Baron von Brunk's Tumblr LEGO Page of Justice!

Here’s an original creation that I built exclusively for...

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 19:34:00 -0400

Here’s an original creation that I built exclusively for Nintendo World Store in April. This was intended to be a platform to go underneath my full-scale replica of a Nintendo Wii U and controller made from LEGO bricks, but alas, I decided to keep both units — the platform and the Wii U/controller — separate in the glass case — as this tiled mosaic was too pretty to be covered up predominantly by the Wii U model! When kept on display at Nintendo World, I originally had a few imperfections in the pixel design, notably the Piranha Plant — which I’ve repaired specially for this photo shoot. As of now, only two imperfections remain: the right-hand coin has a black pixel in the wrong spot, and the warp pipe is too short by one line of pixels.

To create this project, I used MS Paint to design a custom 96 x 96 composite image of various Super Mario Bros. items/characters, then enlarged the image as a reference for laying out the LEGO tiles and plates. In my composite image, I deviated a bit from the genuine NES sprites by adding more colors to create the effect of shading and vibrant hues. Underneath the tiles are two 48 x 48 LEGO baseplates, with a layer of bricks and plates on top of them, to maintain a rigid surface for the mosaic design.

Right here’s the original reference image I created, so you can compare the before and after progress. As you can see, I clearly didn’t have enough 1x1 plates/tiles of blue and sky blue, hence I made the final sky background with lines, rather than dots; also, I had to make some substitutions with colors, as with the shades of tan and grey with the Koopa and Goombas.

-Baron von Brunk

“Mecha Man”, the mechanized battle upgrade to...

Sun, 02 Jun 2013 20:33:00 -0400

Mega Buster closeup.

Rear view.

Sans Mega Buster.

Sans Mega Buster.

“Mecha Man”, the mechanized battle upgrade to Capcom’s Mega Man! Built with basic LEGO pieces, Technic parts and a few Bionicle components, I have constructed a fully-articulated action figure that stands at 15”, and has a removable Mega Buster arm attachment.

This was merely intended to be a small throw-away creation I thought of recently, but instead kept piling on pieces until it ballooned into a huge action figure. Initially I was inspired by the recent DC and Marvel articulated LEGO action figures (akin to Hero Factory) to make one in the style of Mega Man, however I then swayed into the direction of Bandai’s Mobile Suit Gundam models to make this custom toy much larger and menacing than the original chibi Mega Man sprite! What was the most difficult part? Creating the head/face. In fact, trying to come up with a suitable head for this project was about as difficult as playing the original Mega Man for NES.

-Baron von Brunk

Here it is again — LEGO Slimer! I made this for Epic Win...

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:37:41 -0400

Charles Stunning is a truly stunning lass indeed!

Here it is again — LEGO Slimer! I made this for Epic Win Burlesque’s Ghostbusters burlesque show just recently, and naturally I donated Slimer to the raffle pool — thus, a lucky fanboy named David Sakowitz won him! The whole creation took only a few mere hours to build. The bulk of his green structure is made from components of my on-hiatus LEGO Great Deku Tree model, and the tongue contains a minifigure’s legs to allow curved movement. Flaws: the thin arms have a tendency to snap off — in fact, according to David’s Facebook pictures, the arms came off as he transported it home.

Above: the sexy, bespectacled redhead burlesque girl Charles Stunning shows off the little green spud to the awe-inspired audience! (photo by David Sakowitz)

-Baron von Brunk

Who ya’ gonna call? Baron von Brunk! Just in time for EPIC...

Thu, 09 May 2013 21:02:46 -0400

Who ya’ gonna call? Baron von Brunk! Just in time for EPIC WIN Burlesque’s forthcoming Ghostbusters burlesque show, I present to you my little green LEGO statue of the quirky and obnoxious Slimer! To answer your questions, yes: I shall be bringing this with me to the show on Saturday! Will it be a potential raffle/trivia prize? You’ll just have to find out!

Also pictured: Mary Cyn (model) as the sexy Gozer in the Facebook event picture I designed. Who ya’ gonna cat call!?

-Baron von Brunk

I just got an e-mail from Nintendo: due to the overwhelming...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:32:48 -0400

I just got an e-mail from Nintendo: due to the overwhelming popularity of my LEGO creations at Nintendo World Store, they’ll be keeping them in the glass case in the museum for a few extra weeks until mid May — rather than the end of April! This gives you extra time to mosey on down to Rockefeller Center to see my best work on display!

-Baron von Brunk

Chase McCain is a good personal friend of mine — and he...

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:19:32 -0400

Chase McCain is a good personal friend of mine — and he totally digs my creations on display at Nintendo World Store.

-Baron von Brunk

Yo dawg, I heard you like Nintendo.

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 23:28:53 -0400

Yo dawg, I heard you like Nintendo.

LEGO City: Undercover Release Party at Nintendo World Store in...

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:18:00 -0400

LEGO City: Undercover Release Party at Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Center!

In early 2013, after the publicity of my giant LEGO NES controller, Nintendo of America commissioned me to create a custom display to promote their spring 2013 release of “LEGO City: Undercover”. I gradually worked on most of these creations throughout January-March 2013, and unveiled them at the flagship store on Saturday April 6th. I was also invited to stay the whole day and greet customers, as I proudly displayed several of my other popular Nintendo-themed LEGO models! What you see here are the various LEGO creations all made by me, which are currently on display at the Rockefeller Center — and shall remain in the glass case until the end of the month — whereupon some will get permanently displayed! (taken on April 6th, 2013)

I felt rather honored to keep my famous Game Boy Transformer in a glass case alongside the Operation Desert Storm battle damaged Game Boy — made me feel like a real American! Unfortunately, I could only fit a few of the Fireflower Airship’s mini ships, and not the bow and stern. The Lake Hylia scientist was omitted due to his size (and lack of space), and the Super Mario coin block lamp wasn’t plugged in. Regardless, I hung out by my display all afternoon and met a ton of new fans — many of which were young LEGO builders to whom I gave encouragement! Don’t waste your time following instructions… Instead, create your own original stuff that rocks — such as transforming Nintendo accessories!

-Baron von Brunk

Baron von Brunk’s LEGO-Nintendo Exhibit at Rockefeller...

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:11:00 -0400

Baron von Brunk’s LEGO-Nintendo Exhibit at Rockefeller Center — LEGO City Undercover Release Party!

Nintendo of America has commissioned me to create a large Wii U diorama to kick off LEGO City Undercover. On Saturday April 6th at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza (NYC), I’ll be at the store from 12-4 PM to show off several of my best Nintendo-themed LEGO creations! I apologize for the muffled sound quality with this video, as there were technical issues.

Stop on by and bring me some cans of Monster, and maybe later I’ll buy you a pizza!

-Baron von Brunk

“Deku Scrub Link!” The next component in my LEGO of...

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 23:36:00 -0400

“Deku Scrub Link!”

The next component in my LEGO of Zelda series, here we have our hero Link clad in his majestic Deku scrub mask and thus transformed into an anthropomorphic plant stage! Fun fact: the original concept behind this statue was to have a hollow head with a spring mechanism in the mouth — which would launch LEGO pieces similar to Deku nuts! Unfortunately, due to time and engineering issues, I scrapped the idea and simply made him a stationary statue with a solid head.

I completed this whole project in about 14 hours, give or take. There were no parts shortages this time — rather, the hindrances were some obstacles such as the feet (which use a mix of traditional and SNOT “studs not on top” methods), as well as getting a sturdy way to keep the arms attached. Also, the basic statue was built in its entirety the night before the completed project was photographed — but alas, I felt as if the original head was too small and narrow, which made Deku Link look wonky and squished. Thus, I kept the body intact and spent the previous few hours completely rebuilding the head to be fatter and overall larger — to be more game accurate — as Deku Link’s head was like a round ball in the game.

This creation, as well as most of my previous Nintendo-related creations will be put in Nintendo World Store’s museum on Saturday April 6th for the release party of LEGO City Undercover! Come by to the Rockefeller Center if you’re in the New York area, and from 12-4 PM I’ll be at the store to show off my creations!

-Baron von Brunk

First teaser photo of my forthcoming custom commission for...

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:16:48 -0400

First teaser photo of my forthcoming custom commission for Nintendo World Store — “Wii The People!”

I haven’t been very open about this on Tumblr, as I wanted to make it a surprise — but nonetheless, here’s the initial teaser of a grand project I’ve dubbed “Wii The People”. Background: upon the success of my giant LEGO NES controller, Nintendo of America contacted me and offered to pay me to build for them a promotional display to kick off the release event of LEGO City Undercover at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza. For the past few months, I’ve been gradually working on this massive creation which uses several mosaic platforms and walls containing elements of Nintendo games throughout the years — from NES to Wii U. On top of the middle platform rests a 1:1 replica of a Nintendo Wii U system with controller, accompanied by several minifigures (not shown in this picture)!

Now that the final project is completed, in a few days I’ll be dropping this large display off at Nintendo World Store in Manhattan — and for anyone who wants to check it out, stop by on Saturday April 6th to see this display unveiled! I’ll be at the store signing autographs and handing out sharp objects for all of the little Brunkamaniacs.

-Baron von Brunk

mylifeinmagic: To pass the time I can read Batman… or I can...

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:29:56 -0500

mylifeinmagic:

To pass the time I can read Batman… or I can build a Batman!! #batman thanks to the baron for this one.

Earlier today I moseyed on down to Astoria to visit my good kemosabe Nelson Lugo in the hospital — and since he’s a Batman aficionado, I brought to him a LEGO Batman action figure that I purchased last summer (but never took out of the package)!

-Baron von Brunk

Do you still have the DoomShip you built and if you do, would you ever be willing to sell it? My son wants one for his birthday and I'm at a loss!

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:29:41 -0500

Unfortunately, the Fireflower Airship has been mainly dismantled as of last summer when I needed the table space to break ground for the giant LEGO NES controller. Since the ship was rather rickety and unstable, most of it broke apart as I tried to carefully place each module in a large storage tub. For example, the bow and stern are essentially mainly intact, but with major damage - and some sections are completely destroyed:

Furthermore, since the ship was built in several modules with weak attachment, it wouldn’t be practical to send it through the mail without completely dismantling and rebuilding it. Also, I’ve extracted a portion of the ship to use as part of my public LEGO gallery next month: you see, Nintendo of America recently contacted me in regards to my Nintendo themed creations, and thus commissioned me to create a large Wii U diorama at the Rockefeller Center’s Nintendo World Store in mid-March! Aside from the Wii display, I’ll be putting in the gallery a piece of the airship, in addition to Domaster & Tetrawing, and possibly some of my recent Zelda projects.

That being said, the Fireflower isn’t for sale (or, what’s left of it, anyway) - but thanks for your interest!

-Baron von Brunk

For the public display event at Rockefeller Plaza next month,...

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 15:54:00 -0500

For the public display event at Rockefeller Plaza next month, I’m rebuilding Domaster with a major upgrade. The people have spoken… MOAR BATTERIES!! (oh, and better, sturdier flexibility, too)

- Baron von Brunk

Soon. … Soon. (true story). -Baron von Brunk

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 01:48:51 -0500

Soon.

… Soon.

(true story).

-Baron von Brunk

The handheld wars: who would win? You decide! One battery-hog to...

Sun, 27 Jan 2013 05:07:18 -0500

The handheld wars: who would win? You decide! One battery-hog to rule them all!

Domaster vs. Gearhead

-Baron von Brunk

The jolly good blokes of Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 19:38:42 -0500

The jolly good blokes of Gizmag Emerging Technology Magazine have finally done their story on my ever-so-popular giant LEGO NES controller!

It features a mini interview, and towards the end they shed some light on the origins of the name Baron von Brunk…

For those wondering about the Baron von Brunk name, it’s an internet moniker with an element of truth to it. The pre-anglicized form of the Brunk name was von Brunk, and the “Baron” was added thanks to Prussian noblemen in his family tree.

-Baron von Brunk

Motorized LEGO Bombchu! Next in my LEGO of Zelda series,...

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 23:50:05 -0500

Motorized LEGO Bombchu!

Next in my LEGO of Zelda series, here’s one of my funnest projects yet - a motorized Bombchu model! Using the magic of a rare early 1980s LEGO wind-up car motor, I’ve made this little explosive mousey completely mobile! Albeit, it doesn’t leave a red, glowing streak (nor explode on impact). Turn the red key, find a smooth surface, and watch this little bugger do its thing!

I think I’m going to grab a few of these and head on over to the “bowling alley” with that cute purple haired chick. In the meantime, take a peek at the demonstration video (with my well-endowed NES controller as a stage!)…

-Baron von Brunk

Baron von Brunk’s Debut on Discovery Channel Canada! Hey...

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:34:00 -0500

Baron von Brunk’s Debut on Discovery Channel Canada!

Hey hosers! My friends up north did a totally jolly good quick review of my giant LEGO NES controller project! Here’s a little segment of trending tech topics on Discovery Channel Canada’s Daily Planet show! By the way — the racecar game in question is R.C. Pro-Am — almost like a precursor to Mario Kart; you play as little remote-controlled cars driving around a racetrack, avoiding oil slicks whilst shooting projectiles at enemy cars. I had a weird love-hate relationship with that game at age 8, hence it’s once of the featured games in my LEGO NES controller demonstration!

Speaking of Canada, I’ve only been there once: in 1991, at age 6 I traveled briefly to Ontario. My paternal grandmother was of the Ottawa First Nation’s Tribe, and the von Brunk family was comprised of German immigrants originally dwelling in the American upper midwest since 1862(?) — thus, I was in Sault Ste Marie, Canada/Michigan to visit the “homeland!” But, I do enjoy Bachman-Turner Overdrive and Neil Young - so I guess it all evens out… Eh?

P.S. - Ironically (or coincidentally) one of my souvenirs from my short visit to Canada was a small LEGO set - of a racecar, of all things! Not a lie.

Original Discovery Channel Link

-Baron von Brunk

laughingsquid: Giant Fully-Operational LEGO NES Video Game...

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:08:35 -0500

laughingsquid:

Giant Fully-Operational LEGO NES Video Game Controller

I can’t get enough of this Baron von Brunk guy - he’s such a hung-young stud with totally bitchin’ mutton chops!

P.S. - I’m making my debut on Discovery Channel Canada this week! Stay tuned, Brunkamaniacs…