LEGO fan interview with Wesley Royer of Black LUG

What is your earliest memory of playing with LEGO?

“I wasn’t really that keen on LEGO growing up; may have had a couple bits here and there but nothing that stands out. I was more into action figures!”

I think it’s quite rare for adult LEGO fans not to have been fans as a kid – that’s unusual!

How did you get in to the LEGO hobby as an adult?

“I was a fan of all the Tumbler and the 1989 Batmobile – that’s what got me into LEGO, but then a friend showed me a MOC [custom model] of Mjollnir randomly on Instagram and then I went head first into the rabbit hole of MOCs and MOC building, which then became my hobby – and somewhat obsession at times.”

I think it’s only appropriate we quote LEGO Batman at this point: “I only work in black. And sometimes very very dark grey.”

You founded BlackLUG – tell us about its purpose and your aims for it?

“Blacklug’s purpose is to highlight the lack of black representation within the LEGO community, and bring a spotlight to the few of us that are in it as well as providing an inclusive LUG for all.”

“Being one of a 2 or 3 black builders in the UK actively displaying, I am trying to show fellow LEGO enthusiasts that we do this too and they are welcomed with open arms, but might not know how to be a part of the LEGO community and I hope to bridge that gap. ”

What’s the favourite model you’ve built? Why?

“My favourite build is my Pole Position MOC, based off the cartoon Pole Position. This build consists of the main protagonists Dan and Tess Darrett (custom printed) and their technologically advanced cars called Roadie and Wheels.”

“This is a favourite for a few reason:, 1 it was my fav cartoon growing up and I wanted a Mustang and still do because of the show; 2 it was selected to go in the Bristol LEGO Store showcase having been chosen by the staff, and it was and still is an extremely humbling experience as well as being the first MOC I displayed at Skærbæk Fan Weekend 2024 in Denmark. “

If you could bring back a retired LEGO theme which would it be and why?

“The theme I’d like to bring back would be LEGO Nexo Knights. It reminded me of another show I grew up loving The Visionaries, with its castles and epic vehicles – bold and so good to expand upon and actually build a scalable army.”

I was initially quite skeptical about Nexo Knights (an adult LEGO fan, skeptical about an official LEGO theme? Surely not!), but it grew on me – I liked the monstrous castles on wheels, the mechs, and the futuristic knights. Some great, inventive releases!

Which LEGO builders inspire you, and why?

“All of them. This may sound generic but I am inspired by everyone who builds as there is always new techniques, build styles and characteristics from anyone who uses LEGO.”

“[I was a LEGO] fan before a builder so I enjoy the wonder and awe of all I see with the different creativity that its on offer. I do have some favourite people within the community that have inspired me without the use of bricks but pushing me to start Blacklug and supporting me all the way. The people behind the builds inspire me and push me to be a better builder without them even realising.”

I’m often surprised by what inspires me at LEGO fan events – it’s often a theme I’m not a huge fan of (ahem, Star Wars), or something that on paper I wouldn’t like – that inspires me with a specific building technique, or colour palette.

What are you working on at the moment? Where do you usually build your models?

“At the moment I am trying and constantly failing to organise my LEGO. It’s a brutal task that we can all attest to and quite frankly I hate it. However in the midst of my nightmare I am currently working on expanding Xavier’s Mansion, with a swimming pool and basketball court along side a diorama of Mr Sinister’s lab conducting experiments. ”

“I usually build in my office at home but occasionally I will venture downstairs outta my cave to the dining room table for more space, but actually do enjoy close quarter building. Plus don’t have to constantly go up and down to get parts as I‘m unorganised and easily distracted. ”

It’s a bit of a losing battle trying to keep your LEGO parts organised, though some people really love the sorting side of the LEGO hobby.