Review: 31129 Majestic Tiger, part 1
Posted by Huw,
Creator 3-in-1 sets are among the best in the annual set assortment, and those featuring animals particularly so.
31129 Majestic Tiger, a large-scale and realistic model of the revered feline, which is next year's Chinese Zodiac animal, takes them to another level.
In fact, it's so realistic that it even features, how can I put this politely, an anus...
It's well over 35cm nose-to-tail, with a shoulder height of about 12 cm. There's a high degree of articulation: in addition to the neck, tail, shoulder, hip and ankle joints, the body is segmented into three parts, connected with ball and socket joints, which provide another two ways of posing the predator.
The aforementioned orifice, visible under the tail, is formed using a 1x1 pink flower plate. I will never see that piece in the same way again!
The eyes are very effective: they are created using cool yellow 32828 PLATE 1X1 ROUND W/ HORIZONTAL 3.2 SHAFTs with a 1x1 'polo' plate on the shaft.
The orange 1x2 cheese slope on its cheek printed with stripes pattern is the only decorated piece in the set and is used on its back as well, where you will see it more clearly below.
The jaw can be opened and closed, although this is the extent of its closure due to the teeth getting in the way.
Here it is dismembered into its constituent parts. The limbs are connected using the large rotating click hinges.
It's possible to get it to strike some interesting poses, although articulation of its neck is limited, and the angle of the hind knees is fixed.
It can be tricky to get the ankles positioned satisfactorily and if I have any criticism of the model it's that the feet look a bit too big and sit at an odd angle due to the protruding black pads.
The knees on the front legs, however, are jointed using a plate hinge and a clip. The clip can be undone so they can be bent, thus allowing a crouching stance. However, the head has to rest on the feet due to its weight.
The way the animal's striped body has been created is magnificent. The sides are held on at an angle using ball joints, and it amuses me that the insides are shades of pink, just like the real thing!
The splendid stripes are formed using black 1x2 inverted curved slopes which tessellate exactly with the 1x3 bow that was introduced earlier this year, new here in orange. The printing on the cheese slopes on the top of the body finish them off nicely.
I like the use of teeth and slopes to create the shaggy white fur around the sides of the feline's belly.
As is often the case with Creator animal sets, the main model is accompanied by a small side-build. The small rocky outcrop incorporating a waterfall, watched over by a tropical bird, adds a much-needed splash of alternative colours to the set.
Alternate builds
In the interests of expedience this review will be published in two parts. I'll look at the alternative builds, a red panda and koi carp, when time permits. In the meantime, please enjoy these images from the instruction manuals.
Verdict
This is an exceptional Creator set, in fact it's an exceptional LEGO set, period. It demonstrates just what's possible in terms of creating organic forms and patterns using today's varied and versatile parts palette without the need to resort to specialised or printed pieces.
I don't know the price of the 755-piece set yet but, whatever it is, I suspect it will represent good value for money and as a result it will literally pounce off the shelves, especially in Asia.
I never thought I'd need to use that a-word in a LEGO review :-)
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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96 comments on this article
Great review!
Still wondering if this is the first creator 3in1 set with set specific printed parts.
Lego anus. I guess this is how 2022 is going to be then.
That little detail was hilariously unexpected. And nice surprise about the pink and red elements inside his body as his "organs". I'm even thinking about getting that Tiger now thanks to all the effort to make it as detailed as possible.
And what about the new ball sockets? Do they feel different from the old ones?
You put it politely enough. The designer put that piece there. The marketing team approved it. You did no wrong describing it
Day one buy. Big tiger fan in the household. But, oh my goodness...
Very cool set. Lego, please do more stuff like this. - Fun subject, great details and good sense of humor.
Beautiful set and great review. The stripes are throwing me off though. I appreciate that they didn’t just want a series of parallels vertical lines, but I can’t not see Ps, 9s, and hs.
“Rosebud…”
Such a a nice set. As long as the price is ok, it's a definite buy.
So is the pink flower plate on the rear to highlight 2022 as Annus Tigris?
LOL that pink butthole xD but I love how tiger's stripes are made of.
I love these animal 3 in 1 sets. This looks great.
Wonderful 3-in-1 set, thanks for the review. I think this set might stretch my son's LEGO love just a bit more before he'll slip off into his Dark Age I'm afraid.
I wonder if the Koi can swim on JK Brickworks' contraption that he made for the 31088 3-in-1 Deep Sea Creatures Creator set.
It explained a lot why this set is so extremely high-quality when you mentioned it's the chinese year of the tiger. At first I thought it was meant to be of the same caliber as this year's crocodile, but this set seems far beyond even that!
I just hope that the extreme detail doesn't make it needlessly expensive.
The pink insides remind of Brickheadz' "brains." I wonder if that's where the designer got the idea.
Absolutely superb.
There is, of course, a major problem.... Living up to this standard in future animal sets!
This was already a must buy just by looking at the box art. My kid is a big fan of the 3 in 1 creator animals. This review has just convinced me even more so. In part the laugh out loud moment regarding the anus. Lego is pushing realism to another level. It will be two then. :-)
@Huw As for the price: promobricks mentions 49.99€ Which is quite a step up from 31121 but then the piece count has gone up as well.
Edit: interesting…I registered as a Luxembourgish user but now sets me as a Belgian since I’m posting from a Belgian IP address.
What a fantastic and creative set. Great detail! Thanks for the review.
One small part, one big impact.
So...putting a literal butthole in a set doesn't go against LEGO's pseudo-"values"? I mean, I can't say I'm surprised given LEGO's current leadership teams but still...
Anyway, the set looks great...but I'm far more interested in the Red Panda build.
This looks very good. Reminds me of castle sets, wondering when we will get another true castle
Maybe it's the time of year, but seeing the quality of this set really makes me wish for a Creator advent calendar.
Imagine a 24 days of small builds like the bird, building up to a large diorama.
I put this straight on the wish list when you published the pictures recently, and it's clear from the review that this does not disappoint. If the other models are as good as the box art I may have to get 3.
@JayCal said:
"Great review!
Still wondering if this is the first creator 3in1 set with set specific printed parts."
Many creators had special printed parts. The small safari treehouse has a special.2x2 tile for example
With the fantastic poseability I feel a strong need for several of these, and that's even before considering the excellent alternate builds.
I'm very surprised those double cheese slops are printed! I would typically expect a sticker for such a detail, so kudos to LEGO for printing them! I am not usually interested in creator animal sets, but this one is very impressive!
OMG, the madlads actually did it. Honestly it's funny, but do we really need that type of detail!? Especially that its pink makes it even more hilarious. I'd be okay...without it though.
@LuvKernow said:
"I was born in the year of the Tiger so this is a definite must buy! (Coincidentally, Tiger Feet by Mud was the song at no 1 on my birth day…!) "
That's neat (that's neat, that's neat, that's neat) :)
Great review!!! Proof LEGO can do an epic reasonably sized set without a license or IDEAS. And the alternate models are not at all goofy looking.
I have no problem with the level of anatomical correctness. I've been collecting Breyer horses since I was a kid, and am pretty much used to it--at all scales (even on the tiny 1/64 horses). Although that 1x1 stud is a little weird looking.
The weird thing to me has always been the pricey "seamless" action figure bodies. Unless one is an artist, there's really no need for that level of detail, since these "intimate details" will be under clothes.
I hesitate to generalize, but I do think animal anuses are less of a big deal in Asia than in western cultures. Sitting on my younger child's bed is an emoji stuffie of a dog with an asterisk on its butt, designed by a Japanese brand that we picked up in Taiwan. The kids and I all found it too funny to leave in the store.
I wonder how it scales to the crocodile Creator set from this year
It went from an impressive maybe to on my want list. Although at 755 pieces, I'm concerned on price, so it might go back to a maybe.
Clever detailing and proportions. The anus can be taken or left, but an interesting inclusion.
Straight into most wanted list Jan 1st. Really,really nice model.
Oh WOW, that's an impressive model. I would definitely like to get this at some point, now; big cats are amongst my favourite animals anyway - although the cheetah is my over-all favourite, maybe we could get one of them in this style next? - and the level of detail and cleverness of the build here is SPECTACULAR.
Amused by the realistically-coloured innards, too...
Really nice work on the part of the designer; and thank-you for providing so many fantastic photos. I thought the set looked cool at first, anyway, and you've definitely sold me on it!
@Padmewan said:
"I hesitate to generalize, but I do think animal anuses are less of a big deal in Asia than in western cultures. Sitting on my younger child's bed is an emoji stuffie of a dog with an asterisk on its butt, designed by a Japanese brand that we picked up in Taiwan. The kids and I all found it too funny to leave in the store."
I feel like that's a trend that's been growing in Western countries as well, at least where cats are concerned. I know a lot of merch and memorabilia targeted at cat lovers depicts them with tails raised and a simplified butthole (often an asterisk or cross-mark like you mention), just because witnessing that is a somewhat silly experience that many cat owners can relate to.
In that respect, I'd characterize it as the same sort of harmless "potty humor" as the packaging art of 30542, the literal pooping function in set 31031, and the numerous Friends and City sets with pet poop for animal owners/caretakers to clean up.
And if we're being honest, that sort of humor has long been embraced by the AFOL community via our various acronyms like POOP, SNOT, BURP, and CRAPP. We're hardly in any position to fault LEGO for indulging that same sort of humor every once in a while and giving builders something to chuckle at.
@JayCal said:
"Great review!
Still wondering if this is the first creator 3in1 set with set specific printed parts."
Was that elephant painting from 31116 Safari Wildlife Tree House specifically made for that set? I might be completely wrong, since I don't own the set, but I don't remember seeing that piece in anything else before. Hope this helps!
@djcbs said:
"So...putting a literal butthole in a set doesn't go against LEGO's pseudo-"values"? I mean, I can't say I'm surprised given LEGO's current leadership teams but still..."
Who's going to be the one to tell this poster what sorts of things are legal in his home country?
@The_Toniboeh said:
"I wonder how it scales to the crocodile Creator set from this year"
Only within the bounds of possibility if it's a little croc and a big tiger!
Lego Tiger 35cm, Croc 38cm.
Real Tiger 2.5m - 3.9m, Croc 3.5m - 6m
Those of you that accused me of writing clickbait titles recently should note that I refrained from doing so here. I'm sure if I had used something like"Review of the first LEGO set with an a??hole" I could have quadrupled the views :)
Well I never thought Id hear that word being used in a set description lol. But seriously though, great review, and now I want this amazing set even more!
The 1x1 round plate heard round the world.
@Huw said:
"Those of you that accused me of writing clickbait titles recently should note that I refrained from doing so here. I'm sure if I had used something like"Review of the first LEGO set with an a??hole" I could have quadrupled the views :)"
Well, the Seinfeld set contains a Michael Richards minifig, so this is not the first.
According smythstoys, the price will be 49,99€ (Germany/Austria) and CHF 59.95 with an availability per 01.01.2022
@JayCal said:
"Great review!
Still wondering if this is the first creator 3in1 set with set specific printed parts."
The recent safari treehouse set had a picture of elephants on a 2x2 that has only appeared in this one set but it could have been created for general use then added to set after
@Huw said:
"I'm sure if I had used something like"Review of the first LEGO set with an a??hole" I could have quadrupled the views :)"
It could be argued that it’s not the first set as the stud hole on the new dual molded monkeys looks like they knew exactly what it would look like!
Does the inclusion of a butthole ruin the model for anyone else? I get it's supposed to be funny but it's just kinda gross to me lol
@lynels said:
"That little detail was hilariously unexpected. And nice surprise about the pink and red elements inside his body as his "organs". I'm even thinking about getting that Tiger now thanks to all the effort to make it as detailed as possible.
And what about the new ball sockets? Do they feel different from the old ones?"
The creator shark set also has those ,,organs'' inside! And about those ball sockets, I didn't even notice them being new when I saw the pictures!!!
I lost it at “the aforementioned orifice”.
Very nice set! I will probably have no money left for it, though, given that there are a bunch of this year's sets that I still have to get.
But well done, Lego!
@Huw said:
"Those of you that accused me of writing clickbait titles recently should note that I refrained from doing so here. I'm sure if I had used something like"Review of the first LEGO set with an a??hole" I could have quadrupled the views :)"
You could've called the set a 'cat-ass-trophy' and watch the clicks skyrocket.
Really cool set by the way
@CM4Sci said:
"Does the inclusion of a butthole ruin the model for anyone else? I get it's supposed to be funny but it's just kinda gross to me lol"
It is literally just you, that is frankly ridiculous.
Especially as it is Lego and you could just not put that piece on ;)
@dbbunny said:
" @LuvKernow said:
"I was born in the year of the Tiger so this is a definite must buy! (Coincidentally, Tiger Feet by Mud was the song at no 1 on my birth day…!) "
That's neat (that's neat, that's neat, that's neat) :)"
That’s heinous (that’s heinous, that’s heinous, that’s heinous) :D
@CCC said:
"It looks fantastic except for that pink flower. It doesn't look very realistic in that shade of pink.
Is there any room inside for a rat or small bird?"
I don't think any small animals can fit inside a 1x1 flower plate.
As always I find these creator sets to look pretty bad, and see only real value as a Parts packs when at descent discount.
@theJANG
In your video review of this set, will you be using the phrase:
“and now for the camera-unfriendly angle”?
@lynels said:
"That little detail was hilariously unexpected. And nice surprise about the pink and red elements inside his body as his "organs". I'm even thinking about getting that Tiger now thanks to all the effort to make it as detailed as possible.
And what about the new ball sockets? Do they feel different from the old ones?"
When I read ‘ball sockets’ I thought I’d missed 2 more anatomic details in the review…
Excellent set and review, I don’t normally go for the animal creator sets, but this one might be the first!
There is some precedent. Pretty sure that 2012's "Attack on Wethertop" included a prominent ring piece.
@Terreneflame said:
" @CM4Sci said:
"Does the inclusion of a butthole ruin the model for anyone else? I get it's supposed to be funny but it's just kinda gross to me lol"
It is literally just you, that is frankly ridiculous.
Especially as it is Lego and you could just not put that piece on ;)"
Nope, it's me as well! I wouldn't say it RUINS the set for me, but my personal preference would have been for it not to be included. Like you said, I'll probably just leave it off if I get the set.
@lynels said:
"And what about the new ball sockets? Do they feel different from the old ones?"
Which new ball sockets? The one on the feet is slightly revised but otherwise it uses pieces that have been available for ages.
I get that an anus makes the model more realistic but it’s a bit odd considering that Lego doesn’t put nipples on shirtless male minifigures.
Lego obviously has their reasons but it seems like a mixed set of standards.
let's hope 2022 is not an annus horribilis
I think the butthole's funny and makes me love the set even more. I'd love to hear the thoughts from the designer when making this set. A conscious decision was made to include it lol
Anus or no, this was always a day one purchase for me. Beautiful looking set. Thanks for the review!
*looking at this set* and then *looking at my kids DOTS bracelet covered in pink dots* : )
Loving this set, I got ZOIDS feels instantly when looking at it. Can't wait to see the instructions and making a robot version with lots of greebling and inside motor bits.
I expect kids will find the bumhole hilarious. I find it pretty funny :)
It's a magnificent looking rendition of a tiger. Creator 3 in 1 is one of the best themes.
@illennium said:
" @Huw said:
"Those of you that accused me of writing clickbait titles recently should note that I refrained from doing so here. I'm sure if I had used something like"Review of the first LEGO set with an a??hole" I could have quadrupled the views :)"
Well, the Seinfeld set contains a Michael Richards minifig, so this is not the first."
Fair point, but the Tiger set has TWO, since we’ll be getting a spare as well :)
I’m not sure it’ll feel right just dropping the spare butt-hole into my mixed 1x1s box…
Mind you, there’s a small pecker in the side build.
@dbbunny said:
" @LuvKernow said:
"I was born in the year of the Tiger so this is a definite must buy! (Coincidentally, Tiger Feet by Mud was the song at no 1 on my birth day…!) "
That's neat (that's neat, that's neat, that's neat) :)"
Coming soon in the 3in1 Animal series.... The Cat Creeping In (and Creeping Out Again).
Thanks for the review Huw. Nice to read more on this model shortly after the first pictures published on Brickset last week.
Especially impressed by the several moves you demonstrated such as the crouching tiger!
@Sparky_Ham said:
"*looking at this set* and then *looking at my kids DOTS bracelet covered in pink dots* : )"
Personally I think the bracelets have so much potential. Sorry if I'm spamming this but they make great tentacles: https://www.instagram.com/p/CW_Sp6NJ1ey/
Really, my biggest question regarding the butthole is, why is it bright pink? I feel like, that kind of colour would indicate that this poor tiger needs to see a vet, or something.
But anyway. The big cat has an anus. We're here.
@MisterBrickster said:
"Lego anus. I guess this is how 2022 is going to be then."
Well... 2021 already went down the drain, so...
@TheMikeStrikesBack :
@CM4Sci :
I think you both just lost the right to call yourselves A-FOLs.
@Zordboy said:
"my biggest question regarding the butthole is"
When does RPOTD start up again @Huw?
TA {pronounced tee-ay or tah} A detail added to amuse or to generate interest. Thought to derive from Tiger’s Anus from a 2022 Lego model.
I normally don’t bat an eye at Creator 3-in-1 sets, but my cousin, who passed away in 2003, loved tigers, and my dad always wants to see the red pandas when we go to the local zoo.
@djcbs:
31031.
@domboy:
Based on the design, you probably get six of them (two on each flank, one on each cheek...on the face). There’s no other call for stickers, and it ultimately comes down to how much parts budget they have left to work with. I expect some of the inner colors may have been picked based on current availability just to avoid giving up the printed slope.
@cody6268:
As someone above you seemed to confirm, the exterior color is probably black, not pink. And the piece used makes it seem a bit extended, so anyone who’s gone trail-riding on horseback should know what that tiger just finished doing.
Also, seamless joints on large scale action figures probably become an issue for when they aren’t wearing much clothing, like swimsuits, shorts, t-shirts, and so on.
@PubliusMaximum:
Not that there’s a contest, but you win nonetheless.
@Joostv:
I was particularly impressed with the dragon. It’s hard to spot, though, because it’s hidden.
Haven't bought a non-expert Creator set in many years, but the incredible design and great part variety made this an absolute must for me.!
this already looked great from the official pictures, and this review only makes it better. And while I usually don't like the use of weird colors, here it feels appropriate indeed. Such a great build.
@DavidBrick said:
"Do we need to buy you the book 'Everybody Poops'?"
Kim Jong-Un doesn't! ;-)
@cody6268 said:
"Great review!!! Proof LEGO can do an epic reasonably sized set without a license or IDEAS. And the alternate models are not at all goofy looking.
I have no problem with the level of anatomical correctness. I've been collecting Breyer horses since I was a kid, and am pretty much used to it--at all scales (even on the tiny 1/64 horses). Although that 1x1 stud is a little weird looking.
The weird thing to me has always been the pricey "seamless" action figure bodies. Unless one is an artist, there's really no need for that level of detail, since these "intimate details" will be under clothes. "
As an action figure collector/customizer I can speak to this a bit! Seamless bodies are essentially a metal armature, with a molded silicone 'skin' to hide the joints. This means that you don't have any visible joint lines at the elbows, hips, etc, which is very useful for shorts, tank tops, and other shorter clothing. The silicone allows for a level of realism that is far more than traditional figures. Additionally most seamless bodies *don't* have anatomically accurate features, or are generally very simplified. The ones that do are a bit wierd, but they can be useful for artists I suppose, and the additional accuracy is always better in my opinion.
Back to the Lego, I do appreciate the detail, and it is certainly unexpected, but not unwelcome. Is this the first time this particular part has been depicted in Lego form? I can't recall a previous example. I don't collect Creator at all, but this set does look amazing, and the alternate builds seem very nice as well! I hope we get more animals like this in the future.
They gave the tiger a butthole. Now I have to buy one.
This is one of the best looking Creator 3-in-1 animal sets in years. Not just the level of detail is astonishing but also the part usage is so creative. There is no comparison to this years lion set which I'm sure could have looked just as well with more pieces. If this care went into making the Pets series instead of lame Brickheadz it would have made me much happier and a lot of animal lovers out there as well.
To all the people offended by that little pink flower piece, simply don't put it on and then you can stare into the empty black hole that is left.
It's funny to me that Lego had the courage to include the, um, "detail" in this set, while Universal is still afraid to release the "butthole cut" of their great movie Cats.
I personally like lego a lot, and would/ will buy this purely as a massive Cincinnati Bengals fan and its a ... BENGAL TIGER, please be very cheap!!!! looks great for display, and am exited,
p.s lego, make (American( (real) football sets!! ill buy or mlb or nba
my order
nfl (paul brown stadium)
mlb (yankee stadium)
nba (msg and barclays, staples center)
also make a cmf series with qb or best player from each team or team sets or something!!!!
What a brilliant review Huw!
A superb set with honest biology that you’ll never see in a Disney film.
@bengalslegomaster said:
"I personally like lego a lot, and would/ will buy this purely as a massive Cincinnati Bengals fan and its a ... BENGAL TIGER, please be very cheap!!!! looks great for display, and am exited,
p.s lego, make (American( (real) football sets!! ill buy or mlb or nba
my order
nfl (paul brown stadium)
mlb (yankee stadium)
nba (msg and barclays, staples center)
also make a cmf series with qb or best player from each team or team sets or something!!!!"
WHO DEY!!! Are you here in Cincy?
@CCC:
Parrot’s a bird. They have a cloaca, which combines a few other body parts into one.
@PurpleDave said:
" @CCC:
Parrot’s a bird. They have a cloaca, which combines a few other body parts into one."
I learned this from a Will Smith movie…
@ComfySofa:
I’m pretty sure I know which one.
This might actually be the edgiest set ever...
What an incredible set, thanks for the review.
Quick question, where did the term "polo" plate come from? This is the first time I've seen it. Thanks!
@Boise said:
"Quick question, where did the term "polo" plate come from? This is the first time I've seen it. Thanks!"
It's named after a brand of mints from the UK called Polo mints which are round with a hole in the middle like a donut/torus/bagel. I think there's a similar product in America called Lifebuoy?
@Paperdaisy said:
" @Boise said:
"Quick question, where did the term "polo" plate come from? This is the first time I've seen it. Thanks!"
It's named after a brand of mints from the UK called Polo mints which are round with a hole in the middle like a donut/torus/bagel. I think there's a similar product in America called Lifebuoy?"
Lifesavers, actually, FWIW.
@Paperdaisy:
They are named Lifesavers, because the hole is supposed to prevent you from asphyxiating if you get one lodged in your throat. Lifebuoy is the brand of soap that Ralphie has to suck on after saying, “Oh, fudge!” in the movie A Christmas Story. And “Oh, Fudge!” is an officially licensed brand of fudge that comes in seedless and walnut-infested varieties. I highly recommend the fudge over a bar of Lifebuoy. You wouldn’t want to get...soap...poisoning!
@PurpleDave said:
"They are named Lifesavers, because the hole is supposed to prevent you from asphyxiating if you get one lodged in your throat."
Not because they look like lifesavers (ring-shaped flotation devices)?
Heh 'walnut-infested' :) I'll use that for anything with maple syrup and pecans from now on.
Pecans can do one.
That red panda is adorable
"Hey, Jamie, I think for 2022 we should have a tiger you can tear the sides off of with realistic gory viscera, and it also should have a butthole. "
Jamie thinks to himself "If I nod politely during this Zoom call nobody will notice I'm 3/4s of the way deep into this bottle of ouzo"
The Lego Architecture White House set is gonna give me nightmares from now on with all those flowery tree pieces
That anatomical detail is humorous but unnecessary. Otherwise a very well designed model.
@DavidBrick said:
" @djcbs said:
"So...putting a literal butthole in a set doesn't go against LEGO's pseudo-"values"? I mean, I can't say I'm surprised given LEGO's current leadership teams but still...
Anyway, the set looks great...but I'm far more interested in the Red Panda build."
Honestly grow up.
Do we need to buy you the book 'Everybody Poops'?"
Honestly, f*** off.
Deal with the fact that not everyone here is willing to put up with LEGO's BS "values" that are clearly wishy-washy.
It's a completely unnecessary detail that would be fine IF ever LEGO had cared about correct anatomical representations. Guess what? Tigers also have genitalia. Where is it? If you're going for that level of detail, this tiger is incomplete.
No. LEGO wasn't concerned about being anatomically correct here.
And shills like you are the reason they get away with everything, no matter how dumb or hypocritical it is.
Do we need to buy you a book "Hypocrisy for Dummies"?
@Iwanex said:
"They gave the tiger a butthole. Now I have to buy one."
100%!! Honestly, the cheeky humor behind the "cheeky" addition makes me appreciate it more :)