Review: Setting Sail with LEGO One Piece The Going Merry Pirate Ship (75639)
Setting Sail: The designers nailed the iconic curved hull silhouette, staying true to Eiichiro Oda's original manga design.
Wealth, Fame, Power... and 1,376 Bricks.
The Great Pirate Era has finally arrived in Billund. For years, fans of Eiichiro Oda's masterpiece have been begging for official sets, and LEGO has answered the call with the flagship of the wave: The Going Merry Pirate Ship (75639).
But does this set capture the romance of the high seas, or is it destined for Davy Jones' Locker? As the first-ever LEGO version of the Straw Hat Pirates' beloved caravel, the stakes are higher than Luffy’s bounty. We’re diving deep into the build, the crew, and the hidden details to see if this ship is worthy of the Pirate King.
Let’s set sail.
Adventure Awaits: The box art screams adventure, featuring a map-style background and a "Wanted" poster motif that collectors will love.
Mission Specs
- Set Name: The Going Merry Pirate Ship
- Set Number: 75639
- Price: $139.99 / £119.99
- Pieces: 1,376
- Minifigures: 5 (Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Sanji)
- Dimensions: 13.5" (34cm) H x 15.5" (39cm) L x 8" (20cm) W
- Release Date: August 1, 2025
The Build Experience: A Nakama’s Journey
Building the Going Merry feels like assembling a piece of anime history. Unlike the massive Technic skeletons of UCS Star Wars ships, this build focuses on warm aesthetics and character-driven details.
The hull uses a mix of reddish-brown and dark brown plates to simulate wood grain, but the real star here is the shaping. The designers have perfectly captured the curved, bulbous silhouette of the Merry's hull. It’s not just a boat; it’s a home.
Modular Construction: The build is modular, allowing you to construct the deck, masts, and cabins separately before final assembly.
Easter Egg Alert: Hidden within the structure are four random "Wanted" poster tiles. Finding which bounties you got during the unboxing adds a fun gacha element to the experience.
Key Features: More Than Just a Display Piece
This set isn't just for looking pretty on a shelf; it's designed for play. The deck is surprisingly spacious, allowing you to pose the entire crew.
- The Figurehead: Luffy has a dedicated spot on the iconic sheep figurehead. It’s a "Special Seat" that anime fans will instantly recognize as a nod to his favorite spot in the show.
- Nami’s Tangerine Trees: On the rear deck, you'll find three buildable tangerine trees. This isn't just decoration; it's a critical plot point representing Nami’s past and Bell-mère’s legacy.
- The Kitchen: Sanji wouldn't be caught dead on a ship without a galley. The interior features a fully stocked kitchen where the cook can prepare meals for the always-hungry captain.
Hidden Details: The ship opens up to reveal a cozy kitchen and storage area, proving that even pirates need a snack break.
The Minifigures: The Straw Hat Crew
For many, the $140 price tag is justified solely by the exclusive minifigures. LEGO went all out here with new molds and high-quality prints.
- Monkey D. Luffy: Comes with his signature straw hat and a closed-mouth grin expression.
- Roronoa Zoro: Features a new hair piece and, crucially, his three katanas (Wado Ichimonji, Sandai Kitetsu, and Shusui).
- Nami: Sports her classic white and blue striped shirt and orange hair piece.
- Usopp: Includes his trademark goggles and long nose—a mold that fans were worried LEGO might skip, but they nailed it (or printed it effectively).
- Sanji: Dressed in his black suit, ready to kick enemies or cook a feast.
The Straw Hats: The gang is all here! The printing on Luffy's vest and Zoro's haramaki is exceptional.
Verdict: King of the Pirates?
The LEGO One Piece Going Merry (75639) is a love letter to the East Blue saga. It balances being a sturdy playset for younger fans and a detailed display model for adult collectors. While the price per piece is decent (~$0.10/piece), the real value lies in the emotional connection. This is the ship where the adventure began.
Pros:
- Source Fidelity: Features like the tangerine trees and figurehead seat show deep respect for the anime/manga.
- Minifigure Selection: Getting the core five Straw Hats in one set is a massive win.
- Display Value: At 15.5 inches long, it’s substantial without overtaking your entire desk.
Cons:
- Stickers: The Jolly Roger on the sail is printed, but smaller details rely on stickers which can be tricky to align.
- Scale: It’s slightly condensed, meaning the interior is cozy rather than expansive.
Final Score: 9/10 Gum-Gum Pistols.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product images are courtesy of The LEGO Group.
