It’s the second day of the convention, and the volume is beginning to rise in the Elm Room at the Westin Chicago North Shore. A LEGO conspiracy—I didn’t think such a thing existed. But I’m riveted as adult fans discuss the possibility that LEGO is leaking information about new sets. I turn my head to the back of the room to see who is talking, and I see the oversize figure of Bryan Bonahoom. With a mop of curly brown hair and a laugh like Chris Farley, he often can be heard before he is seen. But on this occasion, he just points to me and mouths one word: “Belville.” I nod my head and pack up my bag as my heart slowly begins to thud in my chest. I’ve been selected for one of the alternate build contests, the Belville challenge. The twenty other people in the room don’t know I’m nervous. They are too busy debating the merits of seeing a Star Wars set early. Cold sweat forms, and I realize that I’m terrified. I briefly consider remaining in my seat, but Bryan is waiting at the back of the room and shuffling his feet impatiently.
