Although the LEGO® Disney themed has evolved beyond just offering sets featuring Disney Princesses, they still provide inspiration for some sets. Including such sets as the Disney Storybooks. These were introduced in 2020 and enclosed a small play area inside the cover of a book. A fitting mash-up since many Disney films are inspired by classic books. The first four sets were inspired by different Disney classics, including Frozen, Beauty & the Beast, Mulan and The Little Mermaid. The latest addition to the range revisits a world Under the Sea but this time takes inspiration from the live-action remake of a Disney classic. Here’s a look at The Little Mermaid Story Book set.
Product Details
Set Name: The Little Mermaid Story Book | Set Number: 43213 | Pieces: 134 | Theme: Disney
RRP: £17.99/$19.99/19.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 2 | Instructions: Paper sheet + Builder App | Micro-dolls: Ariel, Prince Eric & Ursula | Stickers: Sheet x 1
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail from May 1st
Although the set may look similar to previous ones, the latest Storybook sets have actually had a design change. The case still acts as the play area and can be closed to become a book. It’s also still created by three unique pieces, two ‘covers’ and a spine, but there’s been a couple of changes. Firstly the covers have lost the small cluster of studs, which also means it’s lost the ability to connect the printed oval plate used in other sets. This is a shame, as that plate was one of the best features of the Storybook sets. Now the cover is printed, which does mean is it more detailed. All three pieces are connected together and held together with Technic pins. Thankfully these have now been recoloured in gold so don’t look out of place like the standard grey ones do. Another change to the cover elements can be found on the inside surface. Past books could be locked with a simple clasp, now the book can be locked with a key.
Although the case requires very little building, the inside features a number of minibuilds which combine to become part of the set’s play area. These include a couple of bits of scenery, fixed to the inside of each cover. One side represents Ursala’s lair and the other is part of Ariel’s world. So the sections which are fixed to the central section are themed to both sides of the book. These include various things tied to key moments from the story such as Ursala’s contract and the green jewel to represent Ariel’s stolen voice. On the opposite side, there’s a bust from a sunken ship, various books and other such whozits, whatzits and thingamabobs. Unlike past sets, the detailing on the inner surface of the cover is achieved through the addition of a few fairly large stickers.
The set features micro-dolls, which are smaller than standard mini-dolls but use the same-sized heads. These do make the characters look a little odd but work for the scale of the set. There are three micro-doll characters featured in the set including Ariel, Eric and Ursala. Each one is unique to this set, Ursala uses the same hairpiece her minifigure does in the upcoming Royal Clamshell set and Ariel has the same head and hair her mini-doll will have in the Treasure Chest set. Poor old Sebastian is relegated to being a crab element.
Overall
The inconsistency in the set’s design isn’t the only annoyance, for some reason this set is called a ‘Story Book’ instead of ‘Storybook Adventure’ like every other set, including the recently released Peter Pan one. This has no bearing on the set’s build or play offering but it just annoys me a little. It’s also a shame the unique character disc has been dropped in favour of a printed cover. Although this is far more detailed, the original style covers felt more unique as well as offering a unique element. It’s certainly a unique little set and the cheapest way to relive moments from the new version of the film in LEGO form, compared to the upcoming other sets. It’s just a shame the overall base design of the book’s cover has been changed. The set will be available from May 1st, alongside The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell set.
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