JU

Jonny Utah

LEGO collector, investment enthusiast & building technique explorer

About Jonny

I've been hooked on LEGO since my dad brought home a 6990 Monorail Transport System in 1990. I was seven years old, and that one set sparked a lifelong obsession with the brick. Like a lot of us, I went through my "dark ages" in high school and college, but the 10179 UCS Millennium Falcon in 2007 pulled me right back in.

These days, at 38, I've got a dedicated LEGO room that my wife tolerates and my kids think is the coolest thing ever. I spend my time hunting for retired gems at garage sales and estate auctions, analyzing which current sets might become tomorrow's collectibles, and building MOCs that'll never quite live up to my childhood imagination. I've learned a lot about what makes certain sets appreciate - and made my share of mistakes along the way.

I'm also a huge tech nerd - I love finding ways to blend technology with LEGO. Whether it's motorizing builds with Powered Up, programming Mindstorms robots, or just using apps to organize my collection, I'm always looking for that intersection where bricks meet bytes.

Through Brick by Brick, I share everything I've picked up over three decades of collecting, investing, and just plain loving this hobby. Whether you're trying to find the perfect gift, debating which set to add to your collection, or wondering if that sealed box in your closet is worth anything, I've probably been in your shoes.

Articles by Jonny 173 articles

News

LEGO Smart Play System: The Biggest Innovation Since the Minifigure

Discover LEGO's revolutionary SMART Play System launching in 2026 - featuring SMART Bricks with motion sensors, color recognition, and sound synthesis that react to how kids play. No screens required.

Comparisons

LEGO Transformers: Optimus Prime vs Soundwave Comparison (2025)

LEGO's Transformers line brings the robots in disguise to brick form - and they actually transform! Optimus Prime's heroic truck mode versus Soundwave's iconic cassette player. Which 80s legend deserves your collection?

Comparisons

LEGO Tudor Corner 2025 vs 2026 Modular: New Releases Comparison Guide

LEGO's modular building collection keeps growing. The 2025 Tudor Corner brings historic charm, while 2026 promises modern retail. Which new modular fits your LEGO street best?

Comparisons

Best LEGO Minecraft Sets 2025: Complete Buying Guide and Comparison

LEGO Minecraft brings the blocky video game world to physical bricks. With dozens of sets available, which ones deliver the best builds? Our 2025 guide compares the top Minecraft sets across playability, value, and brick-built charm.

Comparisons

LEGO Death Star 2025 vs Barad-dûr: Ultimate Villain Headquarters Showdown

Two of LEGO's most massive villain headquarters face off: the Empire's Death Star versus Sauron's Barad-dûr. Both are 9,000+ piece mega builds. Both are ultimate display pieces. Which dark fortress deserves your shelf?

Comparisons

LEGO Star Wars Dioramas: Dagobah vs Trench Run vs Throne Room Comparison (2025)

LEGO's Star Wars diorama series captures iconic movie scenes in display-ready frames. Dagobah's Jedi training. The Death Star trench run. The Emperor's throne room duel. Which legendary moment deserves your shelf?

Comparisons

LEGO Star Wars Helmets Collection: Complete Comparison Guide (2025)

LEGO's Star Wars helmet collection offers iconic busts for adult collectors. Darth Vader vs Boba Fett vs Stormtrooper vs Scout Trooper: which helmets should anchor your collection? Complete comparison and buying guide.

Comparisons

LEGO Gringotts vs Hogsmeade Village: Which Harry Potter Set? (2025)

Two premium LEGO Harry Potter locations beyond Hogwarts. Gringotts brings goblin banking and dragon drama. Hogsmeade offers cozy village shopping. Which Wizarding World destination deserves your shelf?

Comparisons

LEGO Hogwarts Modular Sets: Great Hall vs Astronomy Tower vs Chamber of Secrets (2025)

Build Hogwarts piece by piece with LEGO's modular castle sets. The Great Hall anchors your collection. The Astronomy Tower adds height. The Chamber of Secrets brings mystery. Which module should you start with?

Comparisons

LEGO Hogwarts Castle vs Hogwarts Express: Which Harry Potter Set? (2025)

Two flagship LEGO Harry Potter sets. The Hogwarts Castle brings the entire school in micro-scale. The Hogwarts Express delivers the iconic train in minifig-scale detail. Which magical journey should you take first?

Comparisons

Best LEGO Sets by Budget: $50 vs $100 vs $200 Comparison (2025)

What do you actually get at different LEGO price points? We compare the best sets at $50, $100, and $200 to help you maximize value whether you're gift shopping or treating yourself.

Comparisons

LEGO BrickHeadz vs Minifigures: Which Collectibles Are Better? (2025)

Two ways to collect LEGO characters. BrickHeadz are buildable 3-inch figures with oversized cubic heads. Minifigures are the iconic 1.5-inch pre-assembled characters. Which collectible format deserves your shelf space?

← Back to All Articles