Introduction

The Mariachi Guy was one of the first Collectible Minifigures that I got when I just started collecting them a couple of years back; when Series 2 was around. Since the Lego Movie line premiered, the Taco Man rehashed many of the pieces from Mariachi Guy with some color changes - it seems as if LEGO will be releasing a recolored version of all the collectible minifigures in time - I thought I’d take a look back at the original.

Polybag/Instructions

This series’ polybag has a pretty light blue colour that’s very attractive to the eye, unlike some of the other series polybags which (in my humble opinion) had truly ghastly colors (I’m looking at you Series 4!) Right under our beloved LEGO logo - and the silver & red lettering announcing Minifigures! - we’re introduced to LEGO’s choice picks seeking our attention and gleeful curiosity. Luckily our Mariachi Guy got front billing, only second to the power-punch Karate Master.

Something which I really love about the polybag - that may be overlooked (just noticing it now) - is the question marks aligning with the top rim of the bag, signaling that our beloved bags are a random grab bag – so if you didn’t already know, you’re in for a surprise (and possibly some duplicates). So, be prepared, you never know what you’re gonna get (unless, of course, you have magic fingers and a lot of time on your hands to feel up the bags). Beyond the little preview, piece count, and a warning, there isn’t more than that to polybags.

The instructions sheet is the very brief, as you would expect from a set that only consists of a lone minifigure, so there’s not much to say. On the first side of the instruction sheet, we are shown how to a build minifigure for those who don’t already know, along with column list of body parts and accessories from Series 2. On the reverse side we have a simple checklist showing all the minifigures of the series -which I personally found helpful before discovering Brickset.Com.

Building

For the most part the build of this minifigure is easy - like any other minifig - but the poncho does offer a challenge for those with stubby fingers or dexterity issues. LEGO ponchos are cloth pieces, (really just two capes) and you’ll have to align the holes of the fabric right on top of each other in order to put them on the “neck” of the Lego man (of whom is briefly beheaded). It sounds simple, then you try it, followed by several attempts. There is no shame in asking someone for help, especially if that person is a pro at threading a needle or excellent repairing with superglue.

Minifigure

Helmet/Hair: With Mariachi Guy’s headwear, we get what appears to have once been an exclusive mold for his green sombrero. The brim of the hat is wavy, the front being higher than the back, a nice detail to give some real world likeness. A minor detail to the brim is a little gold pattern running across the hat, breaking up the green monotone. An unassuming detail are the small indents near the top of the sombrero, helping to complete the hat shape. I’m a big fan of the sombrero and I would say it’s one of my favorite hat pieces.

Head: The face for me is the true highlight of Mariachi Guy; I just love everything about it! He’s got black arched eyebrows that frame is face quite nicely, having one of the few eyebrows LEGO designed to stand out. The eyes are basic minifigure fare (two black dots) and not anything special, but there is always something so loveable and cute about these sorts of Town minifigure eyes. Mariachi Guy has a rockin’ black bandito mustache that I fell in love with immediately - it’s just a perfect fit. To finish off an already awesome face, we get a wonderful gleeful grin.

Torso: The torso of Mariachi Guy is unassuming, comprising of a plain gray chest with tan arms. I suppose with the poncho covering up the torso, there wasn’t much need to invest in a shirt. The multi-colored (tan, green and red patterns) on the poncho make up for the simple underside, as there is considerable detail in the cloth print.

Legs: Nothing special here, just standard brown legs. Even though the poncho adds flair, as I have seen some pretty outstanding leg prints from this line I can’t help but feel a little disappointed there weren’t anything special included here.

Accessories: The accessories we get with Mariachi Guy are two red/green maracas (of course!) with a complimentary pattern to the poncho. I don’t have much to say about them, they’re just simple and fun, but sadly they do not rattle. As is typical, the small black display stand piece is included.

Playability

This guy - like a lot of the collectable minifigures - has rather scarce playability. Arms go up, arms go down. Etc. Mariachi Guy is perfect for all sets depicting a vacation; festivities (Mexican fiesta anyone?), beach scenes, etc. I’d like to see someone put him to good use in a fan Brick movie, complete with sound effects.

Suggested Pairings

A good pair up with Mariachi Guy would be with his (obviously) long lost twin brother Taco Guy (from the LEGO movie minifigure series).Also, set #850449: Minifigure Accessory Pack has a beach party set-up and I could easily see some mariachi music helping Hula Girl swing her hips. Maybe LEGO will release a Mexican restaurant eventually, or a taco food truck! (Taco Tuesday’s anyone?)

Conclusion

In conclusion the Mariachi Guy is a unique minifigure, but he sadly has little support in the LEGO environments to not leave him somewhat out of place in the mainstream LEGO society. While I do find some of his features lacking, he has one off my all-time favorite faces and a very cool hat, I give this set a 4 out of 5.

Tip: When looking for him try feeling for the sombrero and then the maracas