Review: 21366 Floating Sea Otters
Posted by MeganL,
The latest Ideas set is none other than 21336 Floating Sea Otters! While not quite as cute as sloths, otters are adorable. I really liked the original submission, but like several other Ideas sets, the final set is quite a bit different from the original. How does it compare?
Summary
21366 Floating Sea Otters, 1,234 pieces.
£99.99 / $119.99 / €109.99 | 8.1p / 9.7c / 8.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
While different than the original, the model still maximizes the cuteness factor
- Nice display model
- More realistic version of an otter
- Adorable pup
- Ability to combine with another set
- Effective technique of showing depth
- Arms can be a bit fragile
- Distracting grey pieces on legs
- About $20 too expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Original submission
The original submission by HisBrickMaterials is quite animated, with an otter waving in a friendly manner..
Inside the box are eleven numbered bags and an instruction book. Like most Ideas sets, several pages in the instructions are dedicated to the fan designer as well as the LEGO design team. On those pages, the design team talks about the reasoning behind the changes to the original model. The LEGO designers aren't named in the instruction book, but CapnRex101 informs me that the lead designer for this set is Chris McVeigh.
The completed model
The changes to the final model are quite obvious, not the least of which is that there are two otters instead of one! A pup has been added to rest on its mother's stomach. The "arms" have quite a bit of articulation, and can be placed so they're protective of the pup.
The arms can also be positioned by the otter's face, which is also a common pose for otters. This angle also gives a bit better view of the pup. The pup's head can be rotated, so I positioned it so that the pup's face is facing upward.
(If you notice some bits of missing greenery between pictures, I had some fall out while taking pictures, and didn't notice it until processing.)
This view shows the otter's head from a slightly different angle. There are some new-ish curved pieces in brick yellow and reddish brown in this set, and they're used to good advantage in shaping the otter's head.
While not carrying the pup, the otter can enjoy a snack. The paws can be moved to keep the snack close by. The mouth can open and close, showing a bit of pink tongue. The designers have taken advantage of the shaping of the bricks for the arms to allow for quite a bit of movement in the model while not showing many gaps at the surface of the water.
I will say that in the midst of taking pictures, one of the arms of the otter kept coming out of joint. I'm not sure if that was builder error as it was only on one side, but it was annoying having to reassemble the same arm several times.
The wider view of the otter shows the flippers, which are a straightforward build, though I find the grey ball cup pieces to be quite distracting on the legs. I really wish LEGO would make that piece in a different colour.
I was very enamoured with the otter's mouth open, so here's a picture of it closed.
Similarly, I noticed I was taking all the pictures from one side of the otter. so to show the otter's head can swivel the other direction, here's another close up of the head. There's some nice kelp and some rocks on this side.
The flippers can also be posed, and can be moved to make for a slightly more dynamic pose.
I call this the "Home Alone" pose.
There are a number of transparent light blue pieces, including 18 of the 2x2 inverted bow bricks, or as I call them, pagoda bricks. That grey piece on the leg I find so distracting!
A close-up of the pup was challenging, as the tail section is rounded and precluded being able to stand the pup upright. The pup is flat on one side so can be connected directly to the main model. Lying the pup on its other side is not an option.
The official images show that two models can be connected so that they can hold hands. That's made possible by the panels of greenery that are connected by four axels on each side. I didn't receive two copies of the set, so unfortunately I can't recreate that option.
Finally, a top view of the otter. I like the texture of the otter's underbelly. I really, really like how the designers have given the perception of dimension with the otter's body submerged under the water. It's a really nice use of layering transparent bricks over darker colour bricks.
Overall thoughts
If I hadn't seen the original submission, I would think this is realistic and adorable! As it is, I still think it's realistic and adorable, and it's clear the designers made the decision to make the model more lifelike than the original submission. Considering LEGO is making other lifelike models such as 10331 Kingfisher, moving toward a more realistic model makes sense. Adding the pup gives the model more dimension in the centre as opposed to just a flat belly. I think it makes for a good display model.
The building techniques are fun, and the designers have done a really great job in allowing the otter to have arms that move so freely while not having a lot of gaps on the water's surface. The build is fun and not repetitive, with some interesting parts usage. I like the inclusion of the clamshell, so whether or not the pup is in the picture, there's something interesting to display with the otter. I did find one of the arms to be a bit fragile, so this model is definitely geared toward adults instead of kids.
The "otter" (I couldn't let this review go by without that pun) issue I have with the set is the price. I received the set before seeing the official press release, and as I was building I was thinking that it would be a good $100 set. It's $20 higher than that, and if you wanted to get two sets so the otters could hold hands, that's starting to be an investment. The otters are cute, but I'm not sure they're that cute.
I like the change to the realistic pose, and if you're looking for a nice build and great display model, this is worth adding to your collection for the right price.
61 likes
33 comments on this article
Easy enough to customize the frame into a bath tub.
Not sure who this is for, though. Fans of otters?
They should have went without the pup. It makes the set kinda messy and unclear.
It's always good to be a little 'otter' when it's so cold in winter.
They should have used the original idea for the eyes. Not realistic, but nicer when brick-built.
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Not sure who this is for, though. Fans of otters?"
Answered your own question there.
It might look much better in person, but to me it still resembles roadkill, especially in the second-to-last picture. They could also use a different shade of brown for the mother’s belly to help the pup stand out, rather than having everything in the same chocolate brown color.
120 dollars and they can't give us those connector pieces on the legs in a more suitable color to the model.
Looks like road-kill without the pup.
Base is about twice as thick as the original submission, inflating the cost for no great reason.
These photos look marginally better than the original publicity shots but, to be honest, not a lot. With all the great stuff coming out on March 1st I'm relieved that there's also stuff like this to save my wallet!
@ToysFromTheAttic said:
"Not sure who this is for, though. Fans of otters?"
Travis Kelce... he loves otters, says sea otters but the type of otter probably works cause otters are just so super cute!! I also love otters but not this set.... Minifigure in a otter suit however, hell yes!!
I prefer much more the original proposition. Initially I didn't see the pup, it is a difficult to read set. Without the pup it's definitely too flat also.
This looks atrocious.
Ewan, what are we looking at h- WE’RE LOOKING AT SEA OTTERS!
I once had a running gag with a colleague about making otter puns, which I became quite proficient at. Here’s a few I can think of off the bat:
That baby looks so lonely, where’s his brotter? Well, at least he’s got his motter.
These two are so cute, they should be mascotters!
Even if the final design is a lot more lifelike, it seems a lot of people prefer the otter version of this model.
This set is a bit expensive. If only I won the lottery… Or had magic abilities, like Harry Potter.
You’re not tired of these puns yet? Fine, here’s anotter.
That poor creature must be cold, lying in the water. I hope he finds a hotter place to warm up!
I’ll see myself out.
First Flower Wall, now this. I can't imagine who would want two otters at this price.
I find the otter too flat/static looking. Also, something with the eyes could be improved to make them more realistic.
@Bricklunch said:
"Looks like road-kill without the pup.
Base is about twice as thick as the original submission, inflating the cost for no great reason."
It looks like the base is as tall as it is in order to allow for having the arms hinged so they can be posed.
Everyone otter get one.
In my opinion, this is the worst Ideas adaptation ever!! Not even close to the (great) original. The pup looks like the otter's fat belly, or a bunch of pieces on top of the otter. This is so wrong...
Still don't like how this looks, and the baby otter only makes it more confusing. Completely lacks the charm of the orignal fan submission. I really wonder how he feels about this....
As for the price, it does indeed feel expensive for what you get. I mean, just compare it with the cat or the golden retriever; By no means cheap sets either but at least the value is there. But also, did this need to be this big to begin with? After all, in recent years Lego has had a lot of success with animals that were smaller and a lot cheaper. Yet generally looked way better. Of course this one has the base (which is pretty much essential here) which most of the others don't have, but then again, you don't get an entire animal either.
All in all, lots of questionable choices here.....
@Rimefang said:
"Everyone otter get one."
Or two!
Super cute. Contrary to popular belief, I much prefer this to the original cartoonish submission.
love it
I prefer this one to the original Ideas, which was still good, but this is better.
Adding the pup was a great touch and makes the price fine IMO.
My wife and youngest daughter are otter fans, they're going to love this set
The original submission is so much better. This odder looks really clumpsy. The original odder is so cute and actually better made.
Looks like another platform for Obi Wan and Vader to duel on
@CliveyB said:
"It's always good to be a little 'otter' when it's so cold in winter."
Like all puns, that was otterly atrocious.
@troynos said:
"love it
I prefer this one to the original Ideas, which was still good, but this is better.
Adding the pup was a great touch and makes the price fine IMO.
My wife and youngest daughter are otter fans, they're going to love this set"
I do agree with you. The original is good, but this is an improvement.
@skypilot22 said:
"Looks like another platform for Obi Wan and Vader to duel on "
Vader: "You underestimate my power!"
Obi-Wan: "Sea otter! We're standing on a sea otter!"
@EtudeTheBadger said:
" @Rimefang said:
"Everyone otter get one."
Or two!"
AN ARMY WORTHY OF MORDOR
This one does improve upon the original submission, but upon first glance, I had no idea that an additional otter pup was included (it's quite hard to notice if you're not looking for one).
And yes, it's about $20 too expensive.
Nightmare fuel
The baby should've been in a different colour to make it more distinguishable.
@MegaBlocks said:
"The baby should've been in a different colour to make it more distinguishable."
Red like your T-Ford? ;-)