SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Barweer has provided a 5% discount code for BrickCast viewers! Use code Steve5 at checkout to save on your purchase.

Stinger Mantis: https://www.barweer.com/products/barweer-bwr101-ultimate-playset-scale-stinger-mantis-movie?DIST=QURAFVs%3D

3,006 pieces. An iconic Star Wars spaceship. And a price tag that might make LEGO fans do a double take!

In this week's Wild Card Wednesday episode of BrickCast, we're taking a break from traditional LEGO sets to explore something a little different: the Barweer BWR101 V2 Stinger Mantis! Inspired by the unforgettable spacecraft from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor, this massive brick-built model brings Cal Kestis's legendary ship to life with an incredible amount of detail, impressive functionality, and a price that seems almost too good to be true.

But is it actually any good?

Originally designed by the talented 2BricksOfficial, this 3,006-piece model features rotating wings, retractable landing gear, a fully detailed interior, and 22 printed elements without a single sticker in sight. And with a price of just $125.38 in the United States, including free shipping, it comes in at an astonishing 4.17 cents per piece! If LEGO produced a comparable set at its typical premium pricing, could we be looking at something closer to $350 or even $360?

Of course, there's much more to this story than just the price. In this episode, I'll take you through the history of the Stinger Mantis, explore its connections to the Star Wars universe, examine the building experience, and put this impressive model through my usual review categories: Playability, Displayability, Build Experience, and Value. I'll also share what surprised me, what could have been better, and whether this is a legitimate alternative for Star Wars collectors who want something LEGO has never officially produced. And yes, clutch power and brick quality will be covered!

So is the Stinger Mantis one of the best values in the building block world, or is there a catch hiding behind that incredibly low price? You'll have to watch to find out!

If you enjoy LEGO reviews, Star Wars collectibles, alternative building block brands, and honest discussions about what makes a great building set, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join us every Monday and Wednesday for more BrickCast!

Music Credit: Youtube Music Library

Disclosure: This set was provided for review by Barweer. All opinions, criticisms, and ratings are entirely my own.

#StarWars #StingerMantis #Barweer #JediFallenOrder #JediSurvivor #CalKestis #LEGOStarWars #LEGOAlternative #BuildingBlocks #BrickCast #TheImaginationBrickshop

2027 is shaping up to be an EPIC year for LEGO, and this week's BrickCast is packed with exciting new reveals, surprising sales figures, and some incredible rumors that could make next year one of the most memorable yet!

In this episode, we're diving into the latest LEGO news and rumors, starting with the official confirmation of LEGO Insiders Weekend and a look at the FINAL sales numbers from BrickLink Designer Program Series 9. With nearly $26 MILLION in sales across five incredible sets, which designs dominated the competition, and which ones struggled to keep up? Some of these results might surprise you!

We're also taking a closer look at the newly revealed LEGO ICONS Venetian Neighborhood, a massive 5,682-piece architectural masterpiece featuring some fascinating details and innovative building techniques. But is this incredible new addition to the LEGO lineup worth its $550 price tag?

And then there's LEGO Pokémon! With new information emerging about several highly anticipated 2027 releases, including some iconic Pokémon characters and a mysterious new collectible series, there's plenty to get excited about. But what exactly does LEGO have planned for this groundbreaking new partnership?

Meanwhile, LEGO is bringing together two of the biggest entertainment franchises in history with the Marvel × Star Wars: Hope Assembles Challenge! Imagine combining your favorite Marvel superheroes with characters, vehicles, and locations from a galaxy far, far away. We're breaking down this unusual crossover, its creative possibilities, and some surprising restrictions that could make this challenge particularly interesting.

Finally, for our Brickshop Alternative Set of the Week, we're traveling to Middle-earth to explore an incredible upcoming Lord of the Rings-inspired building set featuring one of the most iconic landmarks from Tolkien's legendary world. If you're a fan of LEGO Lord of the Rings, this is definitely one you'll want to see!

From exciting new LEGO releases and surprising sales figures to Pokémon, Star Wars, Marvel, and The Lord of the Rings, there's a LOT to talk about this week!

So grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair, and join me for another episode of BrickCast, where we talk all things LEGO!

If you enjoy LEGO news, rumors, reviews, and discussions, don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join The Imagination Brickshop community!

Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

#LEGO #LEGONews #LEGORumors #LEGO2027 #BrickCast #LEGOPokemon #LEGOStarWars #LEGOMarvel #LEGOLordOfTheRings #BrickLinkDesignerProgram #LEGOIcons #TheImaginationBrickshop

JPFANS Affiliate Link: https://jpfans.com/register?ref=800884367

421 incredible LEGO designs. Only FIVE will make the cut. But which ones deserve to become official BrickLink Designer Program sets?

In this week's Wild Card Wednesday episode of BrickCast, I'm taking a deep dive into the upcoming 2028 Wave 1 BrickLink Designer Program, and after reviewing all 421 submissions, I've narrowed the field down to my personal TOP FIVE finalists!

And believe me, this was NOT an easy decision!

From medieval castles and pirate ships to incredible architecture, unique vehicles, and some truly imaginative creations, this wave features an amazing variety of designs from talented LEGO builders around the world. But with only five designs ultimately being selected, some fantastic creations are inevitably going to be left behind.

I started with 421 submissions, narrowed those down to 72 designs I absolutely loved, and then began the difficult process of separating the good from the great. I divided my favorites into three categories based on piece count, evaluated what made each design special, and ultimately selected the five creations I believe deserve a place in the BrickLink Designer Program.

Along the way, I'll share some incredible designs that caught my attention, discuss what makes a submission stand out, and reveal a few surprises that made narrowing down my choices especially difficult. Some of my final selections might surprise you!

With crowd voting wrapping up on October 14th and the official five finalists scheduled to be announced on November 12th, there's no better time to take a closer look at what could become some of the most exciting LEGO sets of 2028.

But here's the big question: Will any of my five picks actually make the cut?

Watch the episode to discover my selections, and then head to the comments to tell me which five designs YOU would choose. Did I overlook a masterpiece? Did I include something that doesn't deserve to make it? I want to hear your thoughts!

Explore the 421 submissions here: https://www.bricklink.com/v3/designer-program/2028-wave-1/main.page

If you enjoy LEGO news, rumors, set reviews, and discussions about everything happening in the world of LEGO, be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and join us here at The Imagination Brickshop for more episodes of BrickCast every week!

Music Credit: YouTube Music Library

#LEGO #bricklinkdesignerprogram #BrickLink #LEGO2028 #LEGOIdeas #LEGOCommunity #BrickCast #TheImaginationBrickshop #LEGOMOC #AFOL #JPFans