The color palette chosen for this set is particularly striking. The vibrant greens in the background evoke the aesthetic of a comic book backdrop, creating a strong contrast with the dynamic Spidey figure in the foreground. The way Spider-Man is depicted, with his rounded edges and sharp angles, effectively captures the essence of the character's iconic appearance. The clever design choice of having Spidey seemingly crawl out of the frame adds an extra layer of visual interest.

I'm quite fond of the color scheme and the overall build of the Boba Mech. It's impressive how well Boba's iconic armor has been translated into mech form. What really stands out to me is the new Boba Fett minifigure. It's a fresh interpretation of the 2018 Cloud City variant, and I really appreciate the new arm printing. Although, I do share the sentiment of wishing he came with the pole drone.

The Lego set featuring Captain America and Black Widow with a motorcycle is a bit perplexing in terms of its pricing, as there's no official US price available as I record this video. It would be ideal if it were priced around ten dollars, but considering Lego's tendencies, it might end up being closer to fifteen or even twenty dollars. Possibly even an odd price like seventeen dollars.

While I appreciate the inclusion of the new Black Widow figure, I'm a bit disappointed that Captain America's design isn't something new. What strikes me about this set is that the motorcycle builds seem overly large for what they're meant to represent.

In this particular set, the round base unfolds in an alternative manner to showcase the aftermath of the Avengers facility, now in ruins. The intricate details include a wrecked truck and even a rat, a subtle yet amusing nod. A key highlight is the exclusive Thanos, distinguishable by his unique face print, a departure from the previous big fig iteration. It's worth noting that this is the first big fig introduced since the 2021 set, which underscores the ongoing demand for more big figs in LEGO sets.

One highlight for me is Electro, who I think has been executed perfectly in minifigure form. His appearance resonates with fans of the character, and I appreciate the effort put into capturing his unique look. Of course, the inclusion of Andrew Garfield's and Tobey Maguire's minifigures is a fantastic touch and long overdue for the remakes.

Growing up with the original Spider-Man movies and their accompanying LEGO sets, seeing a modern update executed so well is incredibly satisfying. However, despite my excitement, I can't help but notice some notable execution missteps considering the anticipation and the fact that the movie was released two years prior.

The Lego Monkey Kid Cloud Ship is a delightful addition to the collection, as it captures a rare and nostalgic vehicle that holds a special place in my heart: a zeppelin. I have fond memories of associating zeppelins with adventure, particularly one that featured a comical face – an image that has stuck with me over the years. The concept is reminiscent of the Ninjago zeppelin, which I also own and have kept sealed in my collection.

The Monkey Kid Dragon of the East Palace is an intriguing set that evokes memories of the builds seen in the Portal of Atlantis, a personal favorite of mine. However, it takes those building concepts to an entirely new level. In my opinion, this set's attention to detail surpasses even that cherished Atlantis set. The use of blue and gold in the color scheme creates a visually appealing and unique aesthetic that adds to its elegance. When compared to simpler portal designs, the East Palace boasts a far more substantial and intricate interior.

The blend of orange and brown hues, along with the complementary greenish blues on its exterior, truly resonates with me. Interestingly, I'm not particularly drawn to horse stables, but this one has won me over, especially with its interior that emphasizes the living quarters on the second floor.

I'm absolutely enamored with this Lego Friends restaurant set designed for the summer of 2023. It evokes a sense of downtown Orlando eateries, especially in its exterior design and structure. The rooftop dining area adds a delightful touch, but what really captures my attention is the interior. The extensive kitchen section and the array of captivating food prints and stickers, including those charming two by two circular tile stickers, truly stand out. As a fan of Lego restaurant sets in general, this one resonates with my preferences perfectly.

The Friends Beach Amusement Park set holds a special place in my heart due to its captivating design and engaging features. Among the sets, this one might just be my favorite spinny ride. The underwater theme adds a unique touch, and I'm particularly enthralled by the rotation function. Not only does it mimic the ride's movement, but it also affects the surfboard setup, adding an extra layer of excitement. The imitation of waves and the attention to detail in the setup are truly commendable. What's even more impressive is how this same rotation function is linked to the Shooting Gallery feature. It brings the targets to life, causing them to spin, and even sways the ship sign. The level of interactivity here is just remarkable.

The interior of the set is just as impressive, showcasing clever and unconventional uses of parts that contribute to its overall beauty. These inventive part usages give the set a professional and sophisticated feel, reminiscent of intricate custom creations. The inclusion of exclusive parts such as the spring green saxophone piece, the orange shoulder armor, and the mohawk piece adds to the set's appeal.

The Lego set numbered 52, the City Skatepark, really brings back memories of creating my own skate parks in the Tony Hawk Custom Skate Park Builder. I've always cherished that aspect of Tony Hawk games, particularly Underground and American Wasteland. Comparatively, this skatepark is much more detailed and true to life than the one released for the City theme a few years back.

The Lego City 2K Drive Monster Truck set is quite the pleasant surprise, especially since it was revealed later on. While I'm not usually drawn to vehicles, particularly monster trucks, this one's compelling due to its great price and the inclusion of some enjoyable themed crossing builds. At $30, it feels just right for what it offers.

One of the City sets I have my eye on for summer 2023 is the Deep Sea Boat Exploration set, specifically the Explore Diver version. The build itself is decent, featuring an unconventional boat design for Lego. However, I can't help but wish that the overall design was more spacious for the vehicle. It feels quite compressed in its appearance.

The Lego City Car Wash build for summer 2023, which occupies the 28th spot on my list, boasts an impressively realistic design reminiscent of the car washes one might encounter in gas station parking lots. I particularly admire the accurate replication of suds for the sign. The set embodies classic car wash elements, including the option to simulate brushing the car by manually pushing it through the build. Another clever detail involves the droppable soap sections at the top – a neat touch.

One standout feature of this set is the elevator function, which is triggered by the wheel on top. This elevates the set's appeal and play value significantly. The integration of the elevator adds a dynamic element to the Climbing Center's design. While the price point might be considered a bit steep at $120, the set still offers a very good overall experience.

Coming in as one of the more budget-friendly options on this list is the "Arctic Snowmobile" set. And let me tell you, it's not just any snowmobile – it comes complete with an adorable seal companion. LEGO's introduction of new seal pieces is a winner in my book, and the fact that they're adding new animal elements to more affordable City sets is a trend I'm totally here for. Just like that otter piece from an earlier set this year, they're really stepping up their game.

One standout feature is the addition of an exclusive piece – a polar bear costume mascot – adding a touch of whimsy to the set. This unique figure brings a fun element to the ice cream shop scene. The only minor quibble I have is the price point

In my opinion, this iteration of the Family House looks much better, primarily due to its excellent color palette for the exterior. The spacious interior is a pleasant surprise considering its design. The layout includes a well-equipped kitchen with a burner and fridge, a cozy seating area, and even provisions for the family pet, with a doggy dish and doggy bed. Notably, there's a bathroom located to the left of the kitchen.

This Lego football soccer set brings back a wave of nostalgia for me, reminiscent of those classic Lego Town sets from 1998 and the early 2000s Lego sports sets. Those sets used to feature simple minifigure fields and compact audience seating areas. While the builds in this set are similarly straightforward and compact, I can't help but wish the price wasn't such a steep $100, which places it rather low on my list of favorites.

The design of this set feels somewhat inconsistent to me, especially when compared to the more whimsical sets in the Lego Dreams theme. What's more, none of the minifigures are exclusive here. The only standard minifigures are Jaden, who is also found in the Croc Car set, and Z-Bob Robot in that particular design. Still, I'm quite taken by the new unicorn pajama print that's used across a few sets.

Mr. Oz is a standout, with an incredible new minifigure design sporting an exclusive hairpiece and beard. He's easily one of my favorite new figures of the summer. Additionally, Albert the monkey is a welcome addition, especially since he's one of the few new small figures that isn't a villain. Speaking of the small figures, there are quite a few of them in this set, encompassing various themes and designs not found in other sets. For instance, there's a space-themed character wearing a classic space helmet recreation piece, which is a nice touch.

However, the set does have its share of drawbacks, including some design elements that don't mesh well together, making the overall appearance less appealing.

I'm genuinely drawn to the ship's exterior, which features shark-like additions and a dark ribcage-style build. The inclusion of the creepy eyes at the top adds a haunting touch. My only reservation lies in the surface area of the deck, which feels a bit overcrowded. However, it seems that the Captain's cabin is a substantial part of the build, which is a redeeming aspect.

The printed shoulder piece for the head adds a cool, eerie touch. This set appears to offer us an exclusive figure in the form of a sleepy Cooper, at least exclusive in terms of the torso. The uniqueness of this figure adds to its appeal.

Its appeal extends to both its display potential and its promise of enjoyable play experiences. The upper section adorned in blue, along with the flat tree pieces in the same color from the stable set, adds a delightful touch. The common branch pieces, now available in a charming dark blue, contribute to the overall aesthetic.

Among the play features, I'm particularly drawn to the small tree house rooms positioned towards the top. But perhaps one of my favorite highlights is the presence of a piranha plant-like element.

This dark Alicorn, created through meticulous brick-built techniques for its head instead of relying on specialized molds, significantly enhances its overall display appeal. The palette of purple, black, white, and coral contributes to a striking design. Notably, the horse's shaping, especially with the incorporation of the latest Technic axle, results in a pleasing roundness, further accentuated by the new leg pieces.

The Dreamzzz Stable set offers an adorable depiction of a quaint stable and countryside home. The incorporation of an unusual flat tree top piece, which is also recolored in the treehouse set, adds an interesting visual element. The color palette in this set, combining unconventional shades of greens, blues, yellows, and oranges, contributes to its unique and appealing aesthetic.

One of the notable design elements of the bunny mech is the use of socket joints at the hips, allowing for poseability and dynamic positioning. The build also incorporates mini ball joints for various points of connection, adding to the mech's versatility and playability. Additionally, the set includes a smaller bunny figure as an accessory, further enhancing the play possibilities.

The set's size strikes a balance, creating a mech-like structure that doesn't appear overly complex or flashy. This design approach prevents it from becoming redundant in the landscape of mech builds found in other themes like Marvel and Star Wars. The rebuild option, reminiscent of the partner Bots from the Galaxy Squad theme, offers a serious counterpart to the initial build.

The Gabby's Dollhouse sets, however, pique my interest due to their eccentric builds and intriguing pieces. Among them, the first set featuring Kitty Fairy's Garden Party stands out as it includes an exclusive single-piece character, Kitty Fairy, which is quite an unusual design. Gabby herself also has an exclusive rainbow variant, and there's another cat figure in the house set that's rather peculiar with its two-legged stance.

I have a soft spot for boats, and the Gabby's Dollhouse Boat at number 40 has caught my attention. Its soothing minty dentist aqua color is quite appealing, complemented by intriguing cat mirror prints. However, what truly excites me about this set is an exclusive recolor of Shuri's hair in a charming lilac shade. This hairpiece can be swapped onto Gabby as a wig. Speaking of hairpieces, Gabby's hair itself is a fantastic new element that's spread across various sets.

The Gabby's Dollhouse Cakey Bakey set, one of the smaller ones in the series, holds a special place in my heart as it evokes the joy of baking. While I had given up baking when I quit cooking edibles and embraced sobriety, it's a reminder that I could still create regular baked goods. It's quite fascinating how cooking cannabutter actually improved my understanding of measurements more than my schooling ever did. And yes, just to reiterate, the mention of drugs is not meant to promote their use; please make responsible choices.

Gabby's Dollhouse comes in at 80 dollars, yet it doesn't feel nearly as overpriced as it sounds. Interestingly, the set doesn't quite have the usual Lego aesthetics. Instead, it exudes the appearance of a pink child's dollhouse in its entirety, with an open front that's not typical of Lego sets. It's a rarity to encounter sets that feel more like Lego knockoffs, but I find myself loving those odd elements. I'm reminded of the strange appeal of movies that are so bad they become good—here, the set's uniqueness and its odd blend of elements contribute to its charm.

One of the Harry Potter sets making its way onto my summer list is the Final Battle at Hogwarts. Although part of me considered adding the train and Weasley set, I couldn't quite justify it, given that I already own different versions of each, especially the far superior joke shop one. However, I did miss out on the original Final Battle set from 2011, and this new set manages to capture some truly iconic scenes, including the "Not my daughter, you…" moment with the new Bellatrix and Molly figures.

On a side note, I'm thrilled by the inclusion of the first dual-molded light flash arms with black cuffs – they're perfect for those goth-themed minifigures. Additionally, this set introduces our first Scabior figure. It appears that all the minifigures are exclusive to this set, including the new Harry torso, a revamped Voldemort with the subtle sand green shade, and a battle-damaged Neville.

The new Tranquil Garden, ranking at number 42, is quite an unexpected release. It's a truly stunning standalone display piece. I'm intrigued by the little legs it features, allowing it to be easily showcased. Looking at it, I'm reminded of the most breathtaking places I had the chance to visit in Japan. It's a destination I would love to return to someday.

The very first Lego Finding Nemo set has made its appearance through the Disney Duos release. Being a complete Pixar nostalgia enthusiast, I'm utterly captivated by the inclusion of Nemo and Crush in this set. It's as if my inner Pixar baby is jumping for joy. I'm absolutely determined to collect all the Pixar-themed sets, no doubt about it.

The build itself is exceptional, particularly the projector and screen. The use of an exclusive clear panel piece and a light brick to project imagery is ingenious. The table for animation featuring Willie is both clever and distinctive. The stylized and creatively designed 100 logo build adds another layer of charm. To top it off, the set includes an exclusive Mickey Mouse outfit, enhancing its appeal further. All in all, it's an outstanding set, held back only by the limitations imposed by its release nature.

The set's contents include replicas of VHS cases like Aladdin, Sleeping Beauty, and The Little Mermaid, each featuring a cleverly designed front cover. The VHS tapes can be opened to reveal compartments that house the corresponding Disney villain Minifigures. This approach adds a sense of discovery to the set and offers a playfully engaging experience.

What stands out to me is the improved exterior design, especially the way it incorporates surrounding scenery. The inclusion of a charming little section with fireworks is a big win for me, especially when compared to the previous stud-shooting variants which felt a bit lackluster.

I found the new Batmobile to be quite steeply priced at $47. Given this, I plan to bide my time and wait for a potential price drop at Walmart a few weeks after its initial release. I don't intend to purchase the shadow box that accompanies it. My interest lies specifically in the '89 Batmobile design, which I intend to place on my dedicated Warner Bros shelf alongside the '60s Batmobile and the Batman Begins tumbler.

I'm thrilled to see the 1989 Batwing faithfully recreated in minifigure form. While there was a version of it in the Shazam crossover a couple of years ago, I personally skipped that one. This set provides a more satisfying representation. Furthermore, it brings back Joker's iconic purple fedora, a detail that adds to the set's appeal. I can't help but wish it also included Venkman's hair in green, similar to what was featured in the Batmobile set.

I greatly appreciate well-implemented play features within a city setting, and this set certainly delivers. The cable car is a standout, capable of traversing back and forth. Additionally, the clever wheelchair lift function is a noteworthy addition. However, my absolute favorite play feature is a bit humorous – it involves a flushable toilet within the sushi bar. It launches a one-by-one tile "turd" down the chute into the city waters, activated by the push of a 1x2 beam.

Upon examining this set, I can't help but feel a strong Space Mountain Vibes reminiscent of one of my favorite Disney coasters. The substantial drop featured here is commendable. Additionally, there's a blend of classic space aesthetics – even the baby space person from Series 24 makes an appearance, adding an unexpected touch. I would have preferred a new color space baby, though. The inclusion of a small side ride is endearing and adds a touch of cuteness.

This set's primary attraction lies in its ability to offer realistic vehicles that can seamlessly fit into a Lego City scene, serving as vehicles for the city's inhabitants. The Land Rover's interpretation is well-executed, capturing a remarkable amount of detail for its price point. The exclusive printing on the two-by-two jumper tiles at the front adds an element of rarity and uniqueness to the set.

I appreciate the dome build on top that opens to reveal a control center for the included minifigure. This element brings back fond memories of the Lego Build-A-Bob. The minifigure itself, though impressive, is marred by the same hat inaccuracy issue – it doesn't match the flat bill of the upscale design or the campus version. This consistency in inaccuracy is a bit perplexing.

I find myself surprisingly more excited about the Jedi Temple 4+ set for young Jedi Adventures than the Yavin base, which seems like a 4+ set on its own. It's always a delight to see random animated shows receiving Lego sets, and in this case, the set introduces three entirely new pieces. The addition of an unusual new Yoda head and two remarkably impressive new minifigure hair pieces, while not entirely necessary, certainly resonates with my affinity for unique hairpieces.

The Ninjago mechs continue to capture my interest. Among them, Sora's transforming Mech stands out for its unique design and captivating color scheme. What sets it apart is the alternate build that transforms it into a bike racer. This creative approach helps differentiate it from the other mechs in the theme, especially those with front-facing wheels. Personally, I find the bike racer mode less appealing and prefer to display it in its original form.

The Super Mario Donkey Kong Rambi set offers a fantastic recreation of the iconic animal buddy from Donkey Kong Country. I'm excited about the prospect of having DK ride the Rhino and the inclusion of the boulder side build with unique toad tops in an unprinted gray is a surprisingly cool touch. It seems like this set provides good value among the Donkey Kong Country-themed Mario sets.

Its ranking is primarily due to my strong desire for Lego versions of these iconic characters. If Lego were to introduce Mario Minifigures, I believe Donkey Kong and Cranky Kong would seamlessly fit alongside them. While big figs might be a challenge to implement for characters like Donkey Kong, creative modifications could likely make it feasible. Notable examples of successful ape big figs, such as Gorilla Grodd and Winston, suggest that it could be achieved with careful design considerations.

Unlike many larger sets that often consist of random builds connected by plates, this set provides a complete minecart system that can be rearranged, reminiscent of the challenging minecart levels from the Donkey Kong Country games. The inclusion of a seesaw cart design adds a unique touch, and I personally enjoy experimenting with various Lego track systems.

While the set is focused on this main display, it's evident that the forced integration of the Mario electronic system can feel a bit awkward, especially when considering how well the build captures the spirit of the game. Despite this, the set offers a creative interpretation of a beloved scene from the Donkey Kong franchise.

The interior of the set captures the essence of a museum with features like Q barriers and a glass case. The witchy elements, such as the light brick in the cauldron and the wall of potions, add to the magical atmosphere. The upper level's color-coded beds and the outside gate with interesting stickers contribute to the overall aesthetic.

You appreciate the capture of the Green Hill waterfall area in the set's design. However, the Amy section at the top appears out of place and disrupts the overall look for you as a dedicated Classic Sonic fan. Despite this, you find the Sonic build itself appealing.

One of the standout features in this set is the launcher, which is exclusive to this particular one. It's interesting to see how they've incorporated it into the play experience. Moreover, this set is the only one to include a ring Monitor and the Moto bot for this year. The best part? They've done away with stickers and used prints for these elements, which is definitely a relief after dealing with stickers in the Ideas set.

Taking the crown as the Lego Sonic set of the year, this one comes in at a hundred dollars and brings us an enchanting Green Hill loop-de-loop. Utilizing some elements from Lego stunts, it offers a more play feature-heavy experience compared to the Ideas set. What stands out is the versatility of the new Eggman vehicle. Not only is it an excellent mech, but it also transforms into two distinct sections, making for a fantastic flying vehicle as well.

The colors have been captured remarkably well, and the overall robotic bulk is on point. However, I must admit that I had reservations about how the cockpit would look when closed. Unfortunately, my concerns were justified; the design of the closed cockpit isn't particularly favorable in my eyes. It's a bit amusing how Lego was seemingly cautious about showcasing pictures of that aspect. Despite this minor hiccup, the rest of the set more than makes up for it.

The highlight of this set, without a doubt, is the Tornado build, a minifigure-scale rendition that captures the essence of the iconic aircraft. The Tornado holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the exhilarating Sky Chase Zone sequence in the opening of Sonic 3. A notable inclusion is the exclusive 2x2 circular Tails tile, adding a delightful touch to the set.

The color scheme with the mix of green and white is a real winner for me. It's visually striking and fits the overall design perfectly. I love how the turtle-themed attachments add a touch of cuteness to the set. But the real magic comes in with the alternate build – turning it into a cool camper van for LEGO City. It's like getting two great sets in one, and I'm all for that.

The upgrades made here are on par with the recent Castle release, showcasing the careful attention to detail. The set successfully captures the allure of the raised play area constructed from bricks and tiles. The rocky build on the side adds an extra layer of authenticity to the scene.

This new rendition of the Fortress maintains a similar size to the original, yet brings a more organic and intricate design. The reconstruction of larger pieces brick by brick is truly impressive. In a delightful twist, the set also serves as a remake of the iconic Imperial Trading Post from 1992. It cleverly incorporates the ship from that set, contributing to a comprehensive and authentic recreation.

Given my personal connection to Pac-Man arcades, I couldn't simply pass up on the opportunity to own the Lego Pac-Man set. It's a faithful recreation of the original arcade cabinet, albeit with a tabletop design that differs from the classic Coleco Mini Arcade and the more impressive and budget-friendly One-Up arcades. Even so, I appreciate the effort Lego has put into the design.