This year heralds the 60th anniversary of the LEGO brick — a massive accomplishment on its own. It has come a long way and become an international phenomenon. Every year they bring even better sets to collectors and children alike. Let’s take a look at the most popular and highly anticipated LEGO 2018 sets and minifigures.
The year of 2018 has barely begun but there’s already a lot we know about what is to come. We know some sets will return this year, and some new themes will appear. It’s also the 40th anniversary of the minifigure — our adorable LEGO people, who populate both our sets, series and our imagination.
This means we will likely get a memorable year, so in this article, we will explore, in no particular order, some of the most wanted, best LEGO 2018 sets. Of course, your own preferences may vary; if we’ve overlooked some set, or if you disagree with our choices, let us know in the comments below!
Minifigure Series 18 (71021)
Series 18 belongs to the minifigure theme, which itself revolves around the famously collectable LEGO characters. Every year LEGO releases different collectible series, which may or may not revolve around a singular subject or another (such as history, space, sports etc.). The minifigures are released into ‘blind’ sealed bags, in different ratios (depending on the rarity).
The minifigure Series 18 collection has a costume party-theme, as a way to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the minifigure this year. There are 17 minifigures to collect and will be available in stores April, 2018. All characters are in costume and ready to attend a party, with items such as gifts, cakes, balloons and more. The LEGO Minifigures Series 18 will be a special one, and likely very sought after by fans.
Downtown Diner (10260)
This beautiful LEGO Creator Expert set recreates a diner that seems straight from the fifties. The façade of the modular building is outstanding, with curved windows and a stylish “diner” sign, as well as Streamlined Modern decorations.
The whole thing has three floors, with the ground being the diner itself — including an open plan kitchen, a jukebox, red stools and checkered floor, very reminiscent of old-style diners. The second floor has a boxing training area and weight training equipment, while the third has a recording room, which includes a mixing set and a vocal booth.
This set comes with six minifigures, including a 50s-style rocker, a chef, waitress, manager, boxer and bodybuilder. It also includes a 50s-style pink convertible and a sidewalk complete with flowerpots and a beautiful lamppost. It also brings a wealth of accessories such as guitars, a buildable barbell and more.
It’s a definite choice for LEGO Modular Building enthusiasts and people who just love the 50s era aesthetics. It looks fantastic as a display set and also as a playable set.
Ahch-To Island Training (75200)
With the release of 2017’s The Last Jedi, it was expected there would be a lot of interest in new Star Wars sets. The Ahch-To Island Training set is among the favourites because, while it’s fairly simple in design and style, it comes with an older Luke Skywalker minifigure as well as a Porg minifigure.
Both are relatively exclusive to this set (the Porgs appeared previously in a Millennium Falcon set), but more importantly, LEGO 75200 is a cheaper alternative to acquire these minifigures.
Ship in a Bottle (21313)
The Ship in a Bottle set comes from LEGO Ideas, a theme that picks on suggestions by LEGO fans everywhere. Conceived by Jacob Sadovich, the end result isn’t quite like his original idea. But it still sports the Leviathan Flagship inside a very realistic-looking LEGO-built bottle. The ship itself is fairly small and not as detailed as the original idea, but still looks remarkably nice.
The bottle, however, is very well done, all in transparent bricks, and with a nice curvature and texture to it. The frosted effect at the bottom of the bottle, in special, gives it a very realistic look. The stopped also looks gorgeous, as well as the support for the whole built, which includes the ship’s name and a beautiful print of a compass.
Mack Anthem (42078)
This incredibly realistic vehicle looks amazing from the get-go and has alternate builds which look just as good. The articulated lorry is very well done, with opening doors and a detailed engine. It also has a front-axle steering and the detachable trailer has extendable outriggers and support legs. It can be rebuilt as a remarkable Mack garbage truck as well.
For Technic enthusiasts who enjoy realistic, functional and well-built vehicles, this is a no-brainer choice. Definitely one of the best LEGO 2018 sets.
First Order Specialists Battle Pack (75197)
This set, much like the Ahch-To Island Training set, is all about the minifigures. The build isn’t all that remarkable, but this set seems to be the only one to include the First Order Stormtrooper Executioner, which come with their unique look and weaponry. As it’s also relatively cheap, this one is an obvious choice for the best of the year, or, at the very least, one of the most wanted of the year.
The Bat-Space Shuttle (70923)
A highly unusual set, this one. It’s part of The LEGO Batman Movie theme, and it includes a very good looking black space shuttle. One that, in spite of the ‘Batman’ subject, wouldn’t stand out in more serious themes. It’s a thoroughly unique idea as well, which certainly makes it worthy of any list of best LEGO 2018 sets.
Beyond the amazing space shuttle, this set comes with three minifigures: Batman, Dick Grayson and Catwoman. It also includes some of Batman’s costumes, including Reggae Man. There are a bat-kayak and a small wheeled vehicle in this set as well.
Boba Fett (75533)
The Boba Fett buildable figure is definitely one of the most anticipated LEGO 2018 sets. The whole figure looks great, it’s very posable, and very detailed as well. This is more of a collector’s item than an actual toy. This doesn’t mean it can’t be appreciated as such. Still, it’s made for display and it looks the part, with the details in the armour and the clear inspiration from Return of the Jedi. All in all, this one will likely become a classic buildable figure.
The Justice League Anniversary Party (70919)
This set is also all about the minifigures. Not to say the build isn’t great: it is, very much so. The DJ table is marvellous and has space for minifigures to play. It does look very festive and fun, as any set from The LEGO Batman Movie theme should.
But what’s interesting about this set is the minifigures. There are four of them and all are unique to this set — even Superman comes with a smiling face, which is unusual in Superman minifigures. It also includes Wonder Dog and unusual heroes such as El Dorado and Hawkgirl, as well as classic Green Arrow. For those who love superheroes, this set is a great choice.
The Sanctum Sanctorum Showdown (76108)
This set is part of the upcoming LEGO Avengers: Infinity War line. It includes a bigfigure, three other minifigures including Iron Man, lots of accessories and a remarkable-looking build, the Sanctum Sanctorum. From what we know of it, it should have over 1,000 pieces and already looks awesome, so it’s definitely going to be a favourite.
Rhino Face-Off By The Mine (76099)
Part of the Black Panther Marvel Superheroes theme, the Rhino Face-Off by the Mine set has a buildable rhino construct, a great-looking Black Panther minifigure, a mining cart and lots of translucent blue pieces. All in all, it looks fantastic, with a lot of expression in the minifigures and a great overall look, especially to the Rhino.
So these are some of our favourite LEGO 2018 sets! What do you think? Any set you want more than these? Yes, no, maybe so? Let us know in the comments!
