As everyone knows, I could talk about TwoMorrows Publishing all day. Last June, I thought I would ask the fine folks over there to come on as guests for the podcast. I thought I might have a few TwoMorrow shows. In the end. I had around a dozen shows, and almost every editor and several of their contributors taped shows.
But there was a small thing, their BrickJournal, with editor Joe Meno, wasn’t about comic books but LEGOs. Well, with a mental shrug, I decided to reach out to him about being the guest, and he agreed to talk about BrickJournal for the podcast. As with all the TwoMorrow people, it was a fantastic taping. Joe was fun and knowledgeable, and we both had a good time.
I was saddened to find out that Joe passed away this February after a battle with cancer. In many ways, Joe will be missed, but his contributions will continue. He is credited with helping bridge the gap between the LEGO Group and the fan community during the early 2000s, strengthening communication, collaboration, and trust at a time when the company was just beginning to recognize the value of its adult fan base.
He began BrickJournal as a digital publication in 2005, building a dedicated space for Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) at a time when the community was rapidly expanding online. In 2008, the magazine moved to print through TwoMorrows Publishing, where it quickly became a cornerstone of LEGO fan culture.
As the Founder and Editor‑in‑Chief, he guided BrickJournal into becoming the longest‑running magazine devoted entirely to AFOLs. Over the course of 92 issues, he curated thousands of fan creations and spotlighted innovative builders from around the world. He documented the evolution of the LEGO hobby with a historian’s eye and a f
an’s enthusiasm.
His final issue, BrickJournal #92 (Summer 2026), is being completed by his colleagues at TwoMorrows as a tribute to his life, his work, and the community he helped shape. It stands as a testament to his lasting impact on both LEGO fandom and the broader world of fan‑driven creativity.
He authored The Cult of LEGO for No Starch Press, a definitive exploration of the hobby’s culture, history, and the passionate community that helped shape it. The book remains one of the most widely recognized works ever written about LEGO fandom.
A talented builder himself, he was especially admired for his intricate Disney Theme Park models—detailed, imaginative constructions that showcased both technical skill and a deep love for themed design. His builds became touchstones within the AFOL community, inspiring countless others to push their own creativity further.
Joe’s work was instrumental in transforming LEGO fandom from a niche pastime into the global, interconnected community it is today. Having him on your show last year captured his voice at a meaningful moment in his life, preserving his insight, humor, and generosity for the people who valued him most.
In the end, his greatest legacy isn’t just the magazines he produced or the models he built, but the community he helped bring together. He left the AFOL world stronger, more connected, and more inspired than he found it, and his influence will continue to guide builders for years to come.
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