The highly anticipated LEGO Ideas project, Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere, designed by fan creator ChiefWilyChair, has successfully reached 10,000 supporters, propelling it into the official LEGO review stage. This ambitious model showcases the intricate and expansive universe created by Sanderson, who is known for his interconnected series of novels. The proposed set features key scenes and characters from across the Cosmere, including Mistborn, The Stormlight Archive, and Elantris.
Exploring the Cosmere in LEGO Form
The Cosmere is a vast, shared universe where a mysterious force called Adonalsium shattered into sixteen Shards, each fostering unique magical systems on various planets. ChiefWilyChair’s set captures the essence of these worlds, incorporating 16 distinct dioramas that reflect the diverse landscapes, creatures, and pivotal moments from Sanderson’s books. Whether you're a fan of Mistborn's ash-ridden streets or the high-stakes battles on Roshar from The Stormlight Archive, there’s something here for every Cosmere enthusiast.
One of the standout dioramas features an intense confrontation with a Chasmfiend, a colossal predator from Roshar's Shattered Plains. Fans can recreate the epic face-off between Kaladin and Shallan as they fight the beast, wielding their respective powers. Alternatively, the chasm walls can be rearranged to depict a plateau scene, where characters like Adolin and Dalinar step up to challenge the monstrous creature, fully equipped in Shardplate and armed with Shardblades.
LEGO Ideas Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere images
Memorable Moments from Mistborn
The Mistborn diorama brings to life the unique powers of Allomancy, Sanderson's imaginative magic system where characters ingest metals to enhance their abilities. In one iconic scene, Kelsier and Vin engage in a tense telekinetic duel using their Mistborn powers, a coin suspended between them as they clash. The backdrop features the ominous palace of Kredik Shaw, perfectly capturing the Final Empire's oppressive atmosphere.
Another Mistborn scene from the more modern era shows Waxillium Ladrian, his loyal companion Wayne, and the resourceful Marasi as they navigate an explosion in Wax’s laboratory. Wayne manipulates time within a speed bubble, giving Wax just enough time to utilize his weight manipulation powers and clear a path to safety. The attention to detail in these scenes highlights the dynamic and evolving world of Scadrial, where characters and technology change between eras.
Vignettes of the Wider Cosmere
Beyond Roshar and Scadrial, the set’s lower ring features smaller vignettes that showcase other planets within the Cosmere, including Taldain, Nalthis, and Sel. Each vignette encapsulates iconic scenes and powers from these worlds. For instance:
- Taldain: Sand Masters manipulate streams of sand, a sight inspired by the planet's unique solar phenomenon.
- Nalthis: Awakeners animate objects through the power of Breath, bringing inanimate items to life with vibrant color.
- Sel: Elantris, the majestic city where inhabitants can shape reality with intricate Aons, is beautifully depicted alongside the mysterious Rose Empire, where Shai uses Forgery to alter objects by rewriting their history.
The level of detail packed into each section of the model allows fans to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, powers, and stories within the Cosmere.
The LEGO Review Process
With 10,000 supporters backing the project, Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere has advanced to the official LEGO review stage. A panel of LEGO designers, product managers, and experts will evaluate the project, considering factors like playability, safety, and brand compatibility. This process will begin in January 2025, as part of the third review cycle of 2024.
If approved, the project will move into the development phase, where LEGO designers will refine the model, create packaging, and prepare it for production. This phase could take several months, but it would mark a monumental step in bringing the Cosmere to life in LEGO form.
Why Now?
Interest in Sanderson's work has surged in recent years, partly due to his record-breaking Kickstarter campaign in 2022, which introduced four new books to the Cosmere. Additionally, a Cosmere Role-Playing Game launched in 2023, becoming one of the most successful projects on Kickstarter. This momentum demonstrates a significant demand for Cosmere-related content, making this the perfect time for LEGO to consider adapting Sanderson’s universe into an official set.
A Potential Set for Fans and Collectors
ChiefWilyChair’s design brings fan-favorite characters to life in minifigure form, including Kaladin, Shallan, Vin, Kelsier, Wax, and Wayne, among others. Even Brandon Sanderson and Hoid, a recurring character with deep ties to the Cosmere, make an appearance. The set is also packed with Easter eggs for keen-eyed fans to discover, reflecting Sanderson’s love for hidden secrets within his books.
In a recent comment, the designer expressed gratitude for the support received from fans of both LEGO and the Cosmere, sharing that the project has been a labor of love. This set offers fans a way to interact with the Cosmere in a new and tangible format, combining the imagination of Sanderson’s novels with the creativity of LEGO building.
What Do You Think?
As we await LEGO’s decision, it’s exciting to imagine the possibilities this set could bring to both LEGO and Cosmere fans. Would you like to see Brandon Sanderson’s Cosmere as an official LEGO set? Let us know your thoughts and what scenes or characters you would most love to see included!
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