Almost every major movie being released acts as inspiration for various LEGO® sets. The MCU has been a particularly popular source of inspiration and that’s set to continue with a number of playsets inspired by the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. Most of the sets have already been revealed, apart from one – War on the Water. The ship features a Wakandan ship called the Royal Sea Leopard, complete with two drones and 5 interesting Minifigure, all inspired by the Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever. Being based on an upcoming film, the set will obviously contain spoilers but there is a particularly big spoiler in this one. One which could not only affect the upcoming film but the MCU going forward. I’ll pop another warning before getting into spoiler territory, until then here’s a look at the newly released and revealed Black Panther: War on the Water set.
Product Details
Put your young Super Hero at the controls of the Royal Sea Leopard – the iconic ship from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever film. LEGO® Marvel Black Panther: War on the Water (76214) is filled with fun details and familiar characters for Black Panther fans aged 8 and over.
Detailed recreation of the action-packed ship
The Royal Sea Leopard is the supercool ship that features in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever film. This cool playset features 2 shooters and multiple features, including a jail, compartments to store weapons and ammunition, tools and 2 buildable drone toys. The drones, which can park on the ship’s deck, both have 2 shooters and fold-away rotors. 5 iconic minifigures – M’Baku, Okoye, Black Panther, Ironheart MK2 and King Namor – help to inspire endless imaginative role-play possibilities.
- Set Name: Black Panther: War on the Water
- Set Number: 76214
- Pieces: 545
- RRP: £79.99/$89.99/89.99€
- Number of Bags: Bags x 5
- Stickers: Sheet x 1
- Minifigures: M’Baku, Okoye, Black Panther, Ironheart MK2 & King Namor
- Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App
- Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online and LEGO Retailers
With the film not in cinemas until November 11th, it’s impossible to compare the set to the source material. The Royal Sea Leopard’s name could also be a nod to a Marvel comic character, known as Sea Leopard. A character with a connection to Namor and a variant of Vibranium. It will be interesting to see how the set compares to the film but it would certainly point towards a possible moment towards the end of the film, purely due to the characters featured in the set.
The build is split across 5 bags and includes a small sheet of stickers, which are mostly used on the two drones. There is a teeny, tiny improvement to the instructions. It’s nothing major but instead of a stiff-looking, clinical render of the set on the cover there’s an ‘action’ image. It’s similar to what would normally be on the old instructions, still on the plain background though.
The build begins with two identically built Wakandan drones. These have a similar appearance to the Dragon Flyer manned ships, featured in the first Black Panther and Endgame films. Similar to their bigger inspiration, they feature a number of wings, which gives the drones an insect-type look. They also contain a pair of stud-shooting guns. Both drones can be mounted onto the back of the ship.
The building on the ship is an odd experience. Its unusual pointed shape results in a genuinely interesting build, as do the various grey wall panels contrasting with the black studded surfaces. But this combination also offers a quite plain-looking vessel. I do like the front section of the ship, with the transparent yellow bricks breaking up the black and the way the two engines have been added to the rear looks great. I certainly think the configuration of the ship is more interesting than its actual appearance. The random tools and fire extinguishers on the ship’s deck are quite odd but if these play a key role in the film, remains to be seen. The two seemingly random jumper plates on the deck area are there to mount the two Dragon Flyer drones.
Much of the below-deck area of the ship is merely there as a result of its shape but part of it is used as a prison of sorts. Which is accessed via a trap door panel. This sits just behind a small control area, there’s enough room to seat a minifigure and it features various control panels. I particularly like the transparent book cover used for a display screen. The deck area also features two mounted guns, similar to those on the drones, as well as random tools and accessories.
Spoiler warning before you read on. Details on the set minifigures will contain possible spoilers for Wakanda Forever.
For many, the set’s main appeal will be the minifigures. There are 5 included in the set and four of them are unique to this set. Namour makes his second appearance in a set and is the only foe featured in the set. It’s a decent take on the character, although it lacks a little of the tribal nicknacks Namor seems to wear, particularly around his head. We already know that Iron Heart is being introduced to the MCU and will star in her own Disney+ but Riri Williams will debut in the Black Panther sequel. The character isn’t a replacement for Iron Man but is inspired by the late Tony Stark. Just like Stark, the Ironheart armour is frequently tweaked and in this set, Riri is wearing a more advanced and Iron Man-like suit. It uses the older style single helmet element used for various Iron Man/War Machine suits. The helmet can be swapped for a hairpiece.
Okoye has previously appeared in minifigure form but this time she is in a more traditional version of the Dora Milaje outfit. There’s also been a slight if not tricky to see improvement to her head. With a very faint outline of hair added. M’baku makes his first appearance in a set and it’s mostly a great minifigure. I love the ape design on his torso. But it could have been 100 times better but including the furry collar piece. I’ve added on below, how much cooler does it look? (Collar is not included in this set)
Finally, it’s spoiler time – the set includes a Black Panther. Now in the sequel, it’s no secret that T’Challa has passed away and so no longer holds the mantle of the Black Panther. It would seem at least for part of the film, T’Challa’s sister Shuri dons a version of the suit. This features gold detailing similar to when Killmonger had a suit. They could have just left it there but the head can be replaced with an unmasked Shuri. So it’s definitely her.
Review Round-up
It’s extremely difficult to fully give an opinion on a set based on a movie that isn’t out yet. If the ship is meant to be yacht-sized then this is a suitably futuristic take on one. If it’s a much bigger vessel in the film, then the scale it’s shown in this set is very off. Overall it’s a conflicting set, it lacks excitement but at the same time looks quite cool and in keeping with the Wakandan tech vibe already established. The price is a little steep but this is just how things are these days. If nothing else, it has a great line-up of minifigures. Ironheart and M’baku are particular highlights. Whether or not the set confirms the identity of the Black Panther going forward, remains to be seen. It’s worth noting Marvel will have signed off on the set’s design and characters along with its release date. So it’s hardly leaking top-secret plot points.
For
+ Nice minifigures
+ Interesting build
Against
– Odd build experience (also a plus really)
– Scale could be a little off
– Expensive for what it is
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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 or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
