Exciting News - JasBrick's New MinifigWorkshop.com

While reading through the comments of JasBrick's latest printed masterpiece, he revealed that his 'very expensive printer' with 'very expensive ink' will be used to provide items via his new website Minifig Workshop and FireStar Toys.

If you've been follow Jas' latest uploads on Flickr, you'll have seen the variety of printed designs he's been developing. This is very exciting as there are only a few places where you can get custom minifigures with print versus waterslide decals or paint!

It sounds like Minifig Workshop will also be a site where the budding customizer can come to learn new techniques and practice their craft. New customization tutorials are always welcome.

The site is still 'coming soon' but you can continue to check in at MinifigWorkshop.com or FireStar Toys for these great new items.

You can also check out Jas' Flickr stream to see all the designs he's been cooking up over the past few weeks.

You Have to Admit It...The Man Has Skill

JasBrick has recently procured a 'very expensive printer, with very expensive ink' and has since been testing various torso designs on minfigures. One of those tests was for a couple of henchmen for a Dark Knight style Joker.

Putting the printed torsos aside for a moment, you really have to appreciate how difficult if must be to paint a face that small and pack it so full of detail. I've seen similar designs on printed heads, but this is quite amazing!

If you are more keen on those printed torsos, you can check out more of Jas' tests on his Flickr stream.

New News from TwoMorrows Publishing

Joe Meno 'tweets' that BrickJournal #14 has gone to the printers to ship on March 23rd. The fourteen issue stands out for several reasons...

First the man behind the Jason Burnett (AKA JasBrick) has scored an interview with Matthew Ashton of The LEGO Group about minifigure designs on several play themes, including the Collectible Minifigures line! An excerpt of the interview can be found on pages 19 and 20 of this pdf preview. You'll have to pick up Brick Journal 14 for the full scoop (you can order a digital copy too).

Not only does the latest issue have Jas' interview, it also contains several feature articles on 'brick animation' and a Minifig Customization 101 article from Jared Burks on 'purist customization'.

Speaking of Jared, his new book 'Minifigure Customization: Populate Your World!' goes on sale April 27th!

You can see it all at the TwoMorrows website.

New JasBrick Customs at FireStar Toys

The folks at FireStar Toys have just put up 27 new JasBrick custom minifigure designs for sale. Each figure is designed by Jas himself and come with hand-painted custom accessories. In addition to the newer designs, there are also several pages of other custom minifigures to choose from.

FireStar also carries a wide selection of official LEGO minifigures and parts in addition to custom pieces from BrickArms, BrickForge, Tiny Tactical, Arealight, Amazing Armory Ltd...the list goes on and on.

You can see them all at FireStar Toys.

From Wings of Darkness I Strike at Thee

I've fallen head over heals with figures that incorporate these Warhammer wings on custom minifigures since seeing them for the first time in JasBrick's work. The love affair continues in Josh's (Family Bricks) latest, The Dark Elf Lord.

A great combination of official TLG and custom parts from top to bottom. The scroll is an especially nice touch.

You can see another 'dark elf' creation on Josh's Flickr stream, or visit the  Family Bricks site and check out all the products for sale.

Draft Now Open for JasBrick's BrikBowl League

JasBrick has shared the first player in what I hope to be an entire team of 'BrikBowl' orcs. Inspired by the Games Workshop title 'Blood Bowl', the concept is a mash-up of American Football and Warhammer.

This Orc Linebacker really captures the feel of the game and leaves me looking forward to the full line-up...and the opposing team. Perhaps this will kick off a trend in the customs community and we'll see renditions of the Orcland Raiders and Darkside Cowboys.

You can see more fantastic custom creations on JasBrick's Flickr stream.

New Rocketeer by JasBrick

Remember those new Rocketeer accessories that debuted a couple of weeks back? We'll it looks like JasBrick ordered a couple and painted them beautifully.

I'm still uncertain as to if these were originally designed by Hazel Tam, because it's his old outfit that's selling them today. Nevertheless, I love what Jas has done with them! 

You can see more of JasBrick's work on his Flickr stream. Have you read our interview with Jas last year? You haven't! Well head on over to our interviews page and correct that immediately! I'm working to finalize another installment of our Inside the Customizer's Studio interview series. I'm hoping to have it available in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned...

JasBrick Brings Back that Shadowrun Magic

I may be dating myself here, but does anyone else remember the Shadowrun role-playing game? At the heart of the game universe you had a mash-up of fantasy elements like Elves, Dwarves, and magic and cyberpunk themes often found in William Gibson novels. There may have even been a mention of Aztechology at one point...

Regardless, it seems that JasBrick has the same fond memories of those days as well. He's posted his first Shadowrun custom of a Elven Street Samurai using the Series 3 hairpiece, custom accessories, and nice Shadowrun decal tattoo. Jas has promised more Shadowrun in the near future. Can't wait...

See all of Jas' custom creations on his Flickr stream. Oh, in separate, but related news...Jas has scored an interview with Matthew Ashton the Senior Creative Director of Lego Playthemes and IP regarding the development of the Collectable Minifig Series. The interview will be appearing in BrickJournal magazine in the near future. More details as they become available.

JasBrick Custom Minifigs on Sale at FireStar

A new lot of JasBrick's custom minifigs went up for sale today at FireStar Toys. A wide variety of characters to choose from. UK based FireStar does ship internationally, so if you would like to own one of these custom pieces here is your chance.

I e-mailed Jas earlier today and he mentioned that although they didn't go on sale with this lot, his Steamtroopers and Hawkmen should be up for sale in the near future.

(Via FireStar Toys)

Quick Hits: On the Road Again

I've been traveling over the past few days, so posts are a little erratic. True to form, Tuesday had a lot of news to offer...

It sounds like LEGO bricks-and-mortar stores are now getting in the 2011 non-licensed sets. Reported by Toys N Bricks, I don't know if these are full set line ups or just a select few. I know last year it was just a subset of the full line. Either way, give your local LEGO store a call and see what they have in.

It would seem that 'tommy gun' element I noticed on the LEGO Pharaoh's Quest minisite is a reality. Marianne posted pics of set 7307, Flying Mummy Attack, which showed two of them attached to the biplane model. Some great new elements with this set as well, including the mummy wings, Horus-themed headgear, and of course the new figs. If the report above is true, then you might be able to head on down to the LEGO store and pick one up soon. Picture from Marianne's Model Building Secrets Blog.

Bricks Down Under is reporting that Aussie fans can potentially win an entire set of the Series 1 LEGO Collectible Minifigures just by signing up for Mini Brick Toys mailing list. The winner will be announced this Sunday, so hurry on over and sign up.

BrickArms posted this pic showing a pile of custom of Winter and Heer Soldier minifig torsos. Will promises that these will be available 'soon'.

JasBrick posted this wonderful custom Clone Commando yesterday. Jas painted the visor on the Arealight helmet and digitally 'tweaked' it to make it glow. Although the glowing effect was added in, I'm amazed at how he gives you a sense of depth to the visor. It almost looks like the visor has been cut into the piece. The Arealight helmets are popping up all over Flickr these days, showing the popularity of these pieces.

Customizer Julian Fong (AKA levork) is donating a whole series of his DC Super Hero minifigs to the 2010 Creations for Charity. This means you have an opportunity to get one of these great figs and helep out a worthy cause at the same time. At last count, the fundraiser has earned over $5,000 for Toys for Tots. A strong showing for the entire LEGO community and minifig customizers.

That's all for now, Minifig Nation. More news when I can. Also, don't forget to check the Flickr Favorites page periodically. I'm constantly updating this with new finds from Flickr everyday, traveling or not.

Cygnet
Minister of Information
Ugly Duck Command Center
Minifig Nation

FireStar Toys Sales and Deals

FireStar Toys has updated their 'Sales and Deals' page with lots of LEGO and non-LEGO items. If you are looking for that hard to find part or minifigure, they may have something on sale for you right now. Although based in the UK, FireStar ships internationally.

Even if you don't see something on sale FireStar still has lots to offer from custom minifigs by JasBrick to custom minifig accessories from BrickArms, Tiny Tactical, Si-Dan, and Amazing Armory Ltd. 

To sweeten the pot further you can use coupon/voucher code 'KV882256' at check out to save an additional 10% on your order. So head on over to the FireStar Sales and Deals page today.

Creations for Charity 2010

I wanted to mention the Creations for Charity 2010 event is going on right now on BrickLink. Many in the minifig and custom community have put forth their time and creations to make this year's event a big one. I noticed from the splash page on Eurobricks that JasBrick contributed his Tau Pathfinder. Also Legoagogo contributed a piece which is still up on the store, and Arealight contributed some of his new sci-fi helmets and jetpacks.  My thanks to everyone in the community who have contributed to this great cause.

I believe you can still participate, with creations or donations, through December 1st. If you would like more details Eurobricks has a thread up on their frontpage right now.

Quick Hits: While You Were Out

>initiate Cygnetron 3000 auto blogging system...

>...command?...Cygnetron 3000 shutdown...password?...

>...password confirmed..returning control to human overlords...ha...ha...ha...

Very funny Cygnetron. Remind me to update your humor AI chip next time I'm out. That's the last time I purchase an 'auto blogging system' on Woot!

Greetings citizens! I'm now in the process of getting up to speed now that I'm back from vacation. In the grand tradition of cramming a lot of information into one bite-sized post, I give you 'Quick Hits - While You Were Out' edition...

As I'm sure you all know by now, LEGO.com updated their website recently. With that came new mini-sites for NinjaGO and Pharaoh's Quest. The NinjaGO site appears to have content that will unlock over time, while the Pharaoh's Quest teaser unveils itself in a similar fashion to what was used when the Atlantis line first launched. Both lines have strong custom potential. I'm also now convinced that JasBrick is a minifig designer for TLG, unbeknownst to him. Thanks to Brickset for getting me up to speed.

Bricktober is in full swing at Toys R Us. Not only are there great deals each week on LEGO items, there's a new vintage minifigure magnet available for LEGO purchases above $20 USD. We are now in week three and the minifig magnet this week is a City Fire Chief (picture via Toys N Bricks). Like other LEGO magnets, the figure can be removed from the base. If shopping online, be careful on how the various deals 'stack'. Brickset reports that the minifig promo and the BOGO 50% off deal may not 'play nice' together.

Nannan Z. has kicked off the 2010 Creations for Charity event in support of Toys for Tots. The various LEGO creations donated will be auctioned off to raise money for this worthy cause. It would be fantastic to see a good turnout from the custom minifig community. Click through to the link above for more details.

In customization news, Tin_7 was on a roll recently with new designs for his Last Airbender series and new Iron Man customs. Lots of great stuff to peruse and admire. Justin puts in a lot of effort into his work and it shows. He also has some fantastic designs for Quidditch uniform decals for houses other than Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Legoagogo was recently honored with a post on The Brothers Brick for his vignette focused on a Stormtrooper's wardrobe dilemma. Mark continues to 'wow' by combining great composition and lighting with wit and humor. Case in point? Take a look at his alternate view of the closing scene from Empire Strikes Back.

Before the break, I mysteriously mentioned 'the triumphant return of a familiar custom house'. The 'custom house' in question is Amazing Armory Ltd. and customizers like JasBrick and Pedro have been giving us a taste of what's to come. I've been talking with Hazel Tam, who heads up this outfit, and I'm happy to say that what he's shared with me about plans for the future are sure to astonish. All I can say for now is that these items will be available very soon, and you can purchase yours at United Armory and FireStar Toys (link above), to name a few.

Tiny Tactical has been on a roll recently. Not only have their latest products like the Panzerschreck, Handy Talkies, and TL-122 flashlights been selling out, they have recently announced even more new and innovative products. The new stuff includes a M9A1 anti-tank rifle grenade that works with a BrickArms M1 Garand Rifle, a minifig-scale wristwatch, and a cricket signal device. Pictures of the forthcoming items can be seen on Flickr. You can also visit the Tiny Tactical BrickLink store today.

There's a lot more to see from the past week on my Flickr favorites. I'm still working on catching up on all the great stuff out there. Apologies if I missed something in the process. I'll also be posting some new pics soon of recent BrickForge and TT deliveries.

That's all for now, citizens. Back to getting this show on the road...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

124 Custom Minifigs and Counting

JasBrick posted this preview pic from his display for The Great Western LEGO Show at STEAM in Swindon (UK) this weekend. I counted approximately 124 custom figs in this shot alone, and I'm certain he's bringing more. A lot of fun to be had if you have the time.

For more information about the The Great Western LEGO Show go to greatwesternlegoshow.com.

If you like what you see here, you can always take a little bit of JasBrick home by buying one of his custom minifigures at FireStar Toys.

(Via JasBrick's Flickr stream)

Quick Hits: The Road to STEAM and BrickCon

Just when I think Tuesday's are the big day for news....nothin'! We'll that's not exactly true, there are a few bits of news floating around on the interwebs today...

As I'm sure every LEGO fan in the Western Hemisphere is aware, BrickCon (Seattle, US) and The Great Western LEGO Show (Swindon, UK) are both this weekend. Friends of 'The Duck' JasBrick and Tac will both be presenting at Swindon. JasBrick has been sharing the many, many custom minifigs he's created for the event on his Flickr stream and around the community. I personally can't wait to see them all. He's also promised to debut some new, top-secret BrickArms prototypes with some of his figs. Best of luck to both Jas and Tac this weekend!

Conventions always mean new stuff from the custom houses. BrickArms plans to have several, never before seen prototypes at BrickCon this weekend. The M3 Grease Gun and Flamethrower may make an appearance, as well as the Z5E Pod Gun and Chakram. Given all the testing Will has done with camo patterns using his solvent inkjet printer, it wouldn't surprise me if those made an appearance too. Throw in the Medic and loose WWII US Soldier and there will definately be some empty pockets departing Sea-Tac come the end of the show. Minifig for Life, the official UK reseller of BrickArms, will be at STEAM, but no word yet as if some of these prototype products will be available. BrickForge will also be selling at BrickCon.

Not really news, more hope and anticipation...I'm hoping that both shows will have announcements regarding the new 2011 sets, especially LEGO Star Wars and Series 3 Collectible Minifigures. Given the leaks online of all the set pics, it would seem to behoove TLG to get the official pics out to the public. With only a couple more months until January 2011, I can't imagine the competitive impact would be all that great. I'm completely unbiased by the by. It's not like I've been working on the guide updates or anything...

In custom house news, Tiny Tactical sold out of their panzerschreks, handy talkies, and TL-122 flashlights. The handy talkies and flashlights sold out in two days! Steve promises more stock by the end of this week.

We should have a new product review to debut tomorrow. I'm finalizing the current drafts now for the BrickForge instrument collection. Once I've finished this round, we'll be moving away from BrickForge reviews...because I have Tiny Tactical product on order! It may be a while before those show, because...

...'The Duck' is going on haitus for the next two weeks. Why?! We'll I'm taking some time off and will be doing some traveling (I've also been told, under threat of death, that there will be no blogging while on holiday). I've given Cygnetron 3000 a tune up in anticipation of some automated posts while I'm out, but a lot of that will depend upon what happens this weekend. Regardless, I'll send out a post before I go about all the awesome stuff that's planned to go down while I'm out.

That's all for now, citizens. Here's to hoping this weekend will be big. All the best to those participating at BrickCon and The Great Western LEGO Show!

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

New Affiliate for FireStar Toys

You may have noticed the new banner for FireStar Toys in the side bar. The Ugly Duckling is now an affiliated site, meaning we will receive news and information on upcoming products and deals from UK based FireStar.

Who is FireStar Toys, exactly? FireStar Toys is focused on providing the best online selection of LEGO and customized LEGO products in the world. They have sought out only the best customized products from companies such as BrickArms, Amazing Armory,and Little Arms Shop. They have also forged relationships with customizers, like JasBrick, to make their creations available to the public.

FireStar aims to be the best retailer of minifigure related products in the world. They plan on adding hundreds of new products each month and focusing on superior customer service to achieve this goal.

UK based FireStar delivers internationally, and accepts payment by credit card, debit card, or PayPal (see 'terms and conditions' for more details).

Our first offer from FireStar runs through the end of September 2010. Go to FireStar Toys and enter the voucher code 'wg88977' for 5% off your order with no minimum spend level. We will continue to bring you other deals and offers from FireStar when they become available. 

If you do plan on making any purchases from FireStar in the near future, we ask that you connect first through the banner on our site. This is another way you can support 'The Duck' and help us grow.

JasBrick Captures GOW's Anya Stroud

The man is unstoppable...JasBrick's most recent is a rendition of the character Anya Stroud from Gears of War 3. Looking at the reference photo, you can definitely see that Jas has more than captured a likeness.

Check out Jas' other recent creations like Hercules and the Argonauts and Vambo on his Flickr stream.

(Pictures via JasBrick's Flickr stream and ShootersOnly.com)

Custom Surfboards from JasBrick

I imagine Jas will be working like a fiend to prep figures for The Great Western LEGO Show in October. His most recent creations are these two surfers with custom t-shirts and boards. These are modeled after the Series 2 Surfer and surfboard accessory.

This is a fantastic idea! I'm surprised no one has done this for the Series 1 skateboard, either. Especially since this type of artwork is quite common on the real products.

I can't wait to see what else JasBrick has waiting in the wings.

(Via JasBrick's Flickr stream)

There's Only One Way to Kill The Kraken

...send JasBrick in. Jas has started to play within the Greek pantheon with this depiction of Perseus holding the gorgon Medusa's head aloft.

The gorgon's head is real triumph, using The Witch from the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures and LEGO snakes attached and painted onto a hairpiece. The eyes glow with painted accents and a touch of digital wizardry...the eyes...eye...(STONE)

(Via JasBrick's Flickr stream)

JasBrick to Exhibit at Great Western LEGO Show

Minifig customizer JasBrick will be featuring his creations at the UK AFOL convention, The Great Western LEGO Show. This is a first for Jas and quite possibly for AFOL conventions in general allowing a minifig customizer to present along side brick-built MOCs.

The Great Western LEGO Show will take place on October 2nd and 3rd in Swindon at STEAM, Museum of the Great Western Railway. Details can be found on their website.

If you would like to learn more about JasBrick and his work you can check out our interview series with him here.

If you are near Swindon that weekend, drop buy and lend Jas your support. Hopefully this is just the beginning of having minifig customizers at AFOL conventions!

(Via JasBrick's Flickr stream)