Shy Gal’s Building Blog - Page 15 - Your reference for LEGO and nanoblock builds

Review of nanoblock Entei NBPM_090

December 20, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

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This post is a review of the nanoblock Entei build. Entei is part of the nanoblock Pokemon collection. Wondering what else is part of the Pokemon Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBPM_090

Number of Pieces: 240

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Entei is one of the elemental legendary Pokemon, along with Raikou and Suicune from generation 2. It is the fire elemental Pokemon.

The nanoblock builds for the generation 2 legendaries are all very detailed, so I’m excited to build them all. Entei looks the oddest to be because of the way its coat looks.

This build begins by laying out the entire body in layers. When I originally built the body, I wasn’t careful to read the instructions for which grey to use. This meant I ran out of bricks and needed to start the body again.

Other than the grey issue, the build was mostly straightforward. The head details are simply attached to the front of the body. I really like how Entei’s face turned out.

One of the final details that are added is the details of the smokey coat. Unfortunately, to me, his coat looks a lot more blocky than the actual Pokemon. I’m not sure how the coat could look softer and more like smoke.

Things I liked:

The detail in the face

Things I didn’t like:

The fur on Entei’s back looks very blocky and not very soft

Review of nanoblock Shinobu Kocho NBCC_093

December 15, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Shinobu Kocho build. Shinobu Kocho is part of the nanoblock Character collection. Wondering what else is part of the Character Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBCC_093

Number of Pieces: 220

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Shinobu Kocho is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer Anime. For more information about her, check out the fandom wiki page. For more information about the nanoblock builds, check out my collections page for links to other reviews.

This nanoblock build is split into 2 parts. There is the head and the body.

The head is lined up straight, so it is an easy base. Then you build the head in layers like a normal nanoblock build. As you build the head, you will add the details of the eyes. One of the most noticeable things about this head is the hair. She has hair framing her face, and her hair is pulled up into a bow in the back. As you build the head, you will add the details to create these elements in the hair. I also liked how the purple accents in her hair, but I wish they had used the true purple bricks.

Next, you build the body. This is notable because there are several different colors in layers as you build up. In creating the build, first, you build the edges of the top, which is basically a bar of each color. You build the bar up until you add the arms and the rest of the body. Then you add the hips and the legs. This build has a nice detail in that the legs are at different depths. There is a clear brick to keep the build from tipping over.

The final steps of the build are to attach the head to the body and to build and attach the sword.

Things I liked:

The details for the legs do not line up in terms of depth
The accents in the hair

Things I didn’t like:

I wish they had used the true purple instead of the more plum-colored bricks

Review of nanoblock Ho-Oh NBPM_033

December 13, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Ho-Oh build. Ho-Oh is part of the nanoblock Pokemon collection. Wondering what else is part of the Pokemon Collection? Click Here for a list.

Names:

English: Ho-Oh
Japanese: Houou

Number: NBPM_033

Number of Pieces: 180

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Ho-Oh is an unusual nanoblock Pokemon build because it has a difficulty of 4/5. I think it is because it is a challenge to build the wings and tail and getting things to line up correctly. The build has 5 major sections to this nanoblock build. There is a head, a body, 2 wings, and a tail.

The first step is to build the body. It starts with a base layer of white bricks. As you build the body in layers, you will add red for the top of the body and green for the neck.

The second step is to build the head. The head starts is a narrow layer of bricks, and then you build up the head in layers. I really like how the eyes are added to the head. The final step in building the head is adding the crown using yellow bricks. You attach the head to the body but be warned it will now fall over if you try and set it on the base.

The next step is to build the wings. The process is mirrored between the two wings. The wings are built by having bricks hanging over in each layer. I had some difficulty tracking which layer I was on when I set down the wing for a few minutes, and I picked it up again. I also had a hard time squaring up the white and green bricks. Each wing gets attached, and the build will sit stably when both wings are attached.

Next, you have a quick step to add the feet. It is very straightforward and clear.

The final step is to build the tail. It comes together by putting several small chunks together to create the idea of an open tail. Overall, each chunk is straightforward. However, I had some difficulty telling where exactly to attach to the chunk. I’ve also noticed that each chunk of the tail seems to be loosely connected, so it moves every time I move the build.

Things I liked:

There is a lot of detail for how early in the Pokemon collection this build is.

Things I didn’t like:

Overall the build just seems a little loose, and I’m worried about how well it will stay in place long-term. The tail has already shifted without me moving it much.

Review of nanoblock Giyu Tomioka NBCC_092

December 8, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Giyu Tomioka build. Giyu Tomioka is part of the nanoblock Character collection. Wondering what else is part of the Character Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBCC_092

Number of Pieces: 200

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Giyu Tomioka is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer Anime. For more information about him, check out the fandom wiki page. For more information about the nanoblock builds check out my collections page for links to other reviews.

This nanoblock build is split into 2 parts. There is the head and the body.

The head is lined up straight so it is an easy base. Then you build the head in layers like a normal nanoblock build. As you build the head, you will add the details of the eyes. One of the most noticeable things about this head is the hair. In the anime, his hair is messy in a ponytail. As you build the head, you add these defining details to the model.

Next, you build the body. This is notable because there are several different colors on the top while most of the tops are single-colored. In creating the build, first, you build the edges of the top which is basically a bar of several colors. You build the bar up until you add the arms and the rest of the body. Then you add the hips and the legs. There is a clear brick to keep the build from tipping over.

The final steps of the build are to attach the head to the body and to build and attach the sword.

Things I liked:

The detail in the hair was a nice change of pace
The added detail of having the various colors in the jacket

Things I didn’t like:

A downside of the colors in the jacket is less study than a normal nanoblock build

Review of nanoblock Lugia NBPM_032

December 6, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Lugia build. Lugia is part of the nanoblock Pokemon collection. Wondering what else is part of the Pokemon Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBPM_32

Number of Pieces: 210

Difficulty Rating: 3/5

Lugia is one of the 2 legendary Pokemon from generation 2. Lugia is the mascot Pokemon for Pokemon Silver.

The Lugia build is the first build where the directions went onto the backside of the pages for a total of 46 total steps. Unlike a lot of builds, it isn’t broken down into smaller steps.

Some of the steps are hard to tell precisely where the bricks go on a layer. I found Lugia’s arms much easier to build than Charizard’s wings.

Overall I liked Lugia. I think its arms are a bit clumpy compared to the fluid arms you see in the anime.

Things I liked:

The coloring is fairly accurate

Things I didn’t like:

Arms are super clumpy

Link to order: Amazon

Review of nanoblock 2022 Snowman NBC_368

December 3, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Snowman build. Snowman is part of the nanoblock Mini Collection. Wondering what else is part of the Mini Collection? Click here for a list.

Number: NBC_368

Number of Pieces: 160

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

There are been several snowman builds that have been released over the years. The snowman released in 2022 is different because the snowman is made up of clear white bricks and glitter bricks. These are newer and uncommon bricks used in a few nanoblock kits. The clear white bricks create a translucent effect on the snowman, which is nice.

The build begins by laying out a base layer of clear white bricks. I started the build on my nanoblock pad. The body goes up in layers. In general, each step works on two layers at once. The final step of the beginning of the body is a ring outlining the top of the body.

The next section of the body is adding the scarf and creating curves to close up the body. Several slanted pieces are clearly marked as to which ones to use. However, I had difficulty telling where to add a 1×1 brick to get the layer lined up. I was able to figure it out after moving bricks around.

The final step of the body is to add the mittens.

The head begins with a base layer that I once again laid out on my nanoblock pad. The head goes up in layers. Again there are slanted bricks that I needed to make sure I used the right slope to build the head correctly. The head adds details such as eyes, nose, and hat.

The last step is to connect the head to the body.

Things I liked:

The use of translucent and glitter blocks in the build because they are uncommon types of bricks

Things I didn’t like:

I’m not sure I like the solid white bricks edging on the hat. Since the rest of the build is clear the solids stand out

Review of nanoblock Inosuke Hashibira NBCC_091

December 1, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Inosuke Hashibira build. Inosuke Hashibira is part of the nanoblock Character collection. Wondering what else is part of the Character Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBCC_091

Number of Pieces: 180

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Inosuke Hashibira is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer Anime. For more information about him, check out the fandom wiki page. For more information about the nanoblock builds, check out my collections page for links to other reviews.

This nanoblock build is split into 3 parts. There is the head, hips, and torso.

This head is built in various chucks that are connected together to create the head. You begin by building the front of the head with the eyes. Next, you build some of the hair. As a warning, it is a bit tricky to tell what shade of blue to use depending on the lighting on the directions. You then build more hair. Once you have the 3 chunks, connect the pieces together and close up the head.

The next step is to build the hips, a simple 3 layers of nanoblock.

The final major portion of the build is to create the torso. You begin by building layers of blocks. Next, you build and attach the arms onto the body. Once you have attached the arms, it’s time to connect the major pieces.

The final steps of the build are to build and attach the legs and the swords.

Things I liked:

I really like how they added variation to the hair to mirror the character

Review of nanoblock Celebi NBPM_054

November 29, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Celebi build. Celebi is part of the nanoblock Pokemon collection. Wondering what else is part of the Pokemon Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBPM_054

Number of Pieces: 130

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Celebi is the mythical Pokemon that was released in generation 2. It was the second mythical Pokemon, with the first being Mew. Celebi is known to have the power to control time. This set is one of 3 that were/are only available at Pokemon Centers in Singapore; the other 2 are the Crystal Gyarados and the Crystal Lapras.

Celebi, unlike most builds, begins with the middle of the head. There is a base layer in the head, and from there, you build up until you have completed the top of the head. Then you turn it over and finish the bottom of the head, be careful not to knock the antenna off. Next, you build the little body by creating layers of nanoblocks. I like the detail of the clear blocks to making little wings. Once you connect the head to the body, it’s time to add on the little feet and attach the base.

As a heads up, Celebi is a slightly top-heavy build that is likely to fall if you bump the table it’s sitting on. Overall I’m glad I went through the extra work required to get this set because it comes out so cute. It also uses colors you don’t see very often in Pokemon builds.

Things I liked:

The detail of the wings

Things I didn’t like:

Easy to knock over on accident

Review of nanoblock Zenitsu Agatsuma NBCC_090

November 24, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Zenitsu Agatsuma build. Zenitsu Agatsuma is part of the nanoblock Character collection. Wondering what else is part of the Character Collection? Click Here for a list.

Number: NBCC_090

Number of Pieces: 200

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Zenitsu Agatsuma is a member of the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer Anime. For more information about him check out the fandom wiki page. For more information about the nanoblock builds check out my collections page for links to other reviews.

This nanoblock build is split into 2 parts. There is the head and the body.

Unlike some heads, this head is lined up straight so it is an easy base. Then you build the head in layers like a normal nanoblock build. As you build the head, you will add the details of the eyes and the hair color variations.

Next, you build the body. First, you build the edges of the top which is basically a bar of colors. You build the bar up until you add the arms and the rest of the body. Then you add the hips and the legs. There is a clear brick to keep the build from tipping over.

The final steps of the build are to attach the head to the body and to build and attach the sword.

Things I liked:

I really like how they added variation to the hair to mirror the character

Review of nanoblock Cyndaquil NBPM_029

November 22, 2022March 3, 2023shygal

This post is a review of the nanoblock Cyndaquil build. Cyndaquil is part of the nanoblock Pokemon collection. Wondering what else is part of the Pokemon Collection? Click Here for a list.

Names:

English: Cyndaquil
Japanese: Hinoarashi

Number: NBPM_029

Number of Pieces: 150

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Cyndaquil is the fire-type starter from generation 2. It is a starter along with Totodile and Chikorita. It is also one of the starters in the new Pokemon Legends: Arceus game. Cyndaquil is generally shown as a very shy Pokemon.

The build begins with a base of bricks. In the second layer, you start to add the dark on the back. You continue to build layers of bricks, and eventually, you begin the flame on the back. The next step is to start building the head. You build the head up from a base in layers circling and creating rings for the head.

Once you have the started head, attach it to the body you built earlier. Next, you close up the head and make the flame on the back. Once you have completed closing up the head, you add more details to the flame. The final step is to add the details of the feet and the clear bricks that keep the build from tipping.

Overall I think this is a super cute build. Cyndaquil has always been one of my favorites, so I was worried about how the figure would turn out. I like the amount of detail in the flame between the orange and clear red bricks. I wish they had used a lighter color for the light part of his body. It seems really dark compared to the photo.

Things I liked:

The amount of detail in the flame

Things I didn’t like:

The light section of the body is too dark