Set Review ➟ LEGO® set
This new set from the LEGO Ideas range, number 79, represents this Mexican icon known as La Catrina. It is now a symbol of the Day of the Dead. This set was born from the creation of an AFOL who has seen their set become an official LEGO set. The set contains 1,212 pieces, reference 21372, is rated 18+ and is priced at €119.99 on the website.
The contents consist of a good handful of bags that will undoubtedly make us enjoy building this model. Let’s get to it!
The model begins with the construction of the base. It is very simple and hides a lovely little detail inside, yes, inside! In the image you can see where that butterfly is located.
Here you can see the attachment system used to give the model vertical rigidity. Without it, we can safely say that the model could sway and come apart quite easily. It is impressive to see just how much rigidity it provides. It also includes some new elements, such as the plate with holes shown in the image (6575513).
And from here, the "juggling act" begins, which made me enjoy the build much more than I initially expected. As you can see, it is essentially a vertical structure onto which pieces are attached using clips, as well as Technic pieces that will gradually hold the elements making up the model’s dress.
Once this part is done, we build several similar sections of the dress. Some will be attached to the plates with clips, while others will go onto the Technic supports. Here you can see how both types attach to the central structure.
The fit is magnificent. What do you think of the round tiles with the skulls? Gorgeous!
At this point, the same idea is scaled up until we reach the torso. Here, the types of connections also change to continue adding sections of the dress. The construction is far from trivial, but what a marvellous collection of clever solutions.
Here, the construction of the next sections of the garment changes quite considerably, although this is not noticeable from the outside apart from the details of the croissants.
From the hips onwards, the construction paradigm changes, as this is where we begin the section that will support La Catrina’s torso, as well as her arms and head.
Once most of the torso has been built, you can’t help but be genuinely amazed. I find it incredible how they have managed to fit the character’s skeleton inside the dress. I have no words — I’m blown away!
But... what do you make of the hands? That white piece where the fingers go is the same one that appeared in the collectible F1 cars (71049), although in those it came in black.
Once the shoulder pads and arms were in place, I couldn’t resist playing around with its mobility and poses. Here she is, doing a Maria Callas-style singing pose. Exquisite.
And the back? Wow!
There’s very little left to finish the set. So, let’s get on with the head! This is where you can really enjoy complexity turned into pure building pleasure. It reminded me of the head of the Darth Vader bust, although, of course, the comparison only goes so far.
The detail of the teeth is absolutely delightful. It’s perfect! At this point, I even considered not building the hat because, as she was, I thought La Catrina looked fantastic. But well... yes, let’s build the hat — we’re not going to leave the build unfinished :)
The hat undoubtedly gives La Catrina a sense of grandeur and elegance. The insect details complete the set and give it a sense of movement.
Without a doubt, this is a beautiful and hugely enjoyable display set, packed with interesting techniques and excellent connections. I think the result is beautiful — very beautiful indeed — so for an AFOL collector, it is a "must-have".
We would like to thank the LEGO Group for providing us with the set for this review, although LEGO does not endorse or support the opinions expressed in it, as they are entirely our own.
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