Large-scale figures have become very common lately, particularly in Marvel and DC sets, where many have proven pretty mediocre. 76289 Thor vs. Surtur Construction Figure makes satisfying use of the format though, recreating the brutal Surtur from Thor: Ragnarok!
The demonic ruler of Muspelheim looks superb in LEGO form, even featuring a removable crown to be strapped on Thor's back. Additionally, images on the box display some interesting poses, which bodes well for Surtur's articulation.
DREAMZzz already features a variety of animal-themed vehicles and the summer wave offers several more. 71480 Logan the Mighty Panda definitely looks fun, matching a panda's beefy proportions and equipped with bamboo-based armour!
However, while revisiting the concept of animal mechs offers a welcome opportunity for improvement, it similarly risks the DREAMZzz range becoming repetitive, which could be a problem.
60424 Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission may be a small set, but it stands out, thanks to the included red panda. Other than an unusual appearance in the VIDIYO range, this lovely animal is new to LEGO and translates neatly to minifigure-scale.
Additionally, this set contains the new explorer minifigure inspired by Johnny Thunder, so for the relatively low price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99, there is a lot to like!
The launch of 10302 Optimus Prime was highly anticipated in 2022, as the Autobot leader looks exceptional in LEGO form and demonstrates the obvious potential of LEGO Transformers. 10338 Bumblebee follows this year, as the ideal model to accompany Optimus Prime.
Even though Bumblebee is significantly smaller than Prime, the transformation is very complex. That is a strength in certain respects because some clever building techniques are required, although it also seems liable to create problems, particularly for Bumblebee's vehicle mode and articulation.
Among the abundance of cars in this year's Technic assortment is a 4-wheeled vehicle that cost tens of millions of dollars to make, was driven for just a few miles, then abandoned when it was finished with.
42182 NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle - LRV is a roughly 1:8 scale model of the vehicle used to explore the moon in the early 1970s.
75890 Ferrari F40 Competizione was produced among the last six-wide Speed Champions cars, before the range swapped to a larger scale. The original design was quite impressive for its size, although the bigger 76934 Ferrari F40 appears even better.
The proportions of the vehicle are undoubtedly much-improved and the level of detail is remarkable, without relying too heavily on stickers. However, there are a couple of issues to be noted, focused primarily around the windscreen and the cockpit.
Jaws is often discussed among the greatest films ever made, known for its iconic theatrical poster and score, as well as countless memorable lines and scenes. LEGO has considered the possibility of sets based on Jaws before, such as a potential BrickHeadz model in 2020.
However, the natural choice is a minifigure-scale rendition of Quint's boat, the Orca, which 21350 Jaws delivers! The model includes stunning detail and the accompanying shark looks superb as well, presented on a diorama base. Also, the essential minifigures are provided and the price seems reasonable too.
71741 NINJAGO City Gardens is my favourite of the NINJAGO City range, featuring an attractive combination of colourful buildings. That should translate neatly to a microscale design, as even subtler details are easily highlighted with areas of vibrant colour.
40705 Micro NINJAGO City Gardens is certainly very detailed and shows incredible attention to the minifigure-scale model, as expected for the microscale series.
Five minifigure-scale models of the Desert Skiff have been produced, becoming more complex and detailed over time. The monstrous Sarlacc has also received multiple updates and superb renditions of both appear in 75396 Desert Skiff & Sarlacc Pit.
The Sarlacc in particular is bigger and probably better than ever, while detail on the skiff has improved. Additionally, the minifigure selection is excellent, providing the essential characters from this scene, plus the exclusive Nien Nunb. However, as is often the case, the price is a point of concern.
Previous models in the Technic ultimate car series have been based on current vehicles, usually the flagship of the vehicle manufacturers' lineup.
42172 McLaren P1 is different in this regard because the P1, the first in McLaren Automotive's own 'ultimate series' of cars, was introduced in 2013 and discontinued in 2015.
It is therefore perhaps an unexpected choice to represent the British carmaker in the series, although there's no doubt it's a good-looking and iconic vehicle, and its styling and curves look to be particularly well suited to being recreated with Technic panels.
71816 Zane's Ice Motorcycle expands the broad variety of NINJAGO motorcycles and looks fairly interesting, considering its small size. The trans-light blue ice blades certainly suit Zane's vehicle and these are linked through a simple, although clever, function.
Admittedly, I think that function has compromised the motorcycle's appearance to a degree, but this should be a fun play set, nevertheless. In addition, a new version of Zane is a bonus.
The various exploration subthemes in LEGO City consistently introduce new animals and Jungle Exploration provides an outstanding selection. The tiger available in 60426 Jungle Explorer Off-Road Truck looks fantastic, re-using a piece from 2017, with a new head and better decoration.
Although the tiger is definitely a highlight, this animal's habitat and the accompanying truck seem remarkably detailed for their size. The minifigures are appealing too, so there is lots to enjoy for the price of £24.99, $34.99 or €29.99.
The spectacular Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World has been represented in LEGO on several occasions. Sleeping Beauty Castle, however, has been continually neglected, despite its status as the original Disney Castle, opened at Disneyland Park in 1955.
Thankfully, this changes with 40720 Mini Disney Sleeping Beauty Castle. This model succeeds the attractive 40478 Mini Disney Castle and complements its precursor, although the design is a little simpler on this occasion. Also, I harbour doubts about the proportions of the castle.
There are definite similarities between the new Hogwarts Castle modular system and previous examples, but 76431 Hogwarts Castle: Potions Class is unusual. Rather than connecting to the exterior of other buildings, this model fits under 76435 Hogwarts Castle: The Great Hall.
I am impressed with that integration and the classroom's folding function, maximising the space for detail inside. Moreover, there are some interesting new parts provided, designed specifically for potions in the Harry Potter theme, plus a unique Severus Snape figure!
Released in 2021, Disney's Encanto proved to be a hit, with the catchy songs and the family Madrigal working its way into the hearts of Disney fans all round the world. Surprisingly, LEGO has only released seven sets from the movie so far, though they do range nicely from small storybook sets to a large model of the family house (hola, casita!).
Unfortunately, there's no set focused on my particular favourite character, but then again, we don't talk about Bruno, so what else can I do? Perhaps there's just not enough surface pressure to expand the line, and we're all just waiting on a miracle?
But enough of the musical puns before I irritate all of you. I've taken a look at one of this year's four sets, 43239 Mirabel's Photo Frame and Jewellery Box, which seems to be continuing the legacy of the Dots theme with its included bracelet and tile-based designs.
I was very pleased with the three Ahsoka sets released last year, but some notable characters were excluded from the range to avoid possible spoilers, understandably. 75385 Ahsoka Tano's Duel on Peridea is therefore exciting, including five unique minifigures!
Grand Admiral Thrawn is welcome in particular, as the renowned Imperial leader has only appeared once before in minifigure form. The new versions of Ahsoka Tano, Ezra Bridger and Morgan Elsbeth are appealing too, although these exceptional figures come with an expensive price of £49.99, $54.99 or €54.99.
Speed Champions has become more ambitious in the sorts of cars developed over the years, as a wider selection of elements has assisted in the creation of increasingly complex shapes. 76923 Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo is an excellent example.
The concept car's dramatic curvature and many bodywork cutouts require some interesting building techniques and I think this model looks marvellous in official images. However, I have been pleasantly surprised to find even greater detail than I anticipated.
Disney's Frozen was released over a decade ago, yet remains one of the most popular Disney Princess movies of all time. LEGO have released numerous Frozen sets over the years, based on both the original and the 2020 sequel, focusing heavily on the two main princesses, Elsa and Anna.
43244 Elsa's Ice Palace is the sixth LEGO interpretation of the impressive palace of ice Elsa builds atop the north mountain as she discovers her powers during the film. Standing at 36cm tall, it is a relatively sizeable model, though previous versions have been significantly taller. Does this set offer anything above and beyond what has come before?
Choosing distinctive cars is obviously important to Speed Champions, particularly for polybags, given their tiny size. Previousexamples have proven that Formula 1 cars are suitable for this format and 30683 McLaren Formula 1 Car does look impressive.
For a model of this scale, the proportions of the car appear quite realistic and its bold colour combination definitely suits a polybag design.
A series of dioramas paying tribute to famous people has been produced over the last several years, originally focused on celebrated authors. 40690 Tribute to Jules Verne's Books is another addition to this range and looks great, featuring three vehicles from the author's works.
These microscale vehicles work well together as an ensemble, displayed in an open book, similar to 40291 Creative Personalities from 2018. LEGO has yet to confirm its availability, but other sets from the series have typically had fair purchase thresholds, so hopefully that extends to this one.
Update: The purchase threshold is £135, $150 or €150.
