LEGO has released its largest SpongeBob SquarePants set to date, the "LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom" (Set #11386), designed with adult fans in mind. This 1,794-piece collection marks the first new SpongeBob-themed set since 2012 and features an 18+ age rating, indicating a focus on nostalgia and intricate detail.
The new set is a significant expansion from the original "Adventures in Bikini Bottom" set released in 2006, which comprised only 579 pieces. The current iteration boasts over three times the number of pieces, allowing for a more detailed and comprehensive representation of the underwater town.
LEGO's recent initiative towards sustainable packaging is evident in this set, which utilizes paper bags instead of traditional plastic ones. While this move supports environmental goals, builders may find that small pieces can occasionally get stuck in the seams of these new bags.
Character minifigures have received substantial updates. SpongeBob features accurate coloring and printed pants, accompanied by his jellyfish net. Patrick's redesign includes a larger, single piece for his head and stomach, better reflecting his physique, and he comes with an ice cream cone accessory. Squidward's minifigure also sees a significant improvement with a more accurate face mold, enhanced coloring, and printed tentacles on his feet.
In addition to the main minifigures, the set includes buildable models of DoodleBob with his Magic Pencil and Gary the Snail. While Gary's coloring is improved, he still lacks eyes, a detail consistent with earlier LEGO iterations.
The construction is divided into two instruction books. The first covers Patrick's and Squidward's houses, while the second is dedicated to SpongeBob's pineapple home. Several smaller builds enhance the diorama, including the Bikini Bottom sign, a Boatmobile, SpongeBob's Bubblestand, and a Jellyfish Fields scene with a rotating jellyfish.
Patrick's house, a single-bag build, features an opening lid to reveal his sandy interior, complete with furniture and a sleeping space. Squidward's house, a more complex four-story structure, includes details like his clarinet, canopy bed, bathroom fixtures, and a shower curtain referencing the episode "Squid's Day Off." Unique piece repurposing, such as a crown used as a sea anemone, adds to the interior's charm. The exterior design effectively captures Squidward's house with dark blue bricks and distinct facial features, utilizing printed window pieces.
The centerpiece of the set, SpongeBob's pineapple house, is built using an innovative technique that employs Technic pieces to create a rigid internal frame. This allows the pineapple panels to attach at an angle, achieving the character's rounded exterior and signature diamond pattern. While the panel fitment isn't perfect, the overall effect is visually striking.
Collectively, the three houses and accompanying builds offer a robust display piece that allows for endless scene recreations. The bases of the houses can be connected for space-saving or displayed individually.
The LEGO SpongeBob SquarePants: Bikini Bottom set, retailing for $219.99, is exclusively available through the LEGO Store.