Last October it was revealed that LEGO Insects was approved as a set for the LEGO Ideas theme. Today we finally get our first look at the final set design. The original idea was submitted by Ideas contributor hachiroku24.
The entry consisted of brick built versions for: Blue Morpho Butterfly, Hercules Beetle, Asian Lady Beetle, Western Honey Bee and Praying Mantis.
In the final design the Honey Bee and Lady Beetle are replaced by smaller versions or a printed 1×1 round tile. I can understand this choice since it will reduce the price significantly and with all the big and expensive Ideas sets these last few years, this one is rather appealing.
Looking at the final product it’s clear that LEGO made quite some changes. While I’m often critical of this, this time I think the designers have really nailed it. There’s a great variety of building techniques and adding the small bases adds some colour to the builds. It would have been cool if these insects got a printed tile with their name added like the previous Birds Ideas set. But since it’s easy to order some custom prints I wouldn’t call this a major flaw.
The butterfly features some exclusive printing and a beautifully printed bee is also included on this base. The new leave pieces are also featured in the side build.
The Hercules Beetle is more accurately colored in this final version. With the moveable body parts it adds some extra realism.
And finally the Praying Mantis. Maybe my favourite from this set looking at the pictures. The eye print looks cool to me amd the swordlike pieces used for the limbs are a brilliant NPU.
At first I wasn’t convinced about this Idea being picked. But seeing set pictures I must admit that the LEGO designers did an awesome job here. I can’t wait to get my hands on this set!
The LEGO Ideas 21342 ‘The Insect Collection’ will be in store on September 4th and will retail for £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99
What do you think of this set? Is it a must-buy, maybe or pass for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Official details:
LEGO® IDEAS THE INSECT COLLECTION – CAMPAIGN PRODUCT PRESS RELEASE
Unveiling the LEGO® Green Noise Playlist: The LEGO Group launches Green Noise Playlist to celebrate an unbug-lieveable new set
• Introducing the LEGO® Ideas The Insect Collection, originally conceived by LEGO fan José Maria, from Spain.
• To celebrate the launch, the LEGO Group unveils Green Noise, a new nature-inspired ASMR playlist with LEGO clicks and sounds reimagined as the unique sounds of each insect.
• Created in partnership with award winning and Emmy-nominated Foley artist, Sanaa Kelley, an expert in recreating the sounds of species out of everyday items, the playlist features a soundscape up to 45 minutes, bringing the insects to life via audio.
• A new behind the scenes LEGO film captured at Sanaa’s California-based Foley studios shows how the Green Noise playlist was brought to life.
• The LEGO Green Noise playlist can be streamed at LEGO.com/insects.
The LEGO Group today unveils the LEGO® Ideas The Insect Collection, originally conceived by LEGO fan José Maria (@hackiroku24). 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 LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection – the 50th product from the fan-sourced platform – 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 afterwards 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.
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 who 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 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 colours 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 LEGO® Ideas The Insects Collection will be available globally via LEGO Stores and at LEGO.com/insects from 4th September 2023 for LEGO VIPs and 7th September for all at the recommended retail price of $79.99 / €79.99 / £69.99.
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