Tutorial: Minifig Keychain Removal

Akunthita's going to get a reputation...and a good one at that! Hot on the heels of the recent glued minifig removal tutorial, Akunthita now has a comprehensive how-to on rescuing figs from key chains.

True to the previous effort, several techniques are described, plus there's a video demonstrating a method using a soldering iron.

As always, please read through our customization tutorial disclaimer before performing any of the customization methods described on our site. 

You can find the full tutorial on Akunthita's blog The Brick Blogger.

New Warfare Figures at MiniBIGS

With the sheer number of WWII and modern warfare customs circulating, it's always nice to see something a little new in the genre. MiniBIGS has done this with this custom Vietnam era gunner.

Although not a complex figure weighed down with a small arsenal, this really struck me due to it's simplicity. I really like the design of the torso and tattoo.

This custom figure and many others are for sale at the MiniBIGS website.

Hazel Fantasy and Project Arbiter

It's not every day that you can support the making of a movie by purchasing custom minfig accessories. Hazel Fantasy will be releasing the Project Arbiter XO-7 suit within the month. If you've enjoyed the Halo and Cyborg armors, then you'll love this most recent release.

Sales of these items will go towards helping the production of the Project Arbiter film.

Did Someone Call the ASPCA?

(Click for larger image)

It seems the ASPCA has had all they can stand, and they can't stand anymore! S.E.A.L Team (Save Every Animal Living) is a post-apoc team of bad girls who are out to save Mother Nature from zombie invaders.

Jonathan (Shmails) made this as a gift to a family friend who works at the ASPCA. There are nine lady defenders in all, and Jonathan promises to post each in turn with their own bios.

Jonathan. If I may be so bold...please create some of these ladies (or at a minimum those torsos) up for sale at CustomMinifigs.com. I have a feeling with Sucker Punch set to hit theaters in a couple of months, people will be looking for some ways to create some kick-@$$ warrior women.

You can see more of Jonathan's custom creations on his Flickr stream, and do check out his store - CustomMinifigs.com.

UPDATE: Let Jonathan know which ones are your favorites in the comments!

New Toy Story Minifig Alarm Clocks

Originally seen on FBTB.net, UK based website Firebox.com has posted pics of Woody and Buzz themed Minifigure Alarm Clocks for pre-sale. Priced at 24.99 GBP, these continue the trend started by the LEGO Star Wars series.

No word on when these will be available elsewhere. Stay tuned for more information...

You can see more, including the Woody clock, at Firebox.com.

ChocoBricks' Video Games Minifig Series

As I'm sure many people know Shilo (Omicron/ChocoBricks Customs) has two loves - minifig customization and video games. His most recent creations are the perfect blend of those two interests. He's posted two 'series' of Video Game Collectible Minifigs. Series 1 (pictured above) has Mario, Link, Master Chief, Simon Belmont, Duke Nukem, Gordon Freeman, and MegaMan. Series 2 is just as great (you really have to see his Scorpion from Mortal Kombat).

These figs have evolved over time, and I must say the focus on continuous improvement has paid off.

See these and many more video game inspired heroes, on Shilo's Flickr stream.

LEGO Ninjago Minifigures - Samukai

Samukai is exclusive to the Ninjago set Garmadon's Dark Fortress (2505) .

Minifigure Parts and Accessories
Samukai is composed of nine parts - upper jaw, lower jaw/upper torso, lower torso, four arms, and two legs.

The head is composed of an upper jaw that is clipped onto a larger lower jaw/upper torso combo. The mouth is then hinged with a rather large 'bite' (*chomp*). The 'armor' on Samukai is part of the mold and not a separate part. There are also two connections points for the arms.  The upper torso attaches to the lower via the head post.

The lower torso is new featuring angled ribs and connections for the arms and legs. There's also a spine that juts out in back that allows standard LEGO body wear to fit the figure. This was not a feature on previous skeleton torsos. There are black holes on the minifigs "collar bone" and on the hips, which are attached to the torso, there is a red printed loin cloth. There are also two additional connection points for arms, bringing the total number of arms for Samukai to four.

The arms are a new part. They have clips on either end to attach to the torso and to allow the figure to hold a weapon securely. The clips are at a 90 degree twist to one another. This type of bent arm design has not been featured on skeleton figures previously.

The legs are also a new part. Although they clip onto the torso in a similar fashion as past skeleton figs, there are 'boots' at the bottom resembling a standard minifigure 'foot'. This was likely done to allow the figure to fit into the Ninjago spinner. This will be great for heavily-armored, deceased custom minifigs.

Army Building Potential
The ABP for this figure is low to moderate, primarily due to the price point of the current set Samukai comes in.

The Big Draw
This is the best minifig to date in the entire Ninjago line. The entire figure will be a great addition to any collection!

(Back to the LEGO Ninjago Minfigure Guide)