Blocks Magazine is back for issue 124 and this month we get a closer look at the LEGO Space Blacktron theme, one of a number of space themes that LEGO released before taking on the GFFA back in 1999. The magazine is out 6th February, and you need to buy it, subscribe or sneakily read a copy then then subscribe.
The Renegade is back and Blocks magazine is celebrating! To mark the return of the beloved LEGO Space Blacktron theme, the creator of the original villainous spaceship reveals how the designers took the minifigure astronauts away from their peaceful life and into a more dynamic, dangerous sci-fi setting. Inside there’s plenty more besides, including how stage extras led to the minifigure, the amazing masterpieces in LEGO House and instructions to build an exclusive mini Aqua Raiders model.
Issue 124 is available worldwide now as part of a subscription or as a single issue at blocksmag.com and will be in UK stores from February 6. 12 and 24 month print subscriptions are currently locked at 2024 prices – but be quick to guarantee the best possible price.
We’re giving away LEGO Icons 10355 Blacktron Renegade! To be in with a chance of winning, take out a subscription before March 5, 2025.
Blacktron blasted into Space as something really fresh and different in 1987. In an exclusive interview, Blocks hears from the designer behind the original 6954 Renegade spaceship, who explains how US demands led the LEGO designers to explore new territory in the popular Space theme. He even reveals how the subtheme ended up with so many unique printed elements!
It’s not just LEGO designers who create amazing things and the best of the best builders have their models exhibited in LEGO House’s Masterpiece Gallery. Blocks spotlights some of the creations that are currently on display in the Home of the Brick, with exclusive commentary from many of the builders whose talent has been recognised.
That’s not the only LEGO House feature this month, as Managing Director Kathrine Kirk Muff sits down to build a set and tell Blocks all about her journey from being there with Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen when the destination was just an idea, to this new phase in which her mission is to ‘dream bigger’. As well as telling stories about LEGO House, she also discusses inventing the employee Play Day, kicking off the Build to Give initiative and visiting LEGOLAND Billund as a child.
The Minifigure Story continues, looking at how the design team refined their prototypes in the early 1970s to define the proportions that have endured for the past 47 years. The rough ideas evolved into static stage extras, just before the all-important articulation was added.
Blocks isn’t missing the annual event that is the release of the latest modular building – find out how 10350 Tudor Corner measures up according to the Reviews team. Other sets constructed and considered this month include 10335 The Endurance, Collectible Minifigures Series 27,76313 MARVEL Logo, Jurassic World 76969 Dinosaur Fossils: Triceratops Skull and more.
You’ll also find instructions to build three exclusive models; a mini version of the classic Aqua Raiders set 7775 Aquabase Invasion, Heihei the rooster from Moana and a tiny replica of 10363 Leonardo DaVinci’s Flying Machine.
There’s plenty more besides in this month’s 116-page magazine, including a retrospective on 6081 King’s Mountain Fortress, advice on shipping the sets you’ve sold, a debate about licensed themes, the top 10 romantic sets and much, much more.
The Blocks Book of Retro LEGO Sets Volume II is also available now! It’s a wonderful look back at classic LEGO sets from the 1980s and 1990s, with spotlights on specific sets, exclusive build instructions, interviews with people who worked at the LEGO Group back in the day and Q&As with talented builders inspired by the vintage themes.
Blocks is giving away LEGO Icons 10355 Blacktron Renegade! To be entered into the prize draw and to get Blocks magazine delivered every month – ahead of the shops – visit www.blocksmag.com and check out the money-saving subscription deals available.
For entry into the prize draw, you must have an active Blocks subscription at 11.59pm UK time on March 5, 2025 (existing subscribers will automatically be entered into the prize draw).
