JustaPeeler

Pantasy Motorcycle Restaurant 85024 Review: Bricks, Bikes & Brilliance After reviewing a few off-brand building sets recently—from LumiBricks’ charming modulars to Pantasy’s jaw-dropping Pirates Pub—I’ve officially left the “off-brand = off-limits” mindset behind. These sets aren’t knockoffs anymore. They’re competition. And Pantasy? They’re leading the pack. Their latest release, the Motorcycle Restaurant (Set 85024), might just be the best argument yet that alternative brick brands aren’t just catching up—they’re innovating in ways the mainstream hasn’t touched in years. Now, full disclosure: I’ve never been a fan of motorcycle or garage themes. I even converted LEGO’s Corner Garage into a jazz club, because I just couldn’t connect with the mechanic vibe. But here? Pantasy makes it work. The aesthetic isn’t just tolerable—it’s downright charming. This set has serious modular appeal, and I wouldn’t change a thing. First Impressions At over 2,800 pieces, this set builds...

Lumibricks Gelato Store Review: Brain Freeze Never Looked This Good After being completely won over by Lumibricks’ Newsstand set and blindsided (in the best way) by the brilliance of Pantasy’s Pirates Pub, I’ve been steadily rethinking my stance on off-brand modulars. What started as a cautious toe-dip into unfamiliar waters has turned into a full dive—and now, with Lumibricks’ Gelato Store (F9078) , I think it’s fair to say I’m not just testing the waters anymore. I’m swimming. Because who can resist gelato? Step Inside the Gelato Shop Lumibricks’ Gelato Store F9078 is part of their growing Town Life series—a line that blends cozy European-inspired aesthetics with clever modular design. At nearly 2,000 pieces , this pastel storefront is more than just a dessert-themed novelty; it’s a fully realized modular building that unfolds in a way I’ve never seen from an off-brand kit. Across three detailed levels , you’ll find everything from a classic gelato bar with a functioning pull-o...

The Off-Brand Pirate Set That Changed My Mind Hi Everyone. I’ve never been into off brand building block sets. And I grew out of Pirate themes when I was 10. So when Pantasy reached out and asked me to review one of their sets—a pirate-themed one, no less—I wasn’t exactly jumping at the opportunity. But I said yes. Why? First, I wanted to challenge my own bias. My only real experience with off brand building block was with Mega Bloks, way back. I still find random pieces from those sets mixed into my LEGO collection—and honestly, they were awful. Weak clutch power, weird colors, and just poor quality all around. And I’m not alone in that experience. For a long time, the general rule in the LEGO community has been: off-brand = bad. I’ve believed it, and I’ve repeated it. But that was years ago. Maybe things have changed. Maybe it’s worth another look. Second, there’s the price of LEGO. We all know LEGO is expensive—and it’s only getting pricier. Yes, the quality is hi...

Lumibricks Newsstand F9023 556PCS Review: Off-Brand Building Blocks Leveling Up   Off-brand brilliance: Lumibricks Newsstand stuns with smart design, zero stickers & perfect lighting. After my recent dive into the world of off-brand building blocks with Pantasy’s Pirates Pub—a set that completely flipped my expectations—I’ve been paying a lot more attention to what the “non-LEGO” world has to offer. And now, Lumibricks has thrown their hat into the ring with the Newsstand 556PCS set, a charming little European-style kiosk that’s small in footprint but big in atmosphere. Is it LEGO? No. But it doesn’t have to be. Because this set shows us something important: off-brand kits aren’t what they used to be. The quality is improving, the designs are thoughtful, and companies like Lumibricks are bringing unique features to the table—in this case, integrated LED lighting that’s not only effective but a joy to install. And if you've ever struggled with aftermarket lighting kits, you’...