LEGO® BrickHeadz are an unusual aspect of the LEGO product line-up. Since their debut in 2016, they were considered the LEGO Group’s take on the Funko Pop, offering buildable versions of iconic characters in a unique visual style. LEGO fans seem to fall into one of two camps – love them and absolutely detest them. At one point it was rumoured the theme was coming to an end, but 6 years on, BrickHeadz are still regularly being released and has branched out to include animals under the Pets subtheme. The latest two animals to join the line-up are set to be released on August 1st and they include Koi Fish and Poodles. Here’s a look at them both
Each set includes a standard-sized BrickHeadz character along with a smaller companion, although this format is slightly different for the Koi Fish. In place of a simple black display base, each set includes a much larger display stand. The format of the base has been changed since the first Pets sets. Those put the two creatures in a base which resembled a bed. For the last couple of Pets sets, these included, the base has been changed to be more like a scene. For the Koi, it has an underwater theme and the Poodle – an ornate lamppost. These work much better than the beds and show off each animal much better. It’s just a shame there is already an inconsistency to the sets so soon after their introduction. At least both style of bases allows you to simply display them on the 6×6 black base, which is much easier to detach with the new sets. Due to the different style of build for the Koi Fish, they also include a stack of transparent 2×2 bricks to give the appearance of floating.
40545: Koi Fish
Make a splash with LEGO® BrickHeadz™ fans by giving them the Koi Fish (40545) building set. The set comes with 2 fish – an adult and a fry – decorated with orange and black studs on a sturdy BrickHeadz baseplate. This buildable pet set makes a great gift for all kids, BrickHeadz collectors and anyone who loves cute animal models.
- Set Name: Koi Fish
- Set Number: 40545
- Pieces: 203
- RRP: £13.49/$14.99/14.99€
This isn’t the first fish to be given the BrickHeadz treatment, that honour goes to the Goldfish. But it does offer the biggest departure from the BrickHeadz format. Due to the nature of the fish, you’re basically just building what would be the head section compared to other BrickHeadz. Obviously, it has a lot more detail to it such as the tail and fins, but both fish certainly require a lot less building compare to other sets. However, that doesn’t make them lesser sets, in fact, the Koi is one of my favourite of the various Pets. I especially like the combination of printed plates and transparent tiles to create the Koi’s uniquely patterned scales.
40546: Poodle
Delight pooch-loving kids with this build-and-display LEGO® BrickHeadz™ Poodle (40546) model. The dogs sport pink collars, with the parent poodle wearing a heart-shaped tag for extra cuteness. They sit on a sturdy baseplate next to a charming, old-fashioned streetlamp. This buildable pet set is a great gift for kids aged 8+, BrickHeadz collectors and anyone who loves dogs.
- Set Name: Poodle
- Set Number: 40546
- Pieces: 304
- RRP: £13.49/$14.99/14.99€
The Poodle is an interesting species of dog, naturally, they have a fluffy coat, which is sometimes styled to be even more ornate by their owners. Capturing the style of the Poodles hairdo is actually quite well suited to the LEGO form. A mixture of studs and ‘loaf’ tiles certainly make the LEGO Poodles appear as fluffy as plastic can be. Unlike some of the other breeds, which have inspired other Pets sets, an effect has been made to try and achieve the dog’s long snout. The bright pink collars which are worn by both the adult Poodle and the pup, really stand out against the white of their fur. The adult Poodle also has a heart-shaped tag on its collar, which re-enforces the pompousness of the breed. They are interesting takes on the dogs, but they are my least favourite of the different breeds to become BrickHeadz.
Koi Fish: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
Poodle: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
