A couple of years ago, the LEGO Group reintroduced the concept of buildable ‘action’ figures. These have previously been inspired by Star Wars, Marvel and DC Comics characters. The latest characters are once again from the world of Marvel, with two brand-new characters being added to the range on June 1st. As I kick off my reviews of the upcoming Summer sets, today I’ll be taking a look at both the Wolverine and Captain America buildable action figures.
Past buildable action figures have relied heavily on unique elements to recreate various characters. But these new versions are largely constructed by standard System bricks. Of course, they still have a few Technic elements and uniquely printed pieces depending on the character. Overall, the basic design of the body, legs and arms are basically the same across all characters. What’s slightly different with both Cap and Wolverine are their hands as both characters’ trademark appearances feature unique hands such as Steve Rodger’s fingerless gloves and Logan’s Adamantium claws.
Product Details
Set Name: Wolverine | Set Number: 76257 | Pieces: 327 | Theme: Marvel
RRP: £31.99/$tbc/37.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 2 | Instructions: Paper sheet + Builder App | Stickers: Sheet x 1
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail from June 1st
The X-Men or Mutants, are a much-loved part of the Marvel universe, but thanks to the rise of the MCU and a tricky situation surrounding character rights, they have become a little forgotten in recent times. That’s set to change now Marvel Studios have the rights back for the characters but before they hit the big screen, they are set to return with a follow-up series to the iconic 90s animated series. The Wolverine figure is probably one of the most unique so far and is inspired by his classic X-Men suit of yellow and blue. Admittedly, the claws are a little longer than they are normally portrayed, this is due to using an already available element. But I have to say I quite like it. Similar to the recent Ant-Man figure, the head is also more detailed than in previous sets. A similar curved plate is used for the set and now sports a nose, but is adorned with additional elements to achieve the wing-eared cowl worn by Logan. Is also mounted slightly differently from other figures, so the head stooped forward.
Product Details
Set Name: Captain America | Set Number: 43258 | Pieces: 310 | Theme: Marvel
RRP: £31.99/$tbc/37.99€ | Number of Bags: Bags x 2 | Instructions: Paper sheet + Builder App | Stickers: Sheet x 1
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & General Retail from June 1st
Whereas Wolverine’s unique features are clearly on show with the claws and cowl, Captain America’s suit is a little more understated. Steve Rogers has sported various suits throughout his time in the MCU, this set is based on his more modern-day appearance with more muted colours and various extras such as a military-style utility belt and boots. Although the basic style of the build is similar to previous sets, there’s a lot more detail in the body, feet and hands. The shield element can be connected to the hand via a Technic pin plate, which looks a little odd when the shield is removed. The shield can also be mounted on the back of the figure. The arms do look a little messy due to the mix of colours used to create them, but I do like how the bullion elements have been used to add different details to Cap’s overall uniform. I know Steve Rogers is a wholesome chap, but his smiley face does make some of his posing possibilities look a little less heroic.
Overall
Wolverine is certainly the better of the two characters, this is mainly due to the look of the character and how that has added unique details to the buildable figure. That’s not to say Captain America is a poor second, the detail on Cap’s uniform is a little more subtle than Wolverine’s giant claws. But I really like that the white and red stripes around the waist area are brick built. Even the suits strapping and pouches have been incorporated into the character. Past buildable figures have relied a little too much on unique elements, which have made them feel a little less ‘LEGO-like’ but these characters straddle both camps, they are still uniquely figures but also more tied to classic LEGO building thanks to the use of standard elements. The only downside is the increased price point. Thankfully they are not as widely overpriced as the Iron Man figure was but with the Spidey character being £24.99/$24.99 and the recent Ant-Man jumping to £29.99/$24.99, these two sets see the price jump again to £31.99. Apart from that these are a nice collection of characters and the buildable figure style perfectly suits the world of superheroes. Both the Captain America and Wolverine sets will be available from June 1st when they are joined by the first DC Comics character in this style.
Wolverine Figure: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
Captain America Figure: UKIrelandUSCanadaGermanyDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
These sets were provided to BricksFanz.com by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Marvel. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
