Hi-Res 2011 Star Wars Pics at Amazon

The German and French Amazon sites now have most of the 2011 Star Wars sets up for preorder. With that come the coveted hi-res shots of the sets and figs.

KimT ,of Eurobricks fame, has already started to upload these to his Flickr stream. I've favorited a selection of pics which you can see on the site viewer, or you can go to KimT's Flickr stream and see them all.

(Via Eurobricks)

Let's Put a Smile on That Face - United Armory Now Open

Citizens of Minifig Nation, I'm happy to announce that United Armory, the official US reseller of Amazing Armory goods, is now open. Pedro has some great stuff in stock like the AMA Iron Man armor and other accessories based on Gears of War and Killzone. Don't see one of your favorite AMA designs? Don't worry this is only part of his initial inventory.

Having an official reseller for AMA means that US customers can get all of these great designs sooner and at less cost due to better shipping terms. In fact Pedro is running a store opening special where shipping for US customers is free for the first two months! Canadian customers can benefit from United Armory too, but shipping costs apply. There is a $30 (USD) minimum order, but with all this great stuff, you won't find any trouble in spending that amount.

One additional item you can look forward to is this printed Joker head in the style of The Dark Knight. It's not available yet, but Pedro promises it will be up soon.

(Picture via PEDRO-79's Flickr stream)

Inside the Customizer's Studio: JasBrick, Part 2

Welcome back to our interview series with LEGO minifig customizer JasBrick. If you've followed Jas on Flickr you will know that he's recently struggled with finding inspiration lately when it comes to the 'fig. I'm certain we all know when we have reached that plateau in our own endeavors, and how it's difficult to generate momentum once again. It's here where we continue our discussions today...

Recently you've claimed to have difficulty being inspired to create new minifigure designs. What have you found to be your richest source of inspiration?

"During my early days on Flickr I was in the grip of 'Brikvia'itus' where I developed a theme surrounding the original Shocktrooper that generated all sorts of ideas. Each idea developed my repertoire of techniques and expanded my confidence... do I look back on some of those early figs and think I could have done better? Yes, but they were great fun at the time.

The main source of inspiration initially was my war gaming past and interpreting the fluff and visual imagery of games like Warhammer 40k and Warmachine into the minifig universe. I am not a big gamer but the almost cinematic quality and rich concept designs of computer games are also a huge influence on what I do.

However, I do not operate in isolation and the biggest influence of all is the activity of others within communities like Flickr and forums like those associated with 3rd party accessory providers such as BrickArms and BrickForge. The ideas that get generated in these places definitely rub off and I love to see the ingenuity and concepts that arise, which in some cases I can take and modify to incorporate in my own work. Two of my constant sources of inspiration are the work of Will Chapman (BrickArms) and Hazel (Hazel Fantasy), both of whom have created some fantastic pieces that can be used in combination with LEGO. New items from these guys give me new avenues to pursue that generally lead to something."

What's your view of the role of custom houses in the broader LEGO universe? How will custom houses need to evolve to stay relevant and fresh in the future?

"Custom houses are generally driven by the demands of the community, BrickArms is a classic example where the development process relies heavily on the feedback from fans. Will Chapman found a niche that needed to be filled by producing semi-realistic (I mean that in a good way as his accessories are perfectly in tune with the style of Lego and not overly detailed/ realistic) weapons for minifigs. Hazel has similarly addressed the issue of what a minifig can wear to differentiate it from just plain 2D-decals. LEGO themselves seem to have twigged to the strength of this area of the market and the new Collectible figs are including some very nice pieces that previously could only be obtained via custom houses (e.g. Berets, Greek Helmets).

I personally believe that there will be no shortage of source material for custom houses to use as the basis of new pieces, with new films, computer games and trends popping up every day. I have no fear that the current custom houses have a lack of exposure to these sources, and it would seem that more and more people are trying their hand at the custom business.

My only cautionary note is that the creative elements of the current custom houses do not become so wrapped up in business of running a business that they lose touch with the communities that support them and the fun of what they do."

Given your background with war gaming and role playing, do you see real opportunities with custom minifigs in this area? It seems that there are already groups like BrikWars out there. What has been your involvement with these types of communities, if any?

"I regularly check out BrikWars, as a war gaming enthusiast and a LEGO freak this pushes all my buttons. I love the rules for this and it makes for a very entertaining (and lighthearted) few hours of Lego madness. On top of all that the visuals from Mike Rayhawk are absolutely mind blowing so it is a great source of inspiration as well.

Aside from BrikWars there is not much out there, and to be honest BrikWars is all we really need. I have heard rumours of something more involved with regards to wargaming and LEGO, however I have been sworn to secrecy and can say no more."

Recently you painted a series of customized wrestlers after your son saw the film Nacho Libre. Do your kids sometimes play a role in your work? What do they think of your hobby?

"My kids play the biggest part in my hobby... everything has to pass the scrutiny of these avid Lego experts, and if it does not appeal to them then I have done something wrong. They love the fact that I share their hobby with them and that if they see something cool on television, in a movie or in a book that I can create a minifig version for them. My eldest boy was very pleased when I created a minifig version of Ben 10 to go with his Humungousaur. The good thing about kids is that they question everything, for example "Why doesn't LEGO do a Ben 10 fig dad?" For an AFOL it is important to have a link to some rich seams of inspiration that would normally pass an adult by."

I don't know about you, but I'm excited to be sharing all of these brilliant ideas. We continue the discussion tomorrow where we talked to Jas about his blog "Mad Figs" and outreach in general.

(Pictures via Privateer Press, Hazel's Flickr stream, BrikWars, and LEGO.com)

AMA News: United Armory

Well the day has arrived the man known as PEDRO-79 is now the official Amazing Armory reseller in the US. Authorized by Hazel Tam himself, the United Armory store is up on BrickLink but hasn't established inventory yet.

This is exciting news for both Pedro and for US customers. This will likely mean better overall shipping practices for AMA in the US. It may also mean that with Pedro minding the shop in the US, Hazel has more time for design.

(Via PEDRO-79's Flickr stream)

New Amazing Armory Helms and Hatchet

I really hate hit and run posts, but unfortunately this is all I have time for...

I'm really diggin' the future samurai helmet at the top. Go to the AMA BrickLink store for more details.

Two from Pedro and AMA News

Pedro is back and doing his best to customize and mod this series of minifigures. The figures are actually a mix of Space Police III, Star Wars, Power Miners, Harry Potter, and Amazing Armory accessories.

First up is this red armored warrior. The helmet is a modified version of part 85944 from Space Police III. The body armor is from Power Miners (part 85961). The shoulder cannon seems like it would be a custom part, but its actually a Star Wars Super Battle Droid arm (part 64796). The head? A Harry Potter death eater mask. Finally the gun is an Amazing Armory M4A1. So how does Pedro achieve that shiny, candy-like exterior? Mr. Color paint, cranberry red pearl.

The second figure utilizes the same SPIII helmet only modified differently to remove the head spikes. The armor is a modified version of Amazing Armory space armor. We've talked about the gun on the soldier's back. The gun in hand is Amazing Armory based on comments, but I can't seem to place the model.

Speaking of comments...Pedro mentions in the comments that he is soon to be the official US reseller of Amazing Armory. I'm not certain what this means for US customers (lower shipping prices, faster delivery), but Pedro's store should be opening soon.

(Via PEDRO-79's Flickr stream)

New Product at Amazing Armory

New product alert at the Amazing Armory store on BrickLink. They've just uploaded three colors of female torso armor (purple, orange, and pink), a wizards hat in purple, and a Queen's mace in white. Pictures are below.

To purchase these fine products, go to AMA's BrickLink store.

PEDRO + AMA Iron Man + Watch Clip = ???

PEDRO is the man. Don't believe me? I present to you 'Exhibit A'...

The Amazing Armory Iron Man armor is cool enough as it is, but is PEDRO happy? Nooooo...he has to go and customize a custom.

He's supposedly taken a watch clip, no less, and rigged the visor to open and close just like in the film. A simple design element, but terribly effective.

But wait folks, there's more. Not content with waiting until AMA comes out with their ball joint minifigs (you heard me), he's found a way to do it himself! The ball joint arms are going to be the best thing to happen to customs, or minifigs period, this year.

(Via PEDRO-79's Flickr stream)

We Interrupt This Haitus...

A quick shot of news and then it's back to my holiday...

Given that I've rallied the citizens to go forth and explore the world of custom minifig shops this weekend, I thought I'd pass along news of a 20% sale at Amazing Armory, now through August. I always thought of AMA as the Kanye West of the customization world...

miniBIGS has also posted some new figures on their store like this great Thundercats Lion-O custom shown here. They also have a great "Dark Knight" style Joker in white.

Remember to spread the word to celebrate your independence and "Buy Custom" this weekend!

Amazing Armory War Machine

Amazing Armory...War Machine...Minigun...Now on sale...'Nuff said.

(Via Amazing Armory BrickLink store)

Akunthita's Jackson Five

Customizer Akunthita has built this mini vignette featuring the Jackson Five. They've utilized three different sizes of legs (short, regular, and Woody) to achieve the brother's varying heights. Add some painted Collectible Minifigure Clown 'fros, Amazing Armory guitars, BrickForge mics, and voila! You have a LEGO tribute to a Motown super group.

(Via Akunthita's Flickr stream)

Killzone Custom Vest by Orrange

Amazing Armory collaborator Orrange has posted this new image of a Killzone 3 custom vest.

Hopefully this inspires you to enter the Killzone Custom Minifigure Contest.

(Via Orrange's Flickr stream)

Contest Round-Up: 6/16/10

There's a whole slew of new contests out there; past, present and future.

The first item to announce that the Eurobricks/Classic-Town Collectible Minifigure Contest is now over. The three winning vignettes featured (or didn't feature, as the case may be) the Demolition Dummy, the Clown, and the Skater. The winners received their pick from one of White Fang's complete sets. Congrats to Redcross, Noodles140, and Fugazi!

A new contest has come online at Eurobricks in the historical themes forum: Redcoats vs. Bluecoats. Run in conjunction with Classic-Pirates.com, the rules can be found here. The objective is to create a 10 panel brick comic that humiliates the opposing side in the most fiendish way. The prizes include a whole host of LEGO Pirates swag!

You still have until June 30th to enter your vignette into the Star Wars Epic Scenes Contest also at Eurobricks.

There are a few other contests happening outside of EB (I promise).

Clone Army Customs is sponsoring the third annual Star Wars Base Contest. You can check out the details in the YouTube clip below. Who is Clone Army Customs, you say?! Patience padawan, patience...

Hazel recently posted this image appearing to announce a Killzone Custom Minifig Contest. Details are sketchy right now, but it looks like a sliver chrome Killzone custom minifigure is up for grabs. Once details are available, expect to see them on the Killzone Custom Minifig Group on Flickr.

Finally, Toys N Bricks is hosting two contests centered around the Series 1 Collectible Minifigures. The first relates to being the top contributor in their forums for the month of June (Oops, a little late in blogging that one!) The winner receives one Ninja for their efforts.

The second contest relates to building a robot vignette to win, what else, a Series 1 Robot minifigure.

Details on both Toys N Bricks contests can be found here.

Hazel Reborn?!

Have you ever had that feeling that you were the only one who didn't know what was going on? No?! Oh...me neither.

Hazel appears to be rising from the ashes on Flickr, practically rebuilding his entire photostream overnight. The new logo, featured above leads the charge that started on Sunday. I originally thought that he was posting a bevy of new products, but there are some older images reappearing as well.

To add to they mystery, the Amazing Armory website appears to have gone "poof"! Their BrickLink store, however, remains.

Hop on over to Hazel's stream and see if you can help me solve this mystery!

(Via Hazel's Flickr stream)

Look Into My Eyes

Is that a minigun I see? Now we know what Hazel's been up to...

(Via Ama Armory's Facebook Wall)

JasBrick's Wolfenstein Paratrooper

I really debated on if I should blog this custom design from JasBrick due to the sensitive nature of subject.

Yes, Indiana Jones technically fights Nazis in official LEGO sets, but you don't see swastikas all over those figures or models. I also don't feel comfortable editing the work to hide icons that some may not be comfortable with.

At the end of the day, when your realize that Jas is only recreating a character from a video game, and not celebrating the regime the solider represents, then I feel we can enjoy the skill that went into this figure's creation.

I really want to draw attention to the hand painted eagle on the soldier's helmet. Photography always hides the actual scale of minifigures. Imagine yourself painting this detail on the helmet of a toy solider minifig from Toy Story and I think you will be amazed. The helmet and backpack come courtesy of Amazing Armory.

(Via JasBrick's Flickr stream)

Hazel's Ball Joint Minifigs Are Inspired

I'm sorry. I just can't get over these ball joint USMF minifigs from Hazel!

I really hope LEGO takes notice of this. This seems to me a significant leap forward in the design of minifigures. The "play" potential is limitless. The barriers? Cost and quality, would be my best guess. If the same LEGO quality could be had with minimal cost, then it seems like a done deal. I personally would pay a premium for this type of figure. Collectible minifigure collection anyone?

On a separate, but related note...are you wondering what the USMF is? If I'm right it stands for the United States Military Force, US ground forces from 2065 and home of the Deep Eyes Unit. All of this is from the 2001 movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

(Picture from Hazel's Flickr stream)

Hazel Does It Again!

It took me a minute to realize what was going on here with this minifig, even with the title of the original post to aid me. I think I'm so used to seeing more articulated and rendered versions of minifigures that this didn't smack me in the gob like it should have...

Look at the articulation in the waist and shoulders! Hazel seems to have found a way to add small ball joints to minifigures without totally wrecking the fig itself (or at least it doesn't seem the fig is damaged in any significant way). Think about it, man!

The custom accessories and tactical minifigure stand only adds to the appeal.

Hazel has added the Amazing Armory logo to this pic suggesting these figs, or at least some custom kit, will be available for sale at some point.

Hazel proves once again he is truly a rock star of the custom minifig underground!

(Picture from Hazel's Flickr stream)

Hazel May Bring Back GOW Sawguns

Hazel has updated his Flickr stream suggesting that Amazing Armory may bring back the Gears of War minifig sawguns.

Hazel hints that this may be the final time these will be offered. Gears of War seems to be on fire right now in the custom market. Head on over to Hazel's Flickr stream and put in your vote.

(Picture from Hazel's Flickr stream)

Hazel Casts His Vote for Pedro

Hazel has updated his Flickr stream with Military Adviser Pedro.

There's a lot of detail going into the purple body armor and custom helmet, but dig that crazy backpack!

The figure carries the Amazing Armory logo, but may just be a custom made for a friend.

(Picture from Hazel's Flickr stream)