LEGO Reviews Pokémon72153

Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise

Name: LEGO Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise 72153
Brand: LEGO
SKU: 72153
Rating: 4.24 (170 reviews)

74 · RECOMMENDEDINVESTMENT GRADE: BBB20266,838 pcsHigh agreement · 91%

Expert reviews

2analyzed

Owner ratings

170

Consensus

BUY

BrickScore

Recommended

Owners

Synthesized Verdict

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LOVED (8)

01Modular design allows individual or combined display
02Varied build techniques across three characters keeps building interesting
03Large articulation points (mouths, tails, wings, cannons) add character
04All printed elements, no stickers
05Fabric wings instead of reflective vinyl on Charizard
06Impressive scale and visual presence
07Three distinct, detailed habitat bases
08Heavy construction feels solid and durable

CRITICIZED (8)

01Numerous visible gaps around eyes, joints, and exposed colors
02Some elements not printed in proper colors (exposed light gray brackets)
03Visible Technic mounting elements on Charizard
04Blastoise overhang creates noticeable gaps on base sides
05Venusaur described as 'goofy or oddly shaped, sort of incomplete'
06Premium price ($650/$900 CAD) not fully justified by execution
07Could have added more detail (e.g., trans red and orange lava flowing)
08Base overhangs could have been better integrated

Ecosystem

Pikachu (#72152) — The Kanto starters offer more variety and accessibility at a better entry price than the larger dedicated Pikachu sculpture. The Kanto starters represent the most accessible entry point in the Pokemon wave compared to larger single-character builds.

Eevee Evolutions (#72151) — The Kanto starters offer three iconic characters as an accessible alternative to the more extensive Eevee Evolutions collection. Both sets work well together in a comprehensive Pokemon display.

UCS Venator (Star Wars) — Reviewer notes the Venator has 5,400 pieces and also retails for $650, so 'technically that UCS Star Wars set is more money than this one here.' Concludes 'when you compare it with that Ventor, it seems to be on point price-wise.'

PokémonTier 1Investment Grade

By Reviewer · 2

Avg score

Consensus

BUY

The Earl of Bricks

Expert Video Source

BUY

"Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle. Three starters, one set. The original trio finally gets the brick treatment they deserve."

Key Pros

✓Three iconic Pokemon characters in one set
✓Excellent character accuracy across all three starters
✓Varied build experience with natural break points

Key Cons

✕Individual figures are smaller than dedicated single-character sets
✕Detail is necessarily simplified at this scale

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Bricksie

Expert Video Source

WAIT FOR SALE

"Expensive premium product at $650 USD ($900 CAD). Reviewer estimates it uses most pieces for display bases rather than character detail. Compares favorably in per-piece cost to UCS Venator but feels execution could justify the cost better. Reviewer states he would not make a day-one purchase at this price point and would need to budget/prioritize carefully if he had to buy it himself."

Key Pros

✓Modular design allows individual or combined display
✓Varied build techniques across three characters keeps building interesting
✓Large articulation points (mouths, tails, wings, cannons) add character

Key Cons

✕Numerous visible gaps around eyes, joints, and exposed colors
✕Some elements not printed in proper colors (exposed light gray brackets)

JUMP TO REVIEW

Dimensional Analysis

Investment Layer

Buy now (1)Wait for sale (1)

Exclusivity

The Earl of Bricks: Official LEGO Pokemon set; part of the 2025 Pokemon wave

Bricksie: Premium licensed product; exclusive Pokémon-themed LEGO set.

Resale

The Earl of Bricks: The consistent scale with other Pokemon sets in the wave and strong display potential suggest positive aftermarket value, particularly as part of a broader Pokemon display collection.

Minifigures & Standout Parts

Standout parts (per reviewers)

Translucent orange and yellow flame elements
Mounted on a clip assembly for Charmander's tail flame, creating optical effects under different lighting conditions that suggest actual flame
Curved slopes in multiple colors (green, orange, blue)
Used for organic shapes across all three characters; brown curved slopes in radial pattern for Squirtle's shell segmentation
Printed face tiles
Character-specific elements that convey personality and distinctive facial expressions for each starter
Bracket and hinge pieces
Used for limb and tail articulation, providing useful connection hardware for MOC builders
Fabric wings (not vinyl)
Reviewer states 'It's fabric, not vinyl. I was really happy about that because the vinyl is sort of reflective.' for Charizard's wings.
Large fern elements and flower pieces
Used in Venusaur's base design; reviewer notes 'some smaller flower elements here which are actually topped with these circular tiles that have sort of like a shimmer to them.'