LEGO and One Piece: Why These New Sets Are a Must-Have for Every Fan (Review & Guide)
Great news for all Straw Hat fans in Ireland: the live-action One Piece on Netflix is smashing it, and season two is already waiting in the wings. But what’s really class? LEGO has transformed Luffy and his crew’s epic adventures into solid brick-built sets. I’ve already got my hands on 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 losing the head 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 confirmed that we might not see a certain fan-favourite character (no spoilers, but think someone with a steel chin) until season three. But don’t let that dampen the fun, because LEGO is already stepping in with sets that capture the spirit of the show 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’ve put two of the 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 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 (allow for a good film and a few cups of coffee).
- 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 in their recognisable outfits from the live-action.
- 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 stickers that peel off after a week. Everything is printed, and the fit of the bricks feels solid. My only gripe? The Straw Hats’ flag is a sticker – but sure, that’s complaining at a high level.
LEGO guide: How to get the best out of these sets?
You’ve opened the box. Now the real work begins. A good LEGO guide starts with sorting. Don’t just dump everything together; use bowls or lids to separate the bricks by colour or size. Especially with the Baratie, there are lots of white and blue pieces 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 for 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 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 is spot on. The Going Merry costs about €50, the Baratie around €90. That might sound steep, but you get hours of building fun in return, plus minifigures that aren’t available anywhere else. Compared to other merchandise (think 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 seen even one episode of the live-action and your fingers are itching for bricks: yes. Absolutely yes. And for those who are unsure: the sets are available now from the official LEGO website and selected shops in Ireland. But be quick, because with the hype around season two, they’ll fly off the shelves. I’m already making space on the 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!”