0
I haven't bought much this year, but every now and then, a set really catches my eye. The 2011 series have been quite creative so far, with new and expanded themes, and the additions to Atlantis are no exception. And then I met the Angler Fish
Set#: 7978
Name: Angler Attack
Theme: Atlantis
Year: 2011
Pieces: 200
Minifigs: 2; Atlantis Diver 6 and Atlantis Barracuda Warrior
Price: ¥2,664
MSP: U.S.$ 19.99, £18.99
Peeron
Brickset
Bricklink
The box
The box shows your typical action shot. Atlantic Diver 6 is about to die. I like the Greek columns they used. The addition of those columns really changed how positively I view this series.
As the diver raids the Atlantean treasure, the angler swoops in to deliver some aquatic justice.
The booklets
The cover is the same as the box, and the assembly is typically simplified as it's a slightly younger-targeting theme.
The Pieces
There are a nice selection of forest green and lime green pieces. Nothing particularly outstanding, though the column pieces are already a favorite.
A small bit of leftovers at the end, including spare flippers.
There's a sticker sheet, as per usual. The green scales add a lot to the fish, so I placed them, but the red ones aren't necessary.
The barracuda is awesome. One massive sculpted head, with a gaping mouth hole in it. It's not too top heavy.
So cute.
The diver is a nice new head, and has a nice full quality body print. I'm really impressed at the current minifigs coming out in non-licensed sets. They've really improved over the last few years.
If I make a diorama where a right-wing politician is caught with their secret gay lover, this is the face I will use. Nice mustache.
The Finished Product
There is a little set piece. Frankly, I have enough treasure chests at the moment. But, the metallic helmet is high quality, and I want more and more of these column pieces!
There is a nice technique to making the column look dilapidated.
Of the four Atlantis sets I have, this is the most inconsequential vehicle. It's not out of place, Diver 6 can do a little recon mission with it, but it's not much.
It is well made, I like the red and green translucent pieces lining the inside, and it is asymmetrical.
The star of the set is the angler fish. If you don't know what an angler fish is, shame on you for not knowing your deep sea fish. I'll let you check out the Wikipedia page on them before continuing.
http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Anglerfish
They are one of the biggest freaks of nature. Terrifying.
This thing is beautiful. It's densely built, has moving fins and a tail, and of course a lure on top. And a gangster style gold tooth.
The stickers add a lot of texture to the set.
WAAH!
The bottom jaw has a rubber joint, and by pulling the switch at the bottom, you can open its mouth.
The build techniques are really clever. The eyes sit on a pivot joint, on a pivot tile.
So, they're able to sit facing diagonally.
The Final Verdict
Design: 10/10 This fish is great. The other two parts are really negligible, but they are about 20 pieces together. The fish has a really organic design. I'm impressed.
Build: 9/10 Not predictable. Not difficult. Not boring.
Playability: 10/10 This is all you could hope for in a $20 set. A good guy, a bad guy (though I don't know which are which; it seems the humans are the thieves), plus a mega fish.
Minifigures: 9/10 I'm satisfied with the two. For the price, one more might be nice.
Price: 10/10 This is a very fair priced set; for the colors and the molds.
Overall: 10/10 I like it. I'm going to keep it built a long while. In my years of collecting, this is one of the more idiosyncratic sets I've ever seen. Highly recommended.
I wasn't interested in Atlantis sets at all when they debuted, and now, it's one of the series I find most interesting. This set only keeps that interest going!
And that's why you never follow dangly lights.
