The Complete Guide to LEGO Magazines in America
What Are LEGO® Magazines?
LEGO® magazines are officially licensed publications produced outside the U.S. Each issue contains:
- Comic stories based on LEGO® themes (Star Wars, Ninjago, City, etc.)
- Puzzles, games, and activities
- Posters and artwork
- A sealed foil pack with a LEGO® minifigure or mini build
Where They Come From
- UK Editions (English) – Published by Immediate Media. Includes Star Wars, Ninjago, City, and occasional specials.
- German Editions (German) – Published by Blue Ocean Entertainment. Broader range including Super Heroes, Jurassic World, Friends, and more.
Neither publisher distributes these magazines in the United States.
Why They’re Hard to Find in the U.S.
Because LEGO® does not sell these magazines here, U.S. fans historically had only two options:
- Pay for overseas shipping from UK or German sellers
- Buy single issues from resellers on platforms like eBay
Both approaches mean higher prices, long waits, and unpredictable availability.
Themes Collectors Look For
- Star Wars – Monthly; almost every issue includes an exclusive minifigure or mini build.
- Ninjago – Monthly; often includes unique characters and weapons.
- City – Monthly; focused on everyday builds like police, fire, or construction.
- Super Heroes – Rotating runs (Batman, Spider-Man, Avengers).
- Other Themes – Jurassic World, Minecraft, Friends, and seasonal specials.
Collectibility and Value
The foil packs are the real draw. Many characters are magazine-exclusive and never appear in LEGO® sets.
- A UK or German issue that sells for $6–$8 overseas often fetches $15–$30 in the U.S.
- Certain Star Wars minifigures have risen much higher as they age.
Collectors frequently display issues sealed or assemble full runs by theme.
How U.S. Fans Can Subscribe
- Direct Import – Order from UK/German distributors with high shipping costs.
- Secondary Market – eBay and collector resellers.
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U.S. Subscription Services –
Currently, the only dedicated U.S. subscription service is available through Brickheads Toy Company, which imports UK and German editions in bulk and ships them domestically with free U.S. delivery. This eliminates customs delays, inflated postage, and inconsistent availability.
Release Frequency
- Star Wars: 12 issues per year
- Ninjago: 12 per year
- City: 12 per year
- Super Heroes: 6–10 per year, depending on character
- Other themes: irregular specials
Why Collectors Care
- Exclusive minifigures not found in sets
- Steady stream of new builds without buying large kits
- Affordable entry point compared to retired sets
- Strong display value, whether sealed or opened
Final Word
LEGO® magazines are a hidden gem for American collectors. With unique figures, consistent releases, and themes ranging from Star Wars to City, they fill a gap that LEGO® itself does not address in the U.S. The key is finding a dependable subscription source that delivers UK and German issues directly to your door.
