We haven’t seen any new LEGO® BrickHeadz based on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter since way back in 2018. So it was quite the surprise to learn that a new Potter-themed BrickHeadz was on the way. Even more surprising is the new set will actually be a free gift from September 1st. The set in question is the new Hagrid & Buckbeak BrickHeadz double pack. You’ll be able to set if for free with various spend amounts on LEGO Harry Potter sets between September 1st to the 15th. But it worth spending all that money to get it? Let’s take a closer look at set 40412: Hagrid & Buckbeak BrickHeadz set.
Promotion Details
Free Set: 40412: Hagrid & Buckbeak | Pieces: 270 | Spend Limit: £100/$99/100€ | Duration: September 1st – 15th | Where: Global – Instore & Online | Misc: Only valued with LEGO Harry Potter purchases
The Build
BrickHeadz sets have a very unique and fairly uniform build style, so if you’ve built a BrickHeadz set before, you’ll be familiar with the build. So the basis of the build across the range is almost identical, it’s not until you start to add the outer detail, that the builds add something unique. Even after over 100 characters being transformed into BrickHeadz, the trademark ‘brain’ is still found within each character.
One of the biggest changes to the BrickHeadz formula is Buckbeak. Although it’s styled in the same way as most other BrickHeadz because it’s inspired by a creature instead of a person. Because of this, it’s constructed in a slightly different way. Compared to a standard BrickHeadz build, Hagrid is slightly taller, with Buckbeak being around the same size, despite the different build.
Rubeus Hagrid
Hagrid has been watching over Harry Potter since he was a baby and so he’s a rather important character in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Portrayed by Robbie Coltrane in the movies, this half-giant and half-giant is the Keeper of the Keys at Hogwarts. As a part giant, Hagrid is very much taller than most characters and his BrickHeadz recreation is even so slightly taller than most other character’s. It’s nothing major, but there is a slightly noticeable difference compared to Buckbeak.
I like the layering of plates to capture Hagrid’s shaggy hair and beard. Plus the use of various flat tiles to create his long overcoat. As well as a lantern, Hagrid is also holding a pink umbrella element. This may look like a usual thing for a half-giant to carry, but it conceals the shards of his broken wand. Obviously the LEGO element doesn’t but it’s a fun addition to the character.
Buckbeak
Buckbeak is a legendary magical creature known as a Hippogriff. Part-eagle and part-horse, the mythical creature lives with Hagrid in the grounds of Hogwarts. The mixture of creatures means the BrickHeadz Buckbeak looks and is build in a much different way compared to most BrickHeadz. The head section is fairly similar to other sets, but the body section is very different. For one there are four legs, as well as wings and the body extends beyond the head.
As a Hippogriff is part-eagle, it has a few feathery bits, which are achieved with layering various elements. These look great, especially on Buckbeaks head. I also love his little beak, which looks great between the trademark BrickHeadz eyes. Another fun use of elements are the feet, not normally a big feature of BrickHeadz, here they nicely created with a couple of studs and a corner plate.
Overall
I do enjoy a new BrickHeadz release, but I’m surprised that this particular set is being offered as a promotional item, especially as it would have a retail value of around £20. I’m assuming the set isn’t going to be sold separately, although this hasn’t been confirmed. This could be annoying for those who have been collecting the range over the last few years. Especially as the spend limit to get one free is quite high and limited to Harry Potter purchases. But regardless of how you can get hold of one I quite like the build of the two characters. They both do a great job of capturing the look of both Hagrid and Buckbeak, whilst also staying true to the stylised appearance of BrickHeadz characters.
I really do enjoy the BrickHeadz range, being able to combine so many different characters into the same sort of build is an impressive feat. These will definitely appeal to Potter fans, which is a great thing about the BrickHeadz range, you can either collect them all or just your favourite characters. If the set is limited to only being available as a GWP then I’m just not sure it was the smartest move to make. But if you happen to be purchasing a possible alley-shaped set on September 1st then you’ll definitely reach the spend threshold and then some.
UPDATE: It’s now been confirmed by LEGO, that this is only a promotional set and will not be sold.
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This set was provided to BricksFanz.com by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
