LEGO and One Piece: Why These New Sets Are a Must-Have for Every Fan (Review & Guide)
Great news for all Straw Hat fans down under: the live-action One Piece on Netflix is going gangbusters, and season two is already on the starting block. But what's really awesome? LEGO has turned Luffy and his crew's epic adventures into solid brick-building sets. I've already grabbed them, unboxed them, and put them through their paces. This is your ultimate LEGO review and LEGO guide – plus handy tips on how to use LEGO without launching bricks across the room halfway through.
From the big screen to your coffee table
We already knew it: the streaming giant is all in on expanding anime. One Piece is their flagship, and the creative teams behind the series have confirmed that we might not see a certain favourite fan character (no spoilers, but think someone with a steel chin) until season three. But don't let that dampen your spirits, because LEGO is jumping in now with sets that capture the show's spirit perfectly. These builds aren't just simple bricks – they're tributes to the wildest pirate adventures on the high seas.
LEGO review: What's in the box?
I'm comparing the two most eye-catching sets. First up is the Going Merry in mini size, complete with sails you can actually tighten. The second set centres on the Baratie – Zeff's floating restaurant. And honestly? The details are next level. You get not only Luffy, Zoro and Nami, but also smaller accessories like a barrel of meat and three swords. Perfect for anyone who loves how to use LEGO as both a display piece and a toy.
- Build time: Around 2 to 3 hours for the Baratie set (figure on a good movie and a couple of coffees).
- Difficulty level: Medium – not a technical marvel, but the smaller parts (like the kitchen gear) need a steady hand.
- Minifigures: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Chef Zeff. All in their recognisable live-action outfits.
- Coolest detail: The Going Merry has a movable cannon and a hatch down to the sleeping quarters.
What stands out straight away: LEGO has really listened to the fans. No weird colour mismatches or stickers that peel off after a week. Everything is printed, and the brick fit feels solid. My only gripe? The Straw Hat flag is a sticker – but hey, that's complaining at a high level.
LEGO guide: How to get the most out of these sets?
You've opened the box. Now the real work begins. A good LEGO guide starts with sorting. Don't just tip everything out together; use bowls or lids to separate the bricks by colour or size. Especially with the Baratie, there are lots of white and blue bricks that look alike. Also, trust the digital building instructions in the LEGO Builder app – you can rotate them in 3D, and that's a lifesaver when it comes to the Merry's mast.
Want to know how to use LEGO for a more dynamic display? Consider buying a few extra transparent bricks so you can make the ships "float" on a shelf. Or mix the Baratie with water bricks from an old LEGO City set for a real ocean vibe. And for the true collector: keep the box and the instructions – the second-hand market for limited edition One Piece sets is guaranteed to go nuts.
Is it worth the money? My honest verdict
We're used to licensed sets being pricey, but here the value for money stacks up. The Going Merry costs about $80 AUD, the Baratie around $145 AUD. That might sound a bit steep, but you get hours of building fun in return, plus minifigures you can't get anywhere else. Compared to other merch (like Stranger Things or The Witcher), LEGO stands head and shoulders above. This isn't an impulse buy – it's an investment in nostalgia and craftsmanship.
So, should you get them? If you've watched even one episode of the live-action and your fingers are itching for bricks: yes. Absolutely yes. And for those on the fence: the sets are available now via the official LEGO website and selected stores in Australia. But be quick, because with the hype around season two, they'll fly off the shelves. I'm already making space on my shelf – right next to my Thousand Sunny from last year. Because as Luffy would say: “I'm going to be the King of the Pirates… and the king of LEGO towers!”