A Comical Review of the Viking Lair Jigsaw Puzzle Featuring the Mona Lisa Masked
In this blog post, we dive into a review of a unique jigsaw puzzle from Viking Lair, featuring the iconic Mona Lisa wearing a face mask. This puzzle not only reflects the current times but also offers a fun and engaging experience for puzzle enthusiasts.
The puzzle was sent to me by Viking Lair, and I was immediately intrigued by the concept, especially given the ongoing pandemic and the prevalence of masks in our daily lives. The idea of a puzzle centered around such a relevant theme was both amusing and timely. Viking Lair is reportedly considering a name change, so if you encounter any issues with the link to their website, please let me know in the comments.
Unboxing the Puzzle
Upon receiving the puzzle, I noticed the packaging was quite simple. There was no poster included, but the box featured a good-sized image of the completed puzzle, which serves as a helpful reference. As I opened the bag of pieces, I was pleased to find minimal puzzle dust, which is always a plus.
Quality of the Pieces
The puzzle pieces themselves had a glossy finish, reminiscent of prints I’ve created through Shutterfly. They felt solid, and there was a decent variety in the shapes of the pieces, which is essential for a satisfying puzzle experience. I prefer puzzles where the pieces are not all uniform, as it adds to the challenge and enjoyment.
Puzzle Assembly Process
As I began assembling the puzzle, I opted to separate the edge pieces from the inner pieces, a method I typically use. This time, I had to get creative with my workspace. Since this puzzle is vertical, I combined two baseboards to accommodate its height, allowing me to have enough space for my trays.
Challenges Faced
While working on the puzzle, I encountered a particularly challenging section that involved the dark area of the Mona Lisa's attire. The color variations were minimal, making it difficult to find the right pieces. As someone who is partially colorblind, this added an extra layer of difficulty. However, I persevered and enjoyed the process of trial and error as I placed each piece.
Final Thoughts on the Puzzle
After completing the puzzle, I was impressed with the overall quality and the final image. It looked fantastic, capturing the essence of the Mona Lisa while humorously incorporating the face mask. However, I did have a couple of minor critiques. I wish the Viking Lair logo was not printed on the puzzle itself, as it detracts from the aesthetic if one wishes to display it.
Additionally, the logo covered part of the image, which made it challenging to reference while assembling. A larger reference image on the box would have been beneficial.
Conclusion
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Viking Lair jigsaw puzzle featuring the Mona Lisa masked. It was a fitting way to round out a year marked by the pandemic, and I appreciated the creativity behind the concept. I encourage fellow puzzle enthusiasts to check it out, and I look forward to seeing what Viking Lair has in store for future puzzles.
If you enjoyed this review, please consider sharing it on social media to help me reach a wider audience. Happy puzzling, and see you in the next review!
