Review: 40630 Frodo & Gollum
Posted by CapnRex101,The audience for LEGO products has expanded enormously over the past decade, providing an opportunity to revisit certain subjects that were perhaps introduced too soon. The Lord of the Rings warrants a return, given such unfulfilled potential.
A trio of BrickHeadz packs have therefore been launched this year, including 40630 Frodo & Gollum. These characters are extremely popular, although the designs appear bland in official images. However, Frodo is better than expected.
Summary
40630 Frodo & Gollum, 184 pieces.
£13.49 / $14.99 / €14.99 | 7.3p/8.1c/8.1c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Neither figure is outstanding, but these are necessary BrickHeadz models
- Two beloved characters
- Frodo is surprisingly detailed
- Gollum is fundamentally bland
- Frodo's hair should be longer
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Frodo is two plates shorter than standard BrickHeadz, reflecting his onscreen stature. The figure otherwise seems fairly unremarkable at first glance, although his attire is slightly more complex than I had envisaged. Even though the dark red jacket and printed reddish brown waistcoat are arguably too light, I like the brighter colours. Unfortunately, there is an obvious colour difference between certain dark red pieces.
However, the leaf-shaped clasp printed on Frodo's chest is a welcome detail, while his bare feet are nicely represented too. Naturally, this figure carries the One Ring and a sword, although the specialised Sting component is sadly out of production. Sting's shape is incredibly distinctive, so the generic sword appears odd, but was presumably unavoidable.
The dark green cape comprises numerous curved slopes and its shape looks good, particularly around the shoulders. My least favourite aspect of this figure is the hair. The exposed studs are quite effective in depicting curly hair, but I think Frodo's hair should be bushier and project further forward, partially covering his forehead.
Gollum joins the limited group of smaller BrickHeadz, constructed around 3x3 modules. The two figures are therefore appropriately scaled, but this one is exceptionally basic. I like the strands of hair printed around Gollum's head, but there was perhaps an opportunity to include bigger eyes or ears, clearly differentiating this model from others.
Ultimately, Gollum's emaciated figure and sinister characterisation are probably his most notable attributes, neither of which can be effectively communicated in BrickHeadz form. Nonetheless, I recognise the need to provide Gollum among BrickHeadz from The Lord of the Rings, given his importance to the story.
Overall
Frodo and Gollum are integral The Lord of the Rings characters and essential additions to the BrickHeadz range. However, neither are standout designs, as Gollum is almost as simple as this format permits, while Frodo is quite similar to previous models. I like the vibrancy of his clothing though, along with this character's relatively short stature.
40630 Frodo & Gollum costs £13.49, $14.99 or €14.99, which represents fair value beside equivalent BrickHeadz. Even so, I would only recommend this two-pack to those collecting every BrickHeadz from The Lord of the Rings, as I consider this pair the weakest.
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47 comments on this article
more of the same, but I like them
I think that's a really good synopsis of these: Are they great BrickHeadz? No. Would collectors complain if they weren't included? Absolutely.
The character choice does make sense, though I am surprised that Hobbits wouldn't be a smaller scale of Brickhead. Perhaps this could have been a 3-pack of smaller Frodo, Sam and Gollum characters.
Gollum looks like an ugly baby Brickheadz. (a very ugly, creepy baby.)
Awww, what a pair.
Seriously Lego is punking us with this license. So much potential that they absolutely refuse to do anything with. Who was clamoring for these, over any depiction of Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul, or Barad Dur? Who thought it was a good idea to never make a set of Edoras, never include an Oliphant, or a million other things? Who thought that anyone preferred these Funko knock offs as our only representation of the Balrog?
These in and of themselves are decently designed, but this has long been a crusade of mine, wondering why one of the most influential franchises of all time that Lego could print their own money with, is so mishandled
@Dodge said:
"The character choice does make sense, though I am surprised that Hobbits wouldn't be a smaller scale of Brickhead. Perhaps this could have been a 3-pack of smaller Frodo, Sam and Gollum characters."
I agree that the sizing is weird. They could have done the three pack you mentioned, and then also do a Merry and Pippin with Boromir. I'm curious to see if they plan on doing the full fellowship, or if this is it.
Love the Brickheadz line (I may be the only one, I think) and I will instantly buy any LoTR Merch (Lego or otherwise. Guess I better save for that rumored $500 set).
But Frodo's hair is awful. That being said, I still bought this set and am gathering brown pieces to give him curly bangs.
Why IS Gollum smaller? He's a hobbit-decendant and roughly the same size as Frodo (albeit way skinnier).
Receding Hairline Frodo! Let's go!
Just one more row of bricks to Gollum (or three plates on offset to indicate a hump) would have made this more attractive.
Maybe I am the target for these, because I absolutely adore them alone among a sea of Brickheadz that otherwise have not captured my attention. I can't wait to add them to my Arwen & Aragorn pair.
They could had added a print to Gollum's torso, to show his ribs or something.
@Dodge said:
"The character choice does make sense, though I am surprised that Hobbits wouldn't be a smaller scale of Brickhead. Perhaps this could have been a 3-pack of smaller Frodo, Sam and Gollum characters."
Yes the scale is off IMO. Hobbits should have been Gollum scale and Gollum should have been hunched over maybe like Pluto.
Also who knows what they are planning for the future but I'd hope they get all members of the fellowship available, otherwise doing Gollum, the Balrog, and Arwen is head-scratching.
As is, without seeing if the whole fellowship is available, I'll hold off. If the scale was right and Frodo's hair didn't look so bad I'd probably snag them all.
@Murdoch17 said:
"Gollum looks like an ugly baby Brickheadz. (a very ugly, creepy baby.)"
Reminds me of the game Binding of Isaac, lol.
You wait years for more Lord of the Rings sets, and Lego give you these dumb statues, yay :(
That Gollum could easily be a baby in a diaper.
It's a terrible shame that Lego is now only capable of producing one single part in chrome, they were far better at it 20 years ago.
@Zoniax said:
"Why IS Gollum smaller? He's a hobbit-decendant and roughly the same size as Frodo (albeit way skinnier)."
My thoughts exactly. Doesn't make sense. They're both hobbits.
@Brick_Belt said:
"As is, without seeing if the whole fellowship is available, I'll hold off. If the scale was right and Frodo's hair didn't look so bad I'd probably snag them all. "
A word of advice from a LoTR fanatic/collector: if you wait too long, these may be hard to find or VERY expensive on the open market. Just a tip.
Frodo really needed a fringe, the big forehead is un-hobbitlike. Outofbrainwaves did a great mod on instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm9sMFwq0U3/
Once I get mine maybe replace his 1x2 plate feet with a 1x3 with 2 studs LOL
It would be the most hysterical troll move if LEGO's rumored return of The Lord Of The Rings was entirely just Brickheadz. Nothing else, just Brickheadz.
Want a Sam Brickheadz? The dual Merry and Pippin Brickheadz? Got them! Aragorn angrily kicking a helmet and breaking his toe Brickheadz? We got that too! We have a Sauron Brickheadz that's literally just a giant eye but hey, we did Gollum, so let the muscle memory kick in and grab your credit card!
Are you a fan of The Hobbit now that you've seen Amazon's creativity sinkhole and realized you were a bit too harsh? Don't worry, we have Bilbo Brickheadz, Radagast Brickheadz, the ... evil orc guy with the name ... Brickheadz! We even put together a Smaug Brickheadz! And you thought only Morgoth was capable of creating dark imitations from the originals! *
But we're not done yet! For fans of the billion-dollar Amazon money-laundering scheme, you will be thrilled to know that we have plastic-armor-and-one-facial-expression Galadriel Brickheadz, paired with our totally-not-Sauron-but-he's-Sauron Halbrand Brickheadz! Depending on how season 2 goes and how desperate they get for merch, we might even release a Brickheadz of totally-not-Gandalf-with-one-facial-expression Wizard Guy Brickheadz!
But wait! If you spend $420.69 on LEGO.com (on select themes) you'll get an exclusive Ilúvatar Brickheadz with your order! That's right, if you want a set of Middle Earth's own beloved deity, you'll sell that kidney and just make it work!
Wow the room is spinning and I need to lie down. There's enough salt here to create a new ocean.
* We're working on a Morgoth Brickheadz of course.
@GBP_Chris said:
"It would be the most hysterical troll move if LEGO's rumored return of The Lord Of The Rings was entirely just Brickheadz. Nothing else, just Brickheadz.
Want a Sam Brickheadz? The dual Merry and Pippin Brickheadz? Got them! Aragorn angrily kicking a helmet and breaking his toe Brickheadz? We got that too! We have a Sauron Brickheadz that's literally just a giant eye but hey, we did Gollum, so let the muscle memory kick in and grab your credit card!
Are you a fan of The Hobbit now that you've seen Amazon's creativity sinkhole and realized you were a bit too harsh? Don't worry, we have Bilbo Brickheadz, Radagast Brickheadz, the ... evil orc guy with the name ... Brickheadz! We even put together a Smaug Brickheadz! And you thought only Morgoth was capable of creating dark imitations from the originals! *
But we're not done yet! For fans of the billion-dollar Amazon money-laundering scheme, you will be thrilled to know that we have plastic-armor-and-one-facial-expression Galadriel Brickheadz, paired with our totally-not-Sauron-but-he's-Sauron Halbrand Brickheadz! Depending on how season 2 goes and how desperate they get for merch, we might even release a Brickheadz of totally-not-Gandalf-with-one-facial-expression Wizard Guy Brickheadz!
But wait! If you spend $420.69 on LEGO.com (on select themes) you'll get an exclusive Ilúvatar Brickheadz with your order! That's right, if you want a set of Middle Earth's own beloved deity, you'll sell that kidney and just make it work!
Wow the room is spinning and I need to lie down. There's enough salt here to create a new ocean.
* We're working on a Morgoth Brickheadz of course."
If this actually happens, LOTR fans are coming after you with torches and pitchforks, just so you're aware. You might want to enroll in the LEGO Witness Protection Program just in case...
@Jraptor said:
"Seriously Lego is punking us with this license. So much potential that they absolutely refuse to do anything with. Who was clamoring for these, over any depiction of Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul, or Barad Dur? Who thought it was a good idea to never make a set of Edoras, never include an Oliphant, or a million other things? Who thought that anyone preferred these Funko knock offs as our only representation of the Balrog?
These in and of themselves are decently designed, but this has long been a crusade of mine, wondering why one of the most influential franchises of all time that Lego could print their own money with, is so mishandled"
I don’t know if this is the answer, but it might not be Lego’s decision. As I understand it, the Tolkien estate are notoriously careful about what they will and won’t allow. It’s quite possible Lego have little say in the matter. Just speculation of course.
Nothing "precious" about this Gollum sadly!!!
@pvp3020 said:
" @Jraptor said:
"Seriously Lego is punking us with this license. So much potential that they absolutely refuse to do anything with. Who was clamoring for these, over any depiction of Minas Tirith, Minas Morgul, or Barad Dur? Who thought it was a good idea to never make a set of Edoras, never include an Oliphant, or a million other things? Who thought that anyone preferred these Funko knock offs as our only representation of the Balrog?
These in and of themselves are decently designed, but this has long been a crusade of mine, wondering why one of the most influential franchises of all time that Lego could print their own money with, is so mishandled"
I don’t know if this is the answer, but it might not be Lego’s decision. As I understand it, the Tolkien estate are notoriously careful about what they will and won’t allow. It’s quite possible Lego have little say in the matter. Just speculation of course.
"
Well, they allowed Rings of Power to happen, so one would assume anything goes right?
@Murdoch17 said:
"If this actually happens, LOTR fans are coming after you with torches and pitchforks, just so you're aware. You might want to enroll in the LEGO Witness Protection Program just in case..."
"LOTR Fandom! I am not trying to rob you! I'm trying to help you!"
Lego Gollum must be protected at all costs. He is too precious for this world
Is 600276 the Sting part number? If so, only 17 cents currently on Bricklink.
@GBP_Chris, imagine the Eye of Sauron as a gigantic 16x16 tile, but instead of the pupil being surrounded by flames, just the plain Brickheadz two offset squares.
I hate these creepy figures and these two are particularly ugly, but I need to keep complete my Lego LOTR collection so...
Am I the only person who thinks Gollum should be light grey? He looks way too healthy.
Ugly as hell... really can't wait for Rivendell to make me forget that!
The pity I feel for these LotR BrickHeadz will stay my hand from purchasing.
@Zoniax said:
"Love the Brickheadz line (I may be the only one, I think) and I will instantly buy any LoTR Merch (Lego or otherwise. Guess I better save for that rumored $500 set).
But Frodo's hair is awful. That being said, I still bought this set and am gathering brown pieces to give him curly bangs."
Trust me, you aren't the only one who loves Brickheadz around here. Even if we are in the minority...
This one is not for me I'm afraid, but 40631 Gandalf the Grey & Balrog is more appealing to me. hopefully soon I can make some purchases to get 40631 and the upcoming 40581
I don't get the size difference - Gollum is technically a hobbit, even if he is always hunched. In this model he looks like a baby hobbit. Color is also off.
@ozbrickcreator said:
" @Zoniax said:
"Love the Brickheadz line (I may be the only one, I think) and I will instantly buy any LoTR Merch (Lego or otherwise. Guess I better save for that rumored $500 set).
But Frodo's hair is awful. That being said, I still bought this set and am gathering brown pieces to give him curly bangs."
Trust me, you aren't the only one who loves Brickheadz around here. Even if we are in the minority...
This one is not for me I'm afraid, but 40631 Gandalf the Grey & Balrog is more appealing to me. hopefully soon I can make some purchases to get 40631 and the upcoming 40581"
I got all 3 sets, but Gandalf and the Balrog are so cool. I really like King Elessar, too.
@Andhe said:
"Frodo really needed a fringe, the big forehead is un-hobbitlike. Outofbrainwaves did a great mod on instagram https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm9sMFwq0U3/"
Oh, great! Exactly what I needed. Thanks!
I own every LOTR and Hobbit set… that is about to change.
@TomKazutara said:
"the last chrome"
Yeeeessss. The Precious!!
Frodo should be Gollums’ size, and then they could do dwarves in Frodo’s size.
I’m not sure I’ll get these. But I’m very glad to see LOTR sets in active production and I can’t wait for the rumored large set!
@biffuz said:
"I hate these creepy figures and these two are particularly ugly, but I need to keep complete my Lego LOTR collection so..."
Resist the "precious" Fomo, it's calling , destroy the Fomo in Mount. Wallet.
I'm going to be honest, I read the title as "Fordo and Gollum," and I was really confused as to why there would be a LotR/Star Wars crossover brickheadz set.
Frodo should've been the same height as Gollum... he's too big.
As a red-green colourblind person, I'm a big hater of Frodo.
Don't even get me started on that Boba Fett helmet (I was living in quite a dark room at the time) - massive pain. xF
Frodo is too tall.
I'd argue that the entire Brickheads line is unnecessary.