Littlest Pet Shop Blacklight Pets Review: Neon Glow & Quality
Unboxing the Hype: Are Blacklight Pets Worth Collecting?
As a longtime Littlest Pet Shop collector opening Series 1 Blacklight Pets, I faced the burning question: Do these neon variants deliver on their glow-in-the-dark promise while maintaining LPS quality? After analyzing the entire collection—from the vibrant goat to the heart-eyed panda—I discovered crucial insights about their construction and performance that every collector should know before purchasing.
The Manufacturing Behind the Neon Magic
These aren't standard molded plastic pets. The neon colors result from an overspray technique where bright pigments (like hot pink on goats or coral on birds) are sprayed over a base plastic layer. While this creates stunning dimension unseen in regular LPS, it introduces fragility. During unboxing, I noticed immediate paint inconsistencies—like the goat's tail where overspray didn't fully cover the base, revealing potential color fade issues. Unlike traditionally molded pieces, these require careful handling to prevent scratches.
Hands-On Quality Assessment
Testing all 18 pets revealed three critical findings:
- Stability varies by mold: The goat's back leg wouldn't sit flat, causing a "tippy" display issue absent in sturdy pieces like the walrus.
- Material differences exist: Most pets have rigid overspray-coated bodies, but the panda uses molded yellow plastic with softer, squeezable heads—a notable construction exception.
- Paint precision shines: Despite fragility, details like the walrus’s stomach flower pattern and bird’s lightning-bolt markings showcase impressive artistry.
Comparison of Key Models:
| Pet | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Goat | Vibrant color dimension | Paint chipping on tail |
| Panda | Unique heart eyes, soft head | No overspray texture |
| Walrus | Smooth paint, stable base | Limited glow under UV |
Blacklight Performance & Customization Potential
Under UV light, the neon transformation proved less dramatic than packaging suggested. Colors shifted rather than glowing intensely—goats turned reddish, chickens became orange, while walruses barely contrasted with white backgrounds. The bird's facial pattern gained visibility, but overall glow was underwhelming.
This opens customization opportunities: With some pets (like my duplicate goats) having fragile overspray, repainting with true neon acrylics could enhance their UV response. I’m considering techniques like airbrushing to intensify colors without compromising structural integrity—especially valuable given Series 1’s limited availability.
Collector's Action Plan
- Inspect paint seams before purchasing—check tails/ears for overspray gaps.
- Display away from direct sunlight to prevent neon fading.
- Use soft-bristle brushes for dusting to avoid scratches.
- Try UV-reactive varnish if customizing for stronger glow.
Recommended Tools:
- Vallejo Neon Acrylics (for beginners; easy application)
- Iwata Airbrush Kit (for experts; seamless blending)
- Display cases with UV LED strips (Ikea MOSSLANDA)
The Verdict on Neon Innovation
These pets push LPS boundaries with daring colors but sacrifice durability for dazzle. While the glow effect disappoints, their artistry makes them display-worthy—if handled gently.
What customization would make your ideal neon pet? Share your dream designs below!
