Double LEGO Review for MF0: Ninjago The Cowler Dragon and Friends Pop Star Red Carpet

Double Review

So I picked these two polybags, Ninjago The Cowler Dragon and Friends Pop Star Red Carpet, from Target in there Holiday section in the what I call "Stocking Stuffers" wall. Though the Friends Pop Star Red Carpet first appeared on LEGO Online Store as one of those buy X rewards. Let's get started with the The Cowler Dragon.

The Bag

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I couldn't figure out a frame, a ship or anything else from this set but I think it only needs a few more pieces to get something out of it or it might be a good base for a I'jad ship perhaps? -5 points

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$3.99 / 45 pieces = $0.09 puts us just below for +5 points.

Parts 2

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?

So we have parts, good parts and weapons with some interesting colors but not enough or the right ones to bring this together into something that can be built. +5 points. FYI No Glow in the Dark Here.

The Set 1

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts? 

Despite not getting a frame I am going to say Yes for +5 points.

The Set 2

Total: A- set which feels right. If you like a weapon pack or some of the unique colors then I would snag this set up.

Alright, let's move on to Friends Pop Star Red Carpet

The Set

Can you build some sort of creation right away? 

This was another build fail. -5 points.

Parts 1

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$4.99 / 33 = $0.15 per part, very above the ratio for -10 points. (I don't remember what I paid and going by RRP I can find on the web but...this doesn't feel right. Might have to go double check.)

Parts 2 - Minifigure with Microphones.

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away? 

Yes, there are some. The microphones could be used as interesting scopes or senor packages. The mic stand pieces I am sure could be useful then there is the 'camera' that can be a weapon certainly. I like the two starts, could be an interesting accent piece or such. +5 points.

The Set

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

Even though we have some fun and interesting parts; just not enough. -5 points

Total: Unlike our previous score this one is pretty harsh; C. Even if I am wrong on the price it still going to be hard to get below the Golden Ratio. There some interesting pieces here but not sure if they are worth the price. Buyer's choice.

LEGO Star Wars TIE Advanced Prototype Review for MF0

The Bag

First I am going to apologize for the poor photos on this one. This was originally a TRU 'Buy $30' set but I have recently spotted it at Target.

Can you build some sort of creation right away?

I got a decent little frame out of it. I don't care much for the legs but I like the cockpit and the over all concept I think this frame is speaking. +5 points.

The Frame

Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio? The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.

$3.99 / 47 = $0.09 per part getting us just under the ratio for +5 points.

Parts 1

If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?

Certainly useful parts but very repetitive, want some feet for Hi-Legs? +5 points.

Parts 2

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?

This is where things get kind of ify with all the different places but these plates might be interesting/useful in Intercept Orbit so...let's go with maybe/tie for +0 points.

Comparison

Total: So...this is a A set with my slightly modify score given but I really like the Pod from or more the concept beyond the build I guess. What do you think?

The Set with comparison.

Introducing the Pod...

The Road to PAX East: As the Corvid Flies Delayed

It is with deep regret that I make this statement; I will not be able to make it to PAX East. I have a lot of plans happening back to back in 2016 and something had to drop. I am not canceling my plans or ideas, just going to try for 2017 instead so still expect to see conversations and blog posts about it but with a new date in mind! Think of it as more time to plan, I know I am!