The Imagination Brickshop’s LEGO Brickcast

What actually makes a LEGO set…good?

We all do it. We see a new LEGO set and almost instantly decide whether we love it, hate it, or fall somewhere in between. But what exactly is our brain calculating in those few seconds? Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s concept of “thin-slicing” from Blink, I decided to put that instinct to the test by creating The 7 Levels of LEGO.

And yes…I fully expect some of you to disagree with me. We’re starting at Level 1, where LEGO sets go when something has gone terribly, terribly wrong. From infamous themes of LEGO’s past to some questionable modern decisions, these are the sets that make you wonder: Who thought this was a good idea?

Then comes Level 2, which might contain my most controversial LEGO opinion yet. There are beloved themes here. Historically important sets. Sets I personally have nostalgia for. But nostalgia and importance don’t necessarily make something good.

By Level 3, we arrive where the overwhelming majority of LEGO has always lived—and that’s not an insult. In fact, this might be the level that best represents what LEGO has meant to generations of kids. Level 4 is where things start getting REALLY good. Level 5 is where LEGO sets become the centerpieces of collections. UCS. Icons. Modulars. Ideas. BrickLink Designer Program. But size and price alone aren’t enough to get you here. Then there’s Level 6. These are the rare ones. The sets that separate themselves from everything around them. In a great year, LEGO might only produce one or two sets truly worthy of this level.

So what could possibly sit ABOVE those?

That brings us to Level 7. And I’m not telling you what it is. Because once we get there, I think it changes the entire question we started with. What makes a LEGO set good? Maybe we’ve been asking the wrong question all along.

Welcome to The 7 Levels of LEGO.

Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

#LEGO #BrickCast #AFOL #LEGOCollection #LEGOSets #LEGORanking #LEGOCreator #LEGOUCS #LEGOMOC

It’s a HUGE week for LEGO news, rumors, leaks, and releases—and BrickCast Episode 220 has a little bit of everything!

We’re kicking things off with a quick update on the latest LEGO GWPs, including Astrobot and the Darth Vader’s Lightsaber promo alongside the massive new UCS Super Star Destroyer. Plus, another LEGO Insiders Double Points event is right around the corner!

Then it’s time for BrickLink Designer Program Series 9! Pre-orders officially begin Tuesday, October 6 at 10AM CT, and we’re taking one last look at all five sets before the madness begins. And if those aren’t enough fan-designed sets for you, voting is now OPEN for the 2028 Wave 1 series—with an incredible 421 designs competing for just five spots!

We also finally have official images of LEGO Icons Dragon Ball: Shenron & Goku, and there’s a LOT to talk about with LEGO’s latest major licensed set.

But then come the leaks and rumors…A mysterious new LEGO Ideas GWP may be bringing back the TEAL Classic Space minifigure, new NINJAGO sets have surfaced, and we may already know our next UCS Star Wars set for August 2027: Anakin’s Jedi Interceptor!

And finally, we’ve got NEW information about the rumored LEGO Marvel Skyline—and this set sounds much more ambitious than I originally expected. An Architecture-style Marvel display featuring some of the most iconic locations and vehicles in the Marvel universe…plus Galactus?!

There is a TON to unpack this week. Let’s get into it!

Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #BrickCast #LEGOStarWars #LEGOMarvel #DragonBall #NINJAGO #BrickLinkDesignerProgram #LEGOLeaks

LEGO has been going HARD after our nostalgia lately...and if you grew up in the 1980s, this might be one of the best times ever to be a LEGO fan. In BrickCast Episode, I’m reviewing the brand-new LEGO Ideas 21370 E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, but this episode quickly became about MUCH more than just one set.

We’ll take a closer look at LEGO’s new version of one of the most recognizable characters in movie history, including its design, articulation, glowing heart, some fantastic hidden Easter eggs, and the surprising story behind the original fan model that eventually became an official LEGO set.

And because this is E.T., we have to talk about the movie itself. More than four decades later, its impact is still incredible, and there are a few connections to Star Wars that you may have completely forgotten about. Then comes the big question: Is this actually a good LEGO set?

But E.T. is only the beginning...I’m also looking at five other LEGO sets that every 1980s nostalgia fan should have on their radar. Movies, cartoons, video games, transforming robots, time machines...LEGO has quietly assembled a pretty incredible lineup for those of us who remember growing up during the decade.

And somehow, there’s still SO MUCH left for LEGO to explore. Knight Rider? The A-Team? ALF? ThunderCats? Beetlejuice? The NeverEnding Story? The Karate Kid?

If LEGO could make ONE more set based on something from the 1980s, what are you choosing?

NEW MERCH: https://imaginationbrickshop-shop.fourthwall.com

🎵 Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

#LEGO #LEGOIdeas #ET #ETTheExtraTerrestrial #1980s #80sNostalgia #LEGONostalgia #BrickCast

There is a LOT to cover in this week’s LEGO News & Rumors!

We’re kicking things off with a closer look at the upcoming 40899 Astro Bot GWP before diving into some potentially HUGE LEGO Lord of the Rings sets rumored for 2027. Helm’s Deep could be returning with more than 7,000 pieces, the Prancing Pony may finally be happening, and yes… we could actually be getting a Peter Jackson minifigure! Plus, another LOTR set is rumored for February with the 11395 Oliphant Battle.

Then we jump into two mysterious LEGO Architecture sets reportedly coming in 2027. Could we finally be getting the Golden Gate Bridge and the Parthenon? There’s also another addition to the Dinosaur Fossils collection rumored for May 2027, featuring TWO Velociraptors and an Owen Grady minifigure.

Plus, we break down the rumored lineup for LEGO Minifigures Series 30, including the Oni Warrior, Raven Knight, Flower Child, Sea Monster, Gondolier, Kid Knight, Spa Woman and more. We’ve also got new information on a LEGO Icons French Bulldog, two mysterious LEGO Art sets, and the newly revealed LEGOLAND Park Adventure set coming exclusively to LEGOLAND and LEGOLAND Discovery Center stores.

And finally, I’ll preview next week’s Brickshop Alternative Set of the Week: the Barweer BWR101 Ultimate Playset Scale Stinger Mantis! With more than 3,000 pieces, this massive build takes inspiration from the iconic ship from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor.

As always, remember that many of the 2027 sets discussed in this episode are based on rumors and preliminary information. Names, prices, piece counts, release dates, and other details can change until officially announced by LEGO.

Let me know in the comments: Which of these rumored 2027 sets are YOU most excited about?

Thanks for watching and supporting The Imagination Brickshop!

🎵 Music provided by the YouTube Audio Library.

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #LEGO2027 #LEGOLordOfTheRings #LOTR #LEGOArchitecture #LEGOStarWars #LEGOJurassicWorld #LEGOMinifigures #LEGOCMF #LEGOLAND #LEGOLeaks #BrickCast #TheImaginationBrickshop

What LEGO sets in your collection could you NEVER bring yourself to sell?

That question came up during a conversation with a coworker. I told them that if I ever moved and had to seriously downsize, I’d probably sell most of my LEGO collection rather than move it all. Then they asked the obvious follow-up: “Would you keep anything?”

Oh yeah. Absolutely. So for this Wild Card Wednesday, I’m counting down the 10 LEGO sets in my collection that I would NEVER sell. And these aren’t necessarily the 10 “best” sets I own. They aren’t the most expensive, the biggest, or even the rarest. These are the sets that mean something to me.

We’ve got some legendary Star Wars builds, an unusual piece of LEGO history made from something other than plastic, an architectural model with a family connection, a transforming icon from the '80s, one of my favorite animated characters of all time, a massive model of one of America’s most famous homes, and a few builds that have stories worth far more to me than their aftermarket value.

Some are worth hundreds—or even well over $1,000. Others aren't worth much at all. But they’re priceless to me. So if The Imagination Brickshop collection ever had to go...these 10 are coming with me.

What is the ONE LEGO set in your collection that you would never sell? Let me know in the comments!

Music Credit: YouTube Music Library.

#LEGO #LEGOCollection #BrickCast #LEGOSets #LEGOCOLLECTOR #StarWarsLEGO #LEGOIdeas

Happy First Day of Fall, Brickheadz! Fall has officially arrived, and LEGO is celebrating with a brand-new spooky GWP—but apparently we're also skipping straight ahead to Christmas! In BrickCast Ep. 216, we're breaking down the latest LEGO news, reveals, GWPs, promotions, and rumors heading into the final months of 2026. We’ve got a newly revealed haunted build just in time for Halloween, an update to the upcoming Astro Bot GWP that changes what we originally thought about its release, and the official reveal of this year's LEGO Icons Holiday House.

But that's just the beginning.

We also have a look at the upcoming GWP and Double Points calendar—including when you may want to hold off on that big LEGO purchase and when it might finally be time to pull the trigger. Plus, the Restaurants of the World collection continues after stops in Japan, Mexico, and Greece. Where are we headed next?

Then it's time to duel! LEGO Ideas has officially announced the winner of the Yu-Gi-Oh! It’s Time to Duel! Challenge. Five incredible finalists battled it out, but only one could become an official LEGO Ideas set. We're taking a look at all five finalists, the winning design, and what happens next for the fan designer.

And finally, for the Brickshop Alternative Set of the Week, we're going WAY back to 1981 Japan for a 3,900+ piece beast-form combining mecha that might look very familiar to children of the '80s. Five robotic lions, nearly two feet tall, chrome armor, full LED lighting...Yeah. We need to talk about this one.

What story are you most excited about this week? And which country would you like to see represented next in the Restaurants of the World collection?

Music provided by the YouTube Music Library.

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #LEGOIdeas #LEGOGWP #YuGiOh #LEGOIcons #BrickCast #TheImaginationBrickshop

LEGO went more than six decades without releasing a standalone church set. Then came Notre-Dame de Paris.

In BrickCast Episode 215, I’m taking a detailed look at LEGO Architecture 21061 Notre-Dame de Paris — a 4,383-piece recreation of one of the most famous buildings in the world. At $230, this set delivers an incredible price-per-piece, zero stickers, a unique chronological building experience, and one of the most impressive Architecture displays LEGO has produced.

We’ll talk about the real cathedral’s nearly 900-year history, the devastating 2019 fire and restoration, LEGO’s surprisingly long history with church sets, and why Notre-Dame may have helped open the door for something MUCH bigger coming later this year. And yes... we need to talk about the upcoming 12,060-piece Sagrada Família. How does Notre-Dame stack up against what will become the largest LEGO set ever released by piece count?

Finally, I’ll break Notre-Dame down in my four review categories — Playability, Displayability, Build Experience, and Value — before giving it my final score. Is LEGO Notre-Dame de Paris worth adding to your collection before it disappears?

Music Credit: YouTube Audio Library

#LEGO #LEGONotreDame #LEGOArchitecture #NotreDame #SagradaFamilia #LEGOReview #BrickCast

This week’s LEGO news is PACKED — huge new sets, official reveals, BrickLink Designer Program updates, and a monster that’s about to take over your shelf.

In BrickCast Episode, we’re breaking down the newly revealed LEGO Ideas Godzilla, including its massive size, Black Friday release, and accompanying GWP. We also finally have the official reveal of LEGO Ideas Downton Abbey, bringing Highclere Castle to life with more than 4,700 pieces and an enormous lineup of minifigures. But that’s just the beginning.

BrickLink Designer Program Series 9 images and prices are here, and we’ll take a look at all five finalists before pre-orders open in October. Plus, we have new information on the massive LEGO Icons Neighborhood Diorama, another Zelda set featuring Link and Epona, and the opening of submissions for the first BrickLink Designer Program wave of 2028.

And listen until the end becuase I will be featuring my new segment - the Brickshop Alternative Set of the Week! This week we're checking out a Pantasy set that is more than 3,200 pieces, integrated lighting, tons of printed pieces, a detailed interior, and a price that definitely caught my attention.

And stick around until the end because we’re wrapping things up with your comments from the Brickshop community.

Music Creidt: YouTube Audio Library

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #LEGOGodzilla #DowntonAbbey #BrickLink #Pantasy #BrickCast

What if LEGO handed me the keys to the company for one year?

In this BrickCast Episode, that’s exactly the question I’m asking. LEGO has changed dramatically over the last decade. Sets are bigger. Prices are higher. Adults have become a much larger part of the market. But somewhere along the way, I think LEGO has created a few problems that could be solved with some surprisingly simple changes.

So, for one year, I’m taking over.

I have three major ideas that would change the way LEGO approaches its sets, its classic themes, its adult collectors, and even what happens after you buy a set. One would bring back something from LEGO’s past — but not quite the way you might expect. Another would completely rethink what you should get when you spend $300, $400, or even $500 on a LEGO set.

And the last might be the most controversial: I think LEGO needs to decide exactly who certain sets are actually being made for. Kids? Adults? Collectors? Why not build a system that works for all three? Some of these ideas LEGO could implement tomorrow. Others might get me fired before my first year as CEO is over. Of course, LEGO probably isn't calling me to replace Niels B. Christiansen anytime soon, but that's what Wild Card Wednesday is for!

Either way, I want to know what YOU would do. If LEGO gave you control of the company for one year, what’s the first thing you would change? Find out what I’d do in BrickCast Episode 213: If LEGO Let Me Run the Company for One Year.

If you enjoy LEGO news, rumors, reviews, collecting, and conversations about where LEGO should go next, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join The Imagination Brickshop!

Music Credit: Music provided by the YouTube Audio Library

#LEGO #BrickCast #LEGOCastle #LEGOSpace #LEGOPirates #AFOL #LEGOSets #LEGOCollector

NOTE: The Bookstore BookNook will be listed at $150USD and not $130USD as originally rumored.  Official drop happened after this episode was uploaded.

Christmas is coming EARLY for LEGO fans!

In this episode, we’re diving into a huge wave of upcoming LEGO sets, including the newly revealed 2026 Christmas lineup! Buddy the Elf, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a updates on a brand-new Winter Village Holiday House, and even more holiday surprises are headed our way on October 1st.

But Christmas is only the beginning…

We’re also talking about the official reveal of LEGO Ideas Wallace & Gromit, the new 1:1 scale LEGO PlayStation, an Astro Bot GWP, the massive Downton Abbey finally has a leak, a new Harry Potter Collector’s Edition, and our first look at Young Goku from the upcoming LEGO Dragon Ball Z Shenron set!

Plus, could LEGO have another enormous $500 Icons set coming in November?

And stick around for the Brickshop Alternative Set of the Week, where I take a look outside the LEGO ecosystem at JAKI Bricks’ incredible Steampunk Printing Press — complete with working gears and 120 movable type blocks!

YOUR TURN!  Which of these upcoming sets has YOUR attention? And what do you think LEGO’s mysterious 5,682-piece Icons set could be? Let me know in the comments!

👍 If you enjoy LEGO news, rumors, reviews, and discussion, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join The Imagination Brickshop!

Music Credit: Music provided by the YouTube Audio Library.

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #LEGOChristmas #LEGOWinterVillage #LEGOIdeas #PlayStation #WallaceAndGromit #LEGODragonBall #DowntonAbbey #BrickCast