Review: LEGO 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny

August 10, 2023 | 4

On the lower end of the LEGO DreamZzz spectrum, we have two small entry level sets, 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny and 71454 Mateo and Z-Blob the Robot which are both decent ways to get yourself into LEGO’s new original theme.

Todau, we’re going to take a look at 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny, one of the standout LEGO DreamZzz sets which doesn’t break the bank and is also a great showcase of what the new theme is all about.

At US20.99 / AU$34.99 / £18.99, it’s well within the affordable category, and you can also expect retailers to discount these. In Australia for example, the set is currently on sale from Amazon Australia and Kmart for only AU$22, which works out to 37% off which I think is a decent way to check out DreamZzz.

Let’s take a closer look at 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny!

Who is this set for? A great starter and introductory set to LEGO DreamZzz

Special thanks to LEGO for sending these sets over for this review.

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny Set Details

Set number: 71453
Set name: Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny
Pieces: 259
Retail Price: US$20.99 / AU$34.99 / £18.99 / €20.99 / CAD$24.99
Theme: DreamZzz
Release Date: 1 August 2023

Unboxing and Instruction Manuals

In a nutshell, DreamZzz sets combined the rich narrative storytelling that’s familiar to fans of Ninjago, or Monkie Kid, with Creator 3-in-1.

Most DreamZzz sets have three different mode, a regular thing based on something in the real world, followed by two fantastical dream world versions that you can get a preview of at the back.

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny sees Izzie dreamcraft her beloved plush toy bunchu transform into a super-sized version, to help rescue the cuddly toy being kidnapped by a Grimspawn.

The DreamZzz manuals are terrific, and so enjoyable. Instead of grotty renders, the front covers of the manual feature these lovely illustrations.

In the manual are more of these rich and gorgeous illustrations, that pepper the building experience. It’s almost like a wordless comic book that tells you a story as you build the set, and after such a drastic downgrade in instruction manuals this year, this has been a huge step up in quality.

I won’t be recycling any of these DreamZzz instruction manuals for this reason.

At a certain point, the build experience forks, giving young builders a “choose your own adventure” type choice to build. For 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny, you have the option of augmenting Bunchu the Bunny with rocket roller skates, or turn it into a bee.

It’s a really cool mechanic that makes you feel like you’re getting more out of your LEGO sets, and encourage dismantling sets to turn them into something slightly new.

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny Minifigures

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny only comes with one full-sized minifigure, Izzie one of the main characters in LEGO DreamZzz. She’s Mateo’s sister and is a fan of cute plushies, and Lord of the Rings as well as KPOP and has a firecracker of a personality, being a pillar of boldness and courageousness.

This is her Dream World version, which sees her equipped with a large sword, and hourglass, as well as detailed armour.

Izzie’s wig is just resplendent and one of the most exciting new elements introduced in LEGO DreamZzz. It’s moulded out of pearlescent plastic with purple and blue hues and a satin sparkly sheen all over, and is honestly a big drawcard of this set.

Oh and her sword which is dual-moulded with a trans-blue hilt and golden core is also another fantastic new weapon.

Here’s a look at her back printing and alternate head.

The set also comes with a Bunchui the bunny plush toy, which is a recoloured and repainted Stuffed Bunny element, and a Grimspawn, equipped with a large net to capture Bunchu.

The net is comically oversized but the Grimspawn has no problems holding it, by tucking it in between its armpits.

Here’s a look at the Grimspawn head underneath its bucket helmet.

Izzie is a fantastic new minifigure with incredible details, especially her new wig, and is a big drawcard for this set, as it’s the most affordable way to get her.

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny Build and Alternate Models

The main build is this oversized Bunchu the Bunny, which kinda feels like a cross between a small LEGO mech and Mixels. It’s got an attractive blue and pink colour scheme, and strikes a very attractive pose with plenty of articulation options making this a fun model to play with.

LEGO fans will be pleased to discover that Bunchu’s face is entirely printed which is a welcome move, and adds to the overall value of the build.

There are 2 alternate models to “upgrade” Bunchu via the power of Dreamcrafting, an ability granted to those in the Dreamworld via their hourglasses to use the power of imagination to bring anything they can dream and think of to life.

Bunchu has the option of turning into a bee, complete with a stinger replacing its tail, a set of antennae and bright yellow wings on the back.

You get two of these new splat/flame elements in this set, and they function pretty well as wings, even if this isn’t my favourite mode out of the two.

My favourite mode is when Bunchu gets a pair of rocket powered roller skates and gloves, giving it a fun, dynamic and thrill-seeking vibe.

Here’s a look at the roller skates, which do work as you can push Bunchu on them and they glide forward well if it’s balanced properly. The yellow flames emanating from the back add a fun sense of dynamism and movement to it.

Oh and Bunchu also gets a pair of gloves that look suspiciously like knuckle dusters. I guess they could be for protection, but I quite like thinking Bunchu could throw a mean punch at rocket speed.

What I liked:

• Fairly affordable introduction to DreamZzz concept
• Bunchu model is fun to play with and looks good on display
• Cheapest way to get Izzy with hewr uber cool wig
• No stickers!

What I didn’t like: 

• Could use another extra minifigure to beef up the value further

Final Thoughts

If you’re a LEGO builder on a budget and want to give LEGO DreamZzz a shot, look no further than 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny which is a great entry-level DreamZzz set that packs a lot of fun and charm into one.

The big draw here is that it’s the cheapest set with Izzie, which gives you access to her awesome pearlescent wig, and cool new sword, but the model itself is quite fun to build, especially if you enjoy building mechs or bipedal LEGO creatures.

The DreamZzz transformation feature also works great here, as the two options dramatically augment Bunchu’s appearance and it’s a fantastic demo of the essence of LEGO DreamZzz. I really like that the transformatuion

It’s also affordable enough for families and even regular LEGO fans looking to experience LEGO DreamZzz, especially if you can find retailers who will discount it further from its RRP for added value.

I do wish we’d gotten an extra minifigure, or even an additional Grimspawn to beef up the value, but with no stickers and all new printed elements, this one feels priced quite well, unlike a lot of DreamZzz sets which are on the expensive side.

Build [4] – A fun and engaging build featuring some novel techniques and the Dreamcrafting transformation is quite seamless
Real Value [4] – Good value for the contents, especially if you can find it on discount which will be quite easy
Innovation [3] – Great demonstration of LEGO DreamZzz’s unique feature and makes transforming smooth and easy
Coolness [3] – A really cute and unique looking model, but Izzue takes the cake here.
Keepability [4] – Easy to play with and display as it’s quite small, and not something you’ll cannibalise for parts.

Rating and score: 4/5 ★★★★✰

71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunn is available now from LEGO.com and most LEGO stores alongside the first wave of LEGO DreamZzz sets. If you’re in Australia, the set is 37% off now from Amazon Australia and Kmart for only AU$22, making it a superb price for a great entry level DreamZzz set.

What do you think of the 71453 Izzie and Bunchu the Bunn and do you feel like DreamZzz needs more entry level sets?

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