One of the most exciting events of the year that is relevant to LEGO fans is the San Diego Comic-Con held every summer. SDCC is the largest annual comic and pop culture festival in the world, with huge crowds attending each year. Originally showcasing primarily comic books and science fiction/fantasy related films, the convention has since included a larger range of pop culture and entertainment elements across virtually all genres, including animation, anime, manga, horror, toys, collectible card games, video-games, webcomics, and fantasy novels. Of course, LEGO doesn’t want to miss out on all this fun, and they participate by showcasing many of their upcoming sets, games, films, hold discussion panels, give away/sell convention exclusives, and more. The 2017 San Diego Comic-Con was held this past weekend, so this is a good time to discuss what happened this year at the event. 🙂
➡ LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE AT SDCC: The weekend activities kicked off on Thursday evening, July 20th, by The LEGO Ninjago Movie panel, where producer Dan Lin and stars Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Abbi Jacobsen, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña and Zach Woods were available for questions about the all-new 3D animated adventure, which will be released on September 22nd. The LEGO Ninjago Movie sets were also showcased publicly for the first time, including the #70606 Spinjitzu Training Dojo ($9.99), #70607 Ninjago City Chase ($19.99), #70608 Master Falls ($29.99), #70609 Manta Ray Bomber ($29.99), #70656 Garmadon, Garmadon, GARMADON! ($79.99) and the intricate #70620 Ninjago City ($299.99). Select building sets based on The LEGO Ninjago Movie were available for purchase at the LEGO booth in advance of their global August 1st availability date, including the #70611 Water Strider ($29.99), #70610 Jelly Sub ($29.99), #70612 Green Ninja Mech Dragon ($49.99), #70614 Lightning Jet ($59.99), #70613 Garma Mecha Man ($59.99), #70615 Fire Mech ($69.99), #70616 Ice Tank ($79.99), #70617 Temple of Ultimate Trials ($99.99), and #70618 Destiny’s Bounty ($159.99). (They are all listed at the Online LEGO Shop already, so just click on the links if you want to check them out.) Throughout the weekend, attendees also had the chance to participate in building giant models of Garmadon and Lloyd alongside LEGO Master Builders. Below, I have included the special SDCC teaser-trailer for the movie, and the full second trailer, which was revealed at the event.
➡ LEGO DC COMICS SUPER HEROES AT SDCC: In celebration of his appearance on the big screen in Warner Bros. Pictures’ much-anticipated action adventure epic Justice League (in theaters beginning November 17th), The Flash made his debut as a life-sized LEGO model in the LEGO booth (see picture below). Built from 20,909 LEGO bricks and standing just over six-feet tall, the model took LEGO Master Builders over 250 hours to create. Building sets from the 2018 LEGO Super Heroes: DC Comics collection including #76096 Superman & Krypto Team-Up ($19.99), #76098 Speed Force Freeze Pursuit ($29.99), and #76097 Lex Luthor Mech Takedown ($39.99), were revealed publicly for the first time at the show.
Also from DC, a specially produced LEGO BrickHeadz building set featuring characters Supergirl and Martian Manhunter were sold on Friday and Sunday for $40. In addition, a LEGO minifigure version of Vixen inspired by Warner Bros. Television’s hit CW TV series DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, was given away to raffle winners. If you would like to get these very exclusive products, they are available on eBay, with the BrickHeadz set selling for around $100, and the Vixen minifig for around $150-$200. See here: 2017 SDCC LEGO EXCLUSIVES ON EBAY
➡ LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES AT SDCC: Honoring Chris Hemsworth’s third appearance in LEGO form and the debut of Thor: Ragnarok in November, a life-sized LEGO model of Thor stood proudly at 7 feet tall in the LEGO booth. LEGO Master Builders spent 290 hours and used 33,495 LEGO bricks to create the model that features Thor’s new short haircut as previewed in the film (see picture below). A limited-edition LEGO BrickHeadz building set from the Marvel Universe containing Spider-Man and Venom were available for purchase exclusively at the LEGO booth, on Thursday and Saturday for $40. In addition, winners who entered the LEGO giveaway, got a super awesome Deadpool Duck minifigure. (Fans who did not attend SDCC had a chance to win the exclusive minifigure giveaways and retail sets via Twitter). Again, if you would like to get the SDCC exclusives, eBay is the best place to find them. The BrickHeadz set sells for around $100, and the Deadpool Duck minifig for around $250-$300. He is clearly very popular! See here: 2017 SDCC LEGO EXCLUSIVES ON EBAY
➡ LEGO STAR WARS AT SDCC: LEGO Star Wars fans could feast their eyes on an incredible LEGO model of Luke Skywalker, inspired by the iconic character as seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The life-sized LEGO model that stands over six feet tall, took LEGO Master Builders 277 hours to design and build, and contains 36,743 LEGO bricks.
➡ LEGO MARVEL SUPER HEROES 2 VIDEO-GAME AT SDCC: During this discussion panel, the team behind the LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 video-game, including Arthur Parsons (head of design, TT Games), Bill Rosemann (executive creative director, Marvel Games), Justin Ramsden (designer, LEGO), Kurt Busiek (comics writer, Avengers Forever), and Dan Veesenmeyer (comic content artist, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers), offered an inside look at this all-new original adventure, the sequel to the smash hit LEGO Marvel Super Heroes. Moderated by Marvel’s Ryan Penagos (vice president and executive editor, Marvel Digital), this celebration of the Marvel Universe provided fans with a first look at a new game trailer, new character and artwork reveals, and exclusive audience giveaways. Bringing together iconic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from different eras and realities, LEGO Marvel Super Heroes 2 pits players against the time-traveling Kang the Conqueror in an epic cosmic battle across the expansive Open Hub World of Chronopolis. The game will be released on November 14.
➡ LEGO SCOOBY-DOO! BLOWOUT BEACH BASH: This was another panel about the upcoming 2017 direct-to-DVD computer-animated comedy horror mystery film titled LEGO Scoby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash. It is the twenty-ninth entry in the direct-to-video series of Scooby-Doo films, as well as the second in the series to be based on the Scooby-Doo brand of LEGO. Here is the synopsis: Mystery, Inc. heads to Blowout Beach for a real swinging beach party, but when the Ghost Pirates threaten to crush the good vibes, it’s up to Scooby-Doo, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma to get the party back on track and save the day! Be among the first to see this all-new LEGO/Scooby-Doo movie, then stay for a fun-filled panel featuring actors Matthew Lillard (Twin Peaks, The Bridge) and Grey Griffin (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), the voices of Shaggy and Daphne respectively, alongside producer Rick Morales and director Ethan Spaulding. TV Guide Magazine senior writer Damian Holbrook will moderated the hijinks. LEGO Scooby-Doo! Blowout Beach Bash will be available tomorrow on DVD from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. You can get it on Amazon: LEGO SCOOBY-DOO! BLOWOUT BEACH BASH ON AMAZON
➡ UNIKITTY! NEW EPISODE PREMIERE AT SDCC: One of the SDCC discussion panels was about to the upcoming Unikitty! animated TV series on Cartoon Network. Attendees joined producers Edward Skudder, Lynn Wang and members of the voice cast, including Eric Bauza, as they give a sneak peek of this new series and explained how Unikitty and her friends will make sure that every day is the happiest and most creative ever! Here is the synopsis: Your favorite character from The LEGO Movie now has her own show! Journey to a joyous kingdom full of sparkle matter, happy thoughts and the occasional rage-out in Unikitty!, an all-new animated series. As ruler of the kingdom, Unikitty has busy days full of royal responsibilities. Unikitty is most interested in making sure everyone is happy and ridding the kingdom of negativity, but don’t misunderstand her optimism — she is one kitty not to be crossed. While she may be full of boundless energy and creativity, Unikitty is a force to be reckoned with if anyone gets in the way of spreading her positive vibes, especially if anyone makes her little brother and best friend, Puppycorn, sad. Also living in the castle are Dr. Fox, the resident scientist, and Unikitty’s trusty bodyguard, Hawkodile.
➡ LEGO DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: BRAIN DRAIN: LEGO DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain is an upcoming 2017 American animated direct-to-video film based on the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, produced by Warner Bros. Animation. It is the third film in the DC Super Hero Girls franchise, as well as the first in the series to be based on the DC Super Hero Girls brand of LEGO. The discussion panel featured the voices of Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Harley Quinn/Poison Ivy—Grey Griffin (Scooby-Doo and KISS: Rock and Roll Mystery), Tara Strong (The Fairly Oddparents, My Little Pony), and Anais Fairweather (DC Super Hero Girls: Intergalactic Games), respectively, alongside producer Rick Morales (Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders), director Todd Grimes (Back at the Barnyard), and screenwriter Jeremy Adams (Monsuno). DC All Access host Tiffany Smith moderated the event. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, and the LEGO Group, LEGO DC Super Hero Girls: Brain Drain will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on July 25th on digital HD, and August 8th on DVD. If you like, you can already pre-order it on Amazon: LEGO DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: BRAIN DRAIN ON AMAZON
There were also some really nice posters given away at SDCC. The LEGO Ninjago Movie poster features Lloyd and Garmadon along with their mechs, plus the other main characters. The Unikitty! poster, of course, features Unikitty. The LEGO Marvel Super Heroes poster features characters from the upcoming Thor: Ragnarok film, and the LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes poster features the Justice League characters. The Super Heroes posters are by artist Tom Whalen, and he was at SDCC to sign the prints. The posters available on eBay for about $20: 2017 SDCC LEGO EXCLUSIVES ON EBAY
And that’s about wraps up the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con events related to LEGO fans. As you can see, there was a lot happening to keep attendees busy and excited. If you ever have the chance to go, take advantage!
What do you think? What are you most excited about from San Diego Comic-Con? Are you looking forward to any of the new sets, games, and films? And what about the exclusives? Are you planning to add them to your collection? Feel free to share in the comment section below! 😉
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Ay ay ay… More exclusive raffle minifigs… I tend to agree with Jay on this matter…
http://jaysbrickblog.com/2017/07/19/rant-san-diego-comic-con-exclusives-are-terrible-and-lego-needs-to-stop-them/
I read that article from Jay a few days ago. I very much like his point that the SDCC specials should be like the Star Wars exclusive set from last year; unique packaging, but the parts and minifigs are all common. On the other hand, I also read another view which mentions that basically all companies who participate in SDCC release unique products, so LEGO is just following the norm. It’s also possible that it’s a requirement, so who knows? But we can always voice our opinions, give suggestions for alternatives, etc.
That bus from the Ninjago trailer must become a lego set! Please!
I thought of the same thing when I saw that bus! Hopefully in the second wave? 😀
Did anyone see the trailer for the New Ninjago season(youtube)? If so, I got questions. Why does Lloyd says “reunite the team”? (I haven’t finished seeing hands of time, so does it has to do something about that? If so, where bc I read the reviews but didn’t understand it) also, is the new season called “sons of garmadon” (or just the episode) if so, does that mean Lloyd has…brothers? Why, and how? I’m really exited!!! Oh and SPOILER!!! SORTA. Lloyd kinda look like in the way he does in the movie…does that mean everyone else is gonna change? I hope not. Lloyd looks ok, I mean he didn’t change much…but the others..it will be really mest up
I hadn’t seen one with audio, but now I have and you’re right, the trailer raises a lot of questions. I think Lloyd saying “It’s time to get the team back” is in response to his communication earlier in the video to Pixal, asking where the other Ninja were, to which Pixal said “They are all in active missions across the city” or something like that. So nothing to do with Hands of Time. In fact, so far this season looks unrelated to all previous seasons. The whole season is called Sons of Garmadon, and I think it more likely it’s just a name taken by a group to sound threatening.
I begin to wonder if the different look and voice (or voices – Pixal sounded different as well) are there to show time has passed since Hands of Time, like the time gap between Season 2 and Rebooted, and the Ninja have aged. Or it could still be reflecting the movie, and Ninjago as we knew it is gone.
We will talk about that trailer tomorrow, as there is a lot to digest. My understanding is that the entire season is titled The Sons of Garmadon, not just the first episode. What does that mean is anyone’s guess. My feeling is that they are not Garmadon’s biological kids, but some gang or something that calls themselves that. I also read that in the new season the characters and story is going to be more mature (including a new voice for Lloyd), to appeal to the original Ninjago fans who grew up with the TV show. Again, we will talk more about this tomorrow. 🙂
Oh, now it’s in Facebook too
Again, we will talk about it tomorrow, but if you would like to share your thoughts now, you are welcome to do so! 😀
Lol, so I’m the trailer, Lloyd goes to pixels voice “I can kiss you now” then she says” I don’t think Zane will approve ” sorry, I just had to post this
I’m usually not much interested in SDCC – a bunch of Super Heroes stuff and ridiculously overpriced exclusives is what I mostly gather from it. The LEGO set reveals are the best part. However, the three Justice League sets are not that impressive in my opinion, despite all the new pieces, like that 1X2 plate with rounded ends. LEGO had better have some good uses for that part coming next year. I do like Cyborg’s helicopter though. The LEGO Ninjago Movie trailer has some big spoilers: Garmadon turns good (at least temporarily) and a cat attacks the city, having been unleashed by Garmadon. Well, assuming the Ninja defeat both, we no longer need to watch the movie. 😉
Also, this is from SDCC; a clip from Season 8 of the Ninjago show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxRuPLovOGI It’s interesting, although a mask hidden in the wall behind a picture is a standard plot line. If it’s that important, surely Borg would have hidden it better, like he did with the Realm Crystal. The “Sons of Garmadon” name is slightly odd, but I suppose it’s more of a group naming themselves after the villain rather than actually being his sons (since Lloyd is Garmadon’s only son). What annoys me most about the clip is that Lloyd looks as he does in the Ninjago Movie, not the show. Does this mean the show characters are changing to match the movie hereafter? I surely hope not, and rather hope it’s a preliminary look to further advertise the movie, or something…. 😕
We will talk about the trailer tomorrow, as I felt it needs a separate discussion. They are changing the characters slightly, to reflect the growing up of Ninjago fans who have been watching the show from the very beginning. There is a new voice actor for Lloyd, and maybe the other characters as well. The story is also going to be more mature. But my understanding is that the movie and TV show universes are going to be kept separate.
That makes sense, bc as the seasons go by, so does years. Like for example, Kai is less of a “brat” and is more serious, Zane is a different model of robot and so on
I still didn’t get over Zane’s new look and voice, so yeah, but yeah, changes are inevitable. Just like in real life cute little kids become bratty teenagers. 😀
I knew Lloyd’s voice would change, but I think none of the others had plans to be changed. I hope not at least. Also, they said that was just a preview (which is great because the style animation was different and not as good IMO), so even voices might be placeholders (I didn’t listen so I don’t know what they’re like). Sounds cool though, one way or the other! I dare say I’ll like it better than the movie.
Only Lloyd was mentioned as going through changes at this time. There is no sound for the video yet, so it’s completely silent. I posted the video today, in case you want to watch it. Just click on LATEST NEWS in the upper left corner. 🙂
Those ninjas look so much like Power Rangers!
Omg, I was just thinking that!!
The whole tokusatsu scene might well have been an inspiration.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokusatsu
Oh! Thanks interesting! 😀
Yeah, it’s a good point. I was surprised to see that cat too! 🙄
I like Lex Luthor’s mech. Lego is getting really good at mech designs even in regular sets. The Ninjago movie trailer looks good, but it tells too much with that cat in there. With the Lego Movie, we didn’t know until the very end that the setting is within a human realm.
Bottom line, NINJAGO rules and every thing else doesn’t . Even STAR WARS is lacking in some of there sets. That’s why I am sticking to NINJAGO and city sets because they can coexist . ( I just picked up sail boat recue from the coast gaurd theme).
No arguments there! 😀
I’ve been falling out of the LEGO community for a while, but I got pulled back in immediately after I saw the set with the Reverse-Flash in it. It’s about time.
Nice, isn’t it? I know a lot of people are excited about that character! 😀
Once again the exclusive minifigs are awesome but also unobtainable without spending £200+
I get the whole idea behind exclusive figs but releasing them with different packaging etc would make many people so much happier. I’m just glad I don’t collect DC/Marvel minifigs!
I really want the deadpool fig but I’m not going to spend stupid money when I can get a clone one for 4 quid in a few weeks time…
Tom, yeah, being a Super Hero fan and/or Star Wars fan are the most expensive There is a possibility that LEGO may release the Deadpool minifig in either a future set or some kind of promotion, as he is in the upcoming video-game. I wouldn’t be surprised if the same, or slightly different version will get added as a freebie or something when you get the game.
I got lucky on finding the original Deadpool minifig in a second hand bunch on some geekish flea market, but I don’t bet on finding the Deadpool Duck that easily…
The exclusive I’m most keen on owning is the Black Spider-Man from 2012, however.
Ah I didn’t realise he might be a freebie later on. I’m happy for different prints etc it just annoys me. I’d pay for a polybag version and pay well I’m just not paying that much for a fig I’m immediately going to take out of the packaging…..
Well, we don’t know that for sure, but it happened in the past, so it can certainly happen in the future. 😉