CITY Advent 2009: Day 24

CITY Advent: Day 24


Chimney, Stockings and SANTA!

Wow.

They did it. LEGO actually pulled off a CITY advent calendar that didn't suck. I'm stunned.

And happy.

Oh, sure, there was that weirdness with the cop sub-theme early on. And the Janitor was kind of iffy. But overall the full calendar worked together to create a nice little pile of holiday mini-sets.

What really sold me on the win this year was LEGO's decision to have Santa hiding behind the final door. We haven't seen Santa in a CITY advent since 2006 - and today's set is a nice upgrade to that year's offering.

Looking ahead, I haven't heard what LEGO has in mind for their 2010 Advent calendar(s). Will we see yet another CITY themed countdown?

Right now, I'm thinking that might not be so bad.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 23

CITY Advent: Day 23


Christmas Tree

Day three of the Lumberjack theme - and the next to the last day of the CITY Advent calendar. We can pretty much expect something Christmas-y tomorrow - LEGO has yet to fumble an Advent calendar THAT badly - so today's mini-set is really the last of the possibly-screwy CITY themed items.

But...not this year. This year we get a satisfying end to the lumberjack theme with a very nice brickbuilt Christmas tree. The build isn't very complex, but the use of 1x1 rounds as ornaments works well. Plus, the trans-neon-green wand as the star is an inspired touch.

In America these days there's an ongoing debate if Christmas trees are "better" if they're natural or artificial. LEGO neatly bridges that gap by giving us a plastic tree that, in the LEGO world, is as natural as it gets.

Looking back, 2007's Advents both ended with Christmas trees. That we're seeing a tree today just might mean big things for tomorrow's door.

(And what of 2008? Well, that CITY advent ended with a snowman and snowball throwing kid. Which, you might recall, kicked off this year's calendar. It's a little bit of cyclic nonsense that I wish I had noticed earlier in the month!)

Only one more door to go. It's almost like Christmas eve! Except it isn't. It's actually Christmas Eve Eve. Which sounds kind of redundant, so I won't bring it up.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 22

CITY Advent: Day 22


Lumberjack Supplies

Oh good! Yesterday's Stephen King moment was a false alarm! Turns out our Axe Wielding Maniac was just a friendly lumberjack!



And what possible Holiday Link could a lumberjack have?

Oh, please LEGO...let my guess about tomorrow's set be on the mark...

CITY Advent 2009: Day 21

CITY Advent: Day 21


Man with Axe

So on day three of the race theme we...hold on.

We're not due for a new mini-figure until tomorrow. So what's with the axe wielding maniac?

LEGO got their wires crossed! They were looking for holiday inspiration and ran across a family spending their winter alone in a hotel!

CITY Advent 2009: Day 20

CITY Advent: Day 20


RC Car and Race Accessories

Day 20 of the CITY Advent - we've entered the home stretch. Other than the early stumble with the Police Barricade sub-theme LEGO has been doing a good job of making this year's calendar a fun holiday experience. I have to admit: I'm impressed.

Today's continuation of the RC Racer sub-theme is another quality entry, too. What's the fun of having a RC car if you don't have anyone to race against? Today's accessories work well with any of the previous day's characters to give yesterday's kid a bit of a challenge.

Sure, the parts are all fairly common and there's not a lot of building to be done...but sometimes you don't need either of those to make for a decent accessory pack.

I do wonder where LEGO will take things for day three, though...

CITY Advent 2009: Day 19

CITY Advent: Day 19


Child and RC Car

I've been pretty grouchy this year about any repeats from previous year's CITY Advent calendars. I've taken the stance that CITY is a big enough theme to showcase new things - that there's no reason to rehash the same models over and over again.

But today's set leaves me in a bit of a bind. It's clearly a repeat of a previous year's offerings...in 2005 we had a Kid and a RC race car. But in 2005 it took two days to get the kid and the car.
So today is clearly an improvement over 2005...but it's still a repeat.

Eh. I just can't be grinchy about this one. It's a kid and toys and that says "Holiday Theme" to me. I call today's gift a clear win.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 18

CITY Advent: Day 18


Fountain

It's another puzzle. Did LEGO abandon the "street sweeper" sub-theme or is there a way to work this fountain into the mix?

Considering the amount of winter-themed objects we've seen so far in this year's CITY Advent, the inclusion of a water feature seems really...odd. Everything else is frozen solid...but not this!

Maybe it's meant to be a fixture in a mall or something.

The model itself has the advantage of being something new and different from the Advent-verse, at least. Despite the fact I didn't manage to align the parts correctly in my photo, the building technique isn't bad. And the blue water "flame" is an uncommon color for that part.

This far into the calendar and LEGO can still surprise me. They've almost got me looking forward to discovering tomorrow's new theme.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 17

CITY Advent: Day 17


Snow Removal Cart

It's a stretch. It's a real reach. But at least LEGO is trying. Today's mini-model of a snow removal cart manages to transform yesterday's cheerless Janitor minifigure into a Winter Worker.

At least I think it's a snow removal cart.

Those 1x1 rounds might actually be meant to represent little LEGO marshmallows.

In which case this sub-theme doesn't make any sense at all.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 16

CITY Advent: Day 16


Janitor

Today's new sub-theme kicks off with the expected Mini-figure.If nothing else, the CITY Advent has a very steady pace.

Unfortunately, we're stuck with a sub-theme that seems very far from the holiday spirit. Today's addition to the cast is a Janitor. Oh sure, he's a happy Janitor - look at that cheerful grin. But I leared a thing or two about Janitors from Mystery Science Theater 3000.



Besides. This Janitor comes with an old-style LEGO hat. He clearly ranks lower than even the Postman from day 10.

How depressing.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 15

CITY Advent: Day 15


Bench

The final day of the Chef sub-theme. I was hoping this final door would give us an answer to the question: Is this a holiday theme or not?

Like the mystery of how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootise-pop, the world may never know. For today's set is about as theme-neutral as you can get: it's a bench.

Can we take a clue from the white baseplate that this bench is outside? In the winter snow? That's sort of holiday-ish.

And if you combine it with the ice skating rental stand, the garland street light, and yesterday's mystery kiosk...well, it's almost an outdoor holiday mall in miniature.

So, in the spirit of giving...let's go ahead and call it "Festive."

There's still plenty of time for LEGO to send things spiraling into the netherworld - and tomorrow starts a new sub-theme. Will we be making merry? Or weeping bitter tears?

CITY Advent 2009: Day 14

CITY Advent: Day 14


Flower/Coffee Stand

Day two of the Winter Chef sub-theme. Today's model is another kiosk similar to the Ice Skating stand from Day 5, but only a lot more mysterious. What, exactly, is this product being sold? Is it some sort of beverage to go with the mug (and the mug the Chef was holding yesterday)? Or is it a flower stand? Or are the flowers just decoration?

It's a mystery.

The model itself is a fun little build. The 1x1 sloped tiles make for a nice candy-cane awning, and LEGO included a few extra bits to let you customize your gift.

The question remains, though: is this a holiday sub-theme or not?

I still can't make up my mind. Maybe tomorrow's item will help decide the matter.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 13

CITY Advent: Day 13


Chef with cup

So...is this the start of a new holiday theme or not?

Our chef looks happy enough...and overindulging in Christmas Feasts is a holiday tradition.

There's really not much to say about today's items...so let's wait and see what tomorrow has in store.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 12

CITY Advent: Day 12


Gift and Crate

I guess I shouldn't have made that smart comment about not needing another 1x2 tile with an envelope printed on it.

Closing out the three day "Going Postal" sub-theme we have a crate and a package to put on the back of the Postman's ATV. And that's clearly a Holiday Gift - giving LEGO a solid 3:1 lead on actual festive themes in this year's calendar.

Tomorrow starts a new theme, though. Will LEGO pull ahead to a 4:1 holiday advantage? Or will the forces of the mundane drag us back to a nondenominational ratio of 3:2?

CITY Advent 2009: Day 11

CITY Advent: Day 11


Mail Cart

If I didn't know about the three-day sub-themes in the CITY Advent, I probably wouldn't have identified today's gift as a mail cart. It could just have easily been a "Race Car" or "Dune buggy". The yellow-and-red color theme of LEGO's postal service isn't much of a clue either...it just makes me think of McDonald's.

But, that's really nothing to complain about. It's a fun mini-model. There are some decent parts to re-use, and it even came with an extra red cheese wedge. (That's a 1x1 sloped tile, for you non LEGO addicts.)

I guess our postman is expecting a LOT of mail, if he's taking this little car around with him on his daily rounds.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 10

CITY Advent: Day 10


Postman

A postman. Hrm.

Well, considering that 90% of my holiday shopping has been mail-order this year, I don't have any problem counting this guy as a Christmas Minion.

As far as mini-figures go, this one isn't bad. The shoulder-bag accessory (from the Indiana Jones line) is a nice touch - it's certainly more useful than yet another 1x2 tile with a envelope printed on it. Speaking of printed things, this torso design has only appeared in two others sets: 2009's 7731 Mail Van and 7732 Postal Plane.

The postman's hat is worth noting, too - it's the new "short bill" style that started showing up in mid 2009. It has a more curved shape than the classic LEGO ballcap, fitting the figure's head better and looking a tad more realistic.

Let's hope the rest of the "Going Postal" sub-theme is as worthwhile as the minifigure.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 9

CITY Advent: Day 9


Traffic Signal

Sigh.

Well, we've reached day three of the police sub-theme. Today's advent gift is a traffic light.

I'd give LEGO points for originality, but this is just a repeat from Day 14 of 2005.
What's worse, the 2005 model had more parts.

Well, if tradition holds, tomorrow we should get a new theme and a new mini-figure to go with it. It guess that's something to look forward to...

CITY Advent 2009: Day 8

CITY Advent: Day 8


Barricade

Day eight of the CITY Advent, and day two of the Police Action sub-theme. And...just like that...we've left the holiday themes and returned to the mundane.

Maybe if I really think hard, I can find a way to see today's assembly as festive.

Hrm.

Well, the red-and-white caution stripes sort of look like a candy cane.

There. I tried.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 7

CITY Advent: Day 7


Police Officer with Bullhorn

I knew it. I knew it. Day seven and LEGO gives up.

Once again Christmas in the CITY means police action.

At least we get a different face on the officer this year - I don't know how I would have coped with yet another incarnation of Officer Grumpypants.

Will LEGO be able to spin the police sub-theme into something festive? I guess we'll find out over the next two days...

CITY Advent 2009: Day 6

CITY Advent: Day 6


Street Light with Garland

Day Six. One quarter of the way through the advent. So far LEGO has wowed us with toys that actually reached beyond just "CITY" and into an actual holiday theme. We've seen three days of snow, two days of ice, and now...a day of lights.

I wasn't sure how LEGO was going to stretch ice skating into a third day. Would we get a small clear baseplate to simulate the ice rink? A pair of skis and snow poles to continue the winter sports concept?

No, instead we get a bit of set dressing - a nice prop to put by the side of our imaginary ice rink to let our mini-figures play into the night.

"But, Chris!" I hear you say. "How can you be so calm about LEGO giving us a streetlight for a set? It's LAME! You know it!"

Ah, dear reader, but look at the clever building techniques! See how LEGO decided to accessorize their streetlight! A white 2x2 plate at the base to keep the snowy theme alive! A garland! And some 1x1 rounds in white to make everything look wintery and festive.

I can forgive them for the streetlight since they wrapped it up so nicely.

But, rest assured, I'm all set to be cranky tomorrow when we kick off a new sub-theme. I'm sure it'll be a real stinker.

Won't it?

CITY Advent 2009: Day 5

CITY Advent: Day 5


Skate Stand

I'm more and more convinced that the first "snow" sub-theme is meant to work hand-in-mitten with the second sub-theme of "ice". How else can we justify a second pair of ice skates if they're not intended for the snowball-throwing mini-figure from day one? Day 4 certainly can't wear two pairs. That'd just be silly.

As far as mini-models go, today's kiosk is nice. The two shades of blue brick mix with the white to give a nice cold color tone to the set. The construction isn't overly fancy, but the connection between the upright poles and the roof is a bit more advanced than we normally see in these micro sets.

We should have at least one more day of wintery-mix left tomorrow before we have to risk a new sub-theme. I'm enjoying the run while it lasts.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 4

CITY Advent: Day 4


Ice Skater

I'm not exactly sure how to call this one. It's day four, and past history tells us that LEGO is moving on to a new three-day sub-theme in the Advent. And, sure enough, we get a new mini-figure to kick things off.

The problem is that today's figure fits in so well with the previous doors that maybe we're looking at our first extended sub-theme. Ice Skating is certainly still a wintery activity...

I can't even complain about the part mix. This minifigure has a hard-to-find grinning face, easy to-reuse white torso and green legs, and an always-in-demand red bandanna. The ice skates are a fairly common part these days, but they're still a great bit of detailing.

I...I don't know what to say. I was all ready to gripe about how LEGO had already abandoned the holiday spirit just four days in...but obviously they found a way to keep hope alive.

Color me amazed.


For now.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 3

CITY Advent: Day 3


Sled

Day three of the "Snow" theme - and already the cracks are starting to show in LEGO's gameplan. While the first two days were pretty good - a minifigure and a nice multi-piece build - today' offering is pretty weak.

Five small and common parts make a small Sled for Day 1's minifigure to enjoy. If LEGO continues their established Advent tradition of "three days for each sub-theme", we're leaving our winter wonderland on a downturn.

I refuse to be too gloomy, though. Taken as a whole, this first sub-theme was just what I would hope to see in an Advent calendar. A nice winter feel to the toys, and as a group a fun day spent outdoors for our little mini-figure. This is miles ahead of some of the sub-themes we've seen in the past like Criminals and Oil Drums.

CITY Advent 2009: Day 2

CITY Advent: Day 2


Snowman

Continuing the "Snowy" theme started with yesterday's snowball-throwing lad, today we have a brick-built Snowman.

LEGO has released a few different Snowmen builds over the years - some better than others. This one falls in the middle for me. It lacks the roundness of an actual snow sculpture, and some of the color choices are a bit odd to me. (The black and grey tiles should really have been white.)

While I'm not sold on the "broom through the torso" design choice it's at least a little bit innovative.

But...let's not forget that LEGO has managed to fit a second day of actual winter fun into their CITY advent calendar. This is a great start to things...let's hope the trend continues!

CITY Advent 2009: Day 1

CITY Advent: Day 1


Child and Snowballs

Once again, LEGO has gone with the "CITY" theme for the mass release Advent Calendar. It's safe, it's free from those troubling licensing issues, and it's a proven seller. The problem it that it's usually pretty darn boring, and the toys don't have a lot do to with any sort of Holiday Celebration.

2009's set, however, opens up with a bit of hope for the season. As usual, the first door reveals a mini-figure...but instead of the usual Police Officer or Fireman, we get a child and snowballs.

A winter theme. Amazing.

There might be hope for this year yet.

As to the figure itself, he's made of pretty standard LEGO parts. In past years we've seen a few rare colors and scarce parts work their way into the calendar. We'll just have to wait and see if our luck holds in that area as well.