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 Singapore: Netflix’s live-action One Piece is crushing it, and season two is already on the horizon. But what’s really awesome? LEGO has transformed Luffy and his crew’s epic adventures into solid brick-building sets. I’ve already grabbed them, unboxed them, and put them through a thorough test. This is your ultimate LEGO review and LEGO guide – plus handy tips on how to use LEGO without wanting to hurl bricks across the room halfway through.
From the big screen to your living room table
We already knew it: the streaming giant is fully committed to 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 of someone with a metal chin) until season three. But don’t let that dampen your excitement, because LEGO is already stepping in with sets that capture the spirit of the show perfectly. These builds are no simple bricks – they’re tributes to the wildest pirate adventures on the high seas.
LEGO review: What’s inside the box?
I’m comparing the two most eye-catching sets. The first is the Going Merry in mini size, 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 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: About 2 to 3 hours for the Baratie set (think one good movie and a couple of cups of coffee).
- Difficulty level: Medium – not a technical marvel, but the smaller parts (like the kitchen equipment) require 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 leading to the sleeping quarters.
What stands out immediately: 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 that’s nitpicking at its finest.
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 mix everything together; use small containers or lids to separate bricks by colour or size. Especially with the Baratie, there are many 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 when dealing with 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 true ocean vibe. And for the serious collector: keep the box and instructions – the second-hand market for limited edition One Piece sets is guaranteed to go crazy.
Is it worth your 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 S$80, the Baratie around S$140. 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 on the fence: the sets are available now on the official LEGO website and selected stores in Singapore. 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!”