Review: 40497 Halloween Owl
Posted by Huw,This year's main series of seasonal sets feature cute animals on rounded-corner plinths and the third in the series of four, 40497 Halloween Owl, is due out next week.
Like the other two, this one has a hidden surprise inside the base which in this case is a bat. Its only functional purpose is to support the plates above it, so a 2x2 brick would have done, but this is much more fun!
The top of the plinth is covered with autumnal vegetation and a couple of pumpkins.
The owl itself stands about 8cm tall and probably does not represent a particular species but has features found on many of them, such as ear tuft feathers and prominent eyebrows.
The brown and dark brown plumage is quite intricate, and good use has been made of the 1x2 curved wedge pieces to give it shape and texture. I particularly like the use of 27261 DESIGN, PLATE 2X3, ROCK, NO. 1 around the neck and tail to give a feathery appearance.
The bird is attached to the base with a 2x2 turntable allowing it to be positioned at a pleasing angle.
Here's this year's seasonal collection so far: 40462 Valentine's Brown Bear, 40463 Easter Bunny and 40497 Halloween Owl. A fourth one, 40498 Penguin, will be released in September or October.
They are all very cute and attractive, and while the owl is not quite as endearing as the rabbit, it's still a very nice model, and one that strigiformesphiles in particular will appreciate.
When it goes on sale at LEGO.com on August 1st it'll cost $14.99, £13.49, €14.99.
Thanks to Alice for constructing the set in the searing heat last week, and to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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16 comments on this article
Strigiformesphiles. I learned a new word today. Thanks Brickset!
Blimey, Blathers looks a lot more peeved than usual - maybe he's finally fed up with assessing fossils?
@BrickRandom said:
"Strigiformesphiles. I learned a new word today. Thanks Brickset!"
Me too. I suspected there would be a name for them!
Its a nice model, but cute is a bit of a stretch. Any chance Huw with all of his resources can swap a couple of parts around the eyes to change it from Evil / Angry/ Stern owl to happy Halloween Owl? I will be being it mind...... but it my have to face the wall looking like that......
That owl looks amazing! I have not been buying sets like this, but will make an exception.
Ollie Beak's evil cousin... I like it!
I will still say that is one angry owl!
It's angry because it's a bird of prey being teased with pumpkins. It's awaiting August when the tasty Hamster arrives!
As a UCS SW fan, Im honestly surprised I like this so much. But hey, its cheap and cute lol! It will make a fine addition to my Lego rooms fall decorations.
Very cool owl, I liked it! it is interestingly built. And a bat is generally a fire!!!
“The owl itself stands about 8cm tall and probably does not represent a particular species but has features found on many of them, such as ear tuft feathers and prominent eyebrows.“
Maybe not a specific species but the resemblance to Archimedes from Sword in the Stone is definitely there
I quite like the set but I think yellow eyes would be better.
What a superbowl!
Would not say cute but more “fight club” in one of those photos. Strong character,
"Strigiformesphile" only gives 82 Google results. Now that's an obscure word!
@Huw said:
" @BrickRandom said:
"Strigiformesphiles. I learned a new word today. Thanks Brickset!"
Me too. I suspected there would be a name for them!"
I didn't even KNOW that was a word.