Today we are quickly interested in the new LEGO range Brick Sketches via one of the four references marketed since July: the set 40386 Batman (115 pieces - 19.99 €).

As you already know, these mini-portraits are directly inspired by the work of Chris McVeigh, a long-time AFOL who this year became a designer at LEGO. The artist is also highlighted from the first pages of the instruction booklet with a large photo and a reminder of the origin of these portraits.

On the other hand, there is not much in the too big box sold for 20 € responsible for impressing us a little and giving volume to this product made up of barely more than a hundred pieces.

We can also divide the content of the set into two distinct parts with on one side the frame which serves as a support for the work and on the other the elements which constitute the creative part of the product. The 12x16 white frame with its foot which allows the portrait to be displayed on the corner of a desk or a shelf is made up of 29 pieces. There are therefore 86 elements left in this box to reproduce the face of Batman by successive superimpositions of blocks of parts which will give it a little relief.

Do not expect to spend more than a few minutes there, it is only a question of stacking plates according to the instructions, without particular techniques which would justify to be more attentive than usual. The interest of the product does not really lie in the construction process, it is the result that has an artistic vocation.

And it must be admitted that the ratio of number of parts used / originality of the result is interesting. We recognize Batman at first glance, the interpretation of the character's face with his mask has a very appreciable little comic side and it works.

It's fine to judge that the concept is almost childishly simple, but you first had to think about it and then know how to demonstrate sufficient creativity so that each portrait is original and creative in addition to being immediately assimilable to the character of reference.

However, it is difficult to conceal the "problem" of this mini range of collectable products which will perhaps one day compete with the other universe intended for inveterate collectors, the one which declines to infinity or almost characters in BrickHeadz format: the public price set at € 19.99.

We will have read and heard everything on the subject, each estimating the fair price at which these boxes should be sold: € 9.99, € 12.99, € 14.99 ... Everything goes with more or less high prices depending on those of the other products sold by LEGO used as a reference to estimate the ideal price positioning of this new range.

If LEGO charges a high price for these products, it is in my opinion mainly because they are creations inspired by the work of Chris McVeigh, a very popular MOCeur among AFOLs who signed with LEGO for a few months. I would not be surprised to see soon arrive in the LEGO catalog the other concept that has contributed to the popularity of this artist: the different collections of Christmas tree ornaments which were brought together in two books published in 2016 and 2018 by publisher No Starch Press.

The manufacturer's marketing department will have judged that the popularity of the gentleman and that of his creations allow these mini-tables to be displayed at the price that we know. Others will think it's art before it's LEGO and that the few plastic pieces assembled here deserve better than the usual average price per kilo. It is undoubtedly true.

It's up to everyone to judge if these mini-paintings are worth their public price, as far as I'm concerned it's far too expensive for an idea, admittedly interesting, recovered by LEGO with the hiring of the one who had it first. However, I never tried to reproduce one of Chris McVeigh's creations before he arrived at LEGO and I was just content, like many of us, to admire the different proposals online. on his flickr gallery. I will continue to do the same with the official version of these Brick Sketches.

Note: The set presented here, supplied by LEGO, is as usual in play. Deadline fixed at September 24, 2020 next at 23pm.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.

Almost everything has already been said about the new range of LEGO portraits called Brick Sketches and inspired by the concept of Chris McVeigh who himself became an official designer.

Just know that the first four references of what could become a long-term range if successful are now online on the official store.

Almost unsurprisingly, we also know that it will cost € 19.99 per reference, whether the set contains 115 or 171 pieces. The price is unique, it's art. At this price, you can have fun for a few minutes and then proudly display the portrait obtained on the dresser in the living room or hang it on the wall using the clip provided.

I do not think of investing in these boxes, I am a little insensitive to the artistic side of the concept even if I readily admit that I found them. first creations of Chris McVeigh using this very original principle. From there to collecting them or filling my walls with them, there is a step that I will not take. Especially at this price.

Notice to complete collectors: Expect it to quickly become difficult to collect all the potential references, if the concept hangs on, LEGO will undoubtedly not hesitate to release us some more or less exclusive and difficult to find sets. As with the BrickHeadz.

Below, the direct link to each of the four references that will be available from July 15:

I know some of you are allergic to the English versions of the many books that cover the popularity of LEGO products. I also regularly receive messages reproaching me for only speaking English versions and too rarely announcing the release of localized versions. I heard the message.

LThe publisher QILINN (The youth branch of the Huginn & Munnin house) is picking up the pace at the end of the year and is offering several books translated into French from October 14, a selection of which you will find below.

LEGO Star Wars: The Force Box coming soon on the shelves. In the box, three books: An abridged version of theUpdated and expanded Illustrated Encyclopedia and two books full of stickers. To go with it all, the 30278 Poe's X-Wing Fighter polybag (64 pieces) is included. 24.95 € at amazon.

Two other books around the LEGO Star Wars range are also available in French:

LEGO Star Wars: Build Your Adventure, localized version of the excellent LEGO Star Wars: Build your own Adventure I was telling you about a few weeks ago. Tons of ideas, a rebel pilot, bricks and an exclusive Y-Wing Microfighter. It's all good. 26.95 € at amazon.

LEGO Star Wars: 100 cult scenes, a book of photos without much interest including I presented you the English version. Not much to say about it, it's mediocre. 19.95 € at amazon.

As for the Ninjago range, two French versions are announced:

LEGO Ninjago: Build Your Adventure, with dozens of ideas, a Lloyd minifig and parts to put together a ninja mech exclusive. Same principle as the Star Wars version. It's creative, very well done. I say yes. 26.95 € at amazon.

LEGO Ninjago: The Encyclopedia of Characters Updated and Expanded. The reference book for young fans of the range with an exclusive Jay minifigure in his outfit Techno Silverstone and a copy of Starfarer, the favorite comic of young ninjas. 21.95 € at amazon.

Fans of LEGO-style architecture will be happy to learn that Tom Alphin's book, The LEGO Architect, is now available in French. On the menu: 186 pages to revisit the major trends in modern architecture including 12 models with detailed instructions to build at home (with your bricks). 24.95 € at amazon.

Finally, all those who lack inspiration to decorate their Christmas tree will find their happiness in the book Lego Christmas by Chris McVeigh. 220 pages of ideas, 15 detailed models. What to occupy you while waiting for the end of year holidays. 14.95 € at amazon.

For those who haven't seen it yet, here is the highly anticipated second teaser of the film. Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

It's great, it's great, it promises, there is fan service with each shot undoubtedly a story of reassuring the fans of the original saga, etc ... All that's missing is a good scenario to wrap it all up, but to know if this will indeed be the case, we'll have to wait a few more months .

In the meantime, Chris McVeigh reacted quickly on Twitter with the photo below ...

Chris McVeigh is an inspired artist: His series of "Brick Sketches"is constantly evolving as you may have recently discovered on Hoth Bricks or Brick Heroes.

It is Bart Simpson's turn to undergo the "coloring" treatment inflicted on many characters from films and animated series by Chris McVeigh. And it is successful ...

A few pieces, a good dose of talent, a beautiful photo and voila.

Other creations of the same ilk are to be discovered on the flickr gallery by Chris MCVeigh aka Powerpig.