Blocks issue 93 out now
Posted by Huw,
Here's the press release for the latest issue of Blocks magazine:
The surprise collaboration of the year takes the cover for Blocks magazine Issue 93. As well as reviewing LEGO Transformers 10302 Optimus Prime, Blocks hears from the designers who had the challenge of creating a set that can transform without being dismantled.
Issue 93 is available worldwide as a single issue or as part of a subscription at blocksmag.com and will be in UK stores from July 7. Everyone who subscribes by August 3 will be in with a chance of winning 10302 Optimus Prime!
LEGO Senior Designer Joseph Patrick Kyde used to design Transformers toys at Hasbro, which made him the perfect person to create the first ever official LEGO version of the Autobot. He reveals how he stepped up the challenge while channelling his inner child.
On the topic of mechs, Blockstalgia revisits Exo-Force, looking back at the action-packed sci-fi theme from the noughties. The retrospective looks at sets from the anime-inspired story-driven range and updates one of the models with modern elements.
Going much further back in time, Blocks continues to mark the LEGO Group’s 90th anniversary by telling the full story of how Ole Kirk Kristiansen started making toys – there are twists and turns that you are unlikely to have heard before.
Classic Space fans have already noticed that the new Lightyear spaceship has a certain cockpit piece that fits the beloved theme’s aesthetic perfectly; Mod Squad shows how to convert Buzz’s vessel into a retro fighter.
Find out how Serious Play methodology uses LEGO bricks for something other than pure fun, as Blocks speaks to trainers who deliver creative workshops to organisations. This issue also includes a report from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim, where fans of the franchise enjoyed plenty of LEGO activity.
This month’s 116-page magazine also includes a preview of LEGO Avatar, Sonic the Hedgehog insight with Ideas Design Manager Sam Johnson, 90th anniversary set review, a look at Marvel Baby Groot and much more.
Blocks is giving away Transformers 10302 Optimus Prime! To be entered into the prize draw and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – visit www.blocksmag.com and check out the money-saving subscription deals available.
Everyone who subscribes to the print edition by August 3 will be in with a chance of winning (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).
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6 comments on this article
I have to say that 10302 is an absolutely fantastic display set.
I thought it was going to be a cheap Lego year until Prime dropped. Well, and Jazz Combo. And 10497. And...
@TerryWright said:
"
I have to say that 10302 is an absolutely fantastic display set."
I’ve just finished building mine and in robot mode it looks so good-pictures and videos do not do it justice. However, the transforming function is fiddly to say the least, and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good in truck mode. I also can’t see the point of the axe. I’m just going display Optimus as a robot holding his gun and with the placard and energon cube.
@Tynansd said:
" @TerryWright said:
"
I have to say that 10302 is an absolutely fantastic display set."
I’ve just finished building mine and in robot mode it looks so good-pictures and videos do not do it justice. However, the transforming function is fiddly to say the least, and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good in truck mode. I also can’t see the point of the axe. I’m just going display Optimus as a robot holding his gun and with the placard and energon cube. "
I'm glad to hear this, as it drains what little desire I had for this set out of me. Everyone seems to be fawning over it, but I still don't get it, and I love Lego and Transformers. I would simply rather spend the same amount of money on 5 Voyager scale Transformers (the $30-$34 ones) than just 1 of this. I don't want an expensive, fiddly Transformer that looks a bit off (the head kills it for me).
@Dare_Wreck said:
" @Tynansd said:
" @TerryWright said:
"
I have to say that 10302 is an absolutely fantastic display set."
I’ve just finished building mine and in robot mode it looks so good-pictures and videos do not do it justice. However, the transforming function is fiddly to say the least, and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good in truck mode. I also can’t see the point of the axe. I’m just going display Optimus as a robot holding his gun and with the placard and energon cube. "
I'm glad to hear this, as it drains what little desire I had for this set out of me. Everyone seems to be fawning over it, but I still don't get it, and I love Lego and Transformers. I would simply rather spend the same amount of money on 5 Voyager scale Transformers (the $30-$34 ones) than just 1 of this. I don't want an expensive, fiddly Transformer that looks a bit off (the head kills it for me)."
I’m not a perfectionist or a huge Transformers fan (I was in the 80s as a kid), so for me, taken as a whole, it’s a brilliant set and looks like Optimus. Because it’s made of Lego and there are many, many small parts, it’s got an industrial, machine look about it, like the Star Wars UCS sets do. It’s only purpose though will be as a display set, and for that it’s excellent. It’s in no way a play set.
@Tynansd said:
" I’ve just finished building mine and in robot mode it looks so good-pictures and videos do not do it justice. However, the transforming function is fiddly to say the least, and it doesn’t look anywhere near as good in truck mode. I also can’t see the point of the axe. I’m just going display Optimus as a robot holding his gun and with the placard and energon cube. "
I like the truck mode - but let's just say it's not the mode that's on display! Personally, I don't find the transforming function any more fiddly than any modern Transformer toy, but I did get frustrated that some bricks popped off or came loose during the transformation process.
Oh - and the placard, the energon cube, and the axe are already in storage!