LEGO and One Piece: Why These New Sets Are a Must-Have for Every Fan (Review & Guide)
Good news for all Straw Hat fans in the UK: the live-action One Piece on Netflix is going like a train, and the second series is already on the starting blocks. But what’s really cool? LEGO has taken Luffy and his crew’s epic adventures and turned them into rock-solid building sets. I’ve already got 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 wanting to hurl the bricks across the room halfway through.
From the big screen to your coffee table
We already knew it: the streaming service is all in on expanding anime. One Piece is their flagship, and the creative teams behind the series have now confirmed that a certain fan-favourite character (no spoilers, but think someone with an iron chin) might not show up until season 3. But don’t let that dampen your excitement, because LEGO is already stepping in with sets that perfectly capture the spirit of the show. These builds aren’t simple bricks – they’re tributes to the wildest pirate adventures on the high seas.
LEGO review: What’s in the box?
I’m putting the two most eye-catching sets side by side. The first is the Going Merry in miniature form, complete with sails you can actually tighten. The second set revolves around the Baratie – Zeff’s floating restaurant. And honestly? The details are next level. You don’t just get 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 film and a couple of coffees).
- Difficulty level: Medium – not a technical marvel, but the smaller parts (like the kitchen equipment) need a steady hand.
- Minifigures: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp and Chef Zeff. All with recognisable outfits from the live-action series.
- Coolest detail: The Going Merry has a movable cannon and a hatch to the sleeping quarters.
What strikes you straight away: LEGO has really listened to the fans. No weird colour mismatches or sticky labels that peel off after a week. Everything is printed, and the fit of the bricks feels solid. My only gripe? The Straw Hat flag is a sticker – but 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; use small 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, rely on the digital building instructions in the LEGO Builder app – you can rotate them in 3D, and that’s a lifesaver when you’re tackling 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 mad.
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 around £45, the Baratie about £80. That might sound steep, but you get hours of building fun in return, plus minifigures you can’t find anywhere else. Compared to other merchandise (think Stranger Things or The Witcher), LEGO stands head and shoulders above the rest. 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 still unsure: the sets are available now via the official LEGO website and selected shops in the UK. But be quick, because with the hype around season 2, they’ll fly off the shelves. I’m already making space on my shelf – 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!”