"Eerie Encounters: LEGO UFO Alien Sets Unearthly Fun"

The Lego Ufo Alien set, first released in 2018, has captivated both adult and child builders alike with its unique design and nostalgic appeal. This limited-edition, highly detailed model is a must-have for UFO enthusiasts, Lego fans, and retro sci-fi lovers.

Lego's Ufo Alien offers a satisfying building experience with its unique shape and challenging construction techniques. But what truly sets this set apart is its charming extraterrestrial minifigure, a playful addition that makes this build truly out of this world.

Set Details and Pieces

The Lego Ufo Alien (70816) includes 220 pieces, making it an intermediate-level build suitable for ages 16 and up. The set comes in a sleek, orbital grey box with an eye-catching, vintage Ufo Alien graphic on the cover.

The piece count might seem modest, but don't underestimate this set's complexity. It features advanced building techniques, unique parts, and clever uses of existing Lego elements to create its distinct shaping, adding to the challenge and satisfaction of the build.

Set Design and Functions

The Ufo Alien's boat-shaped body is crafted with an ingenious combination of slopes, wedges, and curved bricks. The intricate tapering and aerodynamics of the Ufo create an impressive, believable spacecraft model.

Like any good Lego set, the Ufo Alien comes with play features. The ‘flying’ aspect is achieved with a clear stand and a transparent, ABS-made ‘heat’ effect piece. The cockpit contains a minifigure's chair, with customized printing and a flashing light brick for added interactivity.

The Alien Minifigure

Star of the show is the Ufo Alien's titular alien minifigure, a quirky and charming addition. This grey alien comes with large, bulging black eyes, a unique head mold, and a variety of interchangeable expressions through its reversible head. The alien's translucent green body is detailed with a grid of fine black lines, giving it a stylish, retro aesthetic.

The alien's attire is equally delightful. Dressed in a silver, ribbed spacesuit with printed details, he wears a small, round backpack with a built-in hammer attachment - a playful nod to classic UFO imagery. Despite his extraterrestrial appearance, the alien displays warmth and friendliness, making a great desk companion or display piece.

Building Techniques and Aesthetics

Lego Designer , Hansen, employed innovative techniques to create the Ufo Alien's boat-like shape. Slope bricks are used in clever ways to create the candidature's tapering sides, while wedge plates form its intricate, angular antennae. The canopy's halves are expertly crafted from curved bricks and slopes, with transparent pieces and stickers adding final touches.

The Ufo Alien's design draws heavily from the 1950s and 60s B-movie sci-fi aesthetic. The color scheme, with its liberal use of orbital grey, bright lime green, and dark red, recalls classic UFO imagery. The transparent yellow windscreen, reminiscent of old car headlights, adds a vintage touch.

The Building Experience

With its intermediate-level build, the Ufo Alien offers a challenging yet rewarding construction experience. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated, guiding the builder through complex building techniques and intricate detail work.

The final build looks impressive on display, articulating smoothly on its clear stand. Despite its size, it's packed with detail and charm, making it an excellent conversation piece. The playful alien minifigure is sure to bring a smile to any Lego enthusiast's face.

Where to Buy and Alternatives

The Ufo Alien originally retails for $19.99 but can be found at various third-party retailers and online marketplaces. Keep in mind that this is a retired set, so availability may be limited, and prices may vary.

If you're looking for similar sets, consider the Lego Ideas Ghostbusters Ecto 1 and the Lego Creator Expert Ford Mustang. Both sets offer advanced building techniques, play features, and unique minifigures, and are excellent alternatives for fans of detail and nostalgia.

Ultimately, the Lego Ufo Alien is more than just a set - it's an affectionate tribute to a classic trope. It's a testament to Lego's ability to blend nostalgia, humor, and innovative design in a single, delightful package. So, tie your junior enthusiast's vise to a chair, pour the coffee, and prepare for an out-of-this-world building experience.