Review: Wicked Brick Display Case for 10302 Optimus Prime
Posted by CapnRex101,
As we approach the end of 2022, the discussion surrounding the best sets released with the last twelve months inevitably starts. 10302 Optimus Prime is certainly among my favourites.
Fortunately, Wicked Brick has produced a great display case to present the Autobot leader, with an excellent lenticular backdrop, which we were pleased to receive for review.
As normal, the case is constructed from several Perspex panels, connected using metal cubes and screws at the corners. The case definitely feels strong and is only slightly bigger than the figure inside, measuring 38cm in height. I have criticised some cases for occupying too much space relative to the model, but this example is proportional.
The matte finish across the base looks splendid too, differentiating this special edition case from others I own. In addition, each case includes a translucent plaque that fits into the base, as they are individually numbered, while the plaque accompanying 10302 Optimus Prime fits neatly into this Perspex panel as well. Optimus himself is attached with a single stud, but feels secure.
Optimus Prime's bold colours are ideally suited to display against a naturalistic backdrop and the figure looks outstanding inside its display case. Choosing the location of Prime's climactic battle with Megatron, from the 1986 movie, for the background was appropriate too.
Also, this background is lenticular, so gives the impression of depth and changes depending on the viewing angle. The flashing pink lasers, explosions and rising smoke are effective. However, placing the background sticker can be difficult and I would recommend securing the background with double-sided tape at the corners, rather than risking damage to the sticker.
The price of £89.99 is expensive, although the quality of Wicked Brick display cases is superb and I think 10302 Optimus Prime warrants special treatment on display, being among the best sets released during 2022!
You can find this display case and the whole selection on the Wicked Brick website.
Moreover, 10302 Optimus Prime is conveniently discounted on LEGO.com for the Black Friday weekend.
This product was provided for review by Wicked Brick, but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
51 likes
26 comments on this article
Do they have a box for luckluster? Preferably opaque.
“As we approach the end of 2023”
Do Brickset now own a time machine ?
@Minifig_Jez said:
"“As we approach the end of 2023”
Do Brickset now own a time machine ?"
Now you’ve changed the article, my comment just looks weird!
Release the Lego. It's not a $2,000,000 painting or a rare item that needs to get moisture control. An open display is the best (yeah, I know about that thing called dust), toys displayed like that are un-inviting to interact with.
i prefer not to use display cases as i like to keep my options open, but this does look pretty cool
Hashtag ADVERT
Spending £90 on a display box for a set that you can usually buy for near that amount is just daft … I’d rather spend the money on more Lego! Honestly … who buys these?
I'm generally not the type to go for display cases, since I like to get my sets down to play with or examine them every now and then. Articulated figures suffer especially if you seal them up in plastic, since changing their poses now and again can be fun even if you intend to keep them displayed. And for this set in particular, the fact that it only showcases the set in robot mode feels even more limiting, considering one of the key features of the set is it, well, transforms.
@bigospedros said:
"Hashtag ADVERT
Spending £90 on a display box for a set that you can usually buy for near that amount is just daft … I’d rather spend the money on more Lego! Honestly … who buys these?"
I have bought a few... BUT:
1) Always during a sale.
2) Mostly the open bases / flight stands, not the enclosed cases.
There are some situations where the backdrop is perfect and the model looks great enclosed, but in general I agree with @elangab to "release the LEGO". Especially for Optimus Prime because it TRANSFORMS.
Example: I got the open base for the Shuttle Discovery because it shows it at an interesting angle (on a flight stand), and it is a lot cheaper than the enclosed case. (though it is no longer available that way...?)
Cool, but what expensive product do I have to get to keep the display case in mint condition and dust-free?
Doesn’t look like rocktimus prime would squeeze in there with the fender and amp! Nice background though.
you can go amazon get one for $10 or $20.. not as pretty though
While I do like that lenticular backdrop, I probably wouldn't get this even if I went for display cases. Besides the case only suiting one mode, there's also the fact that you'd have to either clutter up the case with his accessories and the alternate bumper, or just leave them lying somewhere.
The cases look nice and keep things free of dust.... yet, is there anything sadder and more depressing than a toy put in a cage behind see-thrugh glass?
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Cool, but what expensive product do I have to get to keep the display case in mint condition and dust-free?"
Display case for your display case
I put my Taj Mahal set in the case and it looks amazing. I wouldn’t put normal sets in them though, especially for the price.
@Krtek said:
"Do they have a box for luckluster? Preferably opaque."
I believe the preferred method of display is to place a plain, brown paper bag over the box. Maybe with eye holes and a sad face drawn on it for added embellishment. :(
@moishe11 said:
"i prefer not to use display cases as i like to keep my options open, but this does look pretty cool"
Option 1: Swoosh-vroom.
Option 2: Pew-pew!
Option 3: Bom, bom, bom-de-dom!!
I would prefer it be sized to the cardboard box. We must preserve & display the packaging properly! :p
@bigospedros said:
"Hashtag ADVERT
Spending £90 on a display box for a set that you can usually buy for near that amount is just daft … I’d rather spend the money on more Lego! Honestly … who buys these?"
I once bought a custom-made acrylic dust cover for the Creator Expert Big Ben set (10253).
The cover cost quite a bit more than what I paid for the set itself. But it's worth every penny. I have had the set on display in our living room ever since and it looks awesome in its dust free environment.
@theJANG said:
"I would prefer it be sized to the cardboard box. We must preserve & display the packaging properly! :p"
jang as in... jangbricks?
@elangab said:
"An open display is the best (yeah, I know about that thing called dust), toys displayed like that are un-inviting to interact with."
My experience with dust and Lego is that it gets pretty bad. Weeks turn into months, then into years, and with seasonal humidity changes, the dust turns into a film of gunk, almost a paste. Really difficult to remove.
Cases are indeed uninviting for interaction, but for me that's a positive. Look but don't touch.
@Frobozz said:
"Cases are indeed uninviting for interaction, but for me that's a positive. Look but don't touch."
https://youtu.be/cQ9feA9nEkA
@Frobozz said:
" @elangab said:
"An open display is the best (yeah, I know about that thing called dust), toys displayed like that are un-inviting to interact with."
My experience with dust and Lego is that it gets pretty bad. Weeks turn into months, then into years, and with seasonal humidity changes, the dust turns into a film of gunk, almost a paste. Really difficult to remove.
Cases are indeed uninviting for interaction, but for me that's a positive. Look but don't touch."
TIL Norway has lots of dust :)
Very nice looking display with what appears to be good quality components. Looks to be well worth the price. - Nice job Wicked Brick!
I'm surprised there's so much complaining in these comments. Personally I think they're great. It stops sets from getting dusty which keeps them looking good and new and you can lift it off easily to access the inside of them.
I have a few since I find they also make my lego displays look less childish.
I mean, if you don't like or want display boxes, then don't buy them? You don't need to imply the people who are liking these are 'doing it wrong'.