Experience Tokyo's Neon Charm with Lumibricks' New Manga Shop Set

For anyone who's roamed the narrow aisles of Tokyo’s Nakano Broadway, Lumibricks aims to evoke that sense of nostalgia and discovery with their latest offering: the Manga Shop building block set. This intricate model, featuring 1,699 pieces, reimagines a classic Japanese bookstore set against a vibrant cyberpunk backdrop, complete with neon signs, exposed wiring, and an adorable robot raccoon perched on the roof.

Positioned at the intersection of tradition and futurism, this colorful set showcases a roof reminiscent of old-school architecture, while the illuminated billboard exudes the lively energy of Shibuya Crossing at midnight. It brings to life a street corner that feels part nostalgic, part speculative fiction.

The story within the set is striking: paper manga is becoming a rarity, and a dedicated collector named Eiji Fushimi works hard to preserve these precious volumes with the help of an old eye implant. He shares the shop with Akira Tachibana, a tech-savvy hacker, and Yuzu Kurose, an avid manga reader committed to indulging in the printed stories whenever possible. The design cleverly incorporates slide-out sections that reveal an aisled gallery of manga covers and a cozy reading nook upstairs. Additionally, it connects to the existing Izakaya set from Lumibricks, allowing both structures to share power and create a visually appealing neon-lit street.

A striking detail is the translucent red torii gate welcoming visitors. Above it, a NEUVA billboard projects whimsical anime art with glowing blue and magenta hues, while a tall orange MANGA sign ascends the corner. The street level is adorned with a gashapon machine, an arcade cabinet, and even a black cat vigilantly guarding its food. Then there’s the raccoon, whimsically depicted as a heart-eyed robot, adding a playful touch to the rooftop scenery.

It's fascinating to see Lumibricks draw from cyberpunk influences while honoring traditional Japanese aesthetics; this model manages to feel like a cozy neighborhood store your grandparents might have frequented, now intersected with a high-tech future. The juxtaposition between the rustic elements and the electronic details creates a unique narrative, gently weaving the past into a speculative future.

The lighting setup runs through a single USB-C connection or a battery box powered by three AA batteries, which are not included. Building the set requires a bit of patience, as Brick Fanatics pointed out in their review that the instructions can be somewhat unclear, and the tiny wire connections might pose a challenge. Tools like tweezers are provided to assist with threading the wires, and a notable step involves attaching a small contact strip with precision. This stands out in a set otherwise devoid of stickers, favoring instead printed elements and metallic finishes. Expect to dedicate around eight hours to complete it, accompanied by your favorite snack to keep you energized.

Priced at $119.99, the Manga Shop presents a wallet-friendly alternative to Lumibricks' 2,227-piece Neon Tech Tower, which retails for $150. Currently, there's a promotional offer where direct purchases include a 388-piece micro-scale version of both the Izakaya and Manga Shop, while supplies last. The design allows for up to four sets to share a single power supply, streamlining your creation of a cohesive Neoncity display.

While the finished model has been praised for its dazzling illuminated features, a minor criticism arises regarding the three figures included. Their inability to hold the manga—central to the shop's concept—feels like an oversight in design. After all, for a store dedicated to the love of paper, it seems a bit ironic that its inhabitants can’t partake in the very treasures they’re surrounded by.

The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the overall ambiance of the project imply that once the neon comes to life, the effort in building is well worth it. For fans of manga, cyberpunk aesthetics, or building toys, this set promises to be a delightful addition to any collection.