This is my third BrickHeadz set. The first one was a LEGO® Store exclusive Wonder Woman build. It was not an official set, but a giveaway build. The second was a bee gift-with-purchase. It remains unbuilt in my pile of shame (backlog of LEGO® sets to build). Therefore, really, this is my first official BrickHeadz review. The theme never interested me much. However, when the LEGO® Group asked me if I was interested in reviewing this set pre-release, I thought “why not?” BrickHeadz is a popular theme. So, why not see what its all about? Today we take a pre-release look at BrickHeadz Frankenstein (40422).
NOTE: The LEGO® Group provided this set for review. However, the provision of products does not guarantee a favorable review. I will use my usual rating system (click here to learn more) and provide my honest opinion.
BRICKHEADZ FRANKENSTEIN SUMMARY
- NAME: Frankenstein
- SET #: 40422
- THEME: BrickHeadz (Universal Monsters)
- COST: $12.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 108
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- RELEASE DATE: September 15, 2020
BRICKHEADZ FRANKENSTEIN QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 81% (Good cost-per-brick, satisfactory build-time.)
- BUILD: 80% (Good for learning SNOT techniques, but assembly is nothing new.)
- MINIFIGURES: N/A
- ENTERTAINMENT: 80% (Niche interest set with no play value.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 80%
BRICKHEADZ FRANKENSTEIN REVIEW
VALUE: 81%
I am writing this article pre-release, and the LEGO® Group has not revealed the official price of Frankenstein. Additionally, the box does not list the brick count on the review copy that I received. However, I added up the bricks listed on the last two pages of the instruction manual. 108 pieces make up Frankenstein. Furthermore, all BrickHeadz kits of similar size retail for $12.99 in Canada. Based on that, we can calculate that cost-per-brick is $0.12. Consequently, Frankenstein is a good value set. I rate it at 87%.
In terms of build-time, you do not get a lot. I had this set fully built in 14 minutes. At $12.99, the cost-per-minute is $0.93. I do not consider that good, but it is satisfactory. Comparatively, my average cost-per-minute is currently $0.83. I rate the build-time value at 75%. Averaging the value-per-brick and build-time value gives a final value grade of 81%.
BUILD: 80%
Constructing BrickHeadz is a great way to learn SNOT (studs-not-on-top) techniques. Additionally, it will teach you some of the finer intricacies of the LEGO® System of play. You use a variety of brick and plate combinations to build in different planes. While the result is a character, the techniques are easily applicable to MOC detailing. However, I suspect that once you have built one BrickHeadz, you have built them all. I have not assembled enough of them to know for sure though. I can say this was like the Wonder Woman I built years ago. Ultimately, Frankenstein is a cute display piece that employs interesting build techniques. Was I blown away? Not really. Like I said, the process was similar to my last experience. However, I respect the SNOT techniques you can learn from this set. I rate the build experience at 8/10 (80%).
ENTERTAINMENT: 80%
I can see the appeal of BrickHeadz characters. They make cute shelf ornaments. The Funko Pop craze proves there is a market for collectibles like this. Additionally, Frankenstein appears to be the first in a Universal Monsters line. However, BrickHeadz are not for me. The value of this theme for me is in the bricks. There are great MOC pieces in BrickHeadz kits. Additionally, it is not an expensive purchase. BrickHeadz is really a niche interest theme, more so than others. There is no play value to this set. I rate the entertainment at 4/5 (80%).
OVERALL SCORE: 80%
BrickHeadz Frankenstein (40422) will appeal to a specific crowd. BrickHeadz collectors will like it, as will classic monsters fans. I will keep this on display for the upcoming Halloween season. However, after that the bricks will be repurposed. Do you have a different perspective? I would love to hear from some BrickHeadz fans out there about what draws you to the theme.
Until next time,
-Tom
What do others think?
Brick Insights is an awesome site that aggregates LEGO® set review scores from around the web. Based on their statistics, you can see what other reviewers think of BrickHeadz Frankenstein (40422) below.
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