Brickset Awards: 1H 2016
Posted by CapnRex101,
The way in which LEGO products are released annually has changed quite significantly in recent years as new waves of sets arrive almost every month between January and May. This busy schedule has already given LEGO fans plenty to consider in 2016, with over 500 sets released across 33 themes!
Picking favourites of those is almost impossible but the Brickset team has been challenged to do just that and, after much deliberation, we have made the following selections...
CapnRex101:
- Favourite set - 75827 Firehouse Headquarters and 76051 Super Hero Airport Battle are both excellent but my favourite set of the year so far is 10251 Brick Bank. This is perhaps the most detailed modular building yet and it looks absolutely spectacular whether or not it is connected to other buildings in the range. Furthermore, the UK price is relatively low at just £119.99 and there are some wonderful new elements included.
- Favourite theme - Marvel Super Heroes has taken an enormous step in the right direction so far this year and the quality of the sets being released this summer indicates that this trend will continue. Almost all of the eleven sets released so far have been excellent and the DC Super Heroes range has been left in the dust as far as I am concerned. Elves sets have also been of a consistently high quality but my lack of connection with the characters or storyline pushes the theme into second place for me. I must also mention Nexo Knights, which has far surpassed my expectations this year and I hope it will continue to do so.
- Favourite minifigure - The Maz Kanata, Ursula and Doubloon minifigures have really stood out to me this year but my absolute favourite is Dr Peter Venkman as seen in 71228 Ghostbusters, a Dimensions level pack. It is a perfect interpretation of a fantastic character which is all that I want from a minifigure!
- Most underrated set - I purchased 70604 Tiger Widow Island on a whim at the start of this year and it has proven to be one of my favourite sets from the entire NINJAGO theme to date. Not only does the set include a brilliant selection of figures but the island itself is a perfect exhibition of how a play set should be designed and it is a shame that 70604 seems to have been widely overlooked. The set is packed with detail and represents good value for money in my opinion so I highly recommend it.
- Most disappointing set - You probably won't be surprised to hear that my least favourite set of the year so far is definitely 75098 Assault on Hoth. The Ultimate Collector's Series labelling is obviously not appropriate for the set but even if you ignore that, the individual models are poorly designed and the minifigure selection is underwhelming. In fact, the entire Star Wars theme has got off to a disappointing start this year with only two exceptions, 75140 Resistance Troop Transporter and 75141 Kanan's Speeder Bike, both of which were designed by Hans Burkhard Schlömer.
- Most exciting news - N/A
- Most anticipated set - I have been very excited to get my hands on 76057 Spider-Man: Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle since the London Toy Fair and am pleased to report that it does not disappoint. I also have high expectations for 75828 Ghostbusters Ecto-1 & Ecto-2 so look forward to the release of that set in July.
FlagsNZ:
- Favourite set - 75827 Firehouse Headquarters: I have recently travelled through Britain and visited the wonderful National Railway Museum based at York; I will be using this set to make a LEGO railway workshop. I like the large, curved fire-station doors and all the medium-stone-grey and new-dark-red blocks. I think that LEGO were insensitive towards Sergio by not recognising the value that the data obtained through his Ghostbusters HQ Ideas project gave this set prior to its release, even if the set was already in development. I have two Firehouse Headquarters on order and await their delivery in New Zealand!
- Favourite theme - Technic, of course.
- Favourite minifigure - I am not a minifig collector but I like the baby minifig in 60134 Fun in the Park - City People Pack. While this set has not yet been released, I look forward to its release in the near future.
- Most underrated set - I believe that the Friends theme offers some interesting sets with lots of interesting parts in vibrant colours and I feel as if this theme could benefit from promoted more effectively. 41121 Friends Adventure Camp Rafting is only owned by 274 Brickset members. I am setting aside several sets, from a range of themes, so as to make wilderness dioramas for a large train display. I like any set that promotes an outdoor, back-to-nature feeling. 41121 Adventure Camp Rafting ticks several boxes and will be included in my inventory.
- Most disappointing set - Although I am not a LEGO Star Wars fan, I have to agree with most LEGO fans that 75098 Assault on Hoth is over-priced and not deserving of the UCS classification that LEGO has given it. I believe that this set should have been assigned a Product Collection or Super Set designation as seen in the City range.
- Most exciting news - 2017 marks the 40th anniversary of the introduction of the LEGO Technical theme and as such I am expecting some exciting Technic set announcements next year. There are some interesting historical articles on the LEGO Technic website that casts a nostalgic view of some of the early sets, including one about helicopters and another based on the entire history of the theme. I was excited when the news in early January announced two large Technic sets for 2016.
- Most anticipated set - I am particularly looking forward to next month’s release of 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. In my opinion it will be the most comprehensive Technic sports cars since 8448 Super Street Sensation and is worthy of being called a Super Car. I am pleased that this set is not the sticker ridden, black version seen at toy fairs. I am also looking forward to 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator. I see this set working well with Mindstorms and plan to have the excavator on display and strip-mining LEGO bricks at shows later in the year.
Huw:
- Favourite set - Ordinarily I would pick an exclusive set but apart from 10251 Brick Bank and 75827 Firehouse Headquarters, neither of which I have built yet, I have not been overly impressed with them this year. Instead I will pick 60119 Ferry, which impressed me for being a City set with a difference.
- Favourite theme - Architecture has undoubtedly been my favourite theme of the first half of this year. I really like the direction the theme has taken with the introduction of the city skylines and I am sure we will see many more in years to come.
- Favourite minifigure - One of the Disney minifigs, all of which are very cool. However, if I had to pick one it would be Stitch.
- Most underrated set - N/A
- Most disappointing set - N/A
- Most exciting news - I was delighted by the unveiling of 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Although I first saw it at the London Toy Fair, seeing the set in all its orange glory and hearing about the effort LEGO has undertaken to make it as special as possible has been the most exciting news for me.
- Most anticipated set - 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS or 42055 Bucket Wheel Loader, I can’t decide!
LostInTranslation:
- Favourite set - Of the sets I have built, it has to be 41122 Adventure Camp Tree House. It's got so many cool features and details, has a lovely robust feel to it and is not really that "girly". An excellent playset all round.
- Favourite theme - I pick Elves as my favourite theme. It continues to innovate with the Dragons subtheme and tells a brilliant story across well designed sets which contain a multitude of interesting and useful parts.
- Favourite minifigure - This is a tough one; probably old-school Catwoman. I just think she's purr-fect. Or Alice in Wonderland, as she has exactly the right outfit (utilising a great new moulded skirt piece), hairpiece and accessories.
- Most underrated set - I don't see much chatter about Disney Princess sets in general but I think Arendelle Castle Celebration is a set well worth AFOLs taking a look at, as it contains a wonderful selection of new and useful parts and painstaking attention to detail in terms of the sticker graphics. Also, Snowgies!
- Most disappointing set - Nothing I have built so far this year has disappointed me that much but if I have to pick I would say the Batcave. Much as I generally love it, there are flaws do that need to be rectified - silly things like the batpoles and the lack of camouflage at the entrance.
- Most exciting news - As a big Disney fan, I am extremely excited for the prospect of a Disneyworld Castle model. I'm hoping for a massive set packed with details and an excellent array of minifigures. Can't wait for pics of this one to emerge!
- Most anticipated set - As above!
MeganL:
- Favourite set - I had a lot of these and would unabashedly recommend anything in the Elves wave this year, but one set I'd like to highlight from another theme is 41135 Livi's Pop Star House. It's a fun build with some novel use of parts as well as interesting new pieces.
- Favourite theme - Elves, hands down. There isn't a bad set in the wave so far this year. The minifigs are terrific, the builds are fun and there are dragons!
- Favourite minifigure - From my most recent addition to my collection, the baby minifig in the recent Fun in the Park set. It's just so cute!
- Most underrated set - There were a lot of mixed feelings about 21305 Maze. I recently had a chance to build it and I think it's brilliant. It pushes the envelope and shows what can be done with LEGO. I am very happy that the Ideas folks chose this as one of their sets.
- Most disappointing set - Not having bought Assault on Hoth, I'm glad to say I don't have something for this!
- Most exciting news - I am really looking forward to seeing the Disney Cinderella Castle - Cinderella was my favourite fairy tale as a child, and I can't wait to build it. I am looking forward to Big Ben, too, so I can display it next to the Tower Bridge.
- Most anticipated set - As above!
TheBrickPal:
- Favourite set - I have a few picks based on different aspects of the LEGO product range. 76047 Black Panther Pursuit is a stellar addition to the range of MCU-based LEGO sets, with some beautiful minifigures (especially T'Challa), an action-packed little jeep, and an awesome jet. My favourite set from an original theme is 70603 Raid Zeppelin. This is a very nice-looking aircraft and totally steampunk-inspired, which is pretty cool. The minifigures are amazing as well; especially Clancee the Serpentine sky pirate. I also have a soft spot for Constraction sets and 71310 Umarak the Hunter is an insanely satisfying build, looks the part and even includes Makuta's legendary Mask of Control!
- Favourite theme - Mixels! In its third year, we are still seeing many more creative designs and the move to a city makes things even more interesting. I can only hope that the theme continues to thrive in Series 8, 9, and hopefully into 2017 and beyond. Nexo Knights is the runner-up for me. It's a wonderful concept and is tons better than Legends of Chima.
- Favourite minifigure - Syndrome! I will let it be known that The Incredibles is one of my favorite movies; so when two minifigs from it were announced for The Disney Series, I was ecstatic. Not only is the LEGO form of the film's main antagonist very accurate, but he is also very detailed and suitably evil-looking. Plus, dual-molded arms AND legs! A definite win in my book.
- Most underrated set - 75824 Pig City Teardown. To be honest, I am a big Angry Birds fan. While I admit I was indeed skeptical when LEGO got the license, I can say that this set in particular has won a place in my heart. There's some great, albeit strange, minifigures; the build is very fun and finally, the play features have been executed perfectly while also respecting the look of the structure. You can read my review and see if this set is for you; but rest assured that there's much more to it than meets the eye. I love it and highly recommend it.
- Most disappointing set - What else could it be? 75098 Assault on Hoth is an absolutely pitiful excuse for a UCS set and should never have seen production in the first place. You all know what's wrong with it, so instead of complaining I will end with this statement: the new Death Star better be good, LEGO.
- Most exciting news - Probably the announcement of LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures. I cannot wait for the show to premiere next month and the two sets that correspond with it are equally exciting!
- Most anticipated set - That's a real tough one. On one hand, I'm so glad that the Samurai X Cave is being represented as a set for the first time in 70596. And while that set is absolutely fantastic, I do have to go with 76057 Spider-Man: Web Warriors Ultimate Bridge Battle. I am not much of a Spidey fan specifically, but everything about this set screams to me as the perfect Super Heroes set. You get a great roster of heroes and villains, the perfect structure for almost any Super Heroes display with dozens of hidden play features, and even a civilian! Also, 76067 Tanker Truck Takedown could look really good on top of it... with all of these points, you simply can't compete!
We will be turning our attention to the summer range starting tomorrow.
What do you think of our picks and which would you choose? Let us know in the comments below.
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35 comments on this article
Totally agree with the raid zeppelin 70603
Used it as a space pirate flag ship and a hydra airship(colour scheme matches perfectly to crossbones' car)
Cool parts pack as well. cool that you get two flags.A small mod could make it a cool little seabound pirate ship.
Would have been nice to include a full balloon, but hey, who cares? For 24.99 this is a great set.
Im looking for a big set to buy, what should I get?
I agree with the choice of Assault on Hoth as a disappointing disaster and the Technic Porsche as most anticipated set. In fact I think this is looking to be one of the best years for Technic in a very long time.
Other sets I'm looking forward to see are 10252 Volkswagen Beetle and 21306 Caterham Super Seven.
As great a year as Technic is having, my favourite theme this year sofar is Ninjago. I just love the steampunk/pirates direction they've taken this year.
Oh, and set of the year sofar has to be the Brick Bank which I'm building right now.
My two cents:
Favourite set: Brick Bank. I just love modulars.
Favourite theme: Elves. I love the fantasy theme as well as the colours and some of the pieces.
Favourite minifigure: Harley Quinn Hard to pick really. I just love minifigures.
Most underrated set: Perhaps some of the Angry Birds sets. Although I only own one I think Lego did a fine job.
Most disappointing: Batcave. I think for me the build and the price are a little bit of a detterent to purchase.
Most exciting news: N/A See below
Most anticipated set: Porsche 911 GT3 or Big Ben. I can't decide. These sets both look fabulous.
Can't argue with the picks. Haven't had a chance to get Firehouse HQ yet but I'm sure that would be my pick.
I'm excited to see what they do with the Disney castle, that has big potential! Also been looking forward to Fun In The Park to get some new minifigure looks.
Looking through my 2016 sets, I do have to say Battle on Takodana was a fun build, looks great and has some excellent minifigs, so that is one of my favorites for this year so far. Also, 60117 Van & Caravan (which I have yet to build) looks like it's gonna be a great little build too. And finally, THE MAZE! That was a very satisfying build that still offers great play value getting my butt whooped by that thing, it's so tough!
Good answers! This half year has generally been a decent year for me, though the summer looks like it'll be even better!
As for what I'd answer in this situation...
Favorite Set: Of the sets I've built so far this year, I think my favorite is probably 70327 The King's Mech from Nexo Knights. It's really a spectacular mech design, with great articulation, great figs, and an amazing build.
Favorite Theme: If I had to choose a new theme, Nexo Knights knocks it out of the park, and as far as old themes are concerned, Bionicle and Ninjago both delivered strong winter waves, but altogether I think I'd choose Elves once again. The dragons are a great addition to the theme and the architecture and landscaping remains fantastic!
Favorite Minifigure: Again, this is a challenging question. I think I'd choose Nadakhan the djinn from Ninjago, who is a really amazing fig design. But Sira Copperbranch from Elves and Axl and Macy from Nexo Knights are also strong contenders.
Most Underrated Set: Underrated is a really hard quality to judge, so I might pass on this one. I can't think of any sets I've really enjoyed so far this year that have been met with anything other than enthusiasm.
Most Disappointing Set: Hm, another tough call. In general, though, I think 71301 Ketar - Creature of Stone is the best choice. I had hoped for a unique build and effective function from him, but while it nails the former it doesn't quite pin down the latter.
Most Exciting News: For me, the biggest news of this half year was the surprise LDD update we got back in March. After a year with no updates and lots of mixed messages about whether we'd get any in the future, we finally got one that added a huge number of parts that had been introduced since the last update. It's still far from everything I'd wanted, but it gave us all new hope for more updates in the future.
Most Anticipated Set: Tough call! There are a bunch of fantastic sets this summer, but I think the set I'm most excited for might be 41179 Queen Dragon's Rescue from the Elves theme! Not only does it have some great architecture and landscaping but it also has a massive, gorgeous dragon!
I feel the Firehouse set has been a tad "overpraised" this year. Maybe I don't have the same feelings some people have towards it though since I'm not a Ghostbusters fan. I'm far more excited for the rumored Disney Castle, now THAT is in my interests.
I want the Brick Bank though, looks spectacular. I am also trying to collect all of the retail sets for Captain America Civil War. Star Wars has been hit or miss so far, but it's giving me a chance to catch up on other themes. Bionicle has been hit or miss to this year, some great sets like Umarak, followed by some very poor design choices *29 piston torso shell*
What I'm anticipating later this year, The Technic mine bucket drill machine, Disney Castle, Rogue One sets, Spider-Man/Ghost Rider team up, and the rumored Winter Train.
I don't think the Disney Princess sets this year (or any year so far) are worth any chatter. The builds are meh and completely inaccurate.
My picks:
Favourite set: Toss-up between Super Hero Airport Battle and Porsche 919 Hybrid and 917K Pit Lane.
Favourite theme: Speed Champions (I originally didn't think they picked the right cars from the manufacturers they got, but they turned out great!)
Favourite minifigure: War Machine (from 76051)
Most underrated set: Porsche 919 Hybrid and 917K Pit Lane
Most disappointing set: N/A
Most exciting news: Hearing about the Caterham 7's approval!
Most anticipated set(s): The Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Big Ben. (Because the Caterham is for next year)
^^ There's such a thing as an opinion. ;-)
Unfortunately, I've only bought a relatively small handful of this year's sets, and I don't plan to go crazy with purchases like last year either, so my picks are mostly speculative.
Favorite Set: The Brick Bank and Firehouse Headquarters are obviously amazing sets, however I'll give the edge to the ideas Maze. It's a really fun set both to master skills of competing the maze, seeing every bit of engineering work so well, and to build even more once it's done.
Favorite Theme: To be honest the new Angry Birds theme might be the most fun I've had with any set in years. It's colorful to look at, really quick yet interesting to build (especially with the mechanism in the pirate ship), and great to just throw around the birds and cause mass destruction like the game.
Favorite Minifigure: Uh... maybe the animal control officer from Series 15? This isn't something I pay attention to.
Most Underrated Set: I'd say the Minecraft Village. The attention's really quiet and what there is is quite mixed, but it does satisfactory for what it is, unlike say Assault on Hoth, with an expansive layout, tons of parts and customizability, and a good amount of room to play in.
Most Dissapointing Set: Isn't it obvious? ^hint^hint^
Most Exciting News: The resurrection of LDD is great. After almost being disabled, it's great that it's still offering new parts and can still be enjoyed as a way to make any creation you desire.
Most Anticipated Set: I don't collect Technic sets, but the Porsche 911 blows just about everything out of the water with it's extreme amount of accuracy, complexity, and elegance.
I wasn't expecting this. :P
I was going to list my suggestions for each category, but I'll just go with what has really disappointed me... Bionicle, Star Wars, and DC Superheroes all have particularly bad offerings this year, barring a few good sets each, or one in the case of DC. Minecraft has completely failed to be interesting, except for one set.
Marvel Superheroes and City have shown tremendous improvement compared to previous years, and most of the Ninjago, Elves, Speed Champions, and Nexo Knights sets are fabulous.
DC is letting me down (Where's my Ares?!) The marvel sets look nice (No marvel Ares either....) I haven't bought any LEGO this year, but just from looking at the sets, I'd say Big Ben is the best set this year (I know it's not released yet, but I think it already beats the other contenders).
Big Ben is my most anticipated set and at a great value. I wished landmark sets came out more often than every 3 years. The Technic Porsche 911 is great, but I wished there were power functions, because as it stands it cannot do as much as some of the other recent large Technic sets.
Lego seem to also reinvigorated their architecture series with the cityscspes and the US Capitol building.
@FlagsNZ : Great minds, et cetera. I was at the Waiuku display over the weekend and as I was wandering around (as much as was possible in the crush!) it struck me that the GB Firehouse HQ would be an excellent starting point for a MOC'd engineering shed or railyard warehouse. Mine is still boxed up (too many other sets still to be built before I get to *that* puppy!) but I've got a few ideas for it to be adapted into various industrial and warehouse-type MOCs. Maybe a future AuckLUG Brick Show display ... ;-)
I'm definitely waiting forward to the new VW Beetle (10252) also.
I've really enjoyed the architecture city skylines - they're a real pleasure and can't wait for some more releases (hopefully).
How can now no-one say that 'Classic TV series Batman' is their favourite minifig?? :D
>> Favourite set – 10251 Brick Bank I don’t have this set yet but can’t wait to get my hands on it. The design and colours are just out of this world it will make a wonderful addition to my collection. Even the detail on the windows and I really like the roof, even if it just reminds me so much of the Green Grocer but I don’t have a problem with that as I think it ties in nicely.
>> Favourite Theme – City 60132 Service Station, I’ve been waiting for one of these and the other City plane sets 60102 Airport VIP Service, 60103 Airport Air Show and the 60104 Airport Passenger Terminal even though they are all rather small I will expand the Service Station and Airport Passenger Terminal so they standout a bit more.
>> Favourite minifigure – Tribal Woman or the Animal Control Officer and out of the Disney range I really only like Mickey Mouse/Minnie and Donald Duck/Daisy Duck can’t really say much for the rest I would have preferred to have seen Pinocchio, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo and even Peter Pan but I’m putting this down to my age (yeah don’t laugh cause I collect Lego age doesn’t apply) but I grew up on different characters.
>> Most underrated set – I can’t believe I’m saying this but the Friends Amusement Park sets, they look fantastic and will look fantastic when set up in a Theme park scenario.
>> Most disappointing set – really can’t elaborate cause I only take notice of the themes and sets that I’m interested in oh and something about a Hoth set but this may have been mentioned.
>> Most exciting news – Brick Bank and Big Ben….both BB sets must be something in that. I just love both they look amazing, must haves.
>> Most anticipated set – 42055 Technic’s Bucket Wheel Excavator this tops off my have to have list, honestly who can go past this set, which means I will then have to purchase the 42053 Volvo EW 160E and the 42054 CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC to go with it.
Damn Lego just keeps extracting more money from me….
I was happy to see LostinTranslatiom's nod to Adventure camp treehouse. My kiddo received this for her bday, and it really was a wonderful set.
I am also going to mention Prison Island. Nobody at our house is a big City fan, and normally we find them boring, but this set is chock full of special features.
A grappling hook to open the tunnel
A hidden bed/slide
A secret areas with switches
A courtyard that opens open
I like hearing about everyone's opinions on their favourite Lego, including the editorial team. What I would like to see is a consensus among all the editors as what is their communal verdict across the categories. As it is, there are enough themes and editors that they can all pick "their own favourite themes" to nominate and no contradiction. If they all had to argue their own sets merits against other editors' we might get some more insight to the team's decision making process. Just a thought.
Most sets I've built this year have been pre-2016, but with that in mind:
Favourite set - Lance's Mecha Horse. I've become more circumspect about my wants list, but I wanted this feverishly as soon as I saw it and it didn't let me down. Interesting build, a transforming model, and it looks brilliant in either form.
Favourite theme - Nexo Knights appeals to the kid in me who once got excited about Ice Planet or Spyrius (and indeed Visionaries). I wouldn't have thought combining Castle and Space would work so well, but it's just so much fun, with some innovative design in both pieces and sets. Creator is also having a fantastic year; the rural sets with brick-built animals are particularly tempting.
Favourite minifigure - I do love the faun from CMF series 15 and I'm really looking forward to getting the disabled minifig in Fun in the Park. Otherwise, Ultimate Lavaria looks awesome, and I'm a big fan of Macy Halberd.
Most underrated set - I'm not sure - I've seen a lot of unfair criticism of Fun in the Park, but that's been political rather than relating to the build or the design.
Most disappointing set - Nothing I've bought has disappointed me, and while Assault on Hoth seems a missed opportunity, even that seems to be partly a matter of marketing rather than what's actually there: had they sold it as a Star Wars set bundle instead of a UCS, I don't think people would be half as annoyed. Me, I just really want them to put out another walking AT-AT.
Most exciting news - The news of the first minifig who uses a wheelchair has been very, very important to me.
Most anticipated set - Bucket Wheel Excavator. I can't believe that thing exists and I hope it paves the way for more absurdly humongous construction vehicles in Technic!
Favourite minifigure - In our family who I am sure are a distinct revenue stream of Disney, the Disney minifigures were a big winner. For me Mickey is very well done, but am very impressed with some of the other figures as well.
Most Disappointing - As a Star Wars fan, Assault on Hoth is clearly the "winner" here
Most anticipated set - For me a Death Star , I am yet to own a Lego Death Star and especially after Assault on Hoth I am hoping for a return to form for the UCS. This just beat Big Ben, after purchasing the Tower Bridge this year I am looking forward to having the two together.
The wife and the little one are very excited about the Disney Castle. If the Castle and Death Star come out later this year it will certainly be a Christmas of building....
FAVE SET: Batman Classic TV Series Batcave (seeing Mocs of this through the years and wanted to do my own, I finally get a great, fun set of a show I loved as a kid...reruns, reruns...not that old...;) Figures are great capturing the looks from the show and love all the Bat computers and equipment.
FAVE THEME: Nexo Knights (some truly fun creative builds. Tons of play features and love the new armor elements).
FAVE MINIFIG: Tribal Woman Collectors Series 15 ( the cute baby in papoose is adorable but also the vibrant graphics printing all around, even front/back/sides of legs, arm printing, waist printing, beautiful face, vibrant colors on feathers and you can attach baby to back of fig.)
MOST UNDERRATED: Friends Amusement Park theme. Great sets here-arcade, bumper cars, space ride, etc. Fun to mod and incorporate into City sets or what I'd like to do is moc into a superhero theme.
MOST DISAPPOINTING: Assault on Hoth (not what I wanted from a UCS set...BUT...enough here to make the set I want, combine with previous Hoth sets, a little mocing and voila'...transform into a proper Hoth Echo Base!)
MOST EXCITED: Big Ben! Looks fantastic! At times looks repetitive in the build but what a wonderful display model.
MOST ANTICIPATED: UCS Death Star! I have the original one so I'm curious and excited to see if it's a highly detailed UCS build OR a reinterpretation playset of 10188. Must have for me to display a couple of Death Stars in the house!
I am most disappointed by The '66 Batcave because I want to be able to own the Batmobile and Batcycle and a few of the minifigs without spending a fortune. TLG made that impossible.
My favorite theme is Marvel Superheroes (especially MCU sets) because the CA: Civil War sets collectively gave us every Avenger in the film plus debuts like Agent 13 and Crossbones. And the sets are all nicely priced!
My favorite minifig this half of the year has to be Ursula, but Dana Barrett (Ghostbusters) and Black Panther came close.
My most anticipated set is either Doctor Strange or Cinderella Castle.
Here is my list...
Favourite set - 76051 Super Hero Airport Battle because of Giant-Man and the Quinjet for $80.
Favourite theme - Marvel Super Heroes, because of the awesome prints and characters within the theme.
Favourite minifigure - Maleficent, Mr. Incredible, Mickey, and other Disney figs have become really important to me, as well as Captain America (Civil War), Black Panther, and the new Scarlet Witch, but I have to say... Black Panther.
Most underrated set - 10721 Iron Man vs. Loki. Okay, it is a Juniors set, but you can get Iron Man AND Loki if you missed them from the original Avengers sets.
Most disappointing set - Not Assualt on Hoth. I haven't been disappointed at all. NONE!
Most exciting news - When I found out about the Spider-Man DLC Pack for LEGO Marvel's Avengers, I was so excited. Finding out it was free was even better. I also was excited to find out about the Doctor Strange set, along with the Civil War Spidey minifig..
Most anticipated set - 76067 Tanker Truck Takedown or 76060 Doctor Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum. I can't wait to get my hands on that new Spidey minifig, and the Doctor Strange.
I'm very pleased by the diversity and much of what has been said by the Brickset members in this article. I agree with much of what has been said here, and while I don't consider Assault on Hoth as a disappointment because I've decided to simply ignore its existence, I must admit the sheer amount of controversy and disdain it has generated should really, hopefully, make LEGO open their eyes and rethink future offerings from UCS. Especially as the biggest one that's done the most to endear me to such high-end collectibles isn't even a UCS style set or labeled as such on the box. Yes I'm talking about the Firehouse Headquarters.
In my opinion I'd have to say my all-time fave Minifigure of the year so far has got to be Donald Duck. He's such an iconic character and the LEGO interpretation really stands out to me, so much so that I don't mind getting him twice. The genius of his simplistic design captured in LEGO form and the new duck tail piece just really helps push him up past other such contenders as Classic TV Series Mr. Freeze or Maleficent.
I don't have much else to say, I haven't bought nearly enough 2016 sets to comment on an underrated one, and while I agree that Marvel has been quite impressive this year I must admit as a fan of DC I'm still equally impressed by the offerings from their corner of the Super Heroes Theme. Also, one final thought, Elves is indeed a very impressive Theme and worth of best so far for the year. The Summer additions look just as impressive and I look forward to picking more of them up for my modest collection of LEGO Elves.
I certainly hope Rogue One can turn Star Wars LEGO around, but I find they've been far too overpriced for their own good ever since TFA hit. All of the prices in Canada at least are ludicrous compared to past offerings from the Theme and if you want certain characters for your Minifigure collection you'd be better off going through Bricklink or E-Bay, you might find better deals that way.
Shouldn't the sets being released in June be part of the considerations for 1st half of the year?
If we did that there'd be nothing much left in the 2HY.
Favourite Set: The Brick Bank - I love the Modulars and this doesn't disappoint
Favourite Theme: It's still Creator for me generally, though I've not really bought many sets this year enough to judge. The Elves theme looks like it would be fun...
Favourite Minifigure: A tie between the Faun and Shark Suit Chap from Series 15 CMF.
Most Underrated Set: The Ideas Maze - I remember this being greeted by a bit of apathy when it was announced that it had passed review, so I'm glad it's now getting the attention and plaudits it deserves!
Most Disappointing Set: Probably the same as everyone else - the Hoth collective. I'm not a Star Wars collector but I do buy some of the larger sets if they are appealing. This was not.
Most Exciting News: The Big Ben press release confirming the UK price!
Most Anticipated Set: The (hoped for) Winter Train. It's not been confirmed yet, but I still have high hopes!
Favorite Set: 76052 Batman Classic TV Series - Batcave. The set has everything you need with great minifigures, great vehicles and even batpoles. You get a lot of play value for your money and my kids love it!
Favorite Theme: Speed Champions and Nexo Knight have both been good. Interesting builds and a lot of fun to play with.
Favorite Minifigure: Frightening Knight from Series 15. The mace is a great new piece and he just looks good overall with lots of great detail. A very close second would be Batman from the classic Batcave.
Most Underrated Set: 70312 Lance's Mecha Horse. Not only is it only $20, but it's a transformer!
Most Disappointing Set: Like a lot of folks I'd probably have to say Hoth. I don't collect Star Wars Legos and badly want Classic Space back, but comparing Hoth to the other UCS sets it looks pretty disappointing.
Most Exciting News: The Lego Baby from Fun in the Park 60134.
Most Anticipated Set: Either 42005 Bucket Wheel Excavator or 42006 Porsche 911 GT3. Also curious about 10252 Volkswagen Beetle.
Biggest misfire in 16? IMO LEGO not making a regular sized Ant Man for the new 'Civil War' sets.
I'm a huge fan of SW, but only OT, and this is the worst year since 1999, if I recall correctly. Hoth is boring and overpriced and there is nothing on the horizon for me. The Death Star might be nice but I'm careful to anticipate it after both the Hoth sets are so disappointing.
Favourite Set: I built the Firehouse and it's OK, but not great. I guess the Brick Bank and Spider Widow Island are pretty good sets. Civil War Airport is runner up.
Favourite Theme: Speed Champions, Ninjago
Favourite Minifigure: So many..! Aladdin, Genie, Buzz Lightyear, Shark Suit Guy, Doubloon, Wonder Woman
Most Underrated Set: F-150 Ford Raptor set
Most Disappointing Set: Both the Hoth sets
Most Exciting News: new Ecto 1 & 2 set
Most Anticipated Set: Ecto 1 & 2 set (not hyped about the movie but this looks like a great car, cool minifigs and nice pieces)
Can't find any info on the cinderella castle, but hoping it'll be an expert set. If so, that's another pay check towards that :) hehe.
Great picks, as always. Huw, why so many N/As? ;-)
Insult on Hoth gets soooo much hate, I mean I can't stand it too but I think kids, at least the few who buy/receive it will very much injoy (I'm an awful speller sorry) it Because Lego is first and foremost a kids toy.