Large-scale figures have become very common lately, particularly in Marvel and DC sets, where many have proven pretty mediocre. 76289 Thor vs. Surtur Construction Figure makes satisfying use of the format though, recreating the brutal Surtur from Thor: Ragnarok!
The demonic ruler of Muspelheim looks superb in LEGO form, even featuring a removable crown to be strapped on Thor's back. Additionally, images on the box display some interesting poses, which bodes well for Surtur's articulation.
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Spider-Man is arguably the most recognisable of all mask-wearing superheroes, particularly from Marvel. However, elaborate curves and patterns are notoriously difficult to depict in LEGO, which seems certain to cause significant problems with 76285 Spider-Man's Mask.
I was accordingly surprised when the model was revealed, as I think its shape looks quite realistic in official images. The intricate web pattern also appears effective on the whole, so I am approaching this review with tentative optimism!
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Guardians of the Galaxy was released ten years ago and provides inspiration for 76278 Rocket's Warbird vs. Ronan. This vehicle is relatively small, although the heavy weapons mounted beneath the wings look excellent and the colour scheme is attractive as well.
In addition, this set contains unique versions of Rocket Raccoon and Ronan the Accuser, with the latter making only his second appearance in minifigure form. On that basis, there is plenty to appreciate here, although the cost of £31.99, $37.99 or €37.99 seems quite expensive for a set of relatively modest size.
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Doctor Octopus has usually appeared in larger Marvel sets, so Octavius' availability in 76275 Motorcycle Chase: Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock is welcome. However, this version is Venomised and therefore unique, which is both a strength and a weakness.
After all, new minifigures are always nice, but I think some would prefer Doc Ock's standard design in such an inexpensive set. Regardless, this is an interesting prospect for the price of only £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99.
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The quality of Marvel mechs varies significantly. Some are expertly designed for their respective pilots, while others seem more generic and lack proper character. For instance, Iron Man mechs have struggled, capturing the hero's distinctive colours, but little else.
76277 War Machine Mech Armour should have an advantage, as War Machine's armour includes far more visible weaponry, which could be translated to a mech. Additionally, this set contains an exclusive War Machine minifigure, so has another opportunity to impress there.
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Even though 76269 Avengers Tower contains an enjoyable selection of 31 minifigures, I think the actual tower is even more impressive, especially given its complex architecture. The shape of the building seems faithful to the movies and unlike anything LEGO has produced before.
Furthermore, its scale exceeds even 76178 Daily Bugle, so the model should look outstanding on display and provide abundant space for detail inside. This generous interior is divided across seven floors, each recreating memorable locations from the films and containing a variety of references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Avengers Tower remains the most recognisable setting from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and offers huge potential for a large-scale recreation, populated by as many characters from the films as possible. The striking 76269 Avengers Tower surely delivers in that regard!
A remarkable 31 minifigures are supplied, more than any other set. Beyond the original six Avengers, this selection contains revised versions of Ultron MK1, Vision and Falcon, with multiple characters appearing for the first time. Given their sheer quantity, the minifigures alone warrant their own review.
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The fantastic 76191 Infinity Gauntlet and 76223 Nano Gauntlet are among my favourite smaller 18+ sets developed recently. The similar 76250 Wolverine's Adamantium Claws therefore looks interesting as well, although the glove's notable simplicity could be problematic.
Admittedly, this design seems faithful to X-Men: The Animated Series and its upcoming continuation, but I query whether Wolverine's claws are suitable for a LEGO model, particularly one costing as much as £64.99, $69.99 or €74.99.
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LEGO sets are commonly criticised as expensive and often justifiably so. However, few examples rival 76232 The Hoopty in that respect. Despite including 420 pieces and three minifigures, this set costs an incomprehensible £84.99, $89.99 or €94.99.
Although this price is impossible to ignore, I am interested in the titular spacecraft. The vessel's stubby proportions and rounded shape look unusual and official images show ample interior. Furthermore, the minifigures have definite potential, especially since Ms. Marvel so infrequently appears in minifigure form.
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LEGO renditions of the Hulkbuster are evidently extremely popular, as new models are produced annually. 76263 Iron Man Hulkbuster vs. Thanos is the latest version, although the first designed for younger children because this is a 4+ model, hence its simple construction.
Unfortunately, 4+ are often extremely expensive and this one is no exception, costing £20.99, $26.99 or €26.99. However, there is a new Iron Man minifigure included to tempt Marvel fans, loosely inspired by the hero's Silver Age comic book appearances.
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LEGO develops new buildable characters quite regularly, launching another range with 76206 Iron Man Figure last year. The series has already grown to include Ant-Man, Batman, Wolverine and now 76258 Captain America Construction Figure as well.
This figure definitely benefits from the revised mask element and Captain America's costume looks good. However, the other Construction Figures have suffered from proportional issues and I am not convinced those problems will be avoided with Captain America, unfortunately.
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Captain America's shield has become an icon of the character and the broader Marvel universe, so has sometimes been discussed as potential inspiration for LEGO. Speculation intensified as 76209 Thor's Hammer was introduced last year, given the comparable subject.
However, the shield's shape presents significant design challenges and 76262 Captain America's Shield therefore seems incredibly impressive. The curvature and colour scheme appears very accurate in official images, but some have expressed concerns about the building experience, which is bound to be repetitive.
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X-Men: The Animated Series was introduced in 1992 and remains popular today, featuring an iconic theme and defining incarnations of the many X-Men characters. In fact, the series will return later in 2023, appropriately titled X-Men '97 and continuing the original story.
76257 Wolverine Construction Figure has been produced accordingly and wears the classic yellow and blue costume from both the animated series and the comics. This model may therefore prove popular, although is not without flaws.
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Motorcycles have been a common feature of the Super Heroes range since its beginning, which is reasonable because they are easily adaptable for essentially any important character. 76260 Black Widow & Captain America Motorcycles therefore contains two such vehicles.
As expected, these motorcycles are quite similar to previous examples, although they should suffice for play. The minifigures are definitely of greater interest for older LEGO fans, especially since this version of Black Widow is exclusive!
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LEGO introduced a new kind of buildable action figure last year, primarily consisting of standard elements, instead of pieces intended specifically for large-scale figures. The response was rather mixed overall, but 76256 Ant-Man Construction Figure provides definite potential.
Ant-Man's changing size is vital to the character, of course, so this model could represent Giant-Man for minifigure-scale scenarios, or match the likes of 76206 Iron Man Figure. Moreover, a small version of the Wasp accompanies Ant-Man and these nanofigures are invariably appealing.
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76253 Guardians of the Galaxy Headquarters is the smallest of the new Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 sets, although features a pair of appealing minifigures. Star-Lord wears the new Guardians' garb, while the unique Groot minifigure reflects his physical growth.
The actual headquarters looks rather sparse, as perhaps expected because the set only includes 67 pieces. Nevertheless, given the desirable minifigures and the affordable price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99, this could be an interesting set.
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Trailers for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 have prominently featured Rocket Raccoon, perhaps revealing an essential role in the upcoming film. 76254 Baby Rocket's Ship therefore focuses on this popular character, including his young and adult appearances!
In addition, the titular spacecraft preserves the distinctive character of vehicles across the Guardians of the Galaxy series. The general design is interesting and includes some superb functions, moving between flight and landing modes.
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76251 Star-Lord's Helmet continues the series of Marvel sculptures produced recently, which have achieved mixed success. Thankfully, this example seems more impressive, including some unusual details, with stunning fidelity to Peter's onscreen mask.
The shape definitely seems accurate, comprising multiple interconnected panels. Additionally, this model's hollow construction means it doubles as a pencil pot, which is an interesting feature!
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Microscale and minifigure-scale techniques are combined to innovative effect in the interesting 30652 Doctor Strange's Interdimensional Portal, with an attractive skyline presented beyond the trans-orange portal.
Additionally, this Doctor Strange minifigure has appeared just twice before and looks splendid, so remains very appealing!
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LEGO absolutely adores mechs and motorbikes because these vehicles are consistently popular and are readily adaptable for various characters. 76245 Ghost Rider Mech & Bike illustrates their versatility, combining the now-customary mech design and an enormous motorbike!
These are accompanied by an impressive Ghost Rider minifigure, whose appeal is markedly increased because the famed character has only appeared twice before. Unfortunately, the price of £29.99, $34.99 or €34.99 feels expensive.
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