Review: 76214 Black Panther: War on the Water
Posted by CapnRex101,
Wakandan technology shares an attractive and unusual style. 76214 Black Panther: War on the Water includes another example of this popular aesthetic, although this angular vessel appears comparable with stealth warships too, perhaps drawing from reality.
The model looks interesting and the minifigure selection is appealing too, including four exclusive designs. Perhaps most exciting is M'Baku, given his enormous popularity, while the new Black Panther minifigure is only available here.
Summary
76214 Black Panther: War on the Water, 545 pieces.
£79.99 / $89.99 / €89.99 | 14.7p/16.5c/16.5c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The expensive price overshadows some excellent minifigures and an enjoyable model
- Appealing exterior
- Great use of deck space
- Highly desirable minifigures
- Lacklustre interior
- Exceptionally expensive
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Constant speculation has surrounded the identity of the new Black Panther, following the death of Chadwick Boseman and therefore T'Challa within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This figure is beautifully detailed, sporting metallic silver and metallic gold garb. The absence of decorated legs is very disappointing though, continuing from previous Black Panther minifigures.
Okoye first appeared in 76099 Rhino Face-Off by the Mine and this revised minifigure improves upon its predecessor in every respect. The short hair printed on her head is particularly effective and I love the complex torso design, with golden patterns and an accurate necklace. Once again though, plain legs detract substantially from the minifigure.
Given the apparent secrecy surrounding Black Panther's identity in the upcoming film, including an alternative head is rather surprising. Nevertheless, I am impressed with Shuri's intricate hair element, although the presence of two smiling expressions is odd. Shuri requires no weapons in her suit, while Okoye wields a pearl silver spear.
LEGO has explored Wakanda on multiple occasions, but never produced an M'Baku minifigure, until now! This rendition of the Jabari leader features an appropriate black hair component and I like his unique head. However, my favourite detail is definitely the stylised ape motif on M'Baku's chest armour, which varies from his earlier film appearances and corresponds with this costume from Wakanda Forever.
Once again, the minifigure suffers from the absence of leg printing. Ironheart MK2, on the other hand, does include excellent metallic silver and black designs, continuing from her torso. These evidently evoke Iron Man suits, albeit lacking the central arc reactor that usually powered Tony's armour. The pointed faceplate shape is similarly distinctive, while the assembly mounted on her back looks good, presumably aiding Ironheart in flight.
Removing the helmet reveals another unique head underneath, displaying happy and frustrated expressions. I think medium brown is a suitable colour choice for Riri Williams, although this hair piece differs from her hairstyle from the trailers. Nevertheless, this element features outstanding texture. M'Baku is equipped with his mighty knobkerrie, the shape of which looks great, although I dislike the light bluish grey piece.
King Namor returns from 76213 King Namor's Throne Room and this minifigure has been fairly divisive. The figure presents fantastic detail and captures some important features of the classic comic character, although there are differences between this design and the character from the upcoming film. The onscreen Namor, for example, includes facial hair, which was likely missing from the artwork provided to LEGO.
The ornate neck collar and metallic gold belt deviate from the source material too, although their intricacy makes up for small inaccuracies, in my opinion. Namor's pearl gold and teal trunks also differ from the movie, but the decoration looks marvellous and even continues onto the sides of the legs!
Additionally, the character's famous winged ankles decorate the sides of the legs, demonstrating amazing attention to detail. While authenticity is prized for licensed minifigures, sometimes their sheer quality can excuse certain problems. I think Namor achieves that standard, but this silver spear is less appealing than his golden accessory from 76213 King Namor's Throne Room.
The Completed Model
Even though LEGO renditions of Wakandan technology have almost always been buildings and aircraft, the Royal Sea Leopard is certainly recognisable as originating from Wakanda. The dark bluish grey and black colour scheme looks superb and I love the angular structure, reminiscent of real-world stealth ships. However, this vessel only measures 33cm in length, which is smaller than I had envisaged.
The design is attractive though, with black plates layered over grey bricks and panels. I think the narrow prow looks fantastic and the trans-yellow bridge really stands out against the otherwise dark exterior. Trans-black or trans-purple is more common among Wakandan vehicles, but using an even more vibrant colour is successful here.
Trailers for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever have only briefly shown this ship from underneath and given little indication of scale. Even so, I presume the vehicle is not correctly scaled beside minifigures, enlarging the bridge for a single occupant on the other side of those windows. While additional seats would have been nice, the stickered console showing Namor looks splendid.
Several more control consoles are situated around the pilot, including one that should seemingly belong to a second minifigure. There is no chair though and the console is attached to the floor, which looks odd. The articulated stud shooters on either side are neatly integrated though, with ball joints providing an extensive range of motion.
Beyond serving as a control console, the stickered 1x2 slope also forms a handle to access the interior. Official images reveal this space is intended to imprison Namor and there are two 1x4x2 fences with bars inside, but the cell is otherwise completely featureless. The size and shape of this model provided ample opportunity for some interior, so including only a single empty room is disappointing.
However, the deck includes satisfying detail, with a collection of tools and two ubiquitous fire extinguishers stored on the walls. There is also enough room for two drones, which are cleverly arranged to maximise space. Moreover, there remains plentiful space for minifigures to stand on the deck, attending these drones or maybe controlling the stud shooters.
The rounded shape towards the stern looks good, making further use of black curved plates and wedge plates. These are attached using bricks with studs on the side and nearly all of them are hidden, except for the corner of a light bluish grey brick in front of the stud shooters. That brick clearly stands out against the otherwise uniform dark bluish grey surface.
The engines look excellent though, employing parabolic rings and wheel rims to create suitable texture. I like the trans-light blue elements on these engines as well, introducing another splash of colour to an otherwise muted creation. Two containers for extra stud shooter ammunition are situated above the engines, while removing the drones opens up the deck. There would be enough space to place the submarine from 76213 King Namor's Throne Room here.
These drones draw immediate parallels with 76186 Black Panther Dragon Flyer, including four folding wings and a long tail. This consistent aesthetic is effective and stud shooters are placed towards the front on each drone, providing some play value and trans-light blue colour. I like the purple cameras positioned between these weapons as well, represented by stickers.
Overall
The minifigure selection is undoubtedly the highlight of 76214 Black Panther: War on the Water, introducing the much-anticipated M'Baku, alongside exclusive versions of Okoye, Ironheart and Shuri as Black Panther. The accompanying ship looks quite impressive as well. I like the sharp angles and trans-yellow bridge in particular, while the drone storage also functions perfectly.
However, the interior is limited and there was the potential to include another room, accessed by removing the deck. The price of £79.99, $89.99 or €89.99 only furthers that disappointment, as it seems extremely expensive for a model of this size. For that reason, I would only recommend this set following a substantial discount, despite the tempting minifigures.
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64 comments on this article
$90 for a lump of grey and black bricks, unless the box is very colourful and exciting, I don't see any kids wanting this.
Would it be possible to get a shot of the ship from the bottom so we get an idea of how much play area you get?
I must say i'm surprised. For the price I was expecting one side of walls to open up for a play experience inside.
It reminds me quite a bit of a James Bond 007 villain's boat!
Alright, so maybe Namor doesn't look too much like his MCU-incarnation; he still looks COMPLETELY INSUFFERABLE, which is 100% comics-accurate.
These are some awesome minifigs, and the ship itself looks pretty decent up-close.
LEGO seem to have clearly lost the plot on pricing this year and this is a prime example. How can they possibly justify £80 for this - it barely looks like a £45 set! I get the feeling this will be heavily discounted at some point - great review @CapnRex101
"Hey LEGO, your SW sets are absurdly overpriced!"
"Oh yea? Lmao, watch this then."
Is this what people mean when they say Star Wars sets are just blobs of grey/black/white?
@gatorbug6 said:
"It reminds me quite a bit of a James Bond 007 villain's boat!"
There was something strange about the design of her bows.
@gatorbug6 said:
"It reminds me quite a bit of a James Bond 007 villain's boat!"
Glad I wasn’t the only one who thought so! Namor seems kinda laughably outmatched here with this giant boat and someone in a literal Iron Man suit of armor.
That's a very cool looking boat. Too bad it's over my budget.
The Knights of Ren set from MCU. It only served to confirm Shuri as the new Panther.
Nothing opens up? All that building and there's no internal play features at all? Why even bother to make the large ship like this? Seems like designer burnout.
Just wanted to echo that Namor (while film-inaccurate) tends more toward comics accurate, so I'll definitely get one from this wave, though not from buying this set full price. I think it's pretty likely that he gets a second figure at some point that's more accurate to his film appearance.
It's been Lego's pattern with MCU figures to fix inaccuracies based on concept art when producing subsequent figures of the same costume or look (Vision in 76032 –> Vision in 76067, Spider-Man in 76067 –> Spider-Man in 76082, Scarlet Witch in 76051 –> Scarlet Witch in 76192, Valkyrie in 76084 –> Valkyrie in 76194, Black Panther in 76099 –> Black Panther in 76186, Thanos in 76131 –> Thanos in 76192).
So wait 6 months to a few years, and we'll probably get one with the right facial hair. In the meantime, IDK, go get Tasu Leech's head off Bricklink. It's close enough, and customization is the whole point of a modular system like Lego.
@AHYL88 said:
"Is the ship really only 23cm in length? If that is, it's massively misleading that Lego would claim it is 32cm in length on the product page...."
Apologies, that was a typo on my part and has been corrected. Thanks for mentioning it.
Still looks like a handheld vacuum cleaner.
It looks like an iron without the handle. Yikes.
The lack of play features inside is extremely disappointing.
The lack of leg printing on Panther and M’Baku makes them look much cheaper than they otherwise could. Especially at this price for what looks more like a $60-70 set, the figs should be better.
Desirable minifigures included? Great; should mean this is cheap to buy new-with-no-figs on eBay.
As always, thanks for that, LEGO!
Sometimes, I'm unsure what guys in Lego are doing if they can approve production of such ugliness. It should be given for free just for the purposes of expanding inventory of black and grey bricks.
I really like the figures even though I've dropped off from following the MCU after Endgame. I would buy this if the RRP were €50, meaning it'd be €35 on amazon 2 weeks after release. But €90? Did someone use up their whole stack of illicit substances thinking up those prices and now they have to restock?
I initially misread the original price as US$80 and I balked. Now that I see it's US$90 I'm just like...absolutely no way.
I'm convinced that this is scaled down so much from the actual vehicle that, like the big Star Wars ships that include mini TIE Fighters, those "drones" are supposed to actually be full-sized Dragon Flyers.
Honestly it looks like a fancy doorstop.
@PicnicBasketSam said:
"I'm convinced that this is scaled down so much from the actual vehicle that, like the big Star Wars ships that include mini TIE Fighters, those "drones" are supposed to actually be full-sized Dragon Flyers."
You’re probably right, since the yellow windscreen looks like a ship bridge with the window being the same height as a person, like a Star Destroyer. This is like a midi-scale rendition.
Still not quite as bad design-wise as 75184, at least this has any interior space at all! But this is somehow £15 MORE expensive despite having FEWER pieces. What the hell Lego.
It'll be 30% off on Amazon before the end of the month
This sets just looks sad. Seriously one of the lamest build I’ve ever seen.
16.5 cents per piece (based on US price) is obviously high, but if memory serves there are plenty of other licensed sets that have been up in the 16 cents per piece range even before the recent price hikes.
So I see the problem here as one caused by the licensing expense: most licensed IP appeals to both AFOLs and kids, and with playsets like this that are mostly targeted to kids, the extra cost of the IP is impossible to absorb because of the smaller number of pieces and simpler build. So you get a set that's about 20% more expensive than folks would like, and a ship that's cool but about 10-20% smaller than folks would like.
This is why I've never been a big buyer of licensed Lego sets. When I look at sets like the Galaxy Explorer reboot, a far superior model, much larger, much better looking, more functionality, 2-1/2 times the parts, less than half the cost per part, and only $10 more than this. it's like it's two different toy companies that made them.
The IP obviously helps Lego move a lot more units - but I'm unaware of any evidence that Lego makes increased net profits per unit off these sets vs unlicensed sets.
Easy pass, thank you LEGO, My wallet needs some rest from this flood. Some day we'll have a thousand sets in one year. The pressing is nothing short of craziness. I'm not enjoying the hobby the same way i used to.
@HuskyDynamics said:
"Honestly it looks like a fancy doorstop."
Since it apparently doesn't have any decent play features, that might actually be the best use for it.
I'm just LMAO at anyone who buys this at RRP, or like, at all.
It's not just the price, to me it looks totally hideous. Plus I don't give a smeg about those minifigs, so no redeeming features whatsoever in my book. YMMV of course.
....goes back to building his Star Trek sets by them who must not be named ;-)
I like it. I know people are saying it's like an iron but I like the shaping an engine section.
Would be great to mod it more to make a unique sci-fi battleship.
Price though...ouchy!
Once the late great Chad passed, Black Panther lost its center. You wanted to follow his path to where it would lead next. Now, as far as I know, no one's really talkin' or caring about this new movie that much.
I'll probably be wrong, but I just don't see this next Panther movie doing well.
I think the reviewer has a rather unique aesthetic taste to describe this set as having an "appealing exterior."
How ironic!
@TomKazutara said:
" @johleth said:
"$90 for a lump of grey and black bricks, unless the box is very colourful and exciting, I don't see any kids wanting this."
No worries, the inside is probably packed with 30 differend colors, like every Lego set today,"
ACKCHULLY!!! i took a look inside the instructions and saw it was pretty monotone inside. Also completely empty, this thing is just a box for the sake of being a box. They could have put loads of stuff inside of it but nah, Just a tiny bridge and jail pit. This set using a ton of huge parts though, like that black section behind the engines of the thing? FOUR 6x1x6(or maybe5) bricks!
@MainBricker said:
"Not sure why people have a problem with this. The internal colours (that don't show on the completed model) are there to make sure that you have the set in the correct rotation, and to make it easier to work out what goes where."
The problem is that A) they completely overdo it by using dozens of weird colors, way more that necessary for that purpose, and B) that more often than not those colors DO show up on the completed models.
That said, looking at the instructions of this set it doesn't seem that bad. There's some yellow and red pieces, and a few blue Technic pins. I don't see the need for it, but by current Lego standards it's pretty minor and it seems nothing of it remains visible. If only Lego would always do it this way you won't see many people complain about it anymore...
Unfortunately this set has a few other issues...
@Ridgeheart said: "Alright, so maybe Namor doesn't look too much like his MCU-incarnation; he still looks COMPLETELY INSUFFERABLE, which is 100% comics-accurate."
And I think it's impressive how much obnoxiousness Lego was able to capture in the one minifig. I think they did a great job.
An absolute joke of a set and price. The outside is kinda cool looking, but the sparse interior is completely unacceptable to be priced so high. I don't care if it's discount bait or not, Lego is out of touch with reality here. An apple full of worms would have better value; at least it would have something inside!
So $90 because that's what they feel comfortable extorting us for to get M'Baku and Ironheart. Cool. As much as I'd like to have them, I doubt I'd even pick this set up at 30% off.
90 USD eh? Pass.. I would start making negative comments about LEGO and their pricing but I do not want to get the cheerleaders relied up and trying to find a way to excuse LEGO for their actions..... All I can say is LEGO really needs to start paying attention. 'Inflation' or not, or their prices and actions are going to eventually start rankling the parents instead of just the AFOLs.
$135 CAD after tax. TLG new pricing are absurd, this will collect dust in stores for a while.
Review was a nice read, and for $0.
TLG: 0
Brickset: 1
@madforLEGO said:
"90 USD eh? Pass.. I would start making negative comments about LEGO and their pricing but I do not want to get the cheerleaders relied up and trying to find a way to excuse LEGO for their actions..... All I can say is LEGO really needs to start paying attention. 'Inflation' or not, or their prices and actions are going to eventually start rankling the parents instead of just the AFOLs."
Don't worry, I'll do it for you!
I heartily applaud the LEGO company, not for pricing this lackluster $90 set that rides the "military build" line like a unicycle on a dangling tightrope that's lit on fire, but for planning a brilliant April Fools prank nearly seven months in advance. Such dedication to a brilliantly set-up and executed joke of a build, with an equally hilarious price tag to match, is incredible and I commend the comedians in the marketing wing of LEGO HQ for bringing us all the joy of a good chuckle. If laughter is good medicine, then this set is truly the miracle cure.
On top of it all, this set lacks any noticeable connection to Wakandan technology. The drones roughly mimic the dragonfly-like airships from the movies, but this cheese wedge of a boat lacks the detailed, pseudo-organic shapings of other Wakandan vessels.
Bring on the cheerleaders, the joke needs an encore.
Unbelievably, I found a few copies of this set at a Big W store in my country. I sort of knew it wasn't supposed to be released, and that's why I wanted to pick it up for review, but after reading this review I don't regret that I hadn't picked it up when I saw it.
New worst set ever? Its a serious contender, at least
@TomKazutara said:
"It's not easier, it's frustrating, that Lego let you think that you are to stupid to build a model."
When you realize that the target audience for Lego are kids of different ages and experiences maybe you will understand that it works better. Lego doesn't think you are stupid. Lego tries to find the best COMMON solution for a very broad and diverse audience. Afols like you are minor minority in this whole setup.
"Plus, rebuild a let's say gray set into something else is impossible today.
You have to leave them together, and buy just new stuff.
That is the whole idea, and it's annoying."
That is absolutely bonkers, i love that even tho a set looks like a gray lump it has other colours in it. That expands my library of bricks and colours and helps me build my mocs every day.
This debate has already happened in The Razor Crest review, can we skip it this time? Some people hate rainbow guts, some people are fine with it. We can probably all agree that spilling those guts outside through gaps shouldn't happen. There, case closed.
I will be so happy, if the fact that Shuri is Black Panther here would be only a red herring, or a false assumption by TLG. Iron man 3 sets were misleading too.
90 DOLLARS? Never buying this unless it gets on sale for really cheap. Actually no, i wont even buy it on sale. Its plain ugly.
@Harmonious_Building said:
"I initially misread the original price as US$80 and I balked. Now that I see it's US$90 I'm just like...absolutely no way. "
You didn't misread it - LEGO just hiked the price up a few days after announcing the set. It will probably be $110 by the time it's supposed to hit the shelves. Kidding, of course. I think.
@Yooha said:
"I will be so happy, if the fact that Shuri is Black Panther here would be only a red herring, or a false assumption by TLG. Iron man 3 sets were misleading too."
Yes. I remember the Golf Cart of D00M like it was yesterday! 76008
@Yooha said:
"I will be so happy, if the fact that Shuri is Black Panther here would be only a red herring, or a false assumption by TLG. Iron man 3 sets were misleading too."
Plot Twist: Nobody will take on the mantle of Black Panther in this Black Panther movie.
It has some cool shaping, but that price is atrocious for what you get!
Friendly reminder that a black LEGO superyacht can be more than a deck and a prison cell: https://brickset.com/sets/70173-1/Ultra-Agents-Ocean-HQ
It's definitely grown on me, but the near complete lack of an interior despite its size is... an odd choice.
@Exetrius said:
"It has some cool shaping, but that price is atrocious for what you get!
Friendly reminder that a black LEGO superyacht can be more than a deck and a prison cell: https://brickset.com/sets/70173-1/Ultra-Agents-Ocean-HQ "
Holy cow that thing looks cool.
@Stevutz said:
"I think the reviewer has a rather unique aesthetic taste to describe this set as having an "appealing exterior.""
No doubt. Its a horrendously ugly exterior.
@Exetrius said:
"It has some cool shaping, but that price is atrocious for what you get!
Friendly reminder that a black LEGO superyacht can be more than a deck and a prison cell: https://brickset.com/sets/70173-1/Ultra-Agents-Ocean-HQ "
Wow! Nice callback. That's shows fun and innovative design.
Unfortunately, the new hallmark for Lego licensed design is 'LAZY.' I personally like cool-looking grey or grey-black lumps. But this Lego iron/hand vac/door stopper is just a lazy piece of $& % that does nothing. Some poor kids are likely to have a very black Xmas indeed.
Let's hope the absolute dull, boring horror of this set inspires said children to mod their copies into something much better and they can quickly grow up and take the current designer's positions.
Yet, judging by Lego's current 'midlevel' sets (now, anything under $200) and ALL of their graphic design (rare leg prints, mismatched stickers, etc.), I don't think Lego pays very well. Stories of designers sharing apartments would seem to bear this out. Sounds like Lego is best at maximizing profit!
My rant aside, I'll probably grab it for the figs once it goes on 50% discount. Which it quickly will after Xmas at Target.
??
This is depressing...
To be honest I like the look of the thing... although I would need it to be at least $20 off before I consider purchasing it. I would also want to modify this set for more interior space.
@thor96 said:
" @TomKazutara said:
"It's not easier, it's frustrating, that Lego let you think that you are to stupid to build a model."
When you realize that the target audience for Lego are kids of different ages and experiences maybe you will understand that it works better. Lego doesn't think you are stupid. Lego tries to find the best COMMON solution for a very broad and diverse audience. Afols like you are minor minority in this whole setup."
You know, we were kids once and survived building with less hand-holding instructions of the 80s and 90s. Yes, I'm aware current sets are more detailed, but even 90 parts sets are dumbed down to the point of not teaching the child everything. The least they could do is not list the parts that we need for each step, or skip steps with just 1-2 bricks.
They wasted the option to provide different challenge levels instruction via their app as digital alternative, so easy to do.
@elangab said:
" @thor96 said:
" @TomKazutara said:
"It's not easier, it's frustrating, that Lego let you think that you are to stupid to build a model."
When you realize that the target audience for Lego are kids of different ages and experiences maybe you will understand that it works better. Lego doesn't think you are stupid. Lego tries to find the best COMMON solution for a very broad and diverse audience. Afols like you are minor minority in this whole setup."
You know, we were kids once and survived building with less hand-holding instructions of the 80s and 90s. Yes, I'm aware current sets are more detailed, but even 90 parts sets are dumbed down to the point of not teaching the child everything. The least they could do is not list the parts that we need for each step, or skip steps with just 1-2 bricks.
They wasted the option to provide different challenge levels instruction via their app as digital alternative, so easy to do."
I think you don't build the biggest toy company in the world by staying the same since the 80s. We "survived" quite well the more challenging instructions, many afols argue that this was part of learning of critical thinking. I myself hold the same sentiment from my 80s childhood. But by making those instructions so much easier Lego definitely reached way more kids in the world. Not just smartasses like us ;)
@Trigger_ said:
" @Yooha said:
"I will be so happy, if the fact that Shuri is Black Panther here would be only a red herring, or a false assumption by TLG. Iron man 3 sets were misleading too."
Plot Twist: Nobody will take on the mantle of Black Panther in this Black Panther movie."
Not looking to be the case, judging by the trailer that just came out.
@thor96:
Clearly they missed an opportunity to, rather than grading sets based on age ranges to indicate difficulty, instead do so based on what percentage of your hair you’ll have pulled out by the time you’ve finished. I’m sure there are people here who would limit all purchases going forward to the Bald+ category.
If I do end up getting one, it’ll just be for the figs. Then I’ll throw the “Boat” out the window and smash it into a million pieces (more like 500 though)
ironheart is an amazing figure, but i'm not spending £80 on her! Think the only wakanda forever set i'll get is 76211 shuri's sunbird