Review: 76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition
Posted by CapnRex101,
75978 Diagon Alley provides excellent potential for expansion and considerable speculation has surrounded additional models. 76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition has therefore received particular surprise, although positive responses have outweighed the negative.
This model definitely represents an appropriate celebration of LEGO Harry Potter and includes superb detail, which should ensure impressive display value. Hedwig appears particularly outstanding and the combination of various items has proven successful, maintaining complete cohesion between Wizarding World accessories.
Box and Contents
76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition belongs to the 18+ range and features accordant branding, which seems reasonably effective here. Colourful creations generally appear most attractive against the dark backdrop, although I think the focus upon display value has proven decisive here. Nevertheless, displaying the model in an authentic Hogwarts environment would probably have appeared even better.
The box contains 22 numbered bags, beside a small sticker sheet and the instruction manual. Various accessories decorate the cover and 412 pages are found inside. They include several which document the history of LEGO Harry Potter, highlighting where minifigure-scale versions of the supplied accessories were introduced, such as Tom Riddle's diary or the Chocolate Frog Card.
Information about the development process is present too. The concept reportedly originated from a promotional owl model, designed by Wes Talbot. From there, the designers proposed various items associated with the Wizarding World which might constitute an official product, resulting in 76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition!
Nine stickers are included, decorating the different potion and ingredient bottles. I think these represent a suitable use of stickers, especially because the original props were also identified using stickered labels. Moreover, several printed elements are provided, the most important of which are undoubtedly the three 8x16 tiles comprising the Hogwarts acceptance letter.
Minifigures
Six golden minifigures have already been produced, celebrating the twentieth anniversary of LEGO Harry Potter. However, several prominent characters were originally omitted, including Anniversary Albus Dumbledore. This figure retains the combined hat and hair element from his Collectable Minifigure, exhibiting the same decorative stars and intricate texture. However, the colour combination of pearl gold and metallic gold is distinctive.
Anniversary Minerva McGonagall matches the outstanding minifigure from 76382 Hogwarts Moment: Transfiguration Class, featuring robes with the same pattern. However, metallic gold, metallic bronze and pearl gold have replaced the standard colours, assuring consistency with other celebratory minifigures from this anniversary collection.
The most unusual of these minifigures is definitely Anniversary Rubeus Hagrid, which again combines shades of gold and bronze. The character's enormous jacket exhibits brilliant details, with accurate buttons and the twentieth anniversary branding on the reverse. These minifigures feature single-sided heads and include appropriate accessories, as Hagrid carries his umbrella while Dumbledore and McGonagall wield golden wands.
The Completed Model
Among the numerous items which constitute 76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition, many are attached around the central structure. This model reaches 40cm in height and accordingly achieves impressive presence. Furthermore, focusing attention upon this substantial structure undoubtedly enhances the coherence between completely different accessories.
The weakest of these accessories is connected at the base, where scarves are supplied in the four Hogwarts house colours. They are constructed with their studs exposed which is relatively unusual throughout this model, although the resulting texture is reminiscent of wool. This range of display possibilities is brilliant too, since Gryffindor and Ravenclaw or Slytherin and Hufflepuff scarves can be assembled concurrently.
While the texture and options are reasonable, such vibrant colours seem inappropriate. Bright red, blue and green should definitely have been replaced with their darker equivalents for absolute accuracy, which is exceptionally important here. 31201 Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests was impacted by the same problem, so I am disappointed that this mistake has been repeated.
Fortunately, each scarf can be detached easily. They are secured using a 4x6 plate which fits underneath the neighbouring book and removing this plate creates no unsightly gaps. Such alternatives for display are welcome and I can imagine many people wishing to detach the scarves, which have already attracted significant criticism.
Despite its concealment beneath other accessories, Tom Riddle's diary remains recognisable. The black cover and golden corner protectors distinguish this book from others and the open pages appear fantastic, particularly along their edges. Several 1x4 panels are stacked along each edge, employing the same ingenious building technique as the steps in 21045 Trafalgar Square!
The gentle curvature of the pages seems realistic too, making good use of 2x8 curved slopes which have never appeared in tan before. However, there is nothing on the pages to identify Tom Riddle's diary, which is slightly disappointing. Perhaps one of the curved slopes should have displayed Tom's written message to Harry, or ink staining near where the Basilisk fang punctured the book.
Additional books are stacked atop the diary, featuring the colours of Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Their pages lack the same intricate texture as Tom Riddle's diary, integrating 1x2 profile bricks rather than layered panels. The resultant design looks adequate, although I dislike the corners where the limitations of these bricks become obvious. Nevertheless, the haphazard stacking is absolutely perfect.
The conspicuous ball joint which appears above anchors Harry Potter's wand. Unsurprisingly, this accessory is constructed around bricks with studs on four sides, with layers of plates and tiles enveloping those bricks. The tapering shape therefore looks superb, while the mixture of studded and smooth surfaces produces an appropriate wooden texture.
Beyond its impressive appearance, the wand also feels absolutely rigid and may be swished enthusiastically without fear of breakage! The handgrip appears excellent too, including dark brown elements which contrast against the reddish brown shaft. Unfortunately, no wand core appears inside and the external ball joint seems awkward, but that is quickly concealed when displaying Harry's wand.
Harry receives copious Hogwarts acceptance letters before attending the school, dismaying Uncle Vernon. One such letter is presented here, clutched in Hedwig's talons. This creates a spectacular centrepiece for the model and comprises three printed 8x16 tiles, with the central component displaying perfectly accurate wording when compared with the movie.
However, the Hogwarts crest displays an unfortunate mistake, reading 'titillandos' rather than 'titillandus' within the Latin motto. The design otherwise appears excellent though, particularly since the four animals representing the Hogwarts houses are beautifully detailed. Furthermore, vacant space is available to include your name as the addressee, if you wish.
The treasured Golden Snitch is appropriate constructed from various metallic gold and pearl gold elements, with other colours situated inside. The curved wings look outstanding, cleverly employing parts developed for LEGO hot air balloons! Moreover, the Technic support structure feels robust and avoids distracting attention from the Snitch, connecting behind the letter.
Exposed studs appear at each corner of the uppermost book, offering attachment points. The instruction manual suggests placing the Polyjuice Potion bottle here, which seems appealing. Sixty trans-bright green 1x1 round plates are placed inside, replicating the potion's onscreen colour quite faithfully. Hermione's initials decorate this label, above a tiny number that makes reference to the graphic designer's daughter.
Hermione Granger's initials appear again on the crate. This printed panel features an ornate design that complements the surrounding railings and four bottles fit securely inside this box. They feature realistic dark tan stoppers and the bottle shaping looks brilliant, integrating new 4x4 dome elements atop existing 5x4x2 curved wall panels.
The stickered potion labels display various references, including birthdays and the set number for 4701 Sorting Hat, which is typically described as the first LEGO Harry Potter set. Moreover, these potions originate from Snape's mention of mixing powdered Asphodel with an infusion of Wormwood to create the Draught of Living Death. Another reference to Snape was intended by the number '349' which was muddled with his famous insistence upon Defence Against the Dark Arts students turning to page 394!
Felix Felicis, commonly known as Liquid Luck, also appears among the potions. This valuable phial comprises four glow-in-the-dark elements, interrupted only by the stopper and the sticker. The resulting effect looks tremendous, although I wonder why this decision was taken because Felix Felicis possesses no glowing properties onscreen. Nevertheless, it looks fantastic.
Hedwig is perched, seemingly precariously, atop the stacked accessories. However, a Technic frame is ingeniously concealed inside this structure, emanating from Tom Riddle's diary and eventually connecting to Hedwig's legs. The angled books and potions tray are hollowed to accommodate the Technic column through their centre and this frame feels perfectly strong.
Despite their important structural function, Hedwig's legs appear reasonably realistic and the whole creature looks absolutely spectacular. Her wingspan measures 50cm across, which is considerably smaller than real snowy owls but is definitely sufficient for an appealing display. Moreover, their shape seems incredibly accurate, making good use of ball joints to create an arrangement resembling feathers.
These feathers are accordingly adjustable, although the wings are almost completely fixed in position. Nevertheless, the head can rotate all the way around, evidently enhancing Hedwig's realism as slightly tilting the head appears rather natural. The claws may also be adjusted, but their standard position seems most authentic, in my opinion.
75979 Hedwig features an interesting angular head, with a point above her beak. This model instead integrates a flatter face which seems most realistic, although the decorated eyes with metallic gold highlights return from the earlier version of Hedwig. The curved tiles around both eyes create beautiful shapes, while the beak appears suitably small when compared with real snowy owls.
Curved tiles also appear prominently across the wings, producing a feathered texture. I think that seems effective, although potential for improvement remains as these tiles appear rather uniform. However, the scale restricts the selection of pieces available and layering these parts would negatively affect the shape of each wing, hence I am satisfied with this design.
Despite appearing tremendous when viewed from the front, the design becomes even better when viewed from behind. Many more black and dark bluish grey components are scattered among the predominant white pieces, closely resembling Hedwig's onscreen patterning. The varied colours also disguise the light bluish grey ball joints, which appear consistent with their surrounding elements.
Furthermore, viewing the model from behind displays the elaborate tail more clearly, which is phenomenally detailed. Once again, brick-built panels are arranged with overlapping edges, thereby creating accurate texture. This design is relatively simple but achieves a wonderful effect, especially in combination with the mixed studs and tiles found across Hedwig's back.
Three additional items accompany the central structure, without dedicated attachment points. Harry Potter's famous Glasses are simple but look excellent, including new circular elements which create the distinctive rims. The folding temples are constructed using common Technic pieces. Nevertheless, these also appear accurate, although the hinges easily become twisted.
While their appearance is important, the most remarkable aspect of these glasses is that they can be worn! Their size reflects Harry Potter's onscreen glasses and the proportions between the rims and the bridge appear realistic too. Hopefully the circular parts will appear elsewhere because they can accommodate clips, significantly increasing their versatility.
Chocolate Frogs are among the most renowned wizarding sweets. Minifigure-scale examples appear commonly throughout modern sets, but this design recreates the confection is superb accuracy. The head integrates particular detail, featuring bulbous eyes above an open mouth. These eyes are attached using trans-clear minifigure stands, which appear decidedly unusual among so many reddish brown pieces.
That consistent colour continues across the Chocolate Frog, although black Technic pins are required to secure the articulated legs and two dark orange brackets are situated underneath. While the entire shape seems accurate, my favourite details are undoubtedly the webbed feet which make successful use of 1x2 plates with angled bars.
Of course, Chocolate Frogs are always packaged with collectable Chocolate Frog cards. The designer has accordingly combined this card with the minifigure display stand, which appears brilliant. The characteristic pentagonal shape looks appealing and I appreciate the focus upon clever construction techniques to recreate the decorative stars, rather than printing or stickers.
However, printed elements are present beneath the Albus Dumbledore minifigure, identifying Hogwarts' famed headmaster and the LEGO Harry Potter theme. These are neatly integrated, while the minifigure slots beautifully beneath the archway for display. The entire card therefore looks fantastic, balancing authenticity with function as the display stand.
The reverse appears untidy, by contrast. I think this was unavoidable though, when recreating unusual shapes which extend beyond the conventional LEGO grid. Moreover, these unsightly elements are concealed effectively and are therefore unlikely to be seen, especially since the front of this display stand appears so attractive.
Extensions are supplied to complement the central Chocolate Frog card, accommodating the complete collection of nine anniversary minifigures! The reddish brown and pearl gold colours look suitably ornate for the Wizarding World and the Technic connections are neatly concealed inside. Unfortunately, I have yet to purchase 76392 Hogwarts Wizard's Chess, but ample room remains available for Severus Snape.
Overall
76391 Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition represents an excellent celebration of LEGO Harry Potter. This structure features extraordinary detail, more closely resembling a sculpture than a conventional LEGO model. The display value is therefore exceptional, particularly because this creation is comparatively tall and thus achieves impressive visual presence.
Issues are accordingly scarce. Ideally, the Chocolate Frog and Harry's glasses would both be integrated more directly with the central model. Nevertheless, the cohesion between differing accessories is marvellous, surpassing my expectations. Furthermore, the price of £229.99 or $249.99 feels quite reasonable and I am confident that LEGO Harry Potter fans will appreciate this interesting set.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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68 comments on this article
Not a HP fan, but I wish this quality would carry to other themes! Weird LEGO is still misspelling stuff, though not a huge problem.
This is really amazing, even from a very casual HP fan point of view. Also the one time stickers seem appropriate.
It’s wild to me though that Lego presumes 18+ Adults will want to write their name on bricks! I think it would be better if it just said, ‘Dear Harry’ on the printed letter tile.
Exceptional and beautiful. I love Harry Potter but none of the HP Lego kits have ever appealed to me until this one. Will absolutely be buying this immediately and am looking forward to it being part of my collection.
Cool that the display stand can be modified to fit all of the different characters.
love the owl but no interest in the other stuff - guess i'll have to bricklink her if possible.
the misspellings aren't a huge deal in cheaper sets, but at US$250 you think they'd up their quality control!
Love the set, just don't understand how the company manages to keep misspelling.
Can't be that hard to find someone who is capable of proof reading this kind of stuff?
I'm not a Harry Potter fan but if I was this would be an instant buy. If something similar could be done for Batman( a bat on the cowl?) I'd buy it without hesitation.
An absolutely fantastic set. One can only
hope that other themes (*ahem* Star Wars *ahem*) incorporate similar creative, detailed “outside the norm” display pieces in the future.
I would have preferred that the Hogwarts acceptance letter reads simply “Dear Mr. Potter”, since I can’t imagine many AFOLs will be eager to write all over their new $250 set…
Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc.
I personally quite dislike these oversized lego models of real life objects - just get a real one! I would much prefer a Gringotts bank than this jumble of random objects although I know some people enjoy them. I hope this doesn’t make lego want to make more of this type of set as I want some other cool stuff
@Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely.
I was thinking of ordering some hot air balloon parts from bnp, but exactly how many are required for a "full circle"? 4 or 6?
1 So Lego will print THREE 8x16 tiles in a HP set, but SW UCS pieces still have stickers? As far as I can tell, they are the same piece so why does one set get printing and the others get lousy stickers?
2 From the review, it sounds as if Lego left out Harry Potters name so you could replace it with your own. Lego really doesnt have a clue what their fans like. Aside from custom minifigs I think very, very few people want to write on or sticker their pieces. Lego should have just printed Harrys name on the piece because now I assume about 95% of displayed sets will have no name at all... I dont know.
@Horesz1994 said:
"I was thinking of ordering some hot air balloon parts from bnp, but exactly how many are required for a "full circle"? 4 or 6?"
8
Oh! I love that they included the parts to display all of the anniversary minifigs! That's perfection.
@gorf43 said:
"1 So Lego will print THREE 8x16 tiles in a HP set, but SW UCS pieces still have stickers? As far as I can tell, they are the same piece so why does one set get printing and the others get lousy stickers? "
I believe one factor is that printing white on black will often result in a faded appearance, whereas stickers will always show the colors the UCS plaques need more effectively. In the instance of this set, the plates are a lighter color than their printing, thus the printing is easier to read and distinguish from the plates, being darker.
My goodness, this looks fantastic. I have a daughter who is a major HP fan. My Christmas shopping for her is done! But of course I need to get it first, just to make sure she’d like it….
@Horesz1994 said:
"I was thinking of ordering some hot air balloon parts from bnp, but exactly how many are required for a "full circle"? 4 or 6?"
6 of this size.
Clearly the space is for fans to write their name. Children would likely love to do that!…then why is it labeled 18+ other than price and trying to grab more afol money…
I understand the “play value” but that isn’t the intended audience.
Oh well, they tend to make strange choices across the board so I won’t question it.
I do think it lines up well with the theme. I’d like to pick it up eventually, but with trying to stay in a budget these large sets are getting harder and harder to accommodate.
Hedwig is splendid. Everything else is unnecessary and detracts from how well Hedwig displays. The Baby Yoda set didn’t feature a baby carrage, so I see no reason to include all the extra accessories other than to justify a higher price.
@ChromedCat said:
"I personally quite dislike these oversized lego models of real life objects - just get a real one!"
Fair point for typewriters and globes. But I don’t think many HP fans are going to buy a real owl…
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
Where does LEGO state that they will not produce 1:1 Star Wars lightsaber hilts? I’m unfamiliar with their official policy.
The scarves look lazy and the “Dear _______” is laughably out of touch with the set’s target audience… but the rest of the set looks really cool and appears to have a bunch of great building techniques
Regarding the blank space for signature and how this is for the wrong audience. I think you underestimate some die hard fans of Harry Potter that are over 18 (which there are many, think about when the books came out). I mean if the commercial breaks on the Syfy channel are any indicator, I think there would be quite a few that would do it (and consequently damage the part).
Neat display piece, and I can see why so expensive, but just not for me.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
Yoda's lightsaber is approximately life-size, within the margin of what LEGO could realistically achieve. I think LEGO would be willing to produce life-size weapons, as long as they appeared sufficiently distinct from real-world armaments.
@Horesz1994 said:
"I was thinking of ordering some hot air balloon parts from bnp, but exactly how many are required for a "full circle"? 4 or 6?"
There are conflicting reports above, but eight are definitely required.
@HandPositions said:
" @gorf43 said:
"1 So Lego will print THREE 8x16 tiles in a HP set, but SW UCS pieces still have stickers? As far as I can tell, they are the same piece so why does one set get printing and the others get lousy stickers? "
I believe one factor is that printing white on black will often result in a faded appearance, whereas stickers will always show the colors the UCS plaques need more effectively. In the instance of this set, the plates are a lighter color than their printing, thus the printing is easier to read and distinguish from the plates, being darker.
"
LOL no kidding I wasnt thinking of that. Ill be good with stickers for now then!
@blogzilly said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
Where does LEGO state that they will not produce 1:1 Star Wars lightsaber hilts? I’m unfamiliar with their official policy."
I’m assume that this policy extends to sets but I know for sure that LEGO does not allow Ideas submissions or contest entries that include life-sized weapons. Lightsabers are possibly a gray area considering that they’re not particularly realistic, as @CapnRex101 has noted.
The owl is magnificent, the rest of the set is unnecessary (but I’m not a HP fan...), the price is atrocious.
Hedwig is wonderful. Glasses clever. Nice that there's a display stand for the anniversary minifigs. But the set ... it's ... sigh. LEGO is a toy. This is not a toy. Di$play piece for HP fan$. No thanks. Moving on ...
As a longtime Harry Potter fan, I can see this getting purchased by many Potter fans that aren't necessarily AFOLs. It's a great display set.
What are the approximate dimensions of the completed model?
@Ottozone said:
"Hedwig is splendid. Everything else is unnecessary and detracts from how well Hedwig displays. The Baby Yoda set didn’t feature a baby carrage, so I see no reason to include all the extra accessories other than to justify a higher price."
This set is "Hogwarts Icons: Collectors' Edition", NOT "Hedwig the Owl".
Seeing the near complete set of Anniversary figures makes me wish Ninjago had gotten a gold Garmadon for their equivalent line…
Do we have an idea how many parts Hedwig consists of, and what a set might cost if it only consisted of her, a few figures, and maybe one or two other small builds? I’m curious because she seems like a perfect prototype for at least one giant bird character in a series I would love to see get its own Lego sets.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
I think the 1:1 weapons is more of an ideas thing the lego overall, espeaicly as the Wand in this set could be considered a weapon
As for the printed tiles, I bet if LEGO wanted they could print white on black perfectly. After all, other black tiles in SW sets are printed with white text which looks spot on.
It's just that the HP theme gets more love and care than SW in general. And as long as enough people still buy UCS sets even though there are stickers instead of prints, LEGO will see no reason to put in more effort. After all, prints hurt the bottom line.
Still annoyed about the fact that Lego (due to WB had the wrong colours and mascot for Ravenclaw. As a proud member of this hallowed house, famous for Luna Lovegood and Gilderoy Lockhart, I am saddened by the fact that nobody in the places of authority has thought to fix the very obvious mistake. Ravenclaw’s colours are Blue and Bronze, and the mascot is an eagle. This must be fixed! RestoreRavenclaw
On a different note, I like this set, but I have nowhere to put it and it’s too expensive. I’m going to buy the infinity gauntlet so I’m using my money for that.
BOO! Including the last 3 golden 20th anniversary figures in a expensive nonfigure scale set is scummy. The other figs are in in standard minifig scale playsets. These three figs do not belong here. Even ignoring my adult criticism, how and why would a child get access to these figs to complete their gold figure collection? Does a child want a $300 display set vs a large castle they can buy in chunks and put together and play with for around the same price? The answer to that is a no.
If the golden fig line was introduced in other 18+ HP sets, this wouldn't be an issue. The fact the three golden figures aren't on the front of the box if this set is proof enough Lego threw them in there for no other reason than to try and bait consumers into getting it.
@Supersonic:
Batman gets tricky. Do you include a bunch of loose pearls and a gun to commemorate the tragic act that inspired young Bruce to become Batman? Probably not. A batarang and grapple gun would be possible, but you’d have to pick a single source to base them on. The more iconic trophies displayed in his cave (in particular the robotic T-Rex, the giant Joker card, and the giant penny) might be an option.
For further HP sets, I’m sure a series of lifesize wands would be popular. I don’t know what the best release format would be, though. Do you make them single wands, groups of related wands, a kit that can build a huge variety of wands, or multiple kits that can each build a small variety?
@The_Chosen_1
Helmets, Yoda’s lightsaber, various droids, but don’t hold your breath waiting for Han’s Mauser-based DL-44, or the Stormtroopers’ Sterling-based E-11.
@Mr__Thrawn:
The confusion may stem from the fact that they won’t allow Ideas submissions of life-size lightsaber hilts because Star Wars has been on the banned IP list since it was first published.
@AustinPowers:
Sure. Print it in white. Print it in white at least one more time so the black background no longer bleeds through. Print around the edges with black to make sure you have crisp letters. That’s a minimum of three printing passes, where this appears to have only required one pass (at least I can’t identify a second color that would have required its own pass).
I think the issue is also the typemof ABS used. Lego has done some printing on black tiles recently with the helmets and special edition SW sets. These were all on tiles that are of shinier plastic like the 4x6 and 2x4 ones. The 8x16 tile is softer plastic. Last time I remember seeing black ones printed was in the Helicarrier set and that wasn’t good printing quality.
I'm sure Harry wouldn't have made the mis-spell.....
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @blogzilly said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
Where does LEGO state that they will not produce 1:1 Star Wars lightsaber hilts? I’m unfamiliar with their official policy."
I’m assume that this policy extends to sets but I know for sure that LEGO does not allow Ideas submissions or contest entries that include life-sized weapons. Lightsabers are possibly a gray area considering that they’re not particularly realistic, as @CapnRex101 has noted."
It is written in LEGO Ideas that the rules are more strict than what LEGO will apply to itself, especially regarding licensed sets. The alcohol in the Bro Thor set would never be allowed in Ideas, for example. I think they would be willing to do obviously fictional weapons if they were not too realistic.
How does this scale beside the large Harry and Hermione? I’m wondering if it would dwarf them or look ok on display with them.
For a "Star Wars Icons" set... what would it be? We already have the Helmets Collection. They won't do blasters. Lightsabers, perhaps, but not really that interesting, IMO. Macrobinoculars? People would say, "What spaceship is that?" There's just not that much stuff in SW that could be made of LEGO at 1:1 scale (or close).
@SonofLight:
How many foam swords have they released? They also had a Make-&-Take event where you could build a really simple representation of Sting from LotR at LEGO Stores.
This is amazing. I know a non-AFOL who would love this in particular... pricey for a gift thought...
Anyway, I wish you could buy the potions separately, that's my favorite part. A set featuring a bunch of vials and bottles and herbs on a fancy spice rack of some kind would work for me. Guess I'll have to order the parts and DIY some stickers.
On an other note, I'd like some Legend of Zelda "Icons": ocarina of time, Majora's mask, Sheikah Slate, Hylian Shield... Master Sword in its pedestal if that's not too much of a stretch. So many iconic items. They need to do more with Nintendo.
"I am confident that LEGO Harry Potter fans will appreciate this interesting set."
I'm a Harry Potter fan. I do not appreciate this set. The owl is great but the rest isn't of interest. So the net result is a set that's far too expensive.
Do Brits use the phrase "out of left field"? Because that's where I'd say this set came from!
@CapnRex101 said:
While the texture and options are reasonable, such vibrant colours seem inappropriate. Bright red, blue and green should definitely have been replaced with their darker equivalents for absolute accuracy, which is exceptionally important here. 31201 Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests was impacted by the same problem, so I am disappointed that this mistake has been repeated.]]
I find "mistake" rather harsh in this context. It seems more like a design decision you don't agree with.
I think the corners of the books look unsightly, but a slightly better solution is available in the new 2x2x 2/3 plate with grill 71752. This of course weakens the build, which is probably why they didn't opt for it.
The owl is fantastic and the main reason for purchasing although one book would have being enough to hide the frame, and the rest just seems to add to the price. It would be interesting to compare scale against baby Hedwig 75979. Personally, one of those sets, once you have everything else, e.g. Diagon alley, Hogwart's castle etc. if you ever reach there.
@ALEGOMan said:
"but it's not out for another 2 weeks...how"
Lego send copies out to fan sites for review.
This happens all the time
This could easily have looked just like a bunch of random stuff all piled up. Kudos to the designers for making it into a cohesive whole.
This set looks absolutely fantastic. It's elegant, fascinating, and quirky. Definitely one for the wanted list that's for sure.
Thanks for the in-depth review, Capn.
@denn said:
"love the owl but no interest in the other stuff - guess i'll have to bricklink her if possible.
the misspellings aren't a huge deal in cheaper sets, but at US$250 you think they'd up their quality control!"
They managed to put the wrong faction symbol on a $350 Star Wars set, so I guess not! I think the truth is that some of the people working on these projects are not fans of the source material to the degree that we are, and people make mistakes from time to time.
@Mr__Thrawn said:
" @blogzilly said:
" @Mr__Thrawn said:
" @Bison_Bricks said:
"Love it, bravo LEGO! I wonder if this set is successful whether LEGO would bring this “Icons” idea into other realms? “Avengers Icons”, “Star Wars Icon”, etc. "
These two are unlikely, particularly the Star Wars one, since LEGO has a policy against 1:1 models of weapons. The Avengers set could conceivably include an Iron Man helmet or something but Star Wars would likely be lightsabers, which they won’t do. The Yoda lightsaber model doesn’t count because it’s not 1:1 scale. The other likely model for an Avengers set would be Thor’s hammer, which could go either way but still seems unlikely."
Where does LEGO state that they will not produce 1:1 Star Wars lightsaber hilts? I’m unfamiliar with their official policy."
I’m assume that this policy extends to sets but I know for sure that LEGO does not allow Ideas submissions or contest entries that include life-sized weapons. Lightsabers are possibly a gray area considering that they’re not particularly realistic, as @CapnRex101 has noted."
Yeah, the Bricklink Safe set originally had a Coit Revolver sitting on top. Was not surprised it disappeared in the final design.
Just out of interest, do the extra gold display stands com with the set, or just the brown stand and you attach the plates from the other sets on top of it?
Thanks for the insight into the inner structure!
The little trademark™ & copyright© symbols on the backs of the figures seem so petty! Next-level lawyering. At least they're mostly covered up on Gandalf.
@ecleme11 said:
"Just out of interest, do the extra gold display stands com with the set, or just the brown stand and you attach the plates from the other sets on top of it?"
The pearl gold minifigure stands are included, so you would be left with six vacant bases from the other sets when displaying the anniversary minifigures around Dumbledore.
Thanks for that
@Rolyat24:
The glasses in this set are roughly the size of what Radcliffe wore in the films, and Hedwig is roughly the same size as Harry and Hermione. I’m going with “badly”.
@bananaworld:
Indeed they must be hidden very well, as I can’t even find them on Gandalf.
The look very well designed and executed. I personally would prefer a display piece like this to not be made of Lego. Certain things work for me as Lego and other things don’t. But that’s my preference and I’m glad a lot of people love this set. Plenty of sets to go around. :)
@PurpleDave, I think Gandalf too must been hidden very well--I can't even find him!
Gandalf's right there! In the middle of the purple pentagon, being all like, "Gandalf the Grey, that was my name; /I/ am Gandalf the gold."
Oh boy, do I hope that someone will sell their golden figures (and stand) for not a third of the retail price of this set. It's not for me. I liked the small Hedwig last year, but this is just too massive and expensive. I really only want to complete my golden figures. I remember the interview for the Republic Gunship about not liking to include rare and exclusive figures in expensive sets. So that was a lie.
@560heliport said:
"For a "Star Wars Icons" set... what would it be? We already have the Helmets Collection. They won't do blasters. Lightsabers, perhaps, but not really that interesting, IMO. Macrobinoculars? People would say, "What spaceship is that?" There's just not that much stuff in SW that could be made of LEGO at 1:1 scale (or close). "
How about a Holocron with chunks that could be rotated and taken apart? The lightsabers might be more interesting with interiors showing the Kyber crystal chamber, power cell, etc.
Holocron image:
https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/028/229/113/4k/sean-marino-holocron-02.jpg?1593850007
Lightsaber interior image:
https://gamersdecrypted.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Lightsaber-cutaway.jpg
@560heliport said:
"For a "Star Wars Icons" set... what would it be? We already have the Helmets Collection. They won't do blasters. Lightsabers, perhaps, but not really that interesting, IMO. Macrobinoculars? People would say, "What spaceship is that?" There's just not that much stuff in SW that could be made of LEGO at 1:1 scale (or close). "
Well there is a number of things that they could do: -holocron. -kyber Crystal. -1:1 scale helmets. -lightsaber hilts. -Han solos dice thing. -Padawan braid. -block of beskar (from the mandalorian). -yoda’s walking stick. -Sith wayfinder. -1:1 scale porgs. -loth cats. -mouse droid. -blue milk. - hologram. I doubt that Lego would ever care or be bothered enough to do this with Star Wars but my point is that if they did there is a lot of things that they could do.
So do we have any idea yet how many pieces make up Hedwig?
@DragonLord56:
Maybe he went to Sister Margaret's School for Wayward Children to drink copious amounts of beer and put on a spare tire.
@madforLEGO said:
"Regarding the blank space for signature and how this is for the wrong audience. I think you underestimate some die hard fans of Harry Potter that are over 18 (which there are many, think about when the books came out). I mean if the commercial breaks on the Syfy channel are any indicator, I think there would be quite a few that would do it (and consequently damage the part).
Neat display piece, and I can see why so expensive, but just not for me.
"
The last time I was at Universal Orlando (pre pandemic response) it blew me away how many grown, fully adult humans -some of advanced age- were there and dressed as if they were either alumni or faculty of Hogwarts. The prices- and quality -of some of the "school's" paraphernalia was equally astonishing.