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 absolutely smashing it, and season two is already on the horizon. But what's really awesome? LEGO has taken Luffy and his crew's giant escapades and turned them into solid brick-building sets. I've already grabbed them, unboxed them, and given them a thorough test. 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 fan-favourite character (no spoilers, but think someone with a steel jaw) until season three. But don't let that rain on your parade, because LEGO is jumping in now with sets that perfectly capture the spirit of the show. 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 putting two of the most eye-catching sets side by side. First up is the Going Merry in miniature form, complete with sails you can actually tension. The second set is all about 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 (factor in 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 outfits from the live-action series.
- Coolest detail: The Going Merry has a movable cannon and a hatch to the sleeping quarters.
What stands out straight away: LEGO has really listened to the fans. No weird colour mismatches or sticker sheets that peel off after a week. Everything is printed, and the fit of the bricks feels solid. My only downside? The Straw Hat flag is a sticker – but hey, that's nitpicking 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 dump everything together; use small containers or lids to separate bricks by colour or size. Especially with the Baratie, there are a lot 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 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 true collectors: 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 $85 NZD, the Baratie around $155 NZD. That might sound steep, but you're getting hours of building fun in return, plus minifigures you can't get 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 on the fence: the sets are available now from the official LEGO website and select stores across New Zealand. 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!"