The LEGO Group today unveils the #21342 LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection, originally conceived by LEGO fan José Maria (@hackiroku24) from SpainAugust 2023 – New LEGO Sets & Promotions . To celebrate the launch, the LEGO Group has created Green Noise, a new nature-inspired ASMR playlist with LEGO clicks and sounds reimagined as the unique sounds of each insect using Foley techniques.
Created in partnership with award-winning and Emmy-nominated Foley artist, Sanaa Kelley, an expert in creating sound effects out of everyday items, Sanaa has recreated each insect’s own unique sounds in nature using the iconic LEGO brick. Showcasing their beauty and shining a new light on insects around the world, the playlist is inspired by the three extraordinary insects from the new set: the Blue Morpho Butterfly, the Hercules Beetle, and the Chinese Mantis. Each track is up to 45 minutes long and created entirely from the flutters, clicks, and snaps of LEGO bricks and packaging from the new set alongside a variety of Foley techniques.
With the LEGO Play Well 2022 Report revealing nearly 3 in 5 adults (58%) are spending less than one hour a day relaxing, the playlist is designed to help listeners find a moment of zen in their day, making it the perfect audio accompaniment for LEGO building.
The new #21342 LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection – the 50th product from the fan-sourced platform – comes with 1,111 pieces and includes each insect on a separate display based on aspects from their natural habitat. The Blue Morpho butterfly sits on a branch in the South American Amazon Rainforest. Next to it lies a buildable flower with a honeybee hovering over it. Move across to Central America afterward and build the longest beetle in the world, with the male Hercules beetle sitting atop a decaying log. Its wings can be removed, and the shell closed to allow two display options. Finally, perched on a thin branch from an Asian forest, a Chinese Mantis prays on a small seven-spotted ladybug hiding amongst brick flowers.
The Blue Morpho butterfly and honeybee measure 18 x 19 x 11.5cm, the Hercules beetle measures 14.5 x 15.5 x 11.5cm, and the Chinese mantis and seven-spotted ladybug measure (17 x 17 x 11.5cm).
Talking about his inspiration for the design, José says: “I studied science and fine art and have always been fascinated with the intricate details of the natural world. Also, as a lifelong LEGO fan that has come up with a range of new set ideas before, I find inspiration for new builds through my hobbies, which include photography and nature.”
Talking about developing the set, Federico Begher, Head of LEGO Product Group comments: “When we saw José Maria’s brilliant design, we knew it would be an instant hit with our fans! The intricate design is a testament to José’s impressive academic background, and passion for photography and nature. His excellent designs enabled our team of talented designers to really capture the essence of these remarkable creatures, from the colors to the structure and size. Every detail has been carefully crafted in LEGO bricks, resulting in a one-of-a-kind LEGO collection of three insects from around the world in one set. We are thrilled to share this magnificent build with the world and cannot wait to see the joy it brings to fans.”
Taking fans on a journey behind the scenes, a new LEGO film captured at Sanaa’s California-based studios, Reel Foley Sound, shows how the Green Noise playlist was brought to life with the sounds of the LEGO bricks.
Foley artist Sanaa Kelley comments: “I’ve had the most enriching time working with the LEGO Group to create the Green Noise playlist. Our collaboration has felt like a full circle moment as a few years ago I embarked on a course to learn more about insects to debunk my fears and enhance my knowledge of the sounds they make! Now with the LEGO Group, I have finally been able to put my studies into practice and bring to life the sounds of the Blue Morpho Butterfly, Hercules Beetles, and Chinese Mantis using their corresponding LEGO bricks and packaging. This was a first at my studio and challenged me to be incredibly creative with my approach to Foley.” (The LEGO Green Noise playlist can be streamed via LEGO.com/Insects.)
The #21342 LEGO Ideas The Insects Collection will be available globally from the 4th of September for LEGO VIPs and the 7th of September for all at the recommended retail price of $79.99/ €79.99/ £69.99 / 124.99 AUD / 33990.0 HUF / 2033.9 TRY / 99.99 CAD at official LEGO stores and the LEGO Ideas section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the new LEGO Insect Collection? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below!
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I love this set so much! I’ll definitely be picking up one, if not two.
I liked Jose’s original butterfly better, but great set overall. Definitely getting it.
Overall, the finished product looks a lot more refined, loss of ladybird withstanding.
However, due to limited funds and space, even though it’s a pretty cool set, it still isn’t for me, I’d guess.
I wonder if this is going to be like the birds set and it will start a trend of people building their own bugs. 😀
I can think of a dozen kids and another dozen adults who would love to get this set. Let the bug building begin!
Must… resist… the… dad… jokes…
Neat! I might get this. Even better would be critter mechs! 😀