chase), and 7598 (Pizza Planet Truck Rescue). These will be the first time we've seen Hamm in minifigure form.

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Hamm appears to be a single piece with no articulation. There's a slot on his back, which makes sense since he's a piggy bank. The box pictures show coins falling out of Hamm, and as The Brick Show confirmed, he is functional with LEGO coins. Hamm also has a rubber stopper on his belly.

As we've suspected from other set pictures, it appears that Hamm may come in two core variants, one "clean" and the other "soiled". It is unknown at this time which version would be more sought after by collectors.

In the Western Train Chase (7597) Hamm appears as "Dr. Porkchop" and with that comes with a black bowler-type hat. As can be seen in the box picture from Trash Compactor Escape (7596), there is a square shaped hole at the top of his head, which is likely how the hat attaches.

Army Building Potential
I imagine the ABP for this figure is low. Unlike the army men, there appear to be no parts or accessories that would be sought after in multiples.

Big Draw
I think if a collector is seeking to fill out a LEGO Toy Story collection, then Hamm has appeal. In his Dr. Porkchop disguise, the hat may also be of interest, but it's unclear at this time how it might attach to other LEGO pieces and minifigures.

(Pictures from Amazon.com and Eurobricks)

(Back to Toy Story 3 Minifigure Guide)