LEGO Star Wars Imperial Shuttle 10212

Buildability: One of the more difficult sets to build because the bags are not numbered and most are white pieces.  On the plus side, most of the bags consist of one or two like pieces so leave them in the original bags and take out pieces as needed.  This set is very impressive, when displayed it is quite large.  Also, the set may look flimsy, but it is the exact opposite; I was able to carry it around by the center wing.  My least favorite (being very picky) is the fact that you have to take the landing gear off to display it on the stand.  

Details: Measures 28" (71cm) tall on stand and 22" (57 cm) wide with wings deployed

Official LEGO description: The elegant Lambda-class Imperial shuttle transports the Empire's elite - and the occasional secret strike team of Rebel commandos - all across the galaxy. Now you can build this huge and iconic Star Wars vehicle in true minifigure scale for the first time ever!

Minifigs: Darth Vader, Shuttle Pilot, Imperial Officer, Stormtrooper and Luke Skywalker.

Value: This is probably one of my favorite sets (so far), however with the price being up there and all the pieces being mostly white, I would recommend collectors only.  As a side note, the price is equal to the brick/cost ratio.

Best Price: The current best price I found is on Amazon.com, be careful there more than one listings for this product...find the cheapest one.

Overall rating: 5 stars, considering a collector is buying the set.

LEGO inspired painting.

As an artist, I am inspired by many things.  LEGO products have always been a part of my life from when I was very little and playing with my first LEGO pirate ship.  After completing the LEGO Star Wars 9500 Sith Fury-class Interceptor, I had to let my inspiration pour onto my canvas.  "Shadows of the Old Republic"

LEGO Star Wars 9500 Sith Fury-class Interceptor

Buildability: This set was easy to build, up until it came time to put on the wings.  The connections are difficult to find and when they finally connect, the side panels with the stickers get knocked off easily.  Another thing to point out is that there is no place for Darth Malgus' light saber.  All three minifigs fit into the ship, with the troopers having there own detachable compartment in the back and Magus in the cockpit.

Details: Sith Fury-class Interceptor measures over 10" (27cm) long, 11" (29cm) wide and 2" (7cm) tall

Official LEGO description: On board the lethal Fury-class Interceptor, the evil Sith Lord Darth Malgus scans his instruments for Republic-occupied territory. Armed with 4 missiles and folding wings, the Sith Fury-class Interceptor's large hold can also be used to transport Sith ground troops into the heart of the battle. Who will defeat the evil Sith Lord? 

Minifigs: Darth Malgus and 2 Sith Troopers.

Value: The price at first looks a little daunting, however this one has great playablity and the minifigs are detailed and a real treat for fans of the Old Republic. 

Best Price: The current best price I found is on Amazon.com

Overall rating: 4.5 stars, half star removed for the wings issue.

Hobbit LEGO sets in stores

The epic movie will be in theaters Dec. 14th, but you can get access to five scenes by purchasing these five LEGO sets. 

LEGO Star Wars 9516 Jabba's Palace

Buildability: This set was fairly easy for me to build, the instructions were simple and I did not need to search the images to find where each brick needed to be.  One strange thing I noticed about this set was that the minifigs were not all built in the beginning, they were spread out in the instructions.  I personally like this idea, although many minifig diehards many find this annoying.  Speaking of minifigs, Princess Leia has two faces and her lips can be seen from the back.

Details: Jabba's Palace measures over 9" (25cm) high, 11" (29cm) wide and 7" (19cm) deep

Official LEGO description: Rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt's desert palace! At Jabba's Palace on Tatooine, Princess Leia is disguised as Boushh as she tries to rescue Chewbacca and carbonite-frozen Han Solo. Can she get past the roof-mounted missiles, defense guns and surveillance equipment to reach them? Or will Jabba and his motley band of followers capture the princess and entrap her beneath Jabba's sliding throne? 

Minifigs: Includes 9 minifigures: Jabba, Salacious Crumb, Bib Fortuna, Gamorrean Guard, Oola, Han Solo, Princess Leia in Boushh outfit, Chewbacca and B'omarr Monk.

Value: This set is mainly for collectors.  Per brick/price ratio, you are paying for the minifigs (which of course will pay you back in time).

Best Price: The current best price I found is on LEGO.com

Overall rating: 4 stars, minus 1 star for the brick/price ratio and Princess Leia head.