Summer 2021 is not over yet, but the Halloween sets are coming out! Among them is the Halloween Owl (40497). It is the third in a series that began with the Valentine’s Bear and was followed up by the Easter Bunny. This is a small set, and quick review to provide you with your first, pre-release look at this festive collectible.
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 for more information) and provide my honest opinion.
HALLOWEEN OWL SUMMARY
- NAME: Halloween Owl
- SET #: 40497
- THEME: Seasonal
- COST: $19.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 228
- MINIFIGURES: None
- RELEASE DATE: August 1, 2021
HALLOWEEN OWL QUICK REVIEW
- VALUE: 86% (Excellent cost-per-brick and good build time for the price.)
- BUILD: 80% (Nice build but could use more articulation.)
- MINIFIGURES: n/a
- ENTERTAINMENT: 70% (Nice brick box, I will recycle the display after a season though.)
- OVERALL SCORE: 79% (Average set.)
HALLOWEEN OWL (40497) REVIEW
VALUE: 86%
Similar to its predecessors, Halloween Owl costs $19.99 in Canada. Additionally, the kit contains 228 pieces. The resulting cost-per-brick is $0.09. That is excellent and earns a score of 90%. In terms of build time, I assembled this set in 25 minutes. Consequently, the cost-per-minute of build time is $0.80. That is not far off average, earning 82%. Overall, I rate the value of this set at 86%.
BUILD: 80%
Similar to the Easter Bunny, Halloween Owl comes with an Easter Egg built into the set. Hidden inside the base is a bat design. Otherwise, you assemble two pumpkins and the set’s namesake. However, the owl features less articulation that the bunny did. Only the wings move. Despite that, I like the owl more than I liked the bunny. The owl achieves a realistic look by using bricks to create more curved edges than the rabbit did. Overall, the build is similar to a BrickHeadz character though. This set would be better if the owl’s head turned. I rate the build at 80%.
ENTERTAINMENT: 70%
This is a nice seasonal display piece. As I write this, it is a bit far from Halloween for me to keep it built. However, I can see this on the mantle for the season. Similar to the Easter Bunny, this set also offers a nice brick selection. This is not the typical type of set that I would buy though. With that said, I find it more interesting than the Easter Bunny. I rate the entertainment score at 70%.
OVERALL SCORE: 79%
Ultimately, Halloween Owl is an average set. Aesthetically, I like it more than the Easter Bunny from earlier this year. However, the cost-per-brick is a little worse, resulting in an overall score identical to its predecessor. This set will likely appeal to holiday trinket buffs though. My mother asked to display it for this Halloween, and she doesn’t own a single LEGO® brick 😉 What are your thoughts on the Halloween Owl (40497)? Please comment below or reach out on social media.
Until next time,
-Tom
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