Escape From the Forbidden Ruins

“Escape from the Forbidden Ruins” is a heartfelt, modern tribute to one of the most unforgettable sets of the LEGO Adventurers era—Set 5988: Pharaoh’s Forbidden Ruins. As a kid, I never owned this set, but I pored over the catalogs, absolutely captivated by the majestic hot air balloon floating across the box art. That single image—Johnny Thunder rising into the desert sky with treasure in hand—sparked endless imagination.

In this reimagined version, Johnny Thunder once again takes flight, jewel gleaming in the fading light, as the ruins of ancient pyramids sprawl out below him. Built using modern techniques and parts, the balloon is larger, more detailed, and ready for adventure. It's not just a build—it's a love letter to childhood dreams, catalog daydreams, and the timeless magic of LEGO.

With this set, I finally get to build the moment I always imagined.