I Fixed LEGO Avatar

Introduction

In this article, I will delve into my experience with the entire LEGO Avatar collection. With a staggering cost of $ 700 for ten sets, one starts to question if 5,757 plastic bits are justifiably worth it. The sets, released in two waves, correspond to James Cameron's 2009 Avatar movie and the sequel, The Way of Water. This extensive collection features 28 Minifigures, 27 of which are unique, and an assortment of sci-fi creatures, vehicles, and landscapes that recreate the visually stunning world of Pandora.

A Closer Look at the Sets

Minifigures

The first issue that arises when examining the Minifigures is their design. While the unique features of extra-long arms, legs, tails, and tall heads help them stand out, they tend to dwarf regular Minifigures. Notably, some of these figures share identical leg prints, which detracts from their uniqueness. Moreover, certain characters, such as Norm and the military villain, lack crucial details that would better match their appearance in the films.

The Builds

The builds are categorized into three main groups: Na'vi and creatures, landscape, and human technology.

1. Creatures: Ten different LEGO animals were created, most of which are visually appealing, but the scaling is questionable. The majority are oversized, with only the whale being relatively small. The coral reef setup, while effective for displays, raises some concerns.

2. Landscapes: Here, the first wave successfully integrates coherent nature builds that allow for interconnecting setups, enabling collectors to create their own version of Pandora. However, builds such as the Tree of Souls look somewhat droopy and do not match the grandeur depicted in the films. The second wave attempts to replicate the coral reef but still falls flat in originality when compared to the expansive world seen in the movies.

3. Human Technology: The military and vehicle sets from both waves often miss the mark with design and functionality. For instance, the omission of certain weaponry on the AMP suit is disappointing, and the vehicles sometimes contain visible gaps that detract from their overall looks.

Pricing and Target Audience

One of the most problematic aspects of the Avatar theme is the pricing. The sets are mainly targeted at children aged 8 to 12, but considering the movie’s PG-13 rating, the sets may not be appropriately marketed. Other toy options adjacent to these LEGO sets are much more attractive for younger audiences, making this pricing strategy difficult to justify.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while the intended design of these sets could be interesting, many of them necessitate additional parts or creative crafting to truly satisfy collectors and enthusiasts. Purchasing extra sets would allow for improvements, but at a cost that may feel excessive.

Keywords

Lego, Avatar, Minifigures, plastic bits, Na'vi, creatures, landscape, human technology, pricing, Target Audience

FAQ

Q: What are the main issues with the LEGO Avatar Minifigures?
A: The Minifigures tend to be oversized compared to regular figures, and several share identical leg prints, which detracts from their uniqueness.

Q: How are the LEGO Avatar sets categorized?
A: The sets are categorized into three groups: Na'vi and creatures, landscape, and human technology.

Q: What are the main criticisms of the set builds?
A: Many builds have questionable scaling, visible gaps, and lack of details which fail to capture the essence of the film's visuals.

Q: What age group are the sets marketed towards?
A: The sets are marketed for children aged 8 to 12, but the associated movie has a PG-13 rating, making the marketing strategy questionable.

Q: Can the sets be improved for better display options?
A: Yes, buying additional sets and using extra parts or materials can enhance the builds and create a more cohesive display.