Harry Potter week continues at True North Bricks with a pre-release look at Charms Class (76385). Earlier this week, we looked at Transfiguration Class and Herbology Class. All these sets are part of the new Hogwarts Moment sub-theme from LEGO® Harry Potter. In a novel twist, each set features a different Hogwarts textbook that opens to reveal a different wizarding classroom. The sets hit store shelves on January 1, 2021.
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.
CHARMS CLASS SUMMARY
- NAME: Hogwarts Moment – Charms Class
- SET #: 76385
- THEME: Harry Potter
- COST: $39.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 256
- MINIFIGURES: 3
- RELEASE DATE: January 1, 2021
CHARMS CLASS QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 73% (Satisfactory cost-per-brick and build-time.)
- BUILD: 73% (Like other Hogwarts Moment sets, it relies too heavily on stickers for detail.)
- MINIFIGURES: 88% (None of the minifigs have moveable legs, but Flitwick is a new design.)
- ENTERTAINMENT: 85% (Fun display piece for Harry Potter fans, and a great playset for kids.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 80%
CHARMS CLASS (76385) REVIEW
VALUE: 73%
Charms Class costs $39.99 in Canada. Additionally, it consists of 256 pieces. As a result, the cost-per-brick is $0.156. Comparatively, my average cost-per-brick is currently $0.14. Therefore, this set is in line with other Hogwarts Moment sets in that is it a bit pricier that the average set. However, it is a better value that both Transfiguration Class and Herbology Class. I rate the value-per-brick for this set at 75%.
It took me a little longer to build Charms Class than the two previous Hogwarts Moment sets. I assembled the set in 39 minutes. Consequently, at full price each minute of build time costs $1.03. That is satisfactory, but still not amazing. I rate the build-time value at 70%. Averaging this with the value-per-brick gives an overall value rating of 73%.
BUILD: 73%
The structure of Charms Class resembles Transfiguration Class more than Herbology Class. Apart from small accessory builds, the scene is two-dimensional. Everything packs onto the front or back cover when folding the book closed whereas Herbology Class has a wall dividing the scene in two. In terms of the small builds, there are two desks, each with a bench. Additionally, you assemble a glass cabinet containing a key and chalice, as well as a small stack of books. The stack of books is the most disappointing. It is hard to recognize as anything and relies on a sticker to identify it.
Speaking of stickers, Charms Class relies on them for detail. I found this issue contentious with the other Hogwarts Moment sets as well. I want to build details in my LEGO® sets, not paste them in. However, the stickers are less disappointing in this set than others. The large detail stickers blend into this set better than the others I have reviewed.
In terms of design, I like this set more than Transfiguration Class, but less than Herbology Class. There is more going on detail-wise that the former, but less than the latter. Consequently, I will give it a build score in between the other two reviews: 73%.
MINIFIGURES: 88%
Charms Class has three Minifigures: Professor Flitwick, Harry Potter, and Cho Chang. Sadly, all of them are stumpy-legged characters. I dislike unbending legs a lot, especially in a set where one of the builds is a bench. Characters need to be able to sit down. On the plus side, the set comes with a new version of Flitwick. Additionally, he has a nice torso print. Otherwise, all the characters have front and back torso prints, while Harry and Cho have double-sided faces. In terms of accessories, you get two teacups, a book, two printed cookies, two keys, one chalice, one treasure chest, and several wands. I rate the design of these characters at 38/45 (84%).
Three Minifigures in a 256-piece kit is great. It means that for a kit this size, you get a solid number of characters to play with or display. The brick-to-fig ratio in this case is 85:1. By comparison, my average ratio is 145:1. Consequently, I rate the brick-to-fig ratio at 92%. Averaging this with the design score gives an overall Minifigure rating of 88%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 85%
After reviewing my third Hogwarts Moment set, I can say they are consistent in terms of entertainment value. I do not feel any differently about this one that the others. So, I reiterate that these make a fun AFOL display as books, but the scenes need more actual building. Additionally, these sets probably hold more entertainment value for children than adults. I maintain an entertainment score of 85% overall.
OVERALL SCORE: 80%
So far, Hogwarts Moment sets are consistently in the 80% area. They are good sets, but not great ones. In Charms Class, the highlight is the new variant of Professor Flitwick, even if he does not have moving legs. His torso print is particularly nice. However, to appeal more to adults, these sets need more intricate brick-built detailing. What are your thoughts on Charms Class (76385)? Feel free to comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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