Review : LEGO ART 31202 Disney's Mickey Mouse

Today we can quickly move on with the second reference in the LEGO ART range which will be marketed from January 1: the set 31202 Disney's Mickey Mouse.

With 2658 pieces, the inventory of this second box is less extensive than that of the set 31201 Harry Potter Hogwarts Crests (4249 pieces) but the retail price of the product remains the same: 119.99 €. Here it is a question of assembling Mickey or Minnie as you wish and possibly of collecting two copies of the set to obtain a rectangular mosaic bringing together the two characters. The overall model is content to combine the two existing creations, LEGO does not offer an "alternative" construction.

The cartoon side of the pattern is reinforced by the use of tiles 1 x 1 rounds which in my opinion are more suited to this type of mosaic than the stud pieces used on other products in the range. The overall finish is better and easier to maintain. These tiles are on the other hand a little more difficult to remove from the modules and the supplied super brick separator is not of much help. Its use in this specific case just guarantees you to expel pieces to the four corners of the living room and the golden crowbar provided is a better ally during the operation.

As usual, this is not about having fun by discovering more or less original editing techniques, everything is scripted and the user is guided by a very well designed instruction booklet. The pieces are delivered already sorted by color in individual bags and you just need to associate the right shade with the right number to get started. It seems to be relaxing.

The usual mechanics of the LEGO ART range do not change, we align parts on the nine 16x16 modules which are then connected to each other via a few pine Technic. The Disney logo pad printed on a 2x4 piece will give a little cachet to the whole but you can also not install it on the model, the pieces which will be used to fill the hole are provided. The complexity of these models being quite relative, two and a half hours were enough for me to assemble Minnie, having previously stored the batches of parts in small plastic cups.

Here also, I regret a little that LEGO does not provide two different plates to be used according to the model chosen with the mentions "Mickey Mouse"on one side and"Minnie Mouse"on the other. However, in my opinion, the combined mosaic would have benefited from the presence of two separate plates.

For those who are wondering, each mosaic is foolproof once assembled, the pine Technic provide a first level of connection to the nine modules, the whole is reinforced by the presence of the gray parts placed on the back of the model and the whole is completely secured by the installation of the frame of the table with tiles that overlap the uprights. As with the other mosaics in the range, LEGO provides two wall brackets but you can easily just use one by placing it in the center of the frame.

I'm not an unconditional fan of Mickey and Minnie, but it must be recognized that visually it works quite well in this specific case with the two silhouettes presented on a white background in the shape of ears itself surrounded by a very vintage blue halo. As with the other mosaics in the range, the rendering is convincing as long as you stay at a certain distance, so you will have to study the exhibition location by choosing a wall with a little distance to really enjoy it without having the nose into the details.

As usual, we are promised a thematic podcast planned to accompany the assembly from the launch of the product. This audio track will only be available in English and is not yet downloadable at the time of this writing.

120 € for Mickey or Minnie alternately or 240 € for Mickey and Minnie at the same time, it's up to you. At the risk of repeating myself, I really have trouble with the public price of these products despite their beautiful packaging and the stated desire to target an adult audience who in principle has the means to have fun. The sale of packs bringing together the number of sets needed to assemble global or alternative mosaics, offered at a preferential rate, seemed to me to be a logical step and I am surprised that LEGO is not making this effort.

Note: The set presented here, supplied by LEGO, is as usual in play. Deadline fixed at December 9, 2020 next at 23pm. 

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.