A few years ago LEGO® introduced a new range called LEGO Juniors, this was later rebranded as 4+, but the ideas behind the theme remain the same. LEGO 4+ sets are aimed towards younger builders, which means they are simple to build. This also means they contain special elements in order to make the set easier to piece together. There is one new 4+ in the winter wave of Marvel Spider-Man sets and although its nothing overly exciting for most LEGO fans, they Minifigures featured in the set may spike interest a little more. So let’s take a look at the LEGO Spider-Man 4+ Spider-Man & Sandman Showdown set.
Product Description
LEGO® Marvel Spider-Man: Spider-Man and Sandman Showdown (76172) is a super-fun, super-quality playset for budding superheroes. Designed especially for ages 4 and up, it encourages shared play and delivers developmental benefits.
The best start for growing minds
Surprise a young superhero with this LEGO 4+ set and introduce them to non-stop imaginative fun. A special Starter Brick chassis helps youngsters get started and discover the joy of constructing something “by myself”. The included simple guide to building and playing helps them (and their grown-up helpers) develop creative construction skills. For more building fun, the downloadable LEGO Building Instructions app includes digital Instructions PLUS, which allows kids to zoom, rotate and visualize their playset as they build.
- Set Name: Spider-Man and Sandman Showdown
- Set Number: 76172
- Pieces: 45
- RRP: £8.99/$9.99/€9.99
- Measurements: measures over 1 in. (4 cm) high, 3 in. (9 cm) wide and 2 in. (6 cm) deep
- Minifigures: Spider-Man & Sandman
- Availability: LEGO.com, LEGO Stores & LEGO Retailers from January 1st
The Build
As mentioned above, the 4+ sets offer a limited and simple build experience aimed towards younger fans. The result is a Spider Buggy and a Sand Cannon. The Spider Buggy is based around a Starter Brick chassis, of which there are a pair of, clicked together with yellow Technic pins. A couple of other elements are added, including chunky wheels and a cool printed bonnet, featuring a spider logo. That’s one of the best things about 4+ sets no stickers.
The Sand Cannon is pretty non-descript, to be honest, but it does connect to the Sandman character, although I’d liked it if that was more literal, with the Sandman Minifigure actually being incorporated on to the cannon.
The Minifigures
The set may not be the most exciting build but the Minifigures are certainly more interesting, well one of them at least it. As you’d expect from a set under the Spider-Man banner, Spidey is featured front and centre. There is nothing special about this version of the web-slinger. Just like the version featured in the Ghost Rider and Carnage set, Spider-Man has printed arms, which add to the overall appearance of the character. The star of the set is Sandman. The character has featured in a couple of different Marvel sets and I have to say this is the best version so far. It uses the same elemental swirl piece for the bottom half of the character, this was first used in the NEXO KNIGHTS theme before being recoloured and used for Sandman in the Sandcrawler set from last year. This element combined the one brick yellow arm and sandy print detail on the torso, does a decent job of conveying Sandman’s shapeshifting powers. For the cost of the set, it’s definitely worth picking up just for Sandman.
Coming Soon: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
