The Lord of the Rings is a series packed to the gills with iconic moments and visuals throughout its 682-minute runtime. But if you ask me, the most iconic of all came from the first and best film (an opinion I'm sure nobody would disagree with), Fellowship of the Ring. Lego The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) showcases that moment, when Gandalf decides he's going to solo the mighty Balrog while the rest of the squad runs off, and utters those four iconic words that are now forever etched onto that Lego tile: "You shall not pass."

This iconic Middle-earth smackdown is the one of the latest to join Lego's 'Book Nook' series. And while others in the range feel more packed with details, the star of the show this time comes courtesy of the titular Balrog, which is a very in-depth posable figure. In fact, three of the nine bags of bricks included in this Lego Balrog Book Nook set are dedicated solely to the construction of the creature.

However, the trade off is that the majority of the set just simply isn't quite as exciting, and you'll be spending the majority of your time constructing the frame that holds the scene together.

Lego Balrog Book Nook (#10367) features & design

The main draw of The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367), is naturally, its form factor. The showdown between Gandalf and the Balrog can be displayed nestled within your books on a shelf, or, if you fancy, you can let the Balrog spread its wings and make the arena a bit more open. Although in doing so the fact that this isn't exactly a set that's filled with detail may be more apparent.

You have a new Gandalf The Grey minifig (it's different to the one featured in Lego Rivendell AKA one of the best Lego sets around) which comes with a staff and sword combo, with a grey set of pillars adorned with flames around the side. The Balrog's wings slot into this frame allowing it to display its might in both configurations, plus it has a fiery whip to even the odds somewhat.

Build

Ultimately, given its symmetrical design, the book portion of the build is the least interesting. While the final product looks good, it does become a bit of a drag as the build goes on. Plus, I found some of the smaller pieces and the flames to be a bit fiddly.

The building of the Balrog took me about 2 hours by itself, and while there are some awkward bits on some of the smaller details, such as the 1x1 slope tiles on its head and some of the mechanics of the legs' tube pieces, it proved a far more satisfying build, and makes for the highlight of this set.

Design

The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) build can be siloed into two parts. First is the 'book' which takes the form of some detailed pillars of grey bricks, and the second is the Balrog itself, which is the undeniable highlight. The figure naturally towers over Gandalf and has pretty fantastic articulation across its limbs, wings, mouth, and claws. My only real nitpick is the plastic sheet included for the wings as opposed to built wings, but even then I can't say it bothered me too much, although exercise caution while putting it together, as it's that same flimsy material that feels like it'll rip if you blow on it.

The Balrog however is a bit awkward in the book. It has no room for studs on its feet and so it's held in by the pipe pieces on its wings, which allow it to fold them in when the book is closed.

Should you buy the Lego Balrog Book Nook (#10367)?

I really like The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) set. But there's some major caveats. First of all, for the $130 / £110 price point, it is a bit bare. It's the same price as the far more detailed Sherlock Holmes and Dumbledore's Office Book Nook sets, and while Lord of the Rings is the far better series of the three in my opinion, you are basically paying for a big Balrog figure.

If you'll be using it for its intended Book Nook purpose? It looks great nestled in a book case, but the bare look does make it a bit less of a must have if you'll be displaying it open.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Lego Balrog Book Nook

This review sample was gifted to me for my personal collection.

I built The Lord of the Rings: Balrog Book Nook (#10367) over the course of two nights in two two-hour sittings. I've had it displayed both in a bookcase and among other places in the house, always checking on the opening and closing mechanisms.

I've been a big Lego guy over the last few years, and this is my first non-Super Mario set I've built (well, aside from Sonic Green Hill Zone and the Game Boy, but still). While I'm not the biggest Tolkien die-hard, I've watched the Peter Jackson trilogy a number of times, and have a soft spot for those old school animated movies, because where there's a whip… there's a way.

For more collectibles, why not check out the best toys?

The new Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer is the longest set the toy company has ever made.

At more than 53.5 inches (136cm) long, this kit far outstrips other famously massive models like the Lego Titanic. Considering how it's 6,130 pieces in total, this is also one of the biggest Lego Star Wars sets around. To hammer home that monstrous size, this version of the Executor features a to-scale Star Destroyer as well. Considering how big models like the Lego Imperial Star Destroyer are, that gives a sense of just how bloody massive this Super Star Destroyer is.

This isn't just a massive scale figure like the Lego UCS Venator, though; it also comes with a mini diorama scene recreating the bounty hunter lineup Darth Vader recruits in Empire Strikes Back. This is actually the first time all six bounty hunters (including Boba Fett, Dengar, Bossk, and IG-88) have been included in one Lego set.

As a fun incentive, anyone that jumps in early can get a free Lego version of Darth Vader's lightsaber hilt as a gift-with-purchase. These are only available while stocks last, and won't be sold separately.

While this isn't the first Lego Executor (we had a colossal Ultimate Collector Series version back in 2011 and a smaller, mid-scale alternative a couple of years ago), it's by far the most impressive. It's certainly up there with the Lego UCS Millennium Falcon and the equally humungous Lego Death Star that launched late last year.

You'll be able to get the kit direct from Lego as of October 4, 2026, or on October 1 if you're a member of the free Insiders program.

It's a busy day for the brick-maker from Billund, because it just showed off the new Lego Super Mario range as well – and proved it's more than just minifigures.

• Check the current Lego Star Wars range at Amazon

We now have our first look at the new Lego Super Mario range, and it turns out that the toy-maker isn't just adding minifigures to the lineup in early 2027; this is a total, top-to-bottom overhaul.

Unveiled via the Lego store and GamesCom 2026's show floor after being teased back in March, these kits range from small models featuring just a few characters to massive sets that are several hundred pieces strong. Besides nodding to iconic pieces of Mario history (including a Mario Kart selection, Bowser's Castle, and the obligatory warp pipes), all kits include the stars of this new Lego Super Mario range – minifigures. Before now, you could only get larger interactive toys and display pieces like Lego Luigi & Mach 8. By contrast, the new kits are classic minifigures and feature in playsets using standard Lego bricks.

This new range is set to launch on January 1, 2027. Here's a full rundown on what's going to be available next year:

Honestly, I'm impressed with what we have so far. These kits pack a lot of charm, and crucially, they can be mixed with other Lego playsets due to their standard size. (This wasn't possible before due to how big the interactive figures were.)

The question is, what does this mean for those interactive figures going forward? Lego hasn't elaborated on whether the new minifigure sets will run alongside or replace them entirely. However, I think it's interesting to note how the new Lego Super Mario sets recreate some existing models – namely the Mario Kart range and Bowser's Castle. Because these seem a lot less expensive, don't require the fuss of batteries, and match the size of other Lego kits, they're certainly appealing as an alternative.

I would be sad to see the back of the interactive Mario range because it allows kids to create elaborate courses their figures actually react to (in terms of pure interactivity, they're some of the best Lego sets). But I also think these 'traditional' minifigure playsets are long overdue.

If this is the future of the Super Mario line, I'm not mad about it.

It'll be interesting to see what the community does with this new range – it's incredibly creative, as demonstrated by one builder using a Lego pumpkin set to make a Millennium Falcon.

• Check the current Lego Super Mario range at Amazon

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Monster High dolls exist.

That's a sentence I never thought I'd get to utter. Yet as someone who grew up wishing they were a chosen one and who spent every Halloween dressed as every Sunnydale local under the sun, it's a phrase I'm glad I can say. It's not even just a Buffy who has got the Monster High makeover, but a two-pack featuring both the Slayer herself and Angel. It's set to drop on September 4 at 9 AM PT.

The $98 / £89 set will be exclusive to Fang Club members next month and available only from the Mattel Creations website. However, Mattel states that they "may also be available at other retailers." Personally, I'd not take the risk of waiting, as there's no certainty they'll appear elsewhere. As a self-identifying member of the Scooby Gang, I'll be sitting by my phone the day they drop, and if you don't want to have to fork out your cash to the real-life vampires that are resellers, I highly recommend you do the same to avoid any balderdash and chicanery.

Over the past year, there's been new Buffy merchandise, from official Loungefly bags to multiple pairs of pyjamas, but a set of Monster High Buffy and Angel Dolls feels best suited to represent the iconic '90s TV show. Think about it: Buffy the Vampire Slayer practically championed the 'monster of the week' TV formula, so there's nothing more 'Monster'-adjacent than Buffy.

Not only does the meshing together of the Monster High and Buffy worlds make so much sense, but the end result is fantastic. Mattel has captured Sarah Michelle Gellar's likeness pretty well, and there's no mistaking those green-gray eyes and blonde hair for anyone else. Buffy's outfit design, too, seems to capture not just the early era of the series, but also later seasons of the show.

Her black jacket and red leather trousers combo harkens back to 'Graduation Day Part One' episode from Season 3. Over the years, it became synonymous with the Slayer and was pretty much my friend and I's go-to choice for depicting her when Halloween came around. Yet, her doll's heels include parts of her iconic scythr/m? weapon, which you didn't see until the final seventh season.

I can see Mattel's choice to reference different Buffy eras being a deal breaker for many fans, but I personally don't mind it. I would have preferred to see Summers in her white prom dress and jacket combo as seen in the last episode of the first season. However, I imagine her updo may have been a bit more difficult to style on a doll, though it would have felt more fitting alongside Angel.

Talking of which, a lot of fans are not happy that he's included. The comments under Bloody Disgusting's X (Twitter) post of the reveal are filled with disgust that Buffy's OG beau is part of this two pack set, with user's like @Mayara__1D exclaiming, "The Angel turned out super ugly, dude! Where's the Spike? Lmaoooo."

I am more of a Spike girl myself, and would have loved to see his iconic beaten-up leather jacket in doll form. However, I'm not mad to see Angel in his stead. Particularly as I was a fan of the Angel TV show spin-off, and as Mattel went so far as to include his Claddagh ring.

The Moore Action Collectibles Buffy the Vampire Slayer figures from back in the late '90s included a replica of that exact ring with the Vampire Angel doll, and I used to wear it every day to school. Catching a glimpse of the tiny versions on these dolls filled me with a wave of nostalgia that will never put me in the Team Angel camp, but has made me eager to add his doll to my collection.

Who knows, the popularity of this set could result in more Buffy dolls down the line. I don't know about you, but I'd adore a Monster High release of Willow. It would feel super fitting as the brand's new Moonspell Magic range is all about witches, and there's no cooler and more iconic witch than Willow. Not to mention, she sported plenty of iconic outfits during the TV show's seven-season run.

If you're okay settling for Buffy and Angel for now, remember that you'll need to be a Fang Club member to order the two-pack come September. You can grab an annual membership for $9.99 at Mattel Creations, which will give you access to these dolls and allow you to vote on new creations.

• View all Skullector Monster High dolls at Mattel Creations

Want more Monster High? Check out the Monster High Skullector Ghostbusters Gozer Doll, which is still available through Mattel Creations.

The Good Smile Company seems to be hoping that love is in the air, because a Love and Deepspace Nendoroid figure is on the way.

Although it's not a full range (yet), we are getting a Sylus figure for our trouble. The leader of the Onychinus criminal organization has been transformed into an adorable Nendoroid figure with a handful of accessories like his mechanical crow Mephisto, and even though this version is pint-sized, it still captures the Love and Deepspace love interest's personality rather well. Just look at that sly smile.

The figure is available to pre-order now from Good Smile Company ahead of a mid-2027 shipping date, estimated to be between April and June. Prefer to shop elsewhere? You should also be able to pick it up from Entertainment Earth in the US or via Forbidden Planet in the UK, though the option to pre-order there isn't available yet.

As with most Nendoroid figures, this one is highly posable thanks to extensive articulation and a stand that lets you show the toy off however you choose. It also has a couple of different expressions (sly, smiling, or neutral), and features a few accessories to pose with – Mephisto, battle effect parts, and a ruby gem.

We'll have to wait and see whether more Love and Deepspace figures are inbound; as of right now, it looks as though Sylus is the only one. But considering the game's popularity, not to mention the, er, enthusiastic following for each love interest, I'd be surprised if we didn't see more down the line. After all, fans were passionate enough that the game canceled a character recently.

No matter what, I'm sure they'd be great. We'd argue that Nendoroids are some of the best toys around, and the fantastic Wind Waker Link is still my white whale…

Steamy lover boys aside, it's been a spooky week in the world of toys; someone turned a Lego pumpkin set into the Millennium Falcon, and the new Pokemon Halloween collection is super effective.

• See all Nendoroid figures at Amazon

Pokemon Polaroid pre-orders are hitting the shelves, and you can now claim your own Pikachu, Sylveon, or Pokeball instant camera. Not only that, but if you're not keen on the $99.99 cameras themselves, there's a whole host of accessories to snap up, starting from just $14.99. Wondering where to buy these adorable snappers? You're heading straight to the Polaroid Store.

This is where we're seeing stock landing en masse right now, and there's still time to scoop up your Pokemon Polaroid pre-order. As evidenced by the fact that empty Pokemon donut boxes are being flogged online by resellers, it's a jungle out there where Poke-merch is concerned.

That's why I've rounded up the first spots you should hit when pre-ordering Pokemon Polaroid cameras and accessories ahead of their full October 5 release date. This should allow you to beat any potential rush and stay ahead of the curve.

No matter what's caught your eye, I'd recommend moving quickly. Polaroid itself promises that you'll only be able to pre-order them "while supplies last." Once they're gone, it looks as though they may be gone for good.

Polaroid Go Gen 3 (Pikachu Edition)

Polaroid Go Gen 3 (Sylveon Edition)

Polaroid Now Gen 3 (Poke Ball Edition)

Polaroid x Pokemon accessories

Pokemon Polaroid FAQ

Looking for more cool Poke-gear? Here's where to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration. The new Pokemon Halloween merch also seems to be super-effective, because it's already starting to sell out.

• See all camera offers at Polaroid

The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) is the fourth mainline set based around Gotham’s notorious psychiatric hospital, and by far the largest. Next to Wayne Manor and the Bat Cave, Arkham Asylum is arguably the most famous location in Batman lore. And yet, it didn’t appear until Batman #258 in 1974. Since then, it’s featured in numerous DC comic books and movies, starred in Grant Morrison’s acclaimed Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth, served as the inspiration behind Rocksteady’s legendary Arkham Trilogy of Batman video games and is, of course, a playable location in Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

Part of what makes Arkham Asylum so enduring is the link the location has with Batman’s extensive rogues gallery. And indeed, Lego has used this release as an excuse to include a whopping 16 minifigures: nine villains, four members of the Bat-Family, two guards, and Catwoman. In fact, there’s technically 17 minifigures, if you include a defaced statue.

While Lego’s previous renditions of Arkham Asylum have been facades, this latest incarnation is a Lego modular building. This means it features a 360-degree exterior, a full interior, and can be attached to other modular buildings to create a seamless diorama or incorporated into a wider Lego city. At a whopping 2,953 pieces, it’s easily the best Lego Arkham Asylum to date. But is it capable of holding Gotham’s most wanted? Or will a subpar design allow them to run riot?

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) features

• 2,953 pieces
• 18+ age rating
• 16 minifigures

The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) costs £269.99 / $299.99 and comprises 2,953 pieces, yielding a satisfactory price-per-piece ratio, especially when compared to many Lego Star Wars sets. Just don’t expect it to compare to non-licensed modular buildings like the Lego Icons Natural History Museum (#10326) and Tudor Corner (#10350).

The set can arguably be compared most closely to the Lego Marvel X-Men: The X-Mansion (#76294), which retails for £289.99 / $329.99 and features 3,093 pieces and 10 minifigures. However, price-per-piece ratios aren’t everything. Taking into consideration rising prices and the fact that Lego sets tend to get heavily discounted nowadays, I think Arkham Asylum is an expensive set, but it feels like an expensive set. It stands tall, looks good, and features a huge roster of minifigures.

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) build

• Seven-to-eight-hour build
• Familiar modular construction
• Lots of fine details

This set comprises 3,093 pieces, split across 24 bagged sections and two instruction manuals. You get a neat bit of blurb at the beginning of the first manual, which not only explains Arkham’s history but also the 14 heroes and villains found within the set. It took me roughly seven hours and 40 minutes to build at a leisurely pace, and bar a few fiddly sections, it’s relatively easy to put together. The biggest challenge is patience, due to the large size of the set and abundance of small pieces.

You begin by putting together the prison van, which is a tidy, if unambitious, little vehicle. The rest of the build is fixed to Lego’s standard 32x32 modular building baseplate, with the structure being built from the ground up. The foundations and exterior tiling come first, followed by the front steps and main entrance. You slot a plate 1x1 round with bar (#6227897) into a brick 1x1 with stud on side (#6062574) and position the latter diagonally to achieve the necessary angle to attach the entrance (and what will later be built upon to create the central tower). This is fiddly, but a neat solution to a difficult problem.

Some interior details are then added, before building up the secure vault, some walls and then the main cell block on the ground floor. The cell doors are operated via a very simple sliding mechanism that features no elastic bands or gears. Once the top of the first floor is tiled off, you move onto the exterior fencing and the front gates.

The gates are the first section that present something of a challenge. I found it a little fiddly to ensure all of the posts were slotted in evenly and when adding the Technic beam at the top, it’s very easy for it to skew or slide too far down the gate. There aren’t many printed pieces in this set, but I do really like the pair of printed 1x1 tiles that represent locks, clipped onto the front of each gate.

With the prison van, ground floor and exterior finished, you then move onto the second instruction manual to tackle the first floor and roof. The first floor comes together much the same as the lower floor. You also build up the central tower above the main entrance, which continues to prove fiddly but ultimately looks the part. Interior details follow to kit out Dr Quinzel’s (Harley Quinn's) office. The walls are built up and the upper cells are constructed, featuring a similar mechanism to open/shut the sliding doors.

The guard tower, which sits atop the vault, comes next and then it’s time to build up the roof. Once that’s done, the final bag contains the statue that sits above the main entrance and the ‘Arkham Asylum’ arch that sits atop the front gate. This rather cleverly uses a piece of curved rollercoaster track, with six clip-on square 2x2 tiles (#6323189) attached to the track and used to accommodate stickers with the ‘Arkham’ lettering.

Overall, this is a fun build that’s challenging in places, but time is largely spent simply laying down Lego bricks. It’s a fun set to put together while watching a film or listening to a podcast because it only occasionally requires your full concentration. But it’s not just the size and piece count that justifies the 18+ age rating.

There’s lots of fun to be had by posing the various minifigures in and around the set, but the structure itself has limited playability. Accessing the interiors by removing the room and first floor can also be a bit fiddly, and younger Lego fans could easily drop or break sections of the structure.

Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) design

• Compatible with other modular buildings
• Full interior over two floors
• 70 stickers!!!

Despite being one of the most iconic locations in Batman lore, Arkham Asylum changes dramatically depending on the comic book run, film, or video game in which it’s depicted. As such, the designers kind of had carte blanche to build a functional representation of the location in Lego form.

This is a fine-looking set from the front. Photographs really don’t do it justice – I think it looks even better in person. That said, it doesn’t really feel like Arkham Asylum around the back and the right-hand side. Personally, I wish the designers had leaned a little harder into the gothic architecture.

Arguably the most famous incarnations of the asylum are Grant Morrison and Dave McKean’s Arkham Asylum: A Serious House On Serious Earth graphic novel and the first entry in Rocksteady’s incredible Arkham trilogy. In both instances, the main building looks more archaic, and I do wish that had been represented a bit more here.

It’s also a shame there’s no upper-floor roof interior. I own the now-retired Lego Marvel Sanctum Sanctorum (76218), which remains my favourite licensed modular building. Its gorgeous interior is split across three floors (including the roof) and I feel that was a missed opportunity here. Still, there was a lot for the designers to cram into Arkham Asylum and two holding cells, an admission room, office space, maximum security vault, control tower, foyer, and corridors is a lot considering the available space.

I’m also a fan of the large gated entrance and courtyard. This isn’t wasted space; it really adds to the aesthetic. Would I have preferred a few hundred more bricks dedicated to a larger roof space and a possible roof interior in place of the prison van? Possibly, but this is still a great-looking set that’s bursting with character.

And even if the gothic aesthetic isn't as consistent as I'd like, I was still impressed by the sheer level of detail. There's a hole being dug out from the bottom-right cell, climbing ivy spilling out onto the building’s exterior from Poison Ivy’s window, Joker graffiti sprayed over the Arkham statue above the main entrance, and a bent section of fencing that's been smashed through.

As you’d expect from a licensed modular building, there’s a lot of stickers (I counted 70 in total!). And many of them boast neat little Easter eggs or references for hardcore DC fans, such as the ambulance's number plate, which reads B258, referencing Arkham Asylum’s first appearance back in Batman #258. There's also a “Spoon missing?” note on a pin-up board, referencing a utensil which is actually being used to dig out of a ground-floor cell. Oh, and don't forget the newspaper on a desk that reads “The Batman Returns,” complete with a tiny image of the front cover of Frank Miller’s legendary miniseries The Dark Knight Returns.

I’m not a fan of stickers, but I have no problem with this. There aren’t as many printed pieces as I’d like, but Lego can’t print everything. What I’m not a fan of is unnecessary stickers, and there are several of those on the exterior of the building. The roof is the most egregious example, with three stickers themed around Harley Quinn, Penguin, and Riddler. They’re supposed to be graffiti, but they just stick out like a sore thumb and kind of cheapen the aesthetic.

The roof also features two stickers representing boarded-over holes and cobwebs. This could have been represented by physical pieces and really doesn’t do the set justice. It’s not as if this is a boring-looking set that needed to be jazzed up. It’s got plenty of character and detail, not to mention the huge roster of 16 minifigures to pose in and around the building. There’s enough vibrant comic book fare to satisfy anyone without resorting to unnecessary stickers.

I’ve also noticed more of my Lego stickers have been prone to peeling lately. After only a few days, the sticker on the water tank on the roof has peeled off. This isn’t an isolated incident, because a few stickers on my Lego Star Wars UCS Jango Fett’s Starship started to peel off within days, too.

Kudos to Lego for supplying a truly monster selection of minifigures. The Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) features 16 minifigures, which is seven more than the aforementioned Sanctum Sanctorum, three more than the more expensive Lego Harry Potter Gringotts Wizarding Bank (#76417), and it even beats the Lego Lord of the Rings Rivendell (#10316) by a single figure. And it’s a great lineup, too. The Bat-Family is the highlight, with lovely representations of Batman, Robin, Batwoman, and Batwing. Hardcore DC fans will likely recognise the fifth Robin, Bruce’s son, Damian Wayne, fan favourite Batwoman Kate Kane, and the second Batwing, Luke Fox.

Some of the villains are naturally a little less impressive, with Penguin, Harley Quinn, Scarecrow, Bane, Killer Croc, and Joker in their prison fatigues. Every figure is technically exclusive to this set, apart from Mr Freeze. Exclusive figures aren’t always entirely exclusive. Sometimes they simply have a different headpiece or torso print, making them exclusive by technicality, but a lot of the minifigures here are unique enough to be considered proper exclusives, which is great.

We have seen Joker, Penguin, and Harley in (albeit different) orange jumpsuits before, but not the other villains. Joker’s face print isn’t new, either, but the other villains are all sufficiently unique. I’m a fan of the new Poison Ivy with a great headpiece and lovely printing. And although Harley’s donned an orange jumpsuit before, this variant has bags of character thanks to a face print with a pink bubblegum bubble, as well as her trademark carnival mallet and roller skates.

Riddler is another nice representation in full villainous garb, but Bane, Killer Croc, and Scarecrow are a little more disappointing. I do think it’s a missed opportunity that either an oversized Bane or Killer Croc wasn’t included, especially as a giant hole has been punched through a wall on the ground floor. Bane even sports a backpack with his Venom serum. The two guards are standard fare, but with nice torso prints. But it’s a shame we didn’t get a Mr Freeze update, because I really don’t think this is Lego’s definitive Freeze offering.

When it comes to the Bat-Family, Batwoman has a new torso print and a lovely new red cape. Robin also gets a really nice yellow cape and for the first time ever, we get a Batman with an asymmetric cape. I have to say, while this might not be the best cape for play, it’s perfect for display. It looks really dynamic and super cool – straight from a million Batman comic book covers. Bruce’s torso isn’t an exclusive and neither is his cowl, but he’s a solid-looking Keaton-esque figure that’s a shoo-in for one of the costumes in the recently released Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

Selina Kyle’s Catwoman is my pick of the bunch. She’s another all-new figure with some great printing, and in my mind, is a little bit of an Easter egg for fans of the Arkham Trilogy, closely resembling her appearances in Arkham City and Arkham Knight. She also comes with a little printed tile of kitty snacks, which is a neat touch.

What would have been my pick of the bunch is Batwing. Not only is this the first time he’s been represented in minifigure form, but he’s a true premium figure with exquisite torso, hip, leg, and foot printing, as well as a lovely grey cowl with blue eyes. However, his backpack requires a sticker and I firmly believe that minifigures should remain entirely printed.

You'll also find two little buildable penguin figures, as well as a hidden 17th minifigure in the form of the Arkham Statue. This is a great touch, with two face prints: a normal one and one with Joker graffiti sprayed all over it, which is a great touch.

Should you buy the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300)?

Lego has set the bar very high indeed with past modular buildings and while I don’t think the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) quite makes the pantheon of all-time-great modulars, it’s still an incredible Lego Batman set. I do wish that it leaned a little more into the gothic aesthetic, had fewer stickers and a roof interior, but this build still looks fantastic in person, and is bristling with detail and character.

What really makes it stand out is the huge selection of minifigures, comprising some of Batman’s most notorious villains and foils. This allows you to dress the set for display, showing the inmates taking control of the asylum as the Bat-Family fights back. For a licensed set with this number of minifigures, it’s competitively priced, and if you can eventually find it on sale, it’ll become even more enticing. Ultimately, as a first modular building for the Lego Batman theme, this is an excellent start. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a modular Wayne Manor in the future.

Ratings

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How I tested the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300)

This review sample was provided by Lego.

It took me multiple sittings to build the Lego DC Arkham Asylum (#76300) over a period of seven hours and 40 minutes. It sat in my study for a couple of weeks and was ‘played with’ during the photo shoot, where I moved the set around, accessed the interiors and posed the various minifigures.

Not only have I been collecting Lego since the ‘90s, but I’m an avid fan of the caped crusader and collector of DC graphic novels. Billund and Batman are a match made in heaven for me!

For more information on our procedure, take a look at how we test products.

For more collectibles, don't miss the best toys.

It's getting to the point where I'm convinced you can turn any Lego set into a Millennium Falcon if you try hard enough, because someone has used a pumpkin kit to create Han Solo's iconic ship.

Created by Minute_Food_2881 on reddit, this alternate build takes the new Lego Halloween Pumpkin Lantern set (which costs around $29.99 via the Lego store) and uses it to make a festive version of the galaxy's most recognizable freighter. Sure, it looks a little squishier than usual and that is definitely a ghost instead of a cockpit. But this Lego set is unmistakably the Millennium Falcon, spooky or not – and it joins a long line of kits people have managed to turn into the ship, to the point it's become a meme amongst the community.

The creator hasn't left instructions for us to copy their homework, but it doesn't look as though they've used any extra pieces beyond what comes in the box. The photo clearly shows individual studs and bricks too, so I suspect you could replicate the design if you had this image up as a reference. Seeing as it's smaller than many of the best Lego sets, it shouldn't be too much of a headache to figure out either.

I shouldn't be surprised that Minute_Food_2881 was able to do this. They're famous for creating alt-builds using existing Lego sets, from Pokemon like Charmander (using the same pumpkin set, actually) to a Warhammer 40K battleship. However, they're best known for turning things into Millennium Falcons. They've used Back to the Future models, Technic sets, and more to recreate the fastest hunk o' junk in the galaxy, so I guess it tracks that they could use a pumpkin as well.

It's shaping up to a big couple of months for Lego; the Lego Star Trek Enterprise Bridge set boldly goes back to the original series with shields up and tribbles ready, and fans agree new Lego Batman Returns Batmobile looks great.

• See all new set at the Lego store

Fortnite now features Sonic the Hedgehog and friends, which is a surefire way of dragging me back to spending weekends in pursuit of that shiny Victory Crown. Yet, unless I'm playing duos, I don't have a good track record of actually becoming victorious.

Being able to show off a winning streak is a bit of a rarity, but with Toy Sapien and Hot Toys Japan's upcoming Victory Crown (1/1 Scale) replica, at least I can pretend I'm a winner. The $199.99 (BigBadToyStore) collectible is exactly what it says on the tin: a recreation of the in-game crown, which is set to drop in the US and UK in November later this year. While adding it amongst the best toys in my collection won't help me get good at Fortnite any time soon, I can make believe I've claimed that Victory Royale, which is the next best thing.

Toy Sapiens and Hot Toys Japan could have easily gone down the route of just recreating the shiny, golden crown and called it a day, yet a lot of thought has been put into this Fortnite collectible. The 13 cm wide by 20 cm high gold-colored crown with its piñata centerpiece is there and looks fantastic. However, the brand also went the extra mile to include a red velvet pillow for it to sit on, just as it appears in the game.

For those who have not managed to be sucked into the world of Fortnite and may be unaware, this pillow is found in the Crowning Achievement emote. You can earn said emote by winning a match twice in a row (while wearing the crown), and it's fun to use and show off to strangers. The emote displays the number of times you've won, though it will stick to zero if you haven't won anything - the scenario I'm more than familiar with.

By including the pillow, you can grab this collectible and recreate the emote, which is a really neat inclusion for a replica toy. Of course, no number emits from the crown, so it's not exactly like the real thing. But that's probably for the best if you're eager not to annoy your real-life friends as much as strangers online.

As an extra neat detail, the toy includes a custom-designed stand to make it easier to prop up amongst the rest of your merch collection. The official Toy Sapiens website states that the stand features a "golden llama symbol in the center of its clear acrylic plate" which you're unlikely to see once the pillow is in place, but it's an appreciated addition nonetheless.

Talking of appreciated detail, the toy includes access to an in-game outfit. Each Victory Crown, no matter where you buy it from, includes a redeemable code for the "Deadeye" skin to use in-game, which used to be accessible all the way back during Chapter 2, Season 1, according to FortniteGG. The skin isn't the coolest I've seen after years of playing Fortnite, but I'll take a free ghostly cowboy-looking outfit over nothing at all.

Unfortunately, neither the crown nor the pillow makes the same sound as the emote or produces any music or sound, period, like the Bandai Tamashii Nations Master Sword replica from The Legend of Zelda, which is a bit of a bummer. When it comes to replicas, I personally prefer ones that emit audio, and it's an extra I would have expected for a $199.99 collectible. However, sounds or not, I'll take what I can get. I'm just thankful the Victory Crown replica exists at all, especially when Fortnite toys are often aimed towards younger fans rather than adult collectors.

• View all Fortnite toys at Amazon

Check out Hasbro's upcoming Rumi Sain-Geom Premium Electronic Sword if you love replicas.

I took one look at the 2026 Pokemon Halloween collection and let out a loud groan. Make no mistake: my bank account is in danger.

The official Poke-store tends to hit the mark where quality is concerned, but those hits turn into bullseyes with spooky season. The 2026 Pokemon Halloween collection (which you can see in its entirety at the Pokemon Center) is no different, and there are multiple pages of "oh no, I want it" merch ranging from mugs to cozy sweaters. No matter whether you want to decorate home or you'd like the best Pokemon merch with a touch of the eerie this fall, there's no shortage of options.

Some of the cooler items are already selling out (I've seen themed plushies fly off the digital shelves), so fellow GamesRadar+ Poke-merch fan Rosalie and I have rounded up our favorite Pokemon Center Halloween collectibles for 2026. Personally, I'm a big fan of the Pikachu Pumpkin String Lights as well as the Gengar Cardigan. An eerie ambient glow never fails to deliver on Halloween atmosphere, while the latter looks hyper cozy. They're just the tip of the iceberg though, so I'll need to hide my credit card if I want to have any money left over this spooky season...

For more cool collectibles, don't miss these China-exclusive Pokemon TCG figures (they've ruined my entire day).

• See all the 2026 merch at the Pokemon Center

Alright, that does it; we're now at the stage where a "Lego" OG Xbox you can't play games on costs what I'd pay for a real console right now. Yes, somewhere under $400 is what I think is reasonable even for the new 25th anniversary Series X, given that it launched six years ago, but apparently if you want the latest machine that can play games (wild, I know), it might cost near a grand.

I guess I see the humor in Mattel showcasing its Brick Shop OG Xbox Lego alternative in the same week as devastating 25th Anniversary Series X25 price leaks. There's only so long you can chuckle at potentially paying $899 for what is really just a translucent Series X with the same core performance and features. What's that? You scraped together 400 bucks for a current-gen system? Oh, that's enough for a retro console model since that costs $329.99.

There's a joke to be made about the Mattel Brick Shop Xbox model leaving you with $70 spare for a game, but I don't think I'm even in the mood. I have friends who deliberately held off from buying a Series X or a PS5 back in 2020, and it now feels like they're financially and functionally barred from a console update this generation. By the latter, I mean that they've got less reason to opt for a PlayStation since Sony is also abandoning physical games.

I can't help but feel like both Mattel and Microsoft are both ramping up MSRPs with no real basis. The toy maker previously released an Xbox 360 3:4 scale building block model with a $150 MSRP, and while it's slightly smaller, it's got the same lights, sounds, and detailing as the new kit. I should also point out that while that set was technically MEGA (previously MEGA BLOKS) branded, the company says it's a different product, but it absolutely feels like a brand pivot for the sake of premium pricing.

On the Microsoft side of things, the console maker is contending with the same component pricing issues as everyone else. Still, the RAMageddon ramifications aren't an excuse to release a new colorway of your console that's $400 more than the launch version. Yes, the OG Xbox vibes make for a nice 25th anniversary, but that's somewhat spoiled by the fact that the majority of players can't afford to come to the party.

The skinny here is that it should be the Series X25 that costs $329.99, and the Lego kit alternative OG Xbox should at least be the same price as its 360 predecessor. The $899.99 price tag would give me the ick slightly less if it featured souped-up performance like the PS5 Pro, but even that would spark indigestion symptoms.

If you need me, I'll be playing PS2 games in the attic where the pretend consoles for over $300 and near $1,000 machines can't hurt me.

• Xbox consoles at Amazon
• Lego gaming sets at Amazon

Take a look at the best retro handhelds if you need a gaming machine that's remotely affordable.

It took me a second to realize that the Lego Xbox was not, in fact, Lego at all.

In honor of the original console's 25th anniversary, Mattel Brick Shop has produced a 3,000-piece model that recreates the system in all its glory alongside the 'Duke' controller and vignettes from three of its most iconic games. This 'Lego' Xbox also goes one better than many of the best Lego sets by adding controller-activated lights and sounds for these scenes, which is very impressive.

The PR blast promises that this brick-built console is "packed with interactive features, hidden details and memorable tributes," and after a quick glance through the promo pictures, I'm sold. It nails the console's silhouette perfectly and is a dead ringer for the OG controller, yes, but that's not what wins me over so much. No, it's the fact that the console opens up to reveal miniature dioramas lit by LEDs and basking in game-appropriate soundtracks, which are turned on by the controller itself. Lego has hidden scenes in products like the Lego Atari 2600 before, but not with added lights and audio. That's one hell of a step up.

However, I don't think we should roll out the red carpet yet. It is a lot of cash after all, even if the price is pretty standard for Lego/construction models of this size and complexity.

Curious about the Mattel Brick Shop itself? That's fair – it's a new name on the scene, having only been established in 2025, and there's some confusion as to whether it's a rebrand of the old Mega line that put together the previous Xbox 360 kit. Officially, they're separate brands, with Brick Shop focusing more on high-end collector items rather than playsets.

It feels like nostalgia's in the air; just before news of this Xbox throwback dropped, fans were treated to a new Lego Batman Returns Batmobile.

• See all Mattel Brick Shop products at Mattel

I knew resellers were shameless and will do their level best to flog anything they can, but I didn't realize they'd stoop so low as to sell empty Pokemon Krispy Kreme donut boxes.

No, that isn't a typo; resellers really are attempting to shift cartons at an absurd price. I've seen some Pokemon Krispy Kreme boxes being listed for as much as $99.99, and honestly, my flabbers are gasted.

It's a similar story with the accompanying Poke-cups featuring Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and more. Getting a full collection can cost you well over $100 via eBay right now.

For context, Krispy Kreme just released a Pokemon collaboration with themed donuts based on the beloved pocket monsters. (More than one of our Editors can confirm that they are, in fact, delicious.) Because this is a limited-time drop and fans are going nuts for the tasty crossover, resellers have sniffed out an opportunity to make some easy cash by selling the remains at a ridiculous markup. Or at least, that's their hope; from what I can tell, very few of them are actually being bought. Faith in humanity restored.

These unscrupulous individuals are well known by fans of the best card games, and I can't say they have a good reputation. They typically scoop up all the TCG packs they can to move on with obscene price-hikes attached (which is part of the reason why it's so hard to buy Pokemon TCG 30th Celebration right now), and this means there's nothing left for actual players. In fact, the war on Pokemon scalpers now includes facial recognition checks in some stores in Japan.

"....so they're not just scalping Pokemon cards, but the EMPTY DONUT BOXES?!!?!? ...is having good things as a 90s nerd just NO LONGER ALLOWED anymore?!" Asks @DaJoestanator on X/Twitter. I can't disagree with that sense of disbelief.

In more positive news, the new Disney Lorcana digital game sounds like a cross between MTG Arena and Pokemon TCG Pocket.

• Skip the trash and find actual Pokemon merch at Amazon

Polaroid seems to have said "what if Pokemon Snap, but real," because it's dropping a handful of cameras based on the mega-franchise.

Designed to look like Pokemon or items inspired by the series, this Polaroid collaboration includes three models: a Pikachu design, a Sylveon version, and a more classic camera based on the iconic Poke Ball colorscheme. They'll be available to pre-order soon (on August 25) via the Polaroid store or Pokemon Center, and launch alongside a host of accessories like carry-cases this October.

Rather than being different colorways on the same camera, the Pokemon × Polaroid crossover modifies two separate designs. The Pikachu and Sylveon ones give the smaller Polaroid Go Generation 3 a Poke-makeover, while the Poke Ball model is a modified Polaroid Now Instant Camera Generation 3. However, all feature the same shutter button modelled after a Poke Ball.

The cool thing about the smaller designs is that they feature themed straps modelled after their inspiration; the Pikachu one has a charm made to look like the electric mouse's tail, while the Sylveon Polaroid features a strap borrowing the Pokemon's signature colors in a suitably wavy pattern.

All of the cameras come with film whose frames are based on instantly-recognizable pocket monsters, from Charmander to Bulbasaur. These are all protected by darkslides featuring custom Pokemon silhouettes.

You'll also be able to grab a few Pokemon-themed add-ons soon, or use them with an existing Polaroid camera. All are modelled after a Poke Ball; there's a Poke Ball strap, a camera case, and photo album.

Here's a breakdown of exactly what's available:

• Polaroid Now Gen 3 (Poké Ball Edition): $139.99 / £129.99
•  Polaroid Go Gen 3 (Pikachu & Sylveon Editions): $99.99 / £89.99 each
• Special Edition Film: Custom-themed i-Type Film ($22.99) and Polaroid Go Double Packs ($24.99) with themed frames and custom dark slides
• Accessories: Themed Go Camera Cases ($24.99), Photo Albums ($24.99), and universal Camera Straps ($14.99).

These items will go up for pre-order at Polaroid on August 25, 2026 ahead of a full release on October 5.

If you want more nostalgia-fuelled collectibles, fans agree this new Lego Batman Returns Batmobile looks great.

• See all the latest camera models and accessories at Polaroid

A Lego Batman Returns Batmobile is screeching onto the streets of Gotham next month, and the community seems in agreement on two things: that it looks awesome, but the lack of minifigures is a bummer.

The Dark Knight doesn't like to be upstaged by leaks, it seems, so Lego has come out swinging with a full reveal that shows off the kit in all its glory. Made up of over 2,000 pieces, the Lego Batman Returns Batmobile is a highly detailed display model that splits into pieces to reveal the Batmissle at the press of a button. It also comes with a very cool-looking Batman minifigure that adds his iconic over-the-shoulder cape for the first time, but this is where our problems begin.

"Great for anyone that missed the original, but the detail and single mini figure are a bit of a let down," writes A_Pointy_Rock at reddit. "The play function is neat, though." While I think the detail part is up for debate, this isn't the first time I've seen grumblings about the lack of minifigures; other fans have criticized this, and it's all because of the previous Keaton-era Lego Batmobile.

Back in 2019, Lego released a display version of the 1989 Batmobile for $250 – and it was glorious. This 3,308-piece model was a sumptuous recreation of the superhero's car, and it came with three minifigures in total (Batman, Vicki Vale, and Joker). I appreciate that costs have gone way up in the past decade, but because this new 2026 equivalent costs a similar amount for 1K fewer pieces and two less minifigures, I can understand some disgruntlement. After all, having Catwoman and Penguin alongside old Batsy would have really done the idea justice.

However, I do think the new version is excellent nonetheless. It's instantly recognizable as the Tim Burton Batmobile, and while the previous model is more detailed (with a scale that allows it to be more screen-accurate, I'd argue), this one still looks brilliant. The Batman minifigure might also be one of the best Lego's ever made, too; the hard plastic cape and cowl capture the distinctive Keaton costume far better than previous ones, and having the cape over the shoulders provides a striking silhouette.

Plus, it's not as though the older Lego Batmobile is available anymore. That model has long since retired, and it's impossible to find anywhere near its original price. As such, this is an opportunity for anyone who missed out on the 2019 kit.

What do you think of the model? Will you be picking it up?

If you prefer your superheroes to be of the wall-crawling variety, Spider-Man: Brand New Day artbook shows off the movie's secrets, alternate designs, and how the story was made.

• See all the current Lego Batman sets at Lego

SDCC has come and gone, but that feeling of wanting the best toys from the nerdy extravaganza never goes away. A lot of the time, these items are exclusive to con-goers, so I always expect to feel FOMO each time the annual event fades from view. But this year, my most-coveted item, the stunning Pokemon Team Rocket Cameo Mini Loungefly Backpack, was actually available to buy online, so it was time to prepare my bank account for trouble.

The $90 / £85 backpack was priced pretty similarly to other brand-new Loungeflys, so buying for myself felt like a no-brainer. That, and the fact that Pokemon's iconic, petulant villains are some of my favorite characters in the franchise. As a kid of the 90s, my friend and I were paid in sherbet straws to go around the playground and do impressions of the trio, and even as an adult, they hold a special place in my heart. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to have more Team Rocket in my life, and after taking it out for a spin, I highly recommend anyone else with a fondness for Pokemon, Loungefly bags, and not forking out cash to resellers, do the same.

I assumed that a design with a "convention exclusive" metal emblem on its side would be far more than £85 via the official UK Funko Loungefly online store, and yet I was pleasantly surprised. Well, surprised in the context of Loungefly pricing, as their usual $80 / £80 MSRP has never sat well with me. Whenever my Loungefly strikes up chat with fellow fans in the wild (it happens more often than you'd think), I always recommend waiting for sales at retailers like Magic Madhouse or TruffleShuffle rather than paying full price. A deal price of around £50 feels far more reasonable for what you get, but as an SDCC item, this bag was only available straight from Funko and was not going to see any savings before it sold out for good - so I did what I had to do.

That doesn't mean I'm not ecstatic with my purchase. This is a gorgeous bag, which features the anime duo Jessie and James straight on the front. It feels adult and elegant with its rose and Poke Ball motif over past Pokemon releases. It's the roses that drew my attention, as, of course, they're referencing James, who would frequently pose with one while reciting the iconic Team Rocket motto. However, as someone whose name is "Rosalie", there's a double meaning in there, which makes it feel like an extra special addition to my Loungefly collection.

A design that's perfectly fitting for adult fans

The rose and Poke Ball design doesn't just encircle Jessie and James, but it's found throughout the bag's interior lining. Even the black straps and lower half of the Loungefly are made up of the same delicate pattern. The photos I've provided and the official marketing images honestly don't do it justice.

I'm not sure if it was the intention, but the bag's look reminds me of an old Victorian piece of jewelry but with some Team Rocket flair, and I'm very much a fan of it. I was initially drawn to Loungefly bags as they're accessories designed with adult fans in mind, and tend to incorporate licensed art and IPs in a more unique way rather than just utilizing logos and calling it a day. This Pokemon release in particular encapsulates everything I adore about the line, and why my collection continues to grow at a faster rate than I, or my bank, can keep up with.

The bag isn't all about style over substance either, as you've got plenty of storage to play around with. I own a Loungefly Mini Backpack Bag Organizer Insert ($29.99 at Amazon) as it fits without issue in the main section of the bag. Not to mention, you've got a deep front pouch sitting behind Jessie and James, which I use to store sunglasses, spare makeup, and anything else I need quick access to in a pinch.

It's also managed to hold up well, despite being taken on a wild ride at the weekend. I always like to break in my bags as soon as possible, and this one went on a trip into the city of Glasgow, through the busy and claustrophobic Barras market, to a pub afterwards, and there wasn't a stain or mark left upon its surface. There's always a fear of taking new and pretty pricey bags like it out of the house, but it's a bag, and that's what it's for. As a collector, I have plenty of things that are meant to be left on a shelf, but this is meant to be taken out and shown off, and I loved every moment doing just that.

The only issue I experienced with the bag was that mine arrived in an awkward state. The Poke Ball and rose design I adore so much that surrounds Jessie and James was folded inwards, which I suspect was due to how it was packaged for me from the official Funko store. Judging from the marketing images, it's not meant to be this way, so be sure to inspect your bag when it arrives so you can ensure you're getting your money's worth. I've probably left it too late to give customer service a ring.

If you're holding off on buying this bag, I'd be wary that it might not be in stock for long. This is a "limited edition" release, not one you'll likely find in your local comic shop, and it's prime fodder for resellers. A quick scan of eBay.com right now brings up multiple listings requesting as much as $160 for a bag that's still in stock straight from the brand for $80. That's more evil an act than Team Rocket could ever muster.

I appreciate that you may not have almost $100 to lay down on a mini backpack, but if you do grab it and you're as big a Team Rocket fan as I am, you won't be disappointed. Just beware that at least one millennial will come up and talk to you about it when you wear it out in public, and make it double.

• View all Pokemon Loungefly bags at Funko

Want more Pokemon toys? Our toy expert, Benjamin Abbott, has rounded up the best Lego sets, which include appearances by some iconic Pokemon.

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Shop the collection

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  1

  Marvel

  Spider-Man Brand New Day 2026 Rooftop Comic Panel T-Shirt

  $20.69$22.99
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  2

  Golden Link

  Spider-Man Brand New Day Collectible Popcorn Bucket With Fandango Ticket

  $34.96
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  Workman Publishing

  Spider-Man Total Universe Hardcover

  $60.00$80.00
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  LEGO

  Lego Marvel Spider-Man Hero Figure

  $99.95
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  5

  Marvel

  Spider-Man: Brand New Day Wisecrackin’ Glow Mask

  $29.99

It's a Spider-Man kinda summer, so of course Marvel's going to make the most of it with a collection of new toys, collectables, and special editions. Disney's never shied away from a collab and with Brand New Day ticking off box office milestones one by one, why stop now?

Spidey fans were already eating pretty good with a whole bunch of red and blue gadgets to choose from, but the latest release has brought a whole new world of Spider-Man merch to enjoy. From comic collections spanning the original BND era to the official Brand New Day popcorn bucket, there's books, Blu-Rays, t-shirts, toys, and even phone chargers dedicated to Peter Parker.

I've swung through the digital aisles to find all the Spider-Man: Brand New Day merch worth grabbing this summer. Some is already available, but a few (like the Total Universe hardcover and the Collector's Edition Blu-Ray) are still in their pre-order stages right now.

We called the latest Spidey flick "Marvel Studios' strongest standalone outince since Endgame" in our Spider-Man: Brand New Day review, but if you're after something a little more interactive, check out our five-star Marvel's Spider-Man 2 review.

If you're still basking in the afterglow of Spider-Man: Brand New Day and are hungry for more from the MCU's resident webslinger, a new behind-the-scenes artbook drops today with early concepts, sketches, and designs showing how the movie's story developed from start to finish.

Considering how many characters are included in the runtime (ranging from expected cameos to genuine surprises), and how much the story changed over time, there's a lot to discover in here; it's apparently full of early designs and story ideas, not to mention alternate costumes from the beginning of development. While it doesn't include everything from the film (this book apparently doesn't include art for that mystery character, presumably to preserve the surprise in case of leaks), it's available for a few dollars less than normal via Amazon. That makes now a good time to grab it if you want it for your coffee table or are hunting down a gift for fellow Spidey fans.

Yes, it's a shame that the book omits a certain character who I'm sure you all know about by now. According to this reddit thread of someone who's been hands on with the tome, it sidesteps both them and the finale. That's disappointing, and there's no sugar-coating the fact. But I guess it's a casualty of the secrecy surrounding Brand New Day's major addition, and it looks as though there's plenty else to enjoy here.

Personally speaking, I adore coffee table art books like this and own quite a few from my favorite movies. I'm particularly keen on Star Wars ones because early development includes some truly wild alternatives, and Marvel versions are similar. They're usually a goldmine for fans because character designs and/or costumes can change so drastically over the course of production. Besides providing a cool "what if," it gives some fascinating insight into how things started and how this transformed into the movie we eventually got.

It's not the only Spidey-related product on offer right now, of course. The seminal comic run of the same name is also up for grabs at a discount, bringing it down to just $9.31 at Amazon. (Just don't expect the same story beats; even though it shares a title, this is a very different – though excellent – plot involving a lot of characters who don't make it into the movie.) And if you'd rather swot up on all things Spider-Man, this encyclopedia called 'Spider-Man Total Universe' details the character's history from inception to modern day and is $20 less at Amazon right now.

For more cool collectibles, don't miss the best Lego sets – these are some of the best around. That list is about to get longer, because leaks suggest a Lego Batman Returns Batmobile is on the way.

• See all Spider-Man: Brand New Day merch at Amazon

A Lego Batman Returns Batmobile set is on the way this September, according to leaks.

This kit (which recreates the Caped Crusader's ride from 1992's sequel starring Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Danny DeVito) was apparently found in-store by a member of the Brick Tap community. It's unclear which store, but the model itself – which was shared via reddit – seems to be a large-scale display piece with over 2,000 pieces. Because the Lego Batman Returns Batmobile is said to launch on September 1, 2026, I'd expect pre-orders to go up soon via Lego.

You can get a better look of the model below, but it's a massive set at over 45cm/17in long that may cost $230. It's supposedly made up of 2,269 pieces, so is a pretty detailed recreation of the car as it appeared in Batman Returns (though long-term fans of the best Lego sets may take issue here, which we'll get to in a moment). However, that's not what makes this one stand out; there's a hidden feature, just like in the film. If you twist the engine exhaust at the back, the sides will pop off and reveal a smaller, sleeker car underneath. Plus, the minifigure accompanying this model is even more screen-accurate than we've seen before – it has a thicker cowl and hard plastic cape that goes over the shoulders, giving that iconic silhouette Keaton's Dark Knight is known for.

So, why might some fans be raising eyebrows? Well, we got a larger version of the 1989 Batmobile in 2019 for $250. The two are very similar models, but this older one is far larger with 3,308 pieces at 60cm/23in long. It also comes with three minifigures (Batman, Vicki Vale, and Joker) compared to the newer equivalent's one. I understand that prices have gone up in the seven years since then, but it does feel like quite a lot less model for a very similar cost.

Still, it does look fantastic – I don't think there's any arguing with that. If the leak is real, it's the perfect opportunity to pick up a version of the beloved car if you missed the now-retired 2019 model.

I'm just hoping we get other DC sets beyond Batmobiles in the not-so-distant future; it does feel as though Gotham's protector has been stealing the limelight recently. Though if recent rumors are true, we could be getting sets based on Superman next year…

This is far from the only cool kit we can expect to see in September; the new Lego Ministry of Magic kit is a gravity-defying set held up by what I can only assume is sorcery, and it's joined by a Lego Star Trek Enterprise Bridge set boldly goes back to the original series.

• See all the current Lego Batman sets at Lego

Kingdom Hearts is receiving a retrospective showcase at D23 2026, Disney's massive celebration for all the magic it's had its hand in creating, and I'm very excited. I've been obsessed with the series ever since a friend at school whispered to me in maths class a whole 22 years ago, "Hey, you know there's a game that crosses over Disney and Final Fantasy into one, right?"

That blew my mind as an obsessive fan of both, and ever since, I've longed to bask in as much Kingdom Hearts-ness as I can get my hands on. Yet, out of all the games and best toys that have alluded me the most, it's Bandai's Proplica Key Blade Kingdom Chain that I covet every single day. Like the rest of the Proplica line, it was a replica of Sora's iconic weapon that launched in April 2018 for 20,350 yen (roughly $127.80), and it not only looked like the real thing, but it lit up and even projected a key hole on the wall, so you could pretend you were sealing your own Disney world. It doesn't get much better than that.

Bandai went the extra mile by equipping their Proplica Keyblade with three modes: attack mode, magic mode, and key mode. Attack mode made the replica emit sounds from the game, so you could swipe at the open air and pretend you're Sora, hacking and slashing your way through hordes of Heartless.

According to Bandai's official blog post shared on April 26, 2018, holding down a button on the blade would result in a flow of sounds, or pressing it continuously would allow them to emit randomly. I'm not sure if, like the brand's Proplica Master Sword that I do have in my collection, the sounds correlated to your every movement, but if they were to give this a re-release, that'd be a neat upgrade to have from the get-go.

Besides attack mode, you had my favorite mode of all, magic mode, which is one of the key reasons (excuse the pun) why I covet this toy. With this mode, pressing and holding the button hidden within the blade's hilt would allow you to cycle through spells from the game, including Fire, Blizzard, and what the English-text version of the site calls sander, aqua, cial, and gravide. I can only assume that they're referring to Sora's Thunder, Cure, Aero, and Gravity magic. For the spells, the base of the blade glows the corresponding color, eg red for fire, blue for blizzard, and plays their in-game sound effect simultaneously. It's an incredible feature judging from the Bandai Tamashii Nations Proplica Keyblade YouTube video I was able to find online, which I only wish I could witness in person.

Key mode is likely the one other fans will fawned over at the time. As I mentioned above, it projected a keyhole on any wall or surface. That's not the best part, as holding the button will project it and play the sound effect that emits in the original game whenever Sora seals a Disney world. I'm a full-grown 35-year-old adult, but I can entirely foresee myself welling up with tears if I were to get this toy and witness this in person.

In fact, the entire thing would likely result in me becoming a teary mess, as I adore Kingdom Hearts and have dreamed of owning this piece of toy history. At the moment, my Proplica collection consists of Sheryl Nome's microphone from Macross Frontier, and the Master Sword, but it's the Proplica Keyblade that I've been yearning to own the most. The only problem is that it's long out of stock, is no longer being manufactured anymore, and can reach close to (and even over) $1K on eBay, and other second-hand websites. I don't have a thousand Munny to drop on a piece of merch alone, so instead I dream for a re-release that I can pre-order to prevent giving resellers the time of day.

If you thought you did see a re-release of this toy last year, you aren't entirely wrong. Bandai released a smaller, 20-inch Key Blade, which was available to pre-order for $146.99 at BigBadToyStore and comes with its own set of lighting and sound effects. While smaller than the older release, this version's Magic Mode emits lighting at the end of the key and has a Music Mode, which felt sorely missing from the older version.

The Music Mode allows the prop to play the iconic Dearly Beloved track, along with the 'Sora' song from the game series, which is pretty neat. I've known about this version for a while, but as much as I long for an official Key Blade replica, I ignored pre-orders simply for the fact that I wanted one that felt more true to size. Really, I should have just gone for it, as this is likely to become another Kingdom Hearts collectible destined as reseller fodder on eBay, but it just wasn't what I was looking for.

I have a dream of displaying my Proplica Master Sword alongside a realistically sized Keyblade crossed over one another on the wall, and something smaller just won't do the job. It's a silly nitpick, but here's hoping that if they can release another one, and Square Enix can release a replica of Kingdom Hearts Donald Duck's Mage Staff for $62.13 at Aitai Kuji, they can give the original another go. With D23 2026 incoming and Kingdom Hearts 4 on the horizon, who knows what the future holds.

• View all Kingdom Hearts merch at Amazon

Are you a big Disney fan? Check out what our toy expert Benjamin Abbott has to say about the Disney Castle Lego set.

Mario's younger brother is often stuck in second place compared to his more popular sibling, but not with the Lego Luigi & Mach 8 set. This model gives him the spotlight he deserves.

Honestly, this is a great model. Is it going to top a list of the best Lego sets any time soon? No, because I think the Mario equivalent looks just that little bit better. It's also more iconic. But considering how excellent Lego Luigi & Mach 8 is, that says a lot about the quality of the company's recent Mario kits. This is a fantastic design.

Lego Luigi & Mach 8 features

This is the second of Lego's 18+ Mario Kart display models; it follows hot on the heels of the Lego Mario & Standard Kart design from 2025. Rather than putting Luigi in another bog-standard vehicle, though, it gives him the kart he was closely associated with in Mario Kart 8 marketing – the Mach 8. This was introduced in the aforementioned game and feels like a jet turbine with wheels (it's got excellent speed but poor handling). This model nods to that idea with 'flames' pouring from the back.

Actually, it has a need for speed in general. The wheels move so it's able to 'drive' along, and they can actually be turned using the steering wheel itself.

As for Luigi, he's made to scale with the previous Mario set and seems roughly in line with Lego The Mighty Bowser. Don't expect him to stand alongside his brother and greatest foe, however. Luigi's legs are locked into a sitting position.

Build

Putting this model together was a more sedate experience than I'd expected. Despite the size, it doesn't bog you down with too many small pieces; you should be able to rattle through it quickly. It took me between five and six hours to finish.

OK, there are a couple of tricky bits around the head and face that require patience. But otherwise, it's a very straightforward build. Even if you're new to Lego or haven't made sets in years, you won't struggle with this one.

Design

It turns out that Lego's excellent Mario & Standard Kart set wasn't a fluke, because this one is equally great. So many large-scale Lego figures squat in the uncanny valley (remember the "I've seen things" Chewbacca, or even Lego Pikachu and Poke Ball?), but not Luigi. It's a dead ringer for the character despite being made of blocks and bricks.

Frankly, this is Lego showing off. The only thing that'd make it better is the option to straighten his legs so you can have a Luigi figure standing beside his brother and Bowser.

Actually, that's a lie; the only other thing it needs is the option to swap out his eyes to create the Death Stare Luigi meme. I mean, c'mon. It's low-hanging fruit, and would be the cherry atop the cake.

Should you buy Lego Luigi & Mach 8?

If you're building a collection of Lego Mario kits, have the Mario & Standard Kart already, or adore Luigi, this model is a no-brainer. If you're trying to find a great display piece, it's also a winner; it's characterful and looks fantastic on a shelf, whether on its display stand or just stood on the wheels.

If you just want one Mario Kart (or Super Mario-themed) set and don't adore Luigi, though, I'd suggest Mario instead. It's very similar and manages all the same tricks, but is more iconic.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested Lego Luigi & Mach 8

This review was made using a kit supplied by the manufacturer.

I spent roughly a week on and off making Lego Luigi & Mach 8, mostly at the kitchen table or on the sofa while watching TV. I made sure to take note of any highlights or problem areas during the build so I could better make a verdict. If you want a more exact idea of how our testing process works, check out the full GamesRadar+ review policy.

As for myself, I've been building Lego since I was a child in the '90s (one of the first models I remember making was the Arwing from the Star Fox SNES game). Professionally speaking, I've written news, features, and reviews about Lego for over seven years.

This isn't the only great model based on a beloved Nintendo icon; Lego Eevee is hands down one of our favorite Pokemon sets.

August 11 was Final Fantasy VII protagonist Cloud Strife's birthday, according to Square Enix. While the manual for my original PlayStation copy of Final Fantasy VII says otherwise, I'm always down for celebrating the existence of one of my favorite video game protagonists, particularly one I've been collecting merch and toys for since the game originally launched back in 1997.

Back then, the best toys depicting the spiky-haired boy weren't as easily available as they are now. We had the Extra Knights Action Figure of Cloud and his posse, but finding them in stores was a rarer chance than getting Yuffie as your Gold Saucer companion in the original game. Now, there's a sky full of Cloud-based collectibles, from the Final Fantasy 7 Polygon toy set available for $72 at Square Enix that recreates his in-game model as a tiny figure among the rest of the party, to the massive 1/4 scale Masterline statue that costs $2,400.00 (Amazon), more than my entire Final Fantasy collection (games included) combined.

Do you want a plushie Cloud to hug and help deal with his never-ending trauma? That exists. Want a playmat depicting Cloud about to do some serious damage with his Buster Sword? You can get that too, and I've gathered them all below. If you want to get in on the belated birthday celebrations, there are plenty of Cloud collectibles to spend your hard-earned Gil on, and with Final Fantasy VII Revelation on its way, there's likely even more to come. *Insert fanfare jingle here.*

Want more Final Fantasy goodies? Check out this incoming Final Fantasy Origins of Light board game.

There are a lot of KPop Demon Hunters toys available now, and I mean a lot. It's a nice contrast to the initial hype surrounding the film's release on Netflix, when the only thing available was scary-looking bootleg dolls and overpriced shirts exclusive to the Netflix online store.

Now, I can pick up a toy based on Huntrix (HUNTR/X) or the Saja Boys while I do my weekly food shop, and I have many times. But this incoming Rumi Sain-Geom Premium Electronic Sword by Hasbro takes the cake (or should I say Songpyeon) as one of the best toys I've laid eyes on that's inspired by the Netflix phenomenon.

As you can likely guess from its $224.99 pre-order price, the replica of Rumi's Sain-Geom, which was originally unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, is aimed at adult fans and collectors. Though if I were a little Kpop Demon Hunters fan, I'd be clamouring to own this gorgeous sword, as it's not only a stunning reproduction of Rumi's iconic weapon, but it lights up, reacts to music, and makes sound effects from the film when you wield it. Protecting the Honmoon would be an easy feat with this in your arsenal, and I've never wanted a piece of KDH merch more.

Much like Hasbro's line-up of roleplaying replicas, like the fabulous Marvel Legends Wolverine Mask I know our toy expert Benjamin Abbott desperately wants (and I can't blame him), there's a lot of detail found within Rumi's Four Tiger Sword. Setting aside the lighting and sound effects for one moment, this looks like it stepped straight out of the Netflix musical with its pearlescent shimmer and gold details.

The official Hasbro Pulse storefront has plenty of close-ups that even depict the stunning pink markings on the hilt, which, in contrast to the gold, remind me of some of the most classic replicas in toy history: Bandai's 90s Sailor Moon prop line. The good thing is that this is more detailed than those vintage magical girl toys. For one, the 40-inch (101 cm) sword looks practically to scale with the adult model in the marketing images, so it should be perfect to wield around the room or even use for cosplay if you're comfortable taking a valuable collectable to the often busy convention floor.

Personally, as someone who used to cosplay years ago and even entered competitions, I'd not recommend using this as a prop unless it's just for a photoshoot or two. That's because I know for a fact that the lighting effects would look dazzling for a Rumi cosplay, particularly as they're even sound reactive. Hasbro states the toy has 4 unique interactive modes in total, and 'Song recognition mode' is one of them. If you play a song from the Kpop Demon Hunters OST, or any music for that matter, the LEDs inside will react to the beat - which is unfathomably cool.

Other modes include a 'Rainbow swing FX mode' which reveals rainbow colors that change as you move around, a 'Battle mode' which produces audible sound effects taken from the film, and a 'Display mode'. That last mode gives you the option to display your sword while still basking in the glow from its fancy lighting, which is a really neat inclusion. Hasbro has also included a Huntrix logo stand in the box so you can keep the sword protected while it's in this mode, an inclusion that's often found with other brands' premium toy weapon replicas.

Even if you're not a Kpop Demon Hunters fan, this light-up prop should get you excited about what's to come. Hasbro recently won the licence to create toys based on the Legend of Zelda series, so there's every chance we could see replicas of a wealth of Zelda weapons and items in the future. For now, they've stuck to launching a set of Tears of the Kingdom action figures, but I can entirely foresee an instance where we have replicas of everything from the Master Sword to more obscure items in Link's massive arsenal, from the hookshot from Ocarina of Time to the Wind Waker baton from Wind Waker.

There have been some Legend of Zelda replicas released in the past, and I even own the Bandai Proplica Master Sword, which has slashing sound effects much like Hasbro's Kpop Demon Hunters sword. However, these are often out of stock or have stopped being manufactured altogether. With that in mind, it'd be nice to see Hasbro take the helm and release an abundance of options for collectors that are easy to find amongst the physical and online toy shelves, just like its many Marvel and Star Wars roleplay toy releases.

In the interim, if I didn't already pre-order the singing Golden KPop Demon Hunter dolls, which don't release in the UK until September, then I'd be jumping on Rumi Sain-Geom. The toy isn't expected to start shipping until July 1, 2027, so I can only assume that pre-orders will be available for quite some time. Or at least, I hope that's the case, as it'll give me a moment to recoup my costs from the dolls and stop drinking as much soda pop so I can gather the $224.99 / £264.99 needed for this incredible collectible.

That being said, the official UK Forbidden Planet listing states the toy should start shipping on August 27, 2026, so I might need to start saving sooner rather than later.

• View all KPop Demon Hunters toys at Amazon

Want more KPop Demon Hunters collectibles? Why not check out the KPop Demon Hunters Lego set?

A revamped Lego UCS Millennium Falcon could be on the way next year, according to rumors.

Reliable leaker CarterBricks04 recently posted a superdrop of set info for 2027/2028, and it features everything from major Lord of the Rings kits (including the fortress of Helm's Deep from Two Towers alongside Bree's Prancing Pony tavern) to a Disney Frozen model. However, chief amongst these is a new Lego UCS Millennium Falcon that will replace what many fans consider to be amongst the best Lego sets.

This information is attributed to an "unlocked LEGO file" on reddit, and while that's vague enough to cast doubt (we get no information as to where the file came from or what it was), CarterBricks04 has a good enough track record that I'd be willing to think there's something in this. They correctly flagged the new Ministry of Magic set and the upcoming Lego Avengers Doomsday kits ahead of time, for example. That makes me think we can take this with a pinch of salt rather than the entire shaker.

Another reason I believe there may be truth to this is the fact that the current Lego Ultimate Collector Series Falcon is one of the retiring Lego sets this December. That leaves the way open for a new version, though what it could add is up for debate. As noted in our Lego UCS Millennium Falcon review, the existing model is arguably "the greatest Lego Star Wars set ever." In fact, the only quibble we had was that it lacked some of the ship's pilots (Lando and Nien Nub). Would the replacement refine the existing design, with extra minifigures drawn from across the saga? Could it be even bigger or more detailed, perhaps with a grander interior? I honestly don't know how Lego could improve on the previous model, though it almost always finds a way. Just look at the recent Lego AT-ST Walker.

Because of this, I'm more excited about the other rumored kits in this leak. A new Lego Helm's Deep model feels like a foregone conclusion (to the point that it was near the top of my list for Lord of the Rings sets I expect to see after Minas Tirith), but I'm still pumped at the thought of a grand, hyper-detailed recreation along the lines of Lego Rivendell. And the Prancing Pony? A Lego spin on the pub where the hobbits meet Aragorn for the first time is unexpected, but welcome nonetheless. Lego's design team has a talent for making exquisite medieval buildings full of secrets (such as the Lion Knight's Castle), so it plays to their strengths.

As for the rest, a Lego Arendelle from Frozen makes total sense and should impress based on the team's work with the Lego Disney Castle and Beauty and the Beast castle. In much the same way, a modular Daily Planet model (presumably to tie in with 2027's Man of Tomorrow movie) would play into the team's strengths that it already showed off via Arkham Asylum. I suspect it'd also be gratefully received by fans because of how quiet things have been for Lego DC recently.

Which of these rumored sets are you most excited to see? Let me know in the comments below.

• See the latest Lego sets at the Lego Store

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  Uniqlo

  Mario Kart World UT Graphic T-Shirt

  $29.90
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  Uniqlo

  Mario Kart World UT Graphic T-Shirt

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  Uniqlo

  Mario Kart World UT Graphic T-Shirt

  $29.90
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  Uniqlo

  Mario Kart World UT Graphic T-Shirt

  $29.90

Uniqlo has brought its Mario Kart collection westward this week, dropping four new MK World-themed T-shirts for adults and eight pieces for kids in both the US and UK. The UT batch was originally launched on the brand's Japanese site, prompting many to conclude it was a regional exclusive. Now, the karts have pulled up on western shores.

There are four designs for grown-ups to choose from, with the best likely being that green sticker design. Sure, the others are nice, but the repetition of key art cheapens the look overall. Your two white options simply repeat the same graphics we see on a lot of the best Mario merch. A more retro-leaning design in black toes this line well, but for a smaller nod towards your favorite multiplayer racer I'd easily recommend the green option.

Kids have four t-shirts and four hoodies to choose from, with only that stamp design matching the adult collection. Otherwise, these are brand new designs that lean equally on key art and more nostalgic graphics.

Suffice to say, I clicked on this one pretty hard. Uniqlo's AIRsim t-shirt got me hooked on the brand earlier this year. After a lifetime of cheap, thin t-shirts that crumple around the neckline after a single wash, I've been pretty enamored by the quality of these. Video game T-shirts are rarely this well made, as my personal donation history can attest.

Like most of Uniqlo's library, prices aren't too bad either. Kids' shirts come in at $19.90 / £9.90, with hoodies at $29.90 / £19.90. The adult shirts sit at $29.90 / £19.90.

Adults

Kids

Keen for more Ninty goodness? We're rounding up the best Legend of Zelda merch and the best Donkey Kong merch as well.

Doom developer and Alice: Madness Returns creator American McGee have just teamed up with '90s goth icon Emily's inventor Rob Reger to turn the character into the perfect fixture for my creepy bedroom, and their limited edition collaboration is live after being revealed this April. Now I'm sitting next to my Emily the Strange plush and wishing that she had thoughts, and that I could hear them. It almost never happens that a teenage girl wearing all black gets turned into a very fluffy stuffed rabbit, so I'd like to get her take on it.

Strange things happen when an unstoppable goth force has met an immovable goth object – and every girl I used to be is screaming. This collaboration between McGee and Reger is nearly 30 years in the making; the pair originally met in 1998, "at the exact same time I was bringing my Alice to life," says McGee on Twitter, in reference to his first haunted Alice in Wonderland spinoff game from 2000. "That makes Alice and Emily creative twins!" But this Emily the Strange plush from McGee's fancy stuffed rabbit brand Plushie Dreadfuls marks the creative pair's first crossover, and it's dreadfully lovely.

There are 2,000 total numbered plushies, plus an additional 200 "collector editions" that include a card autographed by McGee and Reger, and they come with the usual Plushie Dreadfuls accoutrements, like a tote bag and a pen. I was proud to walk around the woods this week with my Emily the Strange tote that shows Emily the bunny spraypainting the words "I Love Cats" with an anarchist A in it for good measure, letting all the nearby crows know where my loyalties lie. The matching pen dispenses black, buttery ink, and it's topped with a detailed rubber mold of Emily in her rabbit suit. This special Plushie Dreadfuls set also comes with an Emily the Strange coin purse, which is hairy like her plush's rabbit hood and could hold a few essentials – money, keys, and fake vampire teeth for just in case.

But the real princess here is the plush, which is as detailed and silky as all of Plushie Dreadfuls' products (Emily is my third one). Reger's original character is a subtle young woman. All of the 13-year-old's power comes from her black hole eyes – otherwise, she usually just wears a plain dress, solid black tights, and a sensible pair of sneakers. Her canonical gaggle of four cats are the true fashionistas. Mystery has a trim collar with a star swinging from the middle. Neechee flicks a stylishly striped tail, scraggly Sabbath decorates his hind with a bandaid, and Miles is missing an eye.

Emily's Plushie Dreadfuls reincarnation, however, adds McGee's characteristic whimsy to Emily's bold, original design. There's a broken red heart stitched to the middle of her chest and the red-and-black stripes decorating her arms and legs have the impressive quality of looking smeared onto her fur, with the berry red bleeding onto what would have been her wrists if McGee and Reger hadn't transformed her into a cute rabbit. Her floppy black ears hint at the onyx-dark hair underneath her stitched-on hood, and a cat-and-crossbones embroidered on their apple-colored interior serve as foreboding reminders of her real friends. Those damn cats.

A dark scar curves around her face, mimicking the button eyes and busted ears of McGee's other plushes. They were originally made in the image of Alice's white rabbit plush in McGee's adventure games; the girl held tightly to the deformed doll until the orderlies in the asylum forced her to let go.

I get the sense that Emily the Strange's plushie would never let that happen. The numbered card I received with her teaches me some of her important slumber party rules: "Think for Yourself, Do it Yourself, Be Yourself. Or, better yet, be all you can't be." Like a scarred bunny rabbit, maybe?

Having once been a strange little girl, I used to worry Emily and Alice in Wonderland were the only souls on the planet to share my angst. But as a grown-up, I think my new Emily the Strange Plushie Dreadfuls plush is a reminder that strangeness can never hurt, and it never dies – it simply turns into a good story, or a timeless outfit made up of all-black.

Speaking of throwbacks, this fan made an incredible Lego Final Fantasy set, and now I'm hoping it becomes a real model.

• See all the latest goth plushies at Amazon

There's something magical about the Lego Disney Castle. I don't know whether that's because it recreates one of the most photographed buildings in the world or due to it carrying decades of nostalgia in every brick, but it doesn't matter. It's mesmerizing, particularly if you're a fan of the theme parks. Actually, I'd go so far as to call it one of the best Lego sets overall.

Not that there's much time left to enjoy the model. The Lego Disney Castle has just retired at the official Lego store so is only available via third parties while stocks last, and because its inspiration (Walt Disney World's Cinderella castle) has ditched the pink seen here for its more traditional white color scheme, it feels like a wistful time capsule.

Lego Disney Castle features & design

• Almost 5,000 pieces
• 31.5in tall, 23in wide
• Includes eight minifigures

This set is based on the castle as seen in Disney World, Florida when it was painted pink for the resort's 50th anniversary between 2021 and 2026. (It's now reverted back to the classic white.) Made up of almost 5,000 pieces, it's an impressive feat of Lego design that'll draw every eye in a room; it stands at 31.5in (80cm) tall from tip to tail.

This isn't just a facade, either. Turn the model round and you'll be treated to a host of rooms inside that reference numerous Disney movies.

Rather than featuring Mickey Mouse and friends like the previous (and ever so slightly smaller) Lego Disney Castle, this one comes with eight prince and princess minifigures. Cinderella, Prince Charming, Snow White, Prince Florian, Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Rapunzel, and Flynn Ryder make up the roster this time around.

Build

• Takes 10hrs+ depending on experience
• An endurance test
• Fragile, so is hard to move

Despite being a massive kit with an 18+ recommended age rating, I wouldn't say this is a challenging build; it's more of an endurance test. There's nothing overly fiddly to contend with, but it'll take a good chunk of time to finish.

While occasionally monotonous, Lego does a good job of varying things throughout the project too. Plus, it's deeply satisfying to see the structure come together – you're building from the ground up.

Just be aware that this thing is an absolute pain to move. It's more fragile than you'd expect, so I'd recommend having the Disney Castle close by wherever you want to display it.

Design

• Jaw-dropping once finished
• Crammed with references
• You need a lot of space to show it off

To put it simply, this is a stunning model that really does take the breath away once it's finished. For starters, it's massive. Its towers will loom over most – if not all – other Lego sets in your collection, only being outdone by the likes of the Eiffel Tower. In addition, it isn't just a facade; flip it around and you'll find the castle filled with reference-filled rooms. It's a showstopper in the way that Lego Rivendell is, balancing spectacle with intricacy.

Speaking of those rooms, they're crammed with detail. Numerous Disney movies old and new are represented here, from a chamber with Rapunzel's paintings to Cinderella's glass slipper and even Beauty and the Beast's dining table (I wouldn't recommend trying the gray stuff here, because it most certainly won't be delicious). There's a lot to see, so even after you've finished construction it's fun just to cast an eye over the set. You'll probably spot something you forgot was there… like a secret hidden Mickey, which is something Disney Parks fans will get a kick out of.

The downside is that you'll need a lot of room to display this set, never mind real estate to turn it around if you want to show off its interior. I'd definitely break out the tape measure before committing to this build.

Should you buy the Lego Disney Castle #43222?

I adore this set, and it's probably one of my favorite Disney collectibles. It brings back a wealth of happy memories for both the movies and theme parks, so I suspect most diehard fans will fall for it too. While the pink coloring means it may not appeal as much to dedicated Parks fans who prefer the classic white (and I'd recommend anyone wanting the original color to wait, because I wouldn't be surprised if a newer version replaces this one somewhere down the road), it still does justice to an absolute icon.

Want to keep costs down, on the other hand? You can get cheaper, smaller alternatives like the Mini Disney Castle for $39.99 via Lego.

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

How we tested the Lego Disney Castle #43222

This review sample was provided by Lego.

I spent several days building the Lego Disney Castle in shifts, taking notes on the process and any pain points/highlights as I went. I then moved it to a shelf in my house, where it's stood proudly on display ever since.

I first started collecting and building Lego back in the 1990s when I'd create my own spaceships and houses from our box of random pieces. I've also been reviewing and reporting on Lego with GamesRadar+ for the better part of a decade.

For more information on our reviews procedure, don't miss this guide to how we test products.

To see more cool collectibles, be sure to check out the best toys.

A new Lego Ministry of Magic set has been revealed for the Harry Potter range, and it's the kind of model that feels like it should collapse under its own weight… but through some brick-building sorcery, doesn't.

Due to launch in early access for Insiders (e.g. anyone that's signed up to Lego's free membership) on August 29 and September 1 for everyone else, the Lego Ministry of Magic set is a three-story kit that recreates London's street level, the underground Ministry itself, and the Hall of Prophecy further below the surface.

If this model seems familiar, that's because it's not the first time Lego has made a Harry Potter set that laughs in the face of gravity. The enormous Lego Gringott's Bank was even more impossible (hence why it's a contender for our list of the best Lego sets), with the massive bank building perched atop a perilously thin cave stand with rails winding around it. While the Ministry isn't quite as ambitious, it's still stood atop a narrow base that's pitted like Swiss cheese and therefore not the sturdiest-looking. However, I assume this is where some design magic has been applied, because it's clearly not collapsing under its own weight.

The set begins over 10 inches up with a rendition of London, with a tube station beside the telephone box used to enter the Ministry in the films. Sadly, this version doesn't seem to operate as a lift – but you can dump minifigures into the Ministry by placing them on a toilet and hitting a lever that deposits them in the fireplace below.

We then get to the bulk of the set, which recreates the green-tiled Ministry entry hall itself with its many stacked offices, an ominous tapestry to the Minister of Magic, and one of the statues that takes pride of place in the atrium… which you can use to recreate the Dumbledore vs. Voldemort battle from Order of the Phoenix.

Speaking of which, the kit then descends one more level to the area where Harry and co battle Death Eaters in a bid to secure a prophecy. These shelves can be 'toppled' just like in the film,

The downside? That price. While it's not outside the norm for Harry Potter Collectors' Edition kits like Gringotts or Hogsmeade, it's still eye-watering. Actually, it has significantly fewer pieces than Gringotts but is around $20 more expensive. I appreciate that it's a beautiful and complex model with a lot going on when you flip it 'round, but phew. It feels like many agree. The most up-voted comment on a reddit thread discussing the kit with 610 likes simply says "Yikes, that is way way to expensive for what it is." ( u/Snoo_28455.)

Still, cost aside, I'm intrigued to see how this works. Fans will get a chance when the set launches on September 1, 2026.

Although she is not involved in the development of Lego Ministry of Magic, GamesRadar+ acknowledges the role of J.K. Rowling in the creation of the Wizarding World, as well as her publicly-stated views regarding the rights of transgender people. If you'd like to offer your support to the communities affected by Rowling's rhetoric, consider donating to the National Center for Transgender Equality in the US, or Mermaids in the UK.

It's a good month to be a Lego fan; besides someone creating an awesome Lego Final Fantasy 7 set, a host of cool sets from Donkey Kong to X-Files make August one of the best months for new Lego sets yet.

• Check out other new sets at Lego

The brick-building community is clamoring for instructions after a fan put together a custom Lego Final Fantasy 7 Midgar model.

Designed by hachiroku24, "Midgar, City of Mako" is inspired by the first few hours of the 1997 PlayStation game. It's already gathering a lot of support on Lego Ideas, a platform for community-submitted designs that may actually become real models if they get enough votes. Indeed, the Lego Final Fantasy 7 design has earned 1,009 votes already after just a few days, and the consistent feedback I'm seeing on the likes of reddit is "how do I make this myself?"

Based on city sectors 5, 6, and 7, the model comes in two sections; it depicts the upper platforms used by employees of the villainous Shinra Electric Company, along with the slums underneath that house a rebellion against them. Like all the best Lego sets, there's been plenty of room for references – hachiroku24 notes that they "built the park where Cloud and Aerith have a moment together when going back to sector 7," alongside the chocobo carriage they find while on their way to the Wall Market (which is also present, if you look close enough).

That's not all, obviously; hachiroku24 managed to squeeze in plenty more fan-pleasing moments. In the top part of the build their "favorite part of this project: Midgar Expressway (that I built using a forced perspective technique, first doing that) and Cloud Strife, the main character of Final Fantasy VII riding the Daytona motorbike."

In terms of the minifigures that are featured here, there's Sephiroth (looming over the entire set), Cloud, Aerith, Tifa, Barret, a Shinra officer, Yuffie, Wedge, Biggs, Jessie, and Chocobo Sam.

While there's no guarantee that this will be made into a real set even if it garners enough public support (any design that wins enough support goes into a shortlist judged by Lego), we've got plenty of great designs out of the program before now. The Lego Tintin set that fans agreed was an instant buy came from Ideas, for example, as did the brilliant Nightmare Before Christmas kit that I'm still obsessed with. In other words, there's a chance we may get an official Lego Final Fantasy 7 model if the stars align.

Which gaming model would you like to see? Are there any franchises or IPs you'd love to see in Lego form? Shout about it in the comments.

It's a good time to be a Lego fan; thanks to Pokemon, X-Files, and Donkey Kong, this month's new Lego sets might be the best we've had all year.

• Check out the latest sets at Lego

I'd like to say it was hard to choose the best new Lego sets in August 2026, but it wasn't. Well over 100 kits have hit shelves this month, and big names like Star Wars came out swinging with awesome models too. However, three immediately stood out from the crowd.

Because there's a lot to choose from, I've rounded up my favorite new Lego sets in August 2026 right here. Top of the list? Lego Donkey Kong Arcade. Although we got 15 Pokemon kits this month (including a whole range of Smart Play figures that made our inner 10 year-old lose it), none can stand up to the brilliant elevator pitch of a retro Lego arcade cabinet you can actually play. Alright, I'll admit that the X-Files display piece and a particularly adorable Munchlax come close. But still. DK gives the best Lego sets a run for their money.

Just want the headlines? I've listed the three best Lego sets that I think you should prioritize this month right here. Looking for the full lowdown, on the other hand? I've also catalogued every single new Lego set coming out in August further down the page.

Every new Lego set in August 2026

Of course, these kits are just three of many to launch this month; there are well over 100 new Lego sets coming out in August, and I've listed every single one below divided into ranges. I've also singled out my favorites from each line, with a detailed explanation of why I think they stand head and shoulders above the rest.

Unless otherwise specified, all of these new Lego sets launch on August 1, 2026.

Animal Crossing

Want a display piece based on Animal Crossing rather than a traditional playset? We've got our first with Timmy and Tommy's Fun Day Out, and it's bigger than you might think. Hopefully we see more kits like this in the future, because I'm looking forward to seeing what Lego does with the increased scale. The cost isn't too bad either; it's in line with what I'd expect for a model of this size and complexity.

Architecture

Jolly old London Town makes its way to the Architecture range this month, with an impressively detailed micro-scale take on Tower Bridge. I'm taken aback at how accurate it is, though be warned that it's not as small as it might appear. The thing I'm not impressed with? That price. Holy moly, that's a lot.

Art

Here's another entry for the "famous paintings recreated with Lego" category. Although this set isn't due to launch until August 4, you can get your hands on it early from August 1 if you're signed up to Lego's free Insiders program. It's expensive, yes, but I guess you can see where the money's going with all those intricate, tiny, and creatively-placed pieces making up each figure.

Botanicals

There are just two new Lego sets from the Botanicals range in August, but they're both eye-catching enough to make up for that. While the Dark Flower Arrangement is beautiful, I like the trailing Goldon Pothos best because it captures the randomness of those plants brilliantly - it's busy enough to look like the real thing at a glance, especially with the multi-color leaves. I really struggle to keep things like this alive at home, so it's a tempting alternative so far as I'm concerned.

City

Feeling deja vu? Many of these City sets already hit other territories earlier this year, and are coming to the US for the first time in August. While I'm very keen on the steam train set, the roller coaster kit won me over because of how interactive it is.

Creator 3-in-1

The Creator range has been on a roll recently with top-notch sets, and while this won't necessarily unseat the best ones, it's very cute nonetheless - the red panda build in particular is painfully adorable, especially at just $30.

Editions

The new Editions range is showing its versatility this month; we've gone from soccer and the World Cup to OIivia Rodrigo. There are plenty of standouts here (like the flowers that have mini guitars for petals), but I think the record player is my overall favorite because it feels like the most timeless entry... and one of the easiest to display. It won't put as sizeable a dent in your bank balance as some others, either.

Friends

Friends sets launching in the US this month already got European releases in 2026, so they may seem familiar. That said, there are some very cool designs in that lineup. My heart belongs to Cozy Fall Forest Cabin - as so often happens with Lego Friends kits, I kinda want to live there because it looks so blissfully idyllic. It's on the expensive side, true, but is feature-rich and drop-dead gorgeous.

Gabby's Dollhouse

Well aren't these sets as cute as a button? I prefer the fairy mushroom house because it's so whimsical, but I do appreciate yet another roller coaster kit in August. I feel as though someone at Lego HQ recently went to a theme park, because that's a definite theme this month.

Icons

This month's new Lego sets for the Icons range recreate marvels of tech both on the ground and far above it. I appreciate the Hubble Telescope model, but the Jaguar with poppable hood that reveals an inline-6 engine steals the spotlight so far as I'm concerned. It's almost on par with Technic in terms of nerdy detail, but is far less expensive.

Ideas

It's a particularly strong month for Ideas sets, with ET being the latest '80s icon to join the range (following Gizmo a little while back). However, neither he nor the amazing La Catrina model can compete with the spectacle that is the X-Files set. That thing will draw every eye in the room to it. It comes out on August 4, but those signed up to the free Insiders program are able to get it early from August 1. Plus, I'm impressed at how much has been crammed in there considering the price; for this kind of complexity, I'd expected it to be more expensive.

Jurassic World

I'm a sucker for cute critters, OK? While the likes of the Mosasaurus set may be more impressive, the adorable baby pteranodon is the one I'd want for myself or my kid.

KPop Demon Hunters

We're getting the first of Lego's KPop Demon Hunters sets this month, and it's been brilliantly done. More are apparently en route, so I'm eager to see what else Lego is cooking up based on how well Derpy Tiger has come out. Is this one a bit expensive? Yes, particularly for the size and simplicity of the kit. But that just makes it one to watch when costs come down.

Marvel

It's been a while since Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters, but seeing as the team's helpful robot pal is returning in Doomsday, maybe this characterful kit is arriving just in time. It's a very intricate design; besides posable arms and head, it has storage areas for various accessories that help bring the model to life. It's also a good example of what Lego truly excels at - creating robots. Herbie translates very well to the bricks from Billund, and I'd say it's head and shoulders above other character models such as Groot because of this. (They often fall into a weird uncanny valley.)

Minecraft

Remember when everyone went feral over that Chicken Jockey scene in the Minecraft movie? Yeah, I don't particularly want to either, so I'll leave you with the knowledge that there's now a Chicken Jockey kit. (On the plus side, this one's rendered like the original video game rather than the weirdly realistic movie equivalent.)

One Piece

It's a good month if you're a One Piece fan, because there are loads in this month's roundup of new Lego sets. None can come close to how freakin' sweet Lego Tony Tony Chopper is for me, though. It's relatively affordable compared to many of the other One Piece kits too.

Pokemon

We're staring down the barrel of 15 new Pokemon Lego sets this month, and the majority are Smart Play-focused - e.g., they use Smart Bricks and Tags to bring those pocket monsters to life. The exception are Munchlax, Arcanine, and Rayquaza; these are all for-adults display pieces. I think Muchlax is my personal favorite because it's a characterful diorama with whimsy to spare (while simultaneously being one of the cheaper options), but I can't ignore how clever the Smart Play kits are. Being able to train and battle your own Pokemon will be catnip for many kids.

Sonic the Hedgehog

There are just two Sonic kits hitting shelves in August, and the big guy himself doesn't appear in either. That means his pals get their chance to shine though. Despite being fond of sword-wielding mechs and Shadow, I appreciate the Tails plane most; thanks to the addition of a bright and cheerful Badnik to battle, it feels like classic Sonic. It's pretty affordable too, which is always a plus no matter whether you want it for play or display.

Speed Champions

Two Speed Champions kits are dropping this month, adding a couple more classy rides to your collection. I don't have a particular favorite here, but I do appreciate the wild mismatch between the hyper speedy Jaguar Project and the comparatively clunky Land Rover Defender. It's giving big "tortoise vs. the hare" energy, and in terms of value it works out at double the price of one single car from the range (which makes sense, seeing as you're getting two here).

Star Wars

With the exception of a Boba Fett character figure, all of the new Lego sets from Star Wars this month are inspired by The Mandalorian and Grogu movie or the TV show before it. We've waited a while for a new Sandcrawler, and this alternate design (from early in Season 1 of the series) packs so much personality due to modifications like sails that it earns my vote. Yes, it's expensive, but in terms of value there's a lot here; besides the Jawas you'd expect to accompany a Sandcrawler (which has loads of interactive elements), it includes the Mudhorn that became Mando and Grogu's sigil along with the loveable Kuiil. RIP, my sweet pig man. You were too good for this galaxy.