New sets continue to be revealed, as German retailer Lucky Bricks has published official images of another upcoming Star Wars set, 75394 Imperial Star Destroyer!
Unlike the Star Wars sets announced last week, this one will be released on August 1st. Seven minifigures are included and notable among them is the exclusive Cal Kestis, joining Fives, Darth Malak and Saw Gerrera as the fourth 25th anniversary minifigure. I am delighted to see Commander Praji too, bolstering the ranks of Imperial officers.
Today's random set is 8698 Vultraz, released during 2008. It's one of 35 Bionicle sets produced that year. It contains 133 pieces, and its retail price was US$19.99/£14.65.
It's owned by 1,105 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $48.30, or eBay.
Today's random minifigure is vik039Viking Warrior - Female, Dark Bluish Gray and Silver Armor, Olive Green Legs, Bright Light Yellow Hair with Winged Tiara, a Vikings figure that came in one set, 31132 Viking Ship and the Midgard Serpent, released during 2022.
Our members collectively own a total of 6,238 of them. If you'd like to buy one you should find it for sale at BrickLink, where new ones sell for around $9.30.
21309 NASA Apollo Saturn V is often discussed among the most impressive modern LEGO sets and offers stunning detail. 10341 NASA Artemis Space Launch System looks similarly realistic in official images, containing the mobile launcher alongside the SLS rocket.
Dividing attention between the Artemis vehicle and its launch tower creates an opportunity for some interesting functions too, including accurate umbilicals, as well as the rocket's multiple sections. Furthermore, the model provides exceptional display value, given the complexity of the launch tower and the vibrancy of the SLS.
Welcome to "What's Up With That...?", the article series where I, ex-LEGO designer James and host of new YouTube channel TUBESIDE, will explore some of the frequently asked questions from AFOLs about the mysteries of the design decisions of The LEGO Group.
When would you say is the "golden age" of LEGO releases?
Is it now? Where there are so many great IPs and sets catered to every age group? Or back in the 70s/80s? When things were simpler, bricks were bricks and there was more space for you to use your imagination?
Well you're all wrong, the peak LEGO era was 1997-2004. This was the era when there was so much innovation happening. The excitement of seeing LEGO Star Wars for the first time, and then around 2002 when all those new bow (curved slopes) elements in cool new colours (dark red, dark blue, teal, etc), there were also things like Bionicle, taking storytelling and Technic into a whole new direction. Not to mention the start of mechs and robots entering the portfolio.
Yes, THIS was when LEGO peaked. Everything before was basic and simplistic, everything after was too detailed and too reliant on 3rd party IPs.
Wait, what's that you're asking? When was I the target age for LEGO toys? Well, my estimation would be around 1997-2004. Why do you ask...?
Since the finale of Star Wars: The Clone Wars in 2020, there has been continuous demand for a LEGO model of the blue-accented 501st Y-wing Starfighter featured in the final episode. 75391 Captain Rex Y-wing Microfighter is probably not what people had in mind!
Nevertheless, I am pleased to see the vehicle in LEGO form and its pilot is highly desirable, as this Captain Rex minifigure has only appeared once before, in 75367 Venator-class Republic Attack Cruiser. An affordable chance to acquire this popular character is appealing.
Certain troopers are particularly suited to Battle Packs and the Imperial Commandos introduced in The Mandalorian season three are a fantastic example. These commandos feature interesting armour and they are deployed in great numbers, so they seem ideal for army building.
75373 Ambush on Mandalore Battle Pack includes two of these commandos, alongside a pair of unique Mandalorians. The minifigures are thus quite appealing, but I am less satisfied with the model included.
Naturally, the long-running range has yielded some interesting trends since 1999 and today we are sharing some absolutely useless LEGO Star Wars trivia, continuing our semi-annual series on the topic!
Ahead of a number of Star Wars related articles that we have planned for today, there's just time to remind you that the current offers at LEGO.com will be coming to an end tomorrow, so if you've not yet placed your order, now would be a good time to do so!
Visit the Insiders rewards centre to claim discounts on Star Wars sets, including €170/£145 off 75313 AT-AT and a €50/£40 reduction on 75355 X-wing Starfighter.