Review: 76269 Avengers Tower (Part #2)
Posted by CapnRex101,
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.
Summary
76269 Avengers Tower, 5,201 pieces.
£429.99 / $499.99 / €499.99 | 8.3p/9.6c/9.6c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Avengers Tower looks amazing inside and out, but the minifigure selection is mediocre
- Exceptional presence on display
- High standard of detail
- Countless fun references
- Good character selection for new LEGO Marvel fans
- Useful compatibility with other sets
- Base of the tower is significantly simplified
- Difficult to access certain rooms
- Several important characters are missing
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
The Completed Model
Avengers Tower is instantly recognisable thanks to its unique architecture, even when scaled down to the size of 40344 Avengers Tower. This model is substantially larger and captures far more detail, including the asymmetrical features of the original location. Moreover, the blend of black and blue-tinted windows is lovely and I appreciate the introduction of some colour, even though the onscreen building looks more muted.
The scale of the tower is imposing too, reaching a height of 91cm and comfortably surpassing 76178 Daily Bugle. Despite their differing origins, the pair are evidently superb companions on display, but require some space between them. Fortunately, both structures are compatible with the Modular Buildings range, or would look good on either side of a road, in my opinion.
76218 Sanctum Sanctorum is better suited to adjoining Avengers Tower directly, although even this looks slightly awkward. After all, skyscrapers are usually separated from any neighbouring buildings. However, I do like the stone memorial outside Avengers Tower because this softens the transition between the glass-fronted skyscraper and the Sanctum Sanctorum.
In the movies, Avengers Tower stands on the base of the MetLife Building, with Grand Central Terminal in front. The tower was designed by Mark Stafford and Justin Ramsden and Mark did explore including the station, but its sheer size was ultimately impractical. Considering the need for compromise, I think the base of the model is attractive, although I also wonder whether the ground floor could have been squarer, just to vary the architecture.
Dark bluish grey tiles comprise the pavement outside, with several 2x2 jumper plates scattered in between to place minifigures securely. This matches the two earlier Marvel buildings and the black lamppost returns from 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum, which is one of various shared details. Additionally, a memorial for the Battle of New York stands behind the lamppost, as shown in the Hawkeye series.
The black fire hydrant is another feature found in both 76178 Daily Bugle and 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum, designed to match real fire hydrants in New York City. A green bin is also included and a printed pack of gum is stored inside. This decorated tile, branded as 'Gubba Bubba', has only been available in Friends sets before now.
76178 Daily Bugle featured a small error, as one of its Technic pins was misaligned to connect with Modular Buildings. This model accounts for the misalignment, using a 1x4 Technic brick in case you wish to attach the Daily Bugle on this side. The alleyway behind the tower is designed to line up seamlessly beside the other buildings as well.
In fact, exactly the same yellow dumpster appears in all three sets. The open cardboard box outside the back door, meanwhile, signals Justin Ramsden's involvement in this design, as a trademark detail he places in many of his sets. The door itself includes a reference too, with a poster advertising a new Captain America exhibit, which was similarly featured on a billboard outside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
The dumpster is a further source of references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, containing a discarded vial of Pym particles and a 2x2 tile that features a chicken parmo. This is another of Justin's trademarks, found on stickers in various sets. Nick Fury's pager is provided as well, in the process of summoning Captain Marvel as Thanos' momentous snap takes effect.
Trans-light blue windows are used across the curved sides of the tower, with dark azure plates in between. These give the impression of many floors inside and the curvature of the surface is accurate, incorporating a new 4x4x3 window panel. Moreover, this whole panel is removable, so the strength of the grey structures along the edges of the windows is essential.
269 window frames and trans-black panes are included, comprising the front and rear walls of the building. Although lacking in complex texture, this design is appropriate for a contemporary skyscraper and a damaged section offers some variation. I think the designers could have gone further in adding damage and thus detail, but the simpler destruction is easier to reassemble.
A bar is hidden underneath the broken windows, allowing Hulk to cling to the tower and cause destruction as he goes, naturally! Again, this helps to break up the otherwise repetitive exterior and the Hulk's moveable head is particularly useful here, as this figure looks more dynamic than previous versions.
The many stacked window frames provide a degree of structural support, but not enough for a model of this size. The narrower side of the tower accordingly provides much of the necessary strength, through two light bluish grey columns. Unfortunately, the need for rigidity has entailed straightening the columns, whereas they should be angled inwards for much of their length.
Furthermore, certain areas of the trans-light blue windows seem untidy, as bricks and layers of plates sometimes interrupt the panels. However, I am not sure how these awkward areas could be avoided given the curvature of the tower, which means pieces smaller than 1x2x3 wall panels are needed to fill gaps.
A number of 1x1 Technic bricks with axle holes are distributed across the tower, used to attach minifigures and small vehicles to the exterior. Some of these bricks are more noticeable than I would like, but the option is welcome for display. Wong's trans-orange portal looks excellent in particular, even though the sorcerer's presence in this set is questionable.
The trans-clear curved bars introduced in the summer were actually developed for this set and eight are provided, along with various other trans-clear pieces. There are more than enough to display all the flying characters around Avengers Tower and some of these elements have only appeared a couple of times before in trans-clear, including 1x1 clips and 1x1 round plates with hollow studs.
Perhaps the most eye-catching of the possible flying characters is Tony Stark himself, with the unfolding Mark VII armour in pursuit! This recreates the scene in which the armour is deployed after Tony is thrown out of a window during The Avengers. The trans-clear pieces between them are relatively conspicuous, but this pose looks wonderful from a distance.
Chitauri vehicles can also be connected to these supports, via the 1x2 and 1x3 rounded plates beneath each one. This came as a pleasant surprise because the vehicles are highly detailed, although still light. In addition, the shape of the trans-clear curved bars means the aircraft can be displayed at irregular angles, as though really flying.
Loki's chariot is supported by a pair of curved bars, with a ball joint joining the two halves of this vessel. The pearl gold, metallic gold and dark tan colours are attractive and the bodywork looks great as well, using claws of two sizes. The smaller claws forming handlebars are impressive in particular, even though they are out of the pilot's reach. Nevertheless, the minifigures look great standing on board.
Claws are used similarly for the Leviathan, comprising armour along the length of its body. As their name suggests, these creatures are absolutely enormous in the films and I would love to see a bigger rendition in the future. However, this Leviathan measures a fairly substantial 25cm long, which seems like an appropriate size in relation to Avengers Tower.
The animal is displayed on a pair of trans-clear 2x4x13 supports, launched in the Avatar range last year. The model is firmly balanced on this column, so you can take full advantage of its many joints to create interesting poses. Six ball joints are situated between sections of the Leviathan's body and its wings are also secured using ball joints, all providing a tremendous range of motion.
The lower jaw is articulated too, opening to show a purple tongue. The shape of the creature's head corresponds with the movies and the segmented armour across its back similarly reflects the source material, consisting of several dark tan curved slopes. Additionally, there is space for a minifigure to stand behind the Leviathan's head, on two vacant studs.
My favourite feature of the model is undoubtedly how the aforementioned claws are integrated, fixed along either side and interlaced underneath to create the desired texture. The small gaps between these claws help to disguise larger ones between sections of the animal's body, which are concealed very well, considering the need for articulation. In fact, the whole Leviathan has exceeded my expectations.
Returning to Avengers Tower, the building is divided between seven levels, with a foyer at the base. This area appears in Avengers: Endgame and its white tiled floor matches the onscreen location, providing plenty of space for minifigures. The black chairs are also visible briefly in the movie and can be removed to create even more room, which would be needed for the Hulk.
A trans-light blue Minecraft head represents the Tesseract, ready for Loki's escape. The same piece has been used in several sets and I think it works well, despite being greatly oversized! The desk behind the Tesseract demonstrates impressive attention to details from the film too, featuring the correct colours, as well as a futuristic computer on top.
Lift doors are found on each of the tower's lower four levels, sharing their design with those in 76178 Daily Bugle. A functional lift is not actually included and the shaft is only two studs deep, although its doors seem realistic. I like the printed arrows above them and the buttons look nice as well, represented by dark red 1x1 round tiles.
However, by far the most eye-catching feature is the vending machine. The colourful Vita Rush brand originates in LEGO City, but is given a Marvel Cinematic Universe twist on this occasion, since Vita Rush is seemingly manufactured by Pym Technologies. This vending machine is too small for a function to release the cans inside, which has been possible in a couple of past sets, but the machine looks splendid.
The next floor contains one of Tony Stark's laboratories and the glass walkway where the time-travelling Captain America encounters his 2012 self. I am glad this structure is included and it helps to avoid repetition between floors, as their footprints are almost identical. However, the walkway partly obstructs access to the laboratory, which is a shame.
Fortunately, the walkway can be removed with relative ease, although I am not certain it was designed with that in mind. Regardless, the chairs and medical bay become more accessible once the walkway has been detached, showing the bed where Hawkeye recovers in Avengers: Age of Ultron, with a holographic display and the Mind Stone at its end.
Speaking of Ultron, before taking physical form, the artificial intelligence is portrayed as a blue hologram. A trans-light blue rock serves perfectly in the role, while J.A.R.V.I.S. is depicted by a trans-orange 3x3 dish. Ideally, the brief battle between Ultron and J.A.R.V.I.S. would be afforded additional space, but this representation is ingenious.
Another holographic computer features the Mark VII armour, which is attached to the tower's exterior. A minifigure hand is displayed on the screen, highlighting the bracelets used to track Tony and deploy his armour. Applying stickers on concave surfaces can be difficult sometimes and this instance is no exception, but the result is superb.
Trans-clear 1x1 slopes and 1x1 quarter circle tiles depict smashed glass on the floor, from one side of the walkway above. You can therefore recreate the battle between the two incarnations of Captain America and its conclusion, as Steve memorably comments, "that is America's ass"! LEGO refers to this as a minifigure's 'tube-side' in the instruction manual.
Furthermore, the smashed window outside lines up nicely with the walkway, so you can display minifigures falling much further than onto the level below! Given the variation in scale between the interior and the exterior, which gives the impression of many more stories inside the tower, this interaction is very creative.
Tony develops new Iron Man armours on the floor above, with questionable assistance from Dum-E. Similar workshops have appeared in several previous sets, but this was an essential addition to Avengers Tower and provides an excellent opportunity for many more references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, given the numerous holographic displays found in here.
Dum-E is fully articulated, so can easily be positioned as though working on Iron Man's armour. The circular podium where the minifigure stands looks nice, featuring some opalescent pieces underneath and bands of lights across the floor. The entire room therefore looks appropriately modern, but also more industrial than the laboratory on the level below.
A dark red nanofigure stands on the workbench, doubtless depicting a new armour design in testing, alongside Tony's original arc reactor chest piece. I like the opalescent trans-light blue 1x1 round tile used here and the Aeroblade piece is also effective, providing some mechanical detail. The drawers below contain a cookie and a printed banknote.
Fire extinguishers are a standard feature of Marvel Super Heroes sets and one is accordingly supplied here, while the Roxxon barrel returns from 76067 Tanker Truck Takedown. Given the rivalry between Stark Industries and the Roxxon Corporation, I am surprised to see one of their barrels in the workshop, so maybe Tony is examining this item to stop a Roxxon scheme.
Several holographic screens are included as well, showing the Quinjet, Loki, an arc reactor and the Mark XLIX armour, commonly known as the Rescue Armour. The armour clearly remains in development and notably displays the number 3000 and a heart near the base of the hologram, in reference to Morgan Stark's memorable "I love you 3000" line from Avengers: Endgame.
The workshop also houses a blueprint for Ultron's second generation form. The design on this sticker is identical to the minifigure released in 2015 and a series of numbers appear along the top. They refer to The Avengers #54, which was published in 1968 and introduced the character of Ultron, albeit only in a cameo before his true emergence in the next issue.
When not developing new technologies, Tony Stark is no stranger to publicity and appears on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in the original Iron Man film. The cover is recreated here using a stickered 2x3 tile and translates perfectly to LEGO form, thanks in particular to Tony's memorable pose from the movie.
Various memorable scenes take place in Avengers Tower, although often in relatively similar laboratories or lounges. On that basis, the designers have transplanted SHIELD's prison cell from the Helicarrier to the tower. This does not necessarily bother me, but I do wonder whether the Iron Legion maintenance area, for example, could have made better use of the space.
The prison cell is constructed around four trans-light blue panels, two of which open to release the captive. There is ample room even for Loki's horned helmet inside and I like the trans-clear tiles on the floor, reflecting the setting aboard the Helicarrier. A newspaper is also placed on the floor, taken from the original Iron Man movie and speculating about the hero's identity.
Loki's cell is not the only feature borrowed from a location beyond Avengers Tower, as Arnim Zola appears on an old computer in the corner. Originating from Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Zola is brilliantly translated to a computerised minifigure form, but I wish some more of the scientist's elaborate computer mainframe was provided because there is ample room.
The lift doors on this level are decorated with a couple of stickers, warning that the lift is not in use and specifically banning the Hulk from entering. These relate to Hulk's frustration at using the stairs in Avengers: Endgame, which spoils the heroes' plan to recover the Tesseract. A few more items are also hidden in the lift shaft, including another banknote and a red mug.
Arnim Zola and the lift doors are easier to see after removing the cell. However, this reveals a Technic frame as well, needed to anchor the landing pad on the floor above. The beams blend effectively against the windows, but I am glad they are usually hidden behind the cell. Moreover, a bucket is found against the wall, intriguingly, similar to one inside 76178 Daily Bugle.
I think the uppermost levels of Avengers Tower are probably the most recognisable, including the Avengers' famed symbol and the aforementioned landing pad. This section looks far more complicated than the structure below and its shape is impressively faithful to the movies, which requires some unusual construction techniques, most notably around the curved landing pad.
Even the Avengers' symbol is fairly intricate, combining dark azure and medium azure pieces, which create a sense of depth. The shape of this 'A' looks marvellous, complete with the inset arrow and accurate angles. In addition, I like the dark blue and white circles behind the symbol, again corresponding with the design presented throughout the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
I mentioned earlier that the columns on the narrow side of Avengers Tower should be angled inwards towards the top. This architectural feature does ultimately arrive, but should continue much further down the tower. Nevertheless, the angled columns look good and resemble an 'A' in combination with the cross brace, appropriately.
The back of the skyscraper displays another Avengers logo, with a white bird perched nearby. Given the number of references already included throughout the set, I wonder whether this is supposed to be Ivan Vanko's beloved cockatoo, Irina! Admittedly, the shape of this bird bears little resemblance to a cockatoo, but its colour reminds me of Irina.
Flexible tubes encircle the landing pad, recreating the barrier around this platform in the movies. The stripes on the surface of the platform are accurate and there is space for a mini Quinjet on top. This aircraft recalls scaled-down renditions of Darth Vader's TIE Advanced x1, available in 10188 Death Star, 75159 Death Star and 75251 Darth Vader's Castle.
As shown onscreen, the Quinjet's wings can retract to fit on the landing platform, but its shape becomes more recognisable with them extended. Despite measuring only 14cm in length, this rendition of the Quinjet achieves remarkably accurate shaping and proportions. However, I am surprised the designers decided to provide a SHIELD Quinjet over the more rounded Avengers' vessel, which earlier appeared in 76032 The Avengers Quinjet City Chase.
On the other hand, this is probably the most easily identifiable version of the Quinjet, which is helpful for a comparatively small model. The shape of the canopy is accurate and there is just enough room for a minifigure, flanked by two stickered control consoles. Ideally, the pilot could sit closer to upright, but accommodating a minifigure in any pose is worthy of praise.
The wings are my favourite part of this Quinjet, capturing their shape and layered armour very well. The adjustable winglets can be angled as you like and feature navigation lights, while the turbine engines inside each wing look outstanding too. These splashes of dark azure are lovely, complementing trans-light blue elements used across the vessel.
Stud shooters are mounted behind the cockpit and additional ammunition is stored inside the fuselage, under a removable panel. Such effective use of space is clever and the engines are brilliant as well, employing curved slopes to create the necessary shape. Similarly, the stickers on the wings and fins, emblazoned with SHIELD insignia, are faithful to the onscreen aircraft.
The folding winglets even allow the Quinjet to reverse into its hangar, although this is a tight squeeze, with no gaps on either side. The feature is very welcome though, allowing room for minifigures to stand on the landing pad. Despite the many connection points to display heroes and villains flying around the tower, somewhere for ground-based characters is also needed.
The underside of the landing platform is surprisingly detailed, finished using inverted tiles and standard tiles attached upside down. This section of the structure is even more important than usual because of the tower's enormous size, which makes the surface underneath the platform visible on display.
I like the alternating bands of dark bluish grey tiles and pearl silver grille tiles inside the hangar, flanked by two mesh platforms, making further use of grilles. Usually, consoles or maintenance equipment would be required here, but given how tightly the Quinjet fits inside, I understand the need to exclude such accessories.
Hazard stripes separate the hangar area from a lounge, where the Avengers gather for a party after recovering Loki's sceptre in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Reaching inside this space would be rather difficult for play, but access is sufficiently easy to place minifigures, thanks to a removable roof panel above the hangar.
I love the bar against the wall, incorporating a transparent opal wall panel, while the tan sofas correspond with the location from Age of Ultron. The table between them looks perfect as well, featuring a trans-clear cocktail class, which is new in this colour, beside a newspaper reporting on the Battle of New York. Mjölnir is also included, ready to challenge the Avengers and learn who among them can wield the hammer.
Some team members are evidently taking the challenge seriously, as a nearby screen displays information about lifting heavy objects. Recommendations include Asgardian cardio and being an ant because ants are able to lift things many times their own weight. In another window on this screen, it appears some Hydra files are in the process of being deleted.
The second screen in the lounge shows a news report, recounting the Hulk's latest rampage. The same news channel and reporter appeared on television in 76178 Daily Bugle, complete with a live ticker across the bottom of the screen. This ticker ponders the identity of the Winter Soldier, dubiously considering this a weather update!
Avengers Tower's roof has been simplified slightly, omitting the recessed penthouse access to add another row of windows. This is a minor compromise and the trans-light blue windows are attractive, but even more remarkable is the curved surface adjoining this panel. A series of tiled bands are connected via flexible hoses, threaded through 1x2 plates with Technic pin holes.
The curved panel slots securely beneath a layer of plates with side rails, although this section can be detached with ease. On this floor of the skyscraper, rooms are becoming much smaller, but there is still enough space for some of Tony's possessions, seen in the background when he confronts Loki in the Stark Tower penthouse.
Issue one of The Avengers is included as well, including classic comic book depictions of Thor, the Hulk, Iron Man and Loki on its cover. I would love to see these minifigures in physical form, at some point. Another sticker is applied on the floor and features Loki's silhouette, inspired by the Hulk repeatedly smashing the God of Mischief into the ground during The Avengers.
Loki's sceptre is under examination on the next level, surrounded by even more holographic screens. This golden weapon was developed for sets based upon The Lord of the Rings, but bears a clear resemblance to the sceptre and has been used in the same capacity a couple of times before.
Given the need for security around Loki's sceptre and the Mind Stone inside, this room and its huge windows seem extremely vulnerable. After all, Ultron is clearly an imminent threat, as his robotic visage appears on one of the screens. The other displays the exact location of the Mind Stone within the sceptre and also originates from Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Finally, the portal generator assembled by Erik Selvig is placed on top of Avengers Tower, as shown in The Avengers. This device is incredibly detailed and uses a variety of unusual parts, including dark bluish grey pistols, a whisk and a pearl gold wand, to recreate the exceptionally advanced technology shown onscreen. Dr. Selvig can supervise his creation too, standing on the available studs.
Overall
Fans have discussed the concept of a large-scale rendition of Avengers Tower, or Stark Tower, since the Marvel Super Heroes theme began in 2012. 76269 Avengers Tower finally fulfils this idea and looks incredible. The architectural styling and detail are both outstanding, particularly towards the top of the tower, where the exterior becomes more complex.
The interior is richly detailed as well, but I would question some of the decisions about what to include. A similar problem affects the minifigures, as the selection is good, but feels incomplete without the likes of Quicksilver, Maria Hill and some Iron Legion drones. Considering the price of £429.99, $499.99 or €499.99, these issues are difficult to overcome, but as a celebration of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the set succeeds.
Part one of our review, focusing on the minifigures, is available here.
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41 comments on this article
The figure selection isn't Mediocre...
This set is a masterpiece, can't change my mind about that.
I like all the details and references throughout the set, like issue 1 of The Avengers.
MERVEILLEUX ensemble .Oui il y a des omissions mais je les comprends.Pour cela je vais en acheter deux vendredi prochain.
With the amount of other stuff coming shortly I am delighted to not have the remotest interest in Marvel. The building does look superb though!
Looks like the ultimate MCU set to me! A true labor of love from everyone involved.
The MCU has bored me for many years now, and I stopped watching any of it even before Infinity War. My issue with this wouldn't be the figures—there's absolutely loads of them. More the scale. With something this expensive I would hope for total accuracy. For it still to only accommodate a tiny Quinjet and nothing else on the platform is disappointing IMO. But as I say, I'm not the audience.
@CapnRex101 when are you going to post a review of 71799 Ninjago City Markets?
@Freddy_Hodson I 100% agree with you. For a $500 set you would expect the scale to be bigger. This has less pieces than 71741 Ninjago City Gardens and costs $150 more. Both sets are about the same hight.
IMO, with the Sanctum Santorum ( or any other modular) you will need to add an additional second floor to make it fell similar in scale.
@CapnRex101 How did you go with scratches on the clear window pieces?
Guaranteed in any set I have featuring these, at least one or two will come with a deep scratch, which then involves an enquiry with Lego for a replacement. Would hate to have to sort that out with this set too.
It is certainly a very impressive set with a stunning set of minifigures. I would like to incorporate it into my modular set-up but, as has already been said, it would need to be bigger - basically near minifigure scale. However, if you take 76248 as the correct scale for the Quinjet then clearly this is totally impractical for a retail set. Shame, but means I'll be giving it a miss.
Great review as well, though the price complaint appears to be missing and the incongruous use 'appreciate' (which always grates with me*) is much earlier than normal.
*I accept this is almost certainly just my issue.
How long did building take?
Such sets always feel very ambiguous.
They have an effect on me not unsimilar to that of the uncanny valley phenomenon...
I kind of feel like the set is simultaneously too big (mostly financial) and too small (mostly interior space and scale relative to minifigs and vehicles). I usually feel like the playset version of these types of subjects is better overall, even though the larger version obviously and objectively has a lot more to offer. This probably has to do with the fact that with a playset I can more easily accept the fact that it is a simplified version of the 'real' thing and I can come to terms with the relatively ‘small’ amount you pay for it, while with a collectible (certainly for the money you spend on it), you expect a level of detail and quality that is not really achievable at the chosen scale. To do it 'right', the set would have to be many times larger and so would be the cost of it, which would lead to another kind of absurd situation, which would in turn lead to even more harsh criticism (and perhaps rightfully so).
Don't get me wrong, I think this is a set that probably looks gorgeous on display and is in my opinion very well executed within the boundaries the design team had to work with, but the result just isn't for me. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem: I will save my hard-earned money for another day.
Would it make better sense to sketch out several XL Marvel sets so e.g
the shield characters and agents can go with a helicarrier set, shaving the body count and price from this NY and tower centred build?
Then Original comic characters could stay in the collectible minifigures series so freeing up sets for the most suitable character inclusion within sets?
Also: could scrap the quinjet- it’s a seperate set! Yeah ok, scale!
An impressive set and a thorough review- thank you.
Would have definitiely bought it with Quicksilver and Iton Legions. But I don't see anything here that I don't already have in some capacity, although I do like the new Vision and new colors on the windows; can't believe this is their first time in dark grey.
Yes, very disappointing that this building (which is apparently has 113 floors) is not to minifigure scale. For $500 it should be 30 times the height of the Daily Bugle.
Thanks for detailed review! I wonder how does this tower look next to the Eiffel Tower 10307 ?
I thought that sticker of Loki was one of those body outlines for crime scenes
@capnrex101
I wouldn’t mind a separate article about how it looks in combination with other modular buildings if that might be possible...?
So, regarding Vita Rush being a Pym product: Does this mean Lego City is in the MCU, or the other way around?
So the smashed window looks to be a fairly straightforward repair job, as I'm not buying this for marvel. I'm also planning on doing a massive discount via the points from this weekend and what I have currently, which makes this much cheaper.
The minifigure selection, while good, does feel lacking when you compare it to Daily Bugle. There are definitely some characters that should have been included and replacing a few of the random soldier ones.
I can understand some folks being disappointed with the fig selection. But for people like me that only collect the big statement DC/MU sets, getting the 'expected' figures is enough, with everyone else a bonus.
Looking forward to picking this up in the new year when it shows up on a bit of a discount somewhere
That IS America's tube-side!!
Great review(s). Impressive build. Mediocre figs. Sad GWP. Still on the fence about Day 1.
But, I will have this eventually. Excited for it.
However, I'm at a loss as to the references for the following items: cookie, $100 bill, Roxxon barrel, and bucket. I must know the answers. Lego Marvel Avengers nerds ASSEMBLE!!
This set is such a masterpiece. Incredible interior, LOADS of Easter eggs and references, figures are just marvelous. I don't have any words now. Such an incredible set!
I'd like to see some pics of the whole back and sides.
I'm just not a fan of the exterior scaling on these Marvel mods. They seem to be made to appear larger than they actually are and are out of minififure scale. I think it makes it look odd when the minifigs are displayed outside them. I bought the Sanctum but had to do a LOT of remodelling to make it fit style wise with my other modulars.
Great for the figures and as bases to mod from. But wouldn't be able to display them as is in my town.
@CapnRex101
I'm pretty sure that 2x2 in the dumpster is meant to be a shawarma wrap.
@SilentBotts said:
" @CapnRex101
I'm pretty sure that 2x2 in the dumpster is meant to be a shawarma wrap."
Maybe it is intended to allude to shawarma, but that is not really what shawarma wraps look like. Also, the same graphic has been used to represent a chicken parmo in several of Justin's other sets.
@Endermen39 said:
" @CapnRex101 when are you going to post a review of 71799 Ninjago City Markets?
@Freddy_Hodson I 100% agree with you. For a $500 set you would expect the scale to be bigger. This has less pieces than 71741 Ninjago City Gardens and costs $150 more. Both sets are about the same hight."
Remember you need to pay for the IP/Disney tax...Ninjago is a Lego IP so it will be cheaper.
IMO the real minifigure miss is the Tony Stark that comes with 76210: Hulkbuster. One of the designers said that the minifig is inspired by a “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” moment when Tony partially suits-up during the fight when the Vision was coming to life. That being the case, that minifig absolutely belongs in this set because that takes place in Avengers Tower.
@shaase said:
" @Endermen39 said:
" @CapnRex101 when are you going to post a review of 71799 Ninjago City Markets?
@Freddy_Hodson I 100% agree with you. For a $500 set you would expect the scale to be bigger. This has less pieces than 71741 Ninjago City Gardens and costs $150 more. Both sets are about the same hight."
Remember you need to pay for the IP/Disney tax...Ninjago is a Lego IP so it will be cheaper."
Yeah I know but $500 for 5200 pieces for a marvel set versus $350 for 5600 pieces for a Ninjago set. You would expect the marvel set to be $50-70 more not $150.
Many thanks for a great review of a great set, so many photos of all details! I'm so glad for sets like this with the modulars being stuck in "old looking" buildings ever after the brief brilliant departure into "modern" architecture with 10260: Downtown Diner. And no off colour stripes of plates and tiles all over the walls!
I think it's a bit disappointing though with just stickers except for the new minifigs - remember we got no less than 15 (!) unique printed 2x2 tiles in 76178: Daily Bugle? Also, all decorations in the accompanying GWP 6487484: Taxi are prints!
@CapnRex101 said:
"This vending machine is too small for a function to release the cans inside, which has been possible in a couple of past sets, but the machine looks splendid."
It's actually the same build as in 76178: Daily Bugle, only with different colours and stickers.
@CapnRex101 said:
"a trans-clear cocktail class, which is new in this colour"
This was actually introduced with 71028-9: Ginny Weasley in 2020, but is at last brought back here and in 21344: The Orient Express Train, hurray! I'm also really happy for the flat silver suitcase.
It’s a complete, thorough and enjoyable review as always.
1. My thoughts on the Minifigures I covered.
2. Set is way too small. Should be larger. “The scale of the tower is imposing too, reaching a height of 91cm and comfortably surpassing 76178 Daily Bugle.” It is taller by what looks to be two inches, possible a bit more. That’s not much. It should be a lot taller. A lot. It looks like a shortened version of a massively tall skyscraper. The only reason this resonates so hard for me is I’ve been playing a ton of the Insomniac games and the scales are very well done there.
3. The model isn’t accurate. Stability could have been addressed with interior parts and extra height.
I’m not saying it’s not a cool piece. It is kinda cool. But when I first heard they were doing it (and this is my fault) I had an image in my mind of what it could be. This falls well short of that. Will I still try to pick it up if I can get 30% off the steep price? Yeah probably.
3rd best set released this year behind 10316 Rivendell and 41757 Botanical Garden
Great review thank you.
With relation to scale - you have to be realistic about it. I think what is causing more perception problems is the conflicting scales within the same model. Even though the Leviathan and Quintet are great little models, it changes the feel of the overall design when alongside minifigs.
@blogzilly said:
"It’s a complete, thorough and enjoyable review as always.
1. My thoughts on the Minifigures I covered.
2. Set is way too small. Should be larger. “The scale of the tower is imposing too, reaching a height of 91cm and comfortably surpassing 76178 Daily Bugle.” It is taller by what looks to be two inches, possible a bit more. That’s not much. It should be a lot taller. A lot. It looks like a shortened version of a massively tall skyscraper. The only reason this resonates so hard for me is I’ve been playing a ton of the Insomniac games and the scales are very well done there.
3. The model isn’t accurate. Stability could have been addressed with interior parts and extra height.
I’m not saying it’s not a cool piece. It is kinda cool. But when I first heard they were doing it (and this is my fault) I had an image in my mind of what it could be. This falls well short of that. Will I still try to pick it up if I can get 30% off the steep price? Yeah probably."
So, it's a steep price but you want it to be much bigger therefore much more expensive. Eh?
@CapnRex101 said:
"The scale of the tower is imposing too, reaching a height of 91cm and comfortably surpassing 76178 Daily Bugle. Despite their differing origins, the pair are evidently superb companions on display, but require some space between them."
Other reviewers have shown them connected side by side, so it's indeed possible, but doesn't look particularly good.
it's not the same height as ninjago city garden, it's 15cm more. and the difference is probably bigger if you remove the top antennas. avengers tower has less pieces, but I guess it may have noticeably more big pieces with all the windows.
No idea why I should like this set, exept for I want to have the Blanka minifig now.
Not to mention a certain Webhead @CapnRex101.
@ShinyBidoof said:
" @blogzilly said:
"It’s a complete, thorough and enjoyable review as always.
1. My thoughts on the Minifigures I covered.
2. Set is way too small. Should be larger. “The scale of the tower is imposing too, reaching a height of 91cm and comfortably surpassing 76178 Daily Bugle.” It is taller by what looks to be two inches, possible a bit more. That’s not much. It should be a lot taller. A lot. It looks like a shortened version of a massively tall skyscraper. The only reason this resonates so hard for me is I’ve been playing a ton of the Insomniac games and the scales are very well done there.
3. The model isn’t accurate. Stability could have been addressed with interior parts and extra height.
I’m not saying it’s not a cool piece. It is kinda cool. But when I first heard they were doing it (and this is my fault) I had an image in my mind of what it could be. This falls well short of that. Will I still try to pick it up if I can get 30% off the steep price? Yeah probably."
So, it's a steep price but you want it to be much bigger therefore much more expensive. Eh?"
Yes.