New Polybags - Pharaoh's Quest and PotC

Brickset is reporting there are four new polybag sets in the LEGO system. Two of the bags are related to Pharaoh's Quest and include minifigures, while the Pirates of the Caribbean sets are a brick built mini-ship and the promotional Captain Jack included with pre-orders of the video game.

The package art doesn't give us any additional clues at to what that Captain Jack minifigure is supposed to be. There are 'motion lines' around the hands, and it seems to be walking in the pic (a mechanized Jack?!) I'm still going to stick to my guns and say it's supposed to be a voodoo doll.

You can read the full article and see all the polybag pics at Brickset.

LEGO Series 5 Collectible Figs and More

Only hours after rumors of the Series 5 Collectible Minifigures surfaced, we now have a picture from the Nurnburg International Toy Fair. So it would seem that 'woman with briefcase' is 'woman with boombox' and the red and blue mystery figs are a lumberjack and a male snowboarder, respectively.

A big thanks to Toys N Bricks for posting the link to the website Spieletest. Here's further proof for you future bloggers to always dig when sites are linked. There are several videos in the link to Spieletest above that showcase set shots for new Ninjago, Star Wars, and Alien Conquest. There are also pics below the videos which show the new Kingdoms sets.

I've linked two of the videos below. The first you must watch as it has pics of Series 4 and 5 plus all the Alien Conquest figures. The second video is a showcase of the new Ninjago sets and figures. Enjoy!

Small Sets, Big Pics

Scrawnysumo demonstrates that even a standard LEGO play set can be transformed into something quite amazing with the right tools. Using the Pharaoh's Quest set Golden Staff Guardians, the 'scrawny one' manages to pull off this great action shot, with evil mummies in pursuit with eyes aglow. 

You can see scrawnysumo's other pictures (including Luke Skywalker blowing through a speed trap) on his Flickr stream.

Quick Hits: Turkey Day Edition

Some quick bits of news before many of you enter an all-day haze of tryptophan and football...

Arealight now has their sci-fi helmets and jet packs in the new colors of red, blue, and tan. They just put them up today, so check them out.

There's been a sighting of a new LEGO Pharaoh's Quest battle pack sighted by Brickhorizon. Three mummies, a khopesh, scarab shield, horus helm, wings, and a sarcophagus. What more can you ask for (well an Anubus Warrior for one...but I digress). Check out the full review on Brickhorizon.

Don't forget that the LEGO Brick Friday event starts tomorrow. If you plan on buying gifts through LEGO Shop at Home this season, please stop here first and click through to help support 'The Duck'.

That's all for now. Have a great Thanksgiving and if you don't know what I'm talking about...have a great Thursday...I guess.

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

New Items on BrickLink Store

Over the weekend I went through some of my backlog of items and placed them on The Ugly Duckling BrickLink store. Although it's a real 'grab bag' of minifigs and accessories, I do have items from Star Wars, Series 2, Kingdoms, and the new Pharaoh's Quest.

My shipping fees are fixed rate for USPS First Class delivery ($2.25 USD for US and $3.00 USD International), so buy all you want, the shipping costs won't go up*. I also don't have any minimums on orders.

If you have a chance take a look, and you might find an item or two of interest.

*See BrickLink 'store terms' tab for details

Update: Magnet Set Minifigs May Not Come Off

I don't want to jump the gun, but I have some news about both the latest LEGO Pharaoh's Quest magnet set and, potentially, future magnet sets.

I just opened magnet set #853168 and the minfigures are glued to the bases. Not only that, the torsos are glued to the legs! The only parts that will come off are the heads, hair, hats, and accessories. Darren, a reader, had asked me about this earlier, but I dismissed it as previous magnet sets were not set up this way. It sounds like Darren was right.

I then called the US LEGO Customer Service line. They said this was the first instance they had heard about this for the Pharaoh's Quest line; however, there were rumors of considering this for future licensed sets.

So although this is coming from LEGO Customer Service, I'm considering this a 'rumor' until we know for certain. The associate I talked to stated there was talk of the 2011 licensed magnet sets not allowing you to remove the minifigs. Are licensing partners upset that people were buying magnet sets over play sets? Who knows, but this is important news to consider when buying these products in the future.

If official word is released regarding this development, I will let you know. In the meantime, I'll be taking my magnet sets back to the store after the weekend.

New LEGO Pharaoh's Quest Magnet Set

I just returned from the LEGO Store to see what new 2011 sets were in. Their selection of Pharaoh's Quest was quite good with around 5 sets available. In addition to the standard sets, I found magnet set #853168 and a new key chain.

The key chain was of the main mummy baddie, the boss man himself, but no other characters were available from what I could see. I believe the key chains standardly retail for $4.99 USD.

The magnet set features Jake Raines with a pistol, an Anubis Warrior with khopesh sword, and a Mummy Warrior with scarab shield. I would provide pics, but I need to wait until I get home. I'll try and update later tonight. $14.99 USD was the retail price, and a nice way to pick up the Anubis warrior on the cheap.

Another nice feature was that the magnet bases were tan and had the new map tile attached to the front. Now I don't know what I would do with three, identical map tiles, but it's a nice change to just the studs showing.

I bought a few of the magnet sets, so expect to see these figs on sale at my BrickLink store once their inventory logs these items in.

More as it becomes available...

Eurobricks Scorpion Pyramid Review

Eurobricks member Hinckley provides an in depth review of LEGO Pharaoh's Quest set 7327, Scorpion Pyramid. If there was any doubt that these sets were going to be awesome, that doubt is erased after this review. Lot's of amazing minifigs in this set, so head on over and check out the full review.

Also check out BrickZone.net, which is a slick little site that was new to me.

(Via Eurobricks)

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

LEGO Pharaoh's Quest Minifigures

Reader Binary Code has managed to get a hold of LEGO Pharaoh's Quest set 7306, Golden Staff Guardians, and posted some great comparison pics with previous LEGO mummies. A great opportunity to get and early peak at some nice minifigures. Thanks to Binary for sharing!

More 2011 Box Pics on Brickset

If you look in the comments section of this post on Brickset, one of the members has posted several additional 2011 LEGO box art designs from various themes including Atlantis, Pharaoh's Quest, and NinjaGo. 

If you ruin your eyes and try to look at the details you might see some interesting things, namely a gold Spartan helmet (yes that Spartan helmet), a minifig sarcophagus element with lid, an interesting green sea-fig creature, 'Crabman', a chain and scythe weapon, and much more. Again, these pics look official, but you just never know until you have them in your hands. It would also appear that the Collectible Minifigure elements aren't as 'exclusive' as we once thought...

UPDATE: As Huw mentions below, he's updated Brickset with a lot more 2011 pics with more detail than just the boxes. Head on over and check them out. I've also 'favorited' (Is that a word?) many of the minifig-centric sets on Flickr too.

(Via Brickset)

Quick Hits: Pharaoh's Quest, Collectible Figs, and Custom House News

A few bits and pieces heading into the weekend...

Forum members at Toys N Bricks are starting to see LEGO Pharaoh's Quest showing up at Toys R Us stores in the US. Seems a bit early, and perhaps the store in question let these loose before they should, but it might mean you'll have the opportunity to score some before the new year. No news, however, on NinjaGo, which I would also expect to start showing up on shelves before too long.

Toys N Bricks is also stating that the Series 2 Collectible Minifigures are now sold out...which is to say that LEGO has likely sold out of their inventory. I saw several cases at a local Borders, but at $3.99 a pop I don't see these moving too fast. These are still out there in the wild if you look. If you can find them for MSRP, then you are lucky indeed. It definitely seemed as if TLG upped the amount of product in the US compared to Series 1, a trend that is likely to continue with Series 3.

BrickForge now has t-shirts for sale at their store. All black tees featuring the BrickForge logo blazing in six colors of glory. 4 adult and 2 kids sizes. Throw one in the cart after picking up some of their new products released earlier this week.

Tan hairpieces have been added to the BrickTW BrickLink store. Although I believe additional colors will be for sale, this now marks the launch of the full line-up of armor, weapons, and hairpieces. Also, BrickTW has several sets of their previous line on clearance. Snatch some of their earlier product up at discount prices. These packs give you a wide assortment of their goods to play with. Having reviewed these products in the past, I can say these are a recommended buy.

That's all for now, citizens. Potentially a lot more coming this weekend. We shall strive to keep you informed, as it happens...

Cygnet

Minister of Information

Ugly Duck Command Center

Minifig Nation

NinjaGo and Pharaoh's Quest Minifigures Revealed?

Toys N Bricks is claiming to have an official pic of a new NinjaGo minifigure. Calling it a 'farmer', I think of it more as a 'wandering sage'. If this picture is from TLG (didn't see a link back to LEGO), then I'm liking the new hat and beard. They extend the official Asian elements nicely. 

If you are interested, the NinjaGo minisite has been updated with new content too.

Pharaoh's Quest, not to be outdone, is showing some potential pics of minifigs too. Pics of Professor Archibald and Jake Raines, two of the human adventurers, appear in the interactive journal on the microsite. Jake seems to be waiving around a new 'tommy gun' element. There's even a pic of one of the mummies on the product page.

(Via Toys N Bricks and LEGO.com)

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