[NEW STUFF] Alien Conquest

[Draykov]

The aliens look good, I don't know why humans would be bright blue though...

If you're referring to the off-color blue used for the ADU minifigures (as opposed to the standard bright blue that was actually used in a lot of Classic Space sets), then I don't have an answer for you. I was left scratching my head about that too. Diversity of elements/colors is not something I take objection to (gray/bley being a glaring exception due to specific circumstances), so...

[Mofo Jones]

My kids gave me a 7052 UFO Abduction set for Father's Day. Built it (with my daughter's help) this afternoon and I have to say, I really like this theme. The abduction feature is fun, the minifigs are great, and I like the color scheme, too! I was grinning while I was flying it around the house chasing my daughter. I'm going to have to pick up a few more from this theme!

[Draykov]

There is a review of 7051 Tripod Invader in Hispabrick 11. In the review, it states:

The theme will be expanded further in the first half of 2012

Not sure what the source of that info is, but I'm happy to know there's a chance this theme will live on for a while.

[WarlordJHW]

the claws are fine. i like the lights on the ufo

[cas]

There is a review of 7051 Tripod Invader in Hispabrick 11. In the review, it states:

The theme will be expanded further in the first half of 2012

Not sure what the source of that info is, but I'm happy to know there's a chance this theme will live on for a while.

Or not, apparently? Second half of 2012 then? Or maybe the line was canceled? Or bad intel? In any case, it is disappointing nothing's turned up.

[Draykov]

In the most recent issue of BrickJournal (17) there's an interview with designer and far-out space nut, Mark Stafford, about the development of Alien Conquest. When asked point blank if we'd see any more Alien Conquest in 2012, he was unsurprisingly evasive and couldn't comment on anything, but teased a bit that space is considered a LEGO "evergreen" theme. There was a photo next to this quote with with some ADU prototype minifigs and some red figs with the new space helmet and what looked like a variation on the Classic Space logo on their torso. I wish I had the picture to share, but I don't. If I get a chance I'll try and scan it.

I don't want to get anyone's hopes up, but Mark didn't out and out say there would be no more Alien Conquest this year and if I'm not reading too much into things, there might be something just as cool in the works.

In any case, the interview is an interesting read if you subscribe or can otherwise get your hands on a copy of Brick Journal 17. Apparently, Alien Conquest was something of a wildcard late-comer when LEGO began planning its next space theme. Even in its unpolished state, the Alien Conquest concept tested well with the kiddies. So well, in fact, that in spite of going up against 4 other concepts that were in a more advanced state of refinement, Alien Conquest went on to become the next space theme. It also seems that certain collectible minifigures and parts may have started life as Alien Conquest concepts. Namely:

• the ray gun that came with the Series 1 space dude is the alien weapon of choice
• the Hazmat guy from Wave 4 seems to have originally appeared in Alien Conquest concept sketches
• the stereotypical "visitor" alien that was originally proposed for Alien Conquest (and eventually scrapped) made it into Wave 6
• the dark blue space marine from Wave 7 may be an evolution of some early ADU figure ideas

[Mister Ed]

I'm still hoping that the little head-hugging alien will show up in a small set sometime, as I would like to get one, but don't want to really jump into the line or deal with acquiring one aftermarket.

[cas]

Thanks for the info. That's very interesting to learn about some of the inner workings of the theme and the collectable figs. I'm curious to see where this goes.

[buriedbybricks]

I'm still hoping that the little head-hugging alien will show up in a small set sometime, as I would like to get one, but don't want to really jump into the line or deal with acquiring one aftermarket.

It's in 7051 Tripod Invader Ed. It's been on sale under $20 in Canada several times, so it must be $15 or less there. WELL WORTH IT! Even at 20 bucks, it's a nice assortment of pieces and you don't really need to go any further in the theme.

[Mister Ed]

I'm still hoping that the little head-hugging alien will show up in a small set sometime, as I would like to get one, but don't want to really jump into the line or deal with acquiring one aftermarket.

It's in 7051 Tripod Invader Ed. It's been on sale under $20 in Canada several times, so it must be $15 or less there. WELL WORTH IT! Even at 20 bucks, it's a nice assortment of pieces and you don't really need to go any further in the theme.

That one's not an exclusive is it? I don't remember seeing it on shelves here, though I haven't been looking that closely.

I'll keep an eye out, thanks!

(Plus I just realized, some aliens might make good foes for the superheroes I plan on getting, when they get tired of fighting Lex's robot.)

[cas]

Nope, it isn't an exclusive. I've seen it regularly at Target and Walmart for $15. I don't know if it's currently priced at $15 or if it's back at $20 (I've read people have been finding it for $7.50 at Walmart, but that might be YMMV).

[Mofo Jones]

I just built the 7065 Alien Mothership last night and it's great - about 19 inches wide and the disc part spins, accompanied by a very classic sounding UFO noise! I'd get another one of these, but I don't have the display room for it right now.

I agree with the others - If you're going to get a single AC set, get the tripod! It has an Alien, a Clinger (the head hugger) and a guy in a suit (a lawyer?) who gets to play the part of the abduction victim!

[Draykov]

Here's the shot of those red dudes I mentioned earlier. Not a great scan, but it's what I could do. I don't know if these guys are from some future theme or from some abandoned idea, or what. The photo appeared in the interview (along with a bunch of other neat shots of Alien Conquest prototypes and sketch art) with Mark Stafford in Brick Journal #17.

[GIR3691]

I so want that to be a theme. I love the chest emblems on the red guys.

[Daz Hoo]

Ditto on what GIR3691 wrote.