Beautiful LEGO 2: Dark

I’ve always found reviewing art books challenging. And mark my word, this is an art book. The LEGO creations featured within the pages of Beautiful LEGO 2: Dark are absolute masterpieces, highlighting immense skill and creativity worthy of display and appreciation. To be quite honest, I can’t do these models justice with mere words.

Some mimic living creatures with remarkable detail, others find inspiration in pop culture, and still others bring their own stunning original visions into startling physical form. But, all of them are lovingly photographed and presented for your admiration in a collection that can (and should) amaze and delight.

Although the collection is ostensibly supposed to reflect the beauty of darkness–from nightmares brought to life to macabre humor on display, even some designs meant to be viewed in shadow–there’s very little here that’s inappropriate for younger eyes (though you’ll want to give a flip-through first, parents). Instead, it’s page after page of mind blowing creativity.

I think my favorite, though, was a kraken attacking what appears to be a super star destroyer from Star Wars. It’s funny and impressively realized all at once.