Review: 71515 Tiger Shark Tank
Posted by benbacardi,
The final set in this year's DREAMZzz wave for us to look at is 71515 Tiger Shark Tank. In previous years, the villains of the stories have had not one but two dastardly shark vehicles with 71469 Nightmare Shark Ship and 71500 Nightmare Shark Submarine. This time, the Dream Chasers are fighting back with their own, which comes in two forms: a tank for land-based combat, or a pirate ship for the high seas.
The largest of the range, this is the flagship set for the year, with the biggest minifigure selection including three Dream Chasers, both main antagonists, and a variety of dreamlings and grimspawn. If this is potentially the last we ever see of DREAMZzz, as has been rumoured, are we going out on a high?
Summary
71515 Tiger Shark Tank, 1,548 pieces.
£129.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 | 8.4p, 9.0c, 9.0c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
An imaginative set with two ridiculous builds that are a lot of fun—exactly what we like to see from the range!
- Excellent minifigure selection
- Great colour scheme with the orange shark and blue and gold components
- Two large, imposing, and fun models
- Arika's brick-built body is clumsy
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Mateo and Izzie are the two main Dream Catchers included in the set, and both are identical to their versions in 71508 Fox Guardian Mech. As I've noted in previous reviews, both are brand new outfits for this wave, and excellently detailed. The Dream Catchers' hourglass emblem is prominently displayed, and Izzie is one of my favourite minifigures, with her fantastic colour scheme, intricate details, and delightful face prints.
As ever, both have dual expressions and the detailed prints continue on the rear.
Rounding out this year's cast of protagonists, we have a Dreamling Captain, Dreamling Pilot, and Mr. Oswald (or Mr. Oz). The Dreamlings are adorable, and made no less so with the captain's tricorn hat or the pilot's leather flight helmet and goggles! A science teacher by day, and the dream chasers' instructor by night, Mr Oz is wearing detailed gold and blue armour with an eagle emblem on his chest, and an ornate monocle/glasses combination over his eyes. His expression is mostly hidden behind the large grey hair, moustache, and beard, however! He is the only Dream Chaser not to include hourglass emblem on his outfit, or to come with a second expression.
Moving onto the antagonists, the set contains this year's two primary baddies, the impressive Nightmare Emperor and Arika. The Emperor is the same as in other sets this wave, with his fantastic multi-eyed headpiece, ragged cape, and detailed black, pink, and silver printing. Arika shares similar printing on her torso, matching the fearsome six-eyed face beneath her cowl, but instead of traditional minifigure legs she has a long brick-built articulated body with six green legs/claws on either side.
Arika's body looks somewhat clumsy, and I much prefer her spider form in 71512 Crocodile Submarine. The two nightmare characters are accompanied by a smiling Grimspawn, who looks excellent wearing a top hat!
Two Treasure Creatures are included with the set, a green and an opalescent white. Just one diamond egg is built, so you will have to choose which one to house inside.
As usual, each character does not fight with their bare hands, but instead wields a suitable weapon. The two Dreamlings have a cutlass and a double-barrelled pistol each, and Mr Oz holds a tall golden staff with a large blue sphere on the end. Izzie and Mateo hold one of the enormous swords (opalescent white with a blue gem for Izzie, and transparent green for Mateo), and Mateo protects himself with a small round shield in his other hand.
The nightmare characters are also armed. The Nightmare Emperor wields the Nightmare Sword; a trans-pink blade with a yellow all-seeing eye on the hilt. Arika holds two black and green scythe-like blades, and the Grimspawn holds a cleaver.
With this set and 71514 Dino Jet, we've completed the collection of Treasure Creatures, in blue, green, orange, and opalescent white.
(Note, only the green and white Treasure Creatures come in this set.)
Likewise, the five collectable swords are shown below—it wasn't after I'd laid them out for this photo that I realised they corresponded to the four colours of Treasure Creature!
(Note, only the green, white, and Nightmare swords come in this set.)
Tiger Shark
As a dad, I am rather partial to dad jokes and puns, and this particular set has not one but two in its name!
The first model you build is a tiger shark, but instead of the usual greys and blues of an actual tiger shark, it's a wonderful orange and black like its mammalian namesake. The stripes on top of its nose are printed, and those on its pectoral fins stickers, but the rest are entirely brick built. I think the resulting shark model looks fantastic, and would be an excellent model in its own right.
The shark's tail is articulated using a pair of ball joints, and can therefore swish from side to side. I particularly like the mouth, with its aggressive expression and rows of sharp teeth surrounding the pink interior. The lower jaw is hinged.
However, the shark itself does not stay in this form for either of the two models the set provides you with the options of building.
Tiger Shark Tank
The first model is the Tiger Shark Tank, and it doesn't mean the style of tank usually associated with sharks! Before we get there, though, we've got some modifications to our shark's body.
The first is the addition of a small pirate ship-style cabin, in browns, blues, and golds, with lattice windows such as you'd find at the rear of a large galleon on the open seas.
The roof can be removed easily, and inside is a compact room just big enough for a desk with a quill, ink, and compass, and a map.
Against the rear wall is a shark tank within the Shark Tank—one housing a very small and adorable tiger shark, created by a sticker on a trans-blue 1x2 brick!
The way the shark body is constructed allows it to split in half, where the cabin can be inserted into the middle, similar to how the recent Mix & Match City vehicles connect. This creates a suitably secure assembly with the use of an axle and two clips.
The shark's fins are moved from their positions on the original body to connect to the cabin instead. At this stage, it does look a little ridiculous, but we are far from finished.
Next to be built is the base of the tank itself. Constructed around a solid central core, a pair of tank tracks run along either side, constructed with no fewer than 94 individual track links. That was a somewhat tedious step to build!
The sides of the tracks are filled with details that continue the pirate theme with blues, golds, and greys. It looks suitably mechanical, with a spiked plough is attached between the tracks at the front. A single Technic axle protrudes from the centre of the base to attach the shark's body, fitting into a hole in the bottom centre of the cabin.
When attached, and with the addition of a pair of engines either side of the shark's rear abdomen, the main Shark Tank is complete. There's room for the shark's jaw to open and close above the tank.
However, there's more to the build still. The tank takes a crew of two—the Dreamling Captain and Pilot—and these are both provided with their own individual detachable "pods" from which to perform their duties. These make excellent use of the gold, blue, and grey and connect either side of the shark's dorsal fin. The first is a long, thin craft with a six-stud shooter at the front, controlled by turning the wheel at the rear connected by an assembly of axles through the body. There's room for a Dreamling or minifigure in the cockpit—although the Dreamling's single antistud doesn't fit sensible on the 2x2 exposed studs inside, unfortunately. A pair of jumper plates on top would have been much better.
Stickers add further gold accents down the sides of the vehicle, as well as on the transparent canopy, altohugh they are very difficult to see both in the photos and the instruction manual.
The Pilot's pod is more squat, with nothing in front of the cockpit—which thankfully does provide jumper plates for the Dreamling this time! A single stud shooter is attached either side of the cockpit, and a stickered flag flies above the vehicle with an Mr. Oz's eagle emblem.
At the rear, a transparent diamond shell houses a pair of identical guns to the one the pilot is equipped with, and can fold up to gain access to them. I love the continuation of the pirate theme with the barrels, gold chains, and jewels. Both craft look very ornate.
Using the clips underneath, they attach to the top of the shark's cabin, flanking the dorsal fin. Clips are provided on both sides of the vehicles, allowing them both to be attached either way around.
With the final assembly complete, the vehicle is ready for battle! In the traditional DREAMZzz manner, it is absolutely ridiculous, but a lot of fun to push around.
Tiger Shark Ship
If you don't fancy building a tank, you can instead convert the shark into a pirate ship—it makes a little more sense, as a sea-faring vehicle, to combine with a shark, at least!
The ship is built almost entirely independently of the creature, and designed to sit on top. It features a transparent bow, a six-stud cannon on the foredeck, and a cabin to the aft.
There is plenty of detail and greenling around the sides of the ship, in that excellent gold and navy colour scheme. A small gear represents the ship's wheel on the deck above the cabin, which protrudes slightly over the rear. I'm not sure what the black discs either side are meant to represent.
Most ingeniously, the sails that hang from the two masts are made from the caterpillar tracks of the tank—four sections hang from each yard, and they have a wonderful flexibility to them that gives a great impression of fabric, even if they would be useless in reality!
A small crow's nest sits atop the foremast, and a flag flies from the mainmast.
On the port side of the stern, a gold anchor hangs from a chain that is wound around an axle, allowing the anchor to be raised or lowered. Inside, there's a small mechanism that also turns the other gear to the left of the anchor chain, but purely for decorative reasons.
The rear cabin has no interior that's accessible from the deck of the ship. Instead, a hidden cache of gold and jewels is located inside that can be slid out from the rear! This is almost invisible once clipped in place, as it blends very well with the rest of the structure.
To place the ship atop the shark, the dorsal fin is removed, and the galleon is connected to the sides of the shark's cabin to hold it securely. In the photo below, the rear is attached but I have left the front disconnected to demonstrate. The removed fin is not used; like many of the DREAMZzz sets, a mixture of parts and sub-assemblies are shared or discarded between the two builds.
Once assembled, the final creature is very imposing! The ship is roughly as long as the shark's body, and adds significant height to the build. The anchor chain is long enough to reach the ground but not much further.
The forward-facing cannon can rotate, and to fire it you must twist the cannon itself—unfortunately there is no mechanism to move that trigger to another part of the model as is often found when these six-stud shooters are used. You also have to be careful which way up you place the central part of the cannon—if it does not have the point facing upwards, the studs can't clear the transparent canopy in front when fired.
Verdict
71515 Tiger Shark Tank is everything I've come to expect from a DREAMZzz set—hugely imaginative, weird and whacky, two distinctly different but connected models, and all round a lot of fun. I also appreciate the callbacks to other sets from previous waves, particularly 71469 Nightmare Shark Ship—it could feel repetitive to have a second "shark ship", but they really are very different.
The minifigures are great, highly detailed prints and some excellent accessories unique to the line, such as the large swords and adorable treasure creatures. Whilst I prefer Arika's form in other sets, the Nightmare Emperor is one of the best minifigures around, and the grimspawn and dreamlings are very fun little creatures.
At the top of the line, this isn't the cheapest of sets, but you get a lot of bang for your buck both in terms of piece count, build time, and playability. If this truly is the end of the DREAMZzz line, I will be sad to see it go, and hopefully LEGO will fill its space with something just as creative!
71515 Tiger Shark Tank is available at LEGO.com for £129.99 / $139.99 / €139.99.
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40 comments on this article
Given the resemblance to certain Castle sets, is the emblem on Mr. Oz’s armour better identified as a falcon?
I love this set and I ordered it as soon as it reached 30% off at some retailers. Dreamzzz is really going out with a bang with this last wave.
I like the shark on its own without any attachments. One could use the cabin to flesh out the boat and you have two separated sets looking great next to each other.
Missed opportunity to include Mark Cuban.
NPU of the tracks as sails.
Damn I would like a few of those stickered flags
Nice to see that Dino-Tank from Ultraseven is still alive in concept. Cool set.
I have no idea about this theme, to be fair, but this set is positively insane.
Should mention how Mr. Oz's eagle emblem is from Nexo Knight's Clay Morrington. You can see it prominently on 70315 Clay's Rumble Blade.
A very fun and silly set, just what I like from DREAMZzz.
I really really like this set - what is it with this theme and great giant animal builds?? I can't afford to buy them all!
Love the shark, no interest in the rest of the set. Unfortunately, I haven't found any way to just buy the shark on eBay or Bricklink or B&M.
@bacardi, there is a 3rd pun in this set. The Tiger tank name itself. The german wwII tank was painted with stripes like a tiger too.
@Huw: Yay, you fixed the Amazon price tracker!
Wonderful set! Both builds (or arguably, all three builds considering the base shark model functions as an impressive build on its own) are really fun and unique. Between the two main alternates my preference is the tank (which has more modular components that can be exchanged with other sets, and has the interior cabin accessible), but the ship is very cool too and really makes the most of all of the parts from the tank build.
While it's less adorably cuddly than any version of Bunchu, this might be the only set in this wave themed around Izzie and her interests. In season 1 Izzie's orange striped "Mr. Sharkyjaw" plush was dreamcrafted by the Night Hunter into that year's Nightmare Shark Ship. This set's resemblance to the original plush sort of suggests that this might be meant to be that same plush dreamcrafted into a vehicle for the "good guys" (with the tech-y steampunk elements added by Mr. Oz). It makes the lack of sets fully themed around Izzie sting slightly less, though I still wish she and Zoey got more emphasis in this seemingly final wave.
The Tiger Shark Ship seems to have more than a passing affinity with the Metal Beard Ship. This is not my style of sets but I really like the concept and kids (as well as not so young kids) must like that sort of model - this is excellent to get the imagination flowing. These sets are also great for parts recolour and this I like a lot. There is also such a variety of wacky parts, you can rebuilt all sorts of thing - truly the Lego essence. Too bad the theme is ending (apparently).
@Heriol said:
"I really really like this set - what is it with this theme and great giant animal builds?? I can't afford to buy them all!"
Agree, this theme has so many fantastic builds!
Would love to be 20 years younger and discover the boxes on a shop's shelf.
@Narilo said:
" @bacardi, there is a 3rd pun in this set. The Tiger tank name itself. The german wwII tank was painted with stripes like a tiger too. "
I opened Brickset and DREAMZzz was not on my mind, so I thought I missed out on some shark tank set...
A most excellent Smooth Shark.
@Lyichir
I’d feel happier and more confident about this being an Izzie Kit if it didn’t feel a bit like a vague gesture while really being more of a Mr Oz kit.
… But it is a really cool shark.
Wow, I did not realize the shark could function as a separate model! That makes this set all the cooler. Definitely want to pick up this crazy thing!
It’s a bit of a pity they didn’t come up with a shark set for 2024. That makes it the only year, if the theme is indeed ending, not to have gotten one of these.
Lovin the wackiness
@TurtleFinland said:
"QUESTIONS
1.) Are these really the last Dreamzzz sets?
2.) Will the theme really end in 2026?
3.) Will there be a new theme after this?
4.) And if so, in 2026 or 2027?
5.) Will there be a Dreamzzz LEGO movie + live-action at the end of the year?
This theme never knew what it was or what it wanted to be. Does it sound familiar? Identity crisis. Nice parts, colors, even imagination, BUT in the end what was left... hopefully we get a space or agent theme next."
This theme knew what it was. YOU seem not to understand it.
Mr. Oz’s parts are going to sell well on PaB among the (now starved) Black Falcon army builders…
@TurtleFinland said:
"QUESTIONS
1.) Are these really the last Dreamzzz sets?
2.) Will the theme really end in 2026?
3.) Will there be a new theme after this?
4.) And if so, in 2026 or 2027?
5.) Will there be a Dreamzzz LEGO movie + live-action at the end of the year?
This theme never knew what it was or what it wanted to be. Does it sound familiar? Identity crisis. Nice parts, colors, even imagination, BUT in the end what was left... hopefully we get a space or agent theme next."
1. Yes
2. Yes, again
3. Who knows what it will be, but probably yes.
4. I don't even understand your question... if that even was a question?
5. Not a snowball's chance in hell. No theme has ever had a totally live action film. It had a TV show, so be thankful it had that much.
As for your other comments: I'll echo what @560heliport said: You just don't understand it - it knew what it was.
It's well out of my price range, but that tiger shark alone looks incredible.
@Narilo said:
" @bacardi, there is a 3rd pun in this set. The Tiger tank name itself. The german wwII tank was painted with stripes like a tiger too. "
The American M46 Patton had the tiger stripes. The German Tiger I and II had zimmerit, camo, or just plain primer.
"There is plenty of detail and greenling around the sides of the ship..."
Although greenling are a type of fish and could be found around ships, I assume you intended to use the word greebling. A serendipitous pun perhaps?
@Roborider said:
"Should mention how Mr. Oz's eagle emblem is from Nexo Knight's Clay Morrington. You can see it prominently on 70315 Clay's Rumble Blade."
Excuse you, that's the Black Falcon logo.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Roborider said:
"Should mention how Mr. Oz's eagle emblem is from Nexo Knight's Clay Morrington. You can see it prominently on 70315 Clay's Rumble Blade."
Excuse you, that's the Black Falcon logo."
Clay's Logo is clearly inspired by the Black Falcon logo, but there are minor differences between the two.
In particular, the feathers in the orignal and the modernized Black Falcon logos come to a point, whereas Clay's and Oz's are more squared off. The orignal Black Falcon logo has a straight beak with the back of the head being rounded, and the modernized one has a hooked beak with a tuft of the back. Clay's and Oz's have a hooked beak without the tuft.
Also, the premise of the set of being a "tank" with a slight castle motif feels much more in line with Nexo Knights.
@iwybs said:
" @Huw: Yay, you fixed the Amazon price tracker!"
Not yet for the UK though :( Looking on the bright side, it has almost certainly saved me plenty!
@iwybs said:
" @Huw: Yay, you fixed the Amazon price tracker!"
Just Amazon.com at the moment. The others will hopefully follow this week.
Reminds me of Skeletor's Land Shark.
Wait, Dreamzzz is ending? I didn't know that! I have one or two sets and they're cool but I've never been able to justify buying more.
This is one set I would like, given tiger sharks are my favourite animal and I just LOVE the little sticker of one in the fishtank.
Steampunk fabulous!
Overdesigned/10
Its a solid set, dont get me wrong, but it could easily be smaller and more fun.
Great review as usual!
I’d just say that sharks are not mammals…
The shark looks nice on its own, but the cabin, tank-tires, "space-ships" and the actual pirate ship look like a hot mess of random bricks thrown together.
@Narilo said:
" @bacardi, there is a 3rd pun in this set. The Tiger tank name itself. The german wwII tank was painted with stripes like a tiger too. "
no it wasn't...it is simply a camouflage pattern. the name has got nothing to do with tiger-striping....
@Loerwyn said:
"Wait, Dreamzzz is ending? I didn't know that! I have one or two sets and they're cool but I've never been able to justify buying more.
This is one set I would like, given tiger sharks are my favourite animal and I just LOVE the little sticker of one in the fishtank."
If only you had bought more sets, this would not be happening.
@TurtleFinland said:
"QUESTIONS
1.) Are these really the last Dreamzzz sets?
2.) Will the theme really end in 2026?
3.) Will there be a new theme after this?
4.) And if so, in 2026 or 2027?
5.) Will there be a Dreamzzz LEGO movie + live-action at the end of the year?
This theme never knew what it was or what it wanted to be. Does it sound familiar? Identity crisis. Nice parts, colors, even imagination, BUT in the end what was left... hopefully we get a space or agent theme next."
1. That’s the rumor.
2-4. We don’t know yet.
5. Unlikely, given that there’s been no announcements. Plus, Dreamzzz hasn’t really had the level of success to warrant a movie, so far as I know.
This set feels a little too silly for me as an AFOL, but I like the steampunk elements.
@Lyichir said:
"While it's less adorably cuddly than any version of Bunchu, this might be the only set in this wave themed around Izzie and her interests. In season 1 Izzie's orange striped "Mr. Sharkyjaw" plush was dreamcrafted by the Night Hunter into that year's Nightmare Shark Ship. This set's resemblance to the original plush sort of suggests that this might be meant to be that same plush dreamcrafted into a vehicle for the "good guys" (with the tech-y steampunk elements added by Mr. Oz). It makes the lack of sets fully themed around Izzie sting slightly less, though I still wish she and Zoey got more emphasis in this seemingly final wave."
The animated show de facto confirms this is Izzie's vehicle/creature. As for Zoey, I would like to think Logan's alternate build feels so different and random exactly because of that: to call back to Zoey's bird builds. One could eaaily recolor the eagle to have a full-fledged fifth Dream Chaser set.