Review: 76300 Arkham Asylum - Part #1 - Minifigures & Patient Transport
Posted by CapnRex101,
Arkham Asylum has become a major location in Gotham City, as the notoriously troubled facility where Batman's enemies are often incarcerated, preparing for the next inevitable escape! 76300 Arkham Asylum certainly embraces that chaotic reputation and looks fantastic.
However, before examining Arkham Asylum itself, we should first meet its residents. Sixteen minifigures and two robots are included, with many unique designs among them. Moreover, part one of our review also features the patient transport, which is remarkably detailed.
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Box and Contents
Batman sets commonly suit the dark 18+ packaging and that is absolutely the case for Arkham Asylum, which has enough colour to stand out from its black background. Inside the box are 24 numbered bags, so this set could be constructed as an Advent Calendar. The same was true for 76294 X-Men: The X-Mansion last year, but whereas that was reportedly coincidental, this was deliberate.
Apart from highlighting the 24 bags and potential for a kind of Advent Calendar experience, the press release for the set proudly mentioned its 71 stickers, spread across two sheets. Although many LEGO fans are understandably averse to stickers, their presence is essentially necessary for sets like this, adding lots of fun details to the model.
Minifigures
Batman is essential, featuring his standard dual-moulded cowl and the torso introduced earlier this year. While this design is similar to previous examples, I like the more detailed belt and the classic bat emblem. However, the figure is more notable for its billowing cape, which resembles those available in 2020, which looks superb with Batman posed on a rooftop.
A similar cape is provided for Robin, albeit with yellow fabric inside and black on the reverse. The torso and head are also new, inspired by Damian Wayne's version of Robin. I appreciate choosing a less prevalent incarnation of the character and medium legs are ideal, showing his young age without affecting poseability.
The angry alternative expression is perfect too, reflecting Damian's aggression, which Batman discourages. Bruce Wayne's double-sided head has been used for several years and the Dark Knight carries a batarang, while Robin is armed with a katana.
Batwoman sports another eye-catching cape, although hers is a little more awkward because the hairstyle pushes it down on one side. Even so, this is another two-tone cape, with black on the outside, which looks great. I love the dual-moulded cowl and hair element too, produced for 76111 Batman: Brother Eye Takedown originally and last appearing in 2019.
Batwing is the only new character included and is perhaps a surprising choice, as a relatively minor member of the wider Bat-family. Nonetheless, I like his mechanised suit, which deviates from the other heroes and makes excellent use of the pearl dark grey cowl designed for 76304 Batman Forever Batmobile, complete with pale blue eyes.
The corresponding bat symbol is attractive too, as are the other details on Batwing's torso and legs. Moreover, the folding wings are neatly integrated, though the use of a sticker instead of a printed piece on the back is disappointing. Stickers should never be used on figures likely to be handled frequently, in my opinion.
I am not convinced by the choice of head either, which lacks a determined expression, as the piece was not designed for Batwing. Batwoman's smile and grimace look good though, with a pair of goggles. Also, the minifigure wields a grapnel launcher with a red highlight to match her suit, in a nice touch.
Ten inmates are included, beginning with the Joker. The villain's smiling head has appeared a few times before, but his hair element is new in bright green and looks marvellous. Additionally, several of these minifigures wear the same orange uniform, comprising a newly decorated torso and matching legs.
I like the Arkham Asylum branding on the back, particularly since its font corresponds with the stickered sign above the asylum gates. Harley Quinn accompanies her beau and is probably very happy with their mirrored attire, although orange is not really their colour. Harley's double-sided head is new, with fun winking and bubblegum-blowing expressions.
As ever, her dual-moulded red and black hair looks fantastic, complementing her roller skates. This minifigure also comes with a stickered hammer, while the Joker includes his famed 'bang' gun, which features stickers on each side of the flag too.
A new head has been designed for Scarecrow and definitely seems suitably scary, with green eyes and tattered stitches on both sides. However, I think the figure looks incomplete without a hat or perhaps a hood. The dark brown hood sometimes used for Jedi Knights would suffice.
Penguin does not really belong in Arkham Asylum and is often sent to Blackgate Penitentiary instead. However, the minifigure selection was apparently picked in homage to the characters found in the original LEGO Batman theme, hence Cobblepot's presence. Regardless, I like the traditional monocle and fur collar, although I prefer a bigger hat for the Penguin.
The minifigure comes with an umbrella, which works, but I wish the folded umbrella accessory was also included. Scarecrow, meanwhile, features a flask of his dangerous fear toxin, despite wearing handcuffs at the same time.
A pair of penguin robots are included as well, again in reference to the 2006 Batman sets. The design has been updated with a modern 1x1 bow on top, but otherwise appears very similar to the classic robots and certainly captures their charm. Naturally, the penguins are heavily armed with a revolver and a bundle of dynamite!
Killer Croc has appeared just three times in LEGO sets and once as a minifigure, before now. The new minifigure is therefore very welcome and olive green is a great choice for his reptilian skin, especially with the fearsome grin. I am not sure about the torso though. Killer Croc should probably be shirtless, or perhaps his Arkham Asylum uniform could be tattered.
The same applies to Bane, although I think a sleeveless shirt would be effective for this mighty criminal. No sleeves can contain his muscles! The new head looks splendid, however, faithfully recreating Bane's intimidating mask from the comics and featuring a printed Venom tube on the back.
Bane wears a Venom storage tank too, attached to a neck bracket and closely resembling the version from 71240 Bane Fun Pack. The minifigure also includes a dumbbell, while Killer Croc comes with another pair of handcuffs and a chicken leg, briefly satisfying his appetite.
The amazingly detailed Poison Ivy minifigure available in 70908 The Scuttler is potentially my favourite minifigure ever produced, although her new design is not far behind. The flowing hair element designed for Glinda from the Wicked theme suits Ivy brilliantly in red, even including a connection point for a flower on the side. The rest of this figure looks impressive too and I love the pale green skin tone.
Like the Penguin, Catwoman is another character rarely associated with Arkham Asylum, but nevertheless a nice addition. I prefer Catwoman's bulkier ears and goggles and especially the piece from 76122 Batcave Clayface Invasion, although printed goggles work well with the ears originally designed for Black Panther.
The torso looks lovely too, featuring a silver cat symbol on the belt, while the legs are typically used for Black Widow minifigures, but suit Catwoman well. Selina comes with her classic whip and a printed box of cat food, only found in two other sets. Poison Ivy carries a flower, although even that seems threatening with her determined alternative expression!
I am glad the designers chose to include the Riddler in his traditional garb, instead of another orange uniform. The golden question mark on his hat looks excellent, with matching details on the torso. Additionally, I like the coordinated purple domino mask, tie and gloves, suiting one of Batman's more refined opponents, or so the Riddler considers himself.
Mr. Freeze completes the selection of villains, mostly re-using elements from the minifigure in 76301 Batman & Batmobile vs. Mr. Freeze, released in January. Sand blue is a nice colour for Freeze's armour and I like his helmet, though this component arguably looks better without the air tanks because they create an awkward gap around the neck.
Both minifigures would benefit from printed legs, especially Mr. Freeze. Even so, his distinctive red goggles and emotionless expression are superb and the villain comes with a freeze gun, of course. The Riddler's question mark cane is represented by a crowbar, which is fine, but I would prefer his accessory from The LEGO Batman Movie, or an equivalent piece.
Arkham Asylum is not renowned for its comprehensive security, but only two Security Guards still seems lacklustre to me, especially with no other staff included. I am pleased their uniforms match and re-using torsos from LEGO City is no surprise, although a design specific to Arkham would have been better.
Both guards include relatively uncommon heads, as the male design debuts here and will soon be available in 75419 Death Star too, while the female head with a hearing aid was launched in 21337 Table Football. A simple torch is supplied, with more accessories in the guards' van.
The Completed Model
Arkham Asylum has appeared in large sets three times before and two of those previous sets also include vans to move inmates. This example is very boxy and therefore distinctive, which appeals to me. Its shape actually reminds me of SWAT team vehicles from the 1970s, perhaps purchased at a discounted price from the GCPD and repainted.
For an outwardly basic van, the design is surprisingly intricate around the headlights, ensuring the exterior is almost completely free of studs. I love the radiator and the angular bonnet, while the stickered number plate is also quite fun, making reference to the first appearance of Arkham Asylum in Batman #258.
Unfortunately, the sand blue stickers applied near the front fail to match the neighbouring sand blue parts and the white stickers leave much to be desired too. The open doors to the cab look decidedly unsafe for a vehicle transporting Gotham's most dangerous criminals, although these again reflect various historic Police vans, with sliding doors.
Apart from the trans-red and trans-blue lights, the roof includes one of the most conspicuous references in this set, as the vehicle number pays homage to 7785 Arkham Asylum. This and some damage further back on the roof use a couple more stickers.
You can detach these roof panels to reach the interior, including seats for two minifigures and room to store weapons behind them in the cab. Even though there are bars to separate those tranquilliser guns from the prisoner, they still look too close for comfort, based on the asylum's dubious reputation!
The wheels of the model are interesting, incorporating a new and relatively narrow tyre, which could be incredibly useful. I doubt this tyre was created for Arkham Asylum, but it suits the van and I look forward to seeing where else it appears.
Update: The new tyre was indeed created for this vehicle. Thanks to the van's designer, Adam Grabowski, for letting us know!
There are opening doors at the rear and plenty of space inside. You can comfortably seat four characters or slide the secure stretcher into place, here pictured with the Joker strapped down. An almost identical stretcher was provided in 10937 Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout in 2013, though this edition features a blue bed rather than grey.
Overall
The minifigures are usually a highlight of Super Heroes Modular Buildings and 76300 Arkham Asylum follows the trend, offering a great variety of heroes and villains. The individual designs are impressive, with few noticeable compromises, partly because several inmates wear exactly the same Arkham Asylum uniform.
However, I would have liked unique designs for Bane and Killer Croc and the absence of Two-Face is unfortunate, although it sounds like he will appear in another set quite soon. The main issue for me is the scarcity of guards and complete lack of a psychiatrist, so I wish Aaron Cash and Dr. Hugo Strange were both included to populate Arkham fully.
Part two of our review, focused on the asylum itself, will be published very soon.
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43 comments on this article
Did Mr. Freeze steal the air tanks from my classic space minifig? How dare he…
That’s a nice Cat Woman!
Great posing in the main photo @CapnRex101!
I love the idea of 24 bags for the set. The Home Alone 21330 set also had 24 bags that could be built like an Advent Calendar. Such a great idea. I may get this set for that purpose alone.
What a nice package delivery van! Wish it was also sold separately.
"Although many LEGO fans are understandably averse to stickers, their presence is essentially necessary for sets like this, adding lots of fun details to the model."
If Lego can make Duplo sets with prints and zero stickers then they certainly can do it for system sets for collectors. It's a matter of cost obviously but with the level of income that Lego proudly presents every year choosing stickers over prints is not necessary, it's a choice.
I like the van, and now I wish we could also have a Phantom's Own Laundry truck.
I have no clue who came up with the Advent idea--was that even the plan all along, or did someone say "hey, 24 bags, I bet we could spin this..." I couldn't think of a less logical combination of elements otherwise--"Merry Christmas! Build a prison asylum of criminals breaking out to celebrate!" There's no holiday theming here; not even a Santa Batman minifigure...which I'm shocked *wasn't* one of his TLBM suits! (Can I just say, though: I would absolutely love a typical LEGO advent calendar set that was Batman-themed.)
I do really like the minifigures and I love to see a new "generation" of the LEGO Batman rogues gallery, though I worry it's too much to hope for non-uniformed "complete" versions of these designs too. I think it was a mistake to put *any* of them in prison jumpsuits because they're best in full glory, and I can't help but worry we're never going to get these designs of the Scarecrow, Penguin, Bane, Croc, Joker, and Harley in full costume. TLBM did the uniforms as variants, but I'm not feeling great about them as the first versions of these character designs because these feel primed to be one-offs, debuting in a big collector set like this. It feels like there's a missing wave of playsets with these minifigures' non-Arkham alternate versions, but that would normally come before a set like this.
I do appreciate the nods to the '06 Batman theme. Killer Croc is obviously based on his original minifigure's head print, and Bane's mask also feels subtly more similar to the '06 version than the 2012 version.
I love that Ivy. I also adore the TLBM minifigure, but this one is awesome! Took too long to get a green-skinned edition! Harley would have been more interesting if the black half of her hair was molded blue like some of her other designs. We've seen this hair combo all over TLBM where it debuted.
I think this rendition of Mr. Freeze is a more appealing minifigure design than the recent B:TAS edition, though him being mostly the same as a minifigure in a cheap current playset is a bit dull. Why wasn't *he* in a prison suit? He's the only villain figure you can basically get elsewhere out of uniform! The airtanks do improve the design, though. I didn't realize the Joker's head isn't new, either. Cheap.
Two-Face feels badly missing from this lineup considering every other villain from the '06 Batman sets is present. Glad to hear he's in the pipeline, though. Maybe we will get these other designs in full form, too?
Also, complete lack of a psychiatrist? Harleen Quinzel is right there! (I know what you mean in terms of *qualified* asylum staff, but by technicality...)
@8BrickMario said:
"I think this rendition of Mr. Freeze is a more appealing minifigure design than the recent B:TAS edition, though him being mostly the same as a minifigure in a cheap current playset is a bit dull. Why wasn't *he* in a prison suit? He's the only villain figure you can basically get elsewhere out of uniform! The airtanks do improve the design, though.)"
I haven't kept up with it but IIRC, Mr. Freeze needs to be in a climate controlled room in order to survive.
It wouldn't really make sense for him to be in a prison uniform (without his goggles) unless there were two mini-figures to accommodate however people wanted to display him.
I'm not even sure if he has a room in the model. I haven't looked at it that closely.
@Vesperas said:
" @8BrickMario said:
"I think this rendition of Mr. Freeze is a more appealing minifigure design than the recent B:TAS edition, though him being mostly the same as a minifigure in a cheap current playset is a bit dull. Why wasn't *he* in a prison suit? He's the only villain figure you can basically get elsewhere out of uniform! The airtanks do improve the design, though.)"
I haven't kept up with it but IIRC, Mr. Freeze needs to be in a climate controlled room in order to survive.
It wouldn't really make sense for him to be in a prison uniform (without his goggles) unless there were two mini-figures to accommodate however people wanted to display him.
I'm not even sure if he has a room in the model. I haven't looked at it that closely."
I was thinking they could have done some silly suit-over-armor design to show a uniform on him unnecessarily, but I know his accommodations and that, outside the fact the figure's parts are mostly not exclusive, it makes the least sense to put Freeze in uniform.
That sticker sheet makes my eyes water.
Wish they’d just gone all in on this and created a massive 6000 piece set without compromises.
"However, I would have liked unique designs for Bane and Killer Croc and the absence of Two-Face is unfortunate, although it sounds like he will appear in another set quite soon. The main issue for me is the scarcity of guards and complete lack of a psychiatrist, so I wish Aaron Cash and Dr. Hugo Strange were both included to populate Arkham fully."
who is this "Chris" person from Brickset AshnFlash keeps mentioning in his video?? :)
Soo couple of points... The 'Advent Calendar'. I think thats actually a pretty darn good idea for the christmas sets rather then the rather poor parts packs we've been getting in recent years. Yes it'd be more expensive, but make a decent enough set and I'm pretty sure loads of people would buy into the 'build a section a day' gimic.
Second... On Batwing. I'm assuming this version is the second Batwing, who is Lucas (Luke) Fox, son of Lucias Fox who has been a long term close associate of Batman. So while relatively new (2013 debut), It ties it back to long established history of Batman... plus, being African American, its another diversity character which Lego seems to want to promote more lately.
Thirdly on Joker and Harley... I really don't know why they keep pushing this character as a couple. They split permanently in 2007 in the comics citing Jokers toxic and abusive behaviour towards her, and Harley has actually been a good guy and part of the Bat Family since 2021...
Think its rather lazy design to do so many orange jump suits. Feels like a cost saving choice given so many other villains have their own custom costumes and including other characters that are rather minor (Batwing). As for the stickers? A set that costs £270 should be a premium product, and having so many makes it feel much less than such.... whatever happened to Lego's 'Only the best is good enough?'.
Another 18+ set where Lego are skimping on the minifigures.
@tyresoflaherty said:
"Did Mr. Freeze steal the air tanks from my classic space minifig? How dare he…"
I hope these airtanks become available separately, just like a bright light blue helmet, because then that Classic Spaceman colour would be complete to match the dark blue one which became possible recently.
I can’t help but think the Arkham asylum logo looks a bit silly in this context. Like, why would a serious medical facility have a logo font out of the Men in Black opening credits?
@CapnRex101 It is worth mentioning that the van was designed by Adam Grabowski (aka Misterzumbi).
I'm not sure why people think Freeze's life-support system is the issue here, although it does help to explain some of the other inmates' highly suspect creature-comforts.
"Okay, so Freeze gets his coolant-suit, I guess it's only fair that Bane gets to keep his explosively powerful steroids. And obviously, we're giving Poison Ivy access to her murder-plants, otherwise she'll just get bored. Should we give Doctor Quinn a mallet the size of a grown man? We should right? Wait, is she still on the payroll? I think we should also give the Penguin access to some penguins, and I think we should then arm those penguins with handguns and dynamite, like they use in the wild. Also, I don't see the harm in letting the Joker have a gun, man has his second amendment rights like penguins do. Right, is that everyone? Is everybody happy? Oh fine, let Killer Croc eat a guy. Everybody in the van!"
I would comment on Scarecrow's flask, but I'm just sad that the Erlenmeyer-mould seems to be out of production. I'm just going to pretend that he's mixed up some mojito to drown his sorrow.
All of these minifigures look fine, most of them very good—but the only one I'm looking at and thinking is actually an improvement on previous efforts is Poison Ivy. That's not good enough for a set of this size (not to mention price) in my opinion.
Dang, that Poison Ivy is the best they've ever made, but she's so often in the most expensive sets ;-;
Thank you for the excellent review! They look fantastic!
I am puzzled by the sticker on Batwing's back, that does seem like an afterthought for a company that usually play-proofs their toys, could be a sign of the slide to adult pricing not taking that into account.
"Arkham Asylum has become a major location in Gotham City, as the notoriously troubled facility where Batman's enemies are often incarcerated, preparing for the next inevitable escape!" Am I the only one here who frequents TV Tropes on a regular basis? Because I immediately thought of https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/CardboardPrison. Anyone else? Also, I love the way the poster is torn on the "Vote for Harvey Dent" sticker.
@8BrickMario said:"Also, complete lack of a psychiatrist? Harleen Quinzel is right there! (I know what you mean in terms of *qualified* asylum staff, but by technicality...)"
That's what I thought. Besides, you are technically correct, the *best* kind of correct!
Speaking of Ms Quinzel, @GrizBe said:"Thirdly on Joker and Harley... I really don't know why they keep pushing this character as a couple. They split permanently in 2007 in the comics citing Jokers toxic and abusive behaviour towards her, and Harley has actually been a good guy and part of the Bat Family since 2021..."
I didn't know that they'd separated, or that she was a good guy (let alone a member of the Bat-Family) now. I have, however, long thought she and Ivy are a much better couple. No, not because I like lesbians! (Well, not *just* because of that...)
@Freddy_Hodson said:
"All of these minifigures look fine, most of them very good—but the only one I'm looking at and thinking is actually an improvement on previous efforts is Poison Ivy. That's not good enough for a set of this size (not to mention price) in my opinion."
I agree with this - they're good figs, but any Batfan looking for truly ULTIMATE versions of any of these characters would likely be disappointed.
Ivy is spectacular, easily the best comic-book based version, but everyone else is mostly just on-par with past efforts.
I like the van a lot!
@TheOtherMike said:
"Speaking of Ms Quinzel, @GrizBe said:"Thirdly on Joker and Harley... I really don't know why they keep pushing this character as a couple. They split permanently in 2007 in the comics citing Jokers toxic and abusive behaviour towards her, and Harley has actually been a good guy and part of the Bat Family since 2021..."
I didn't know that they'd separated, or that she was a good guy (let alone a member of the Bat-Family) now. I have, however, long thought she and Ivy are a much better couple. No, not because I like lesbians! (Well, not *just* because of that...)"
Its always a bit of a mess with comic continuity lately given they keep rebooting and retconning things, but yeah, they've been seperated for nearly 20 years during Grant Morrisons run of batman in 2007, that was pretty much sealed permanently when Joker infected Harleys pet hyennas Bud and Lou with rabies in the Suicide Squad comics run of 2012. And well... when I say 'Good Guy' that might be a bit of a stretch as she's classed as more of an anti-hero, she kind of self impossed herself on Batman when she was trying to reform herself, but has officially been invited as a member of the Bat Family in 2021.
As for Harley and Ivy... They've been officially a non-monogamous couple since 2017.
Pity they are all wearing gloves instead of having appropriate skin tone hands.
I think I agree completely with this minifig review.
My biggest gripe is that we're only getting the Arkham variants for so many of the characters. If we can get 7 Lukes and Hans with every death star, I'd like alternate outfit options for these "patients." It's easy for Ivy, Selina, Freeze, and Riddler to "check into this hotel" by swapping elements but more difficult for Croc and friends to "check out."
Alternatively, like Cap says, if we could customize each patient outfit, that might have made me feel better. I had the same issues with 76126 Avengers Quinjet.
Love the new Bane, Killer croc and Poison ivy figs i also love the Hospital Transporter van
@8BrickMario said:
" @Vesperas said:
" @8BrickMario said:
"I think this rendition of Mr. Freeze is a more appealing minifigure design than the recent B:TAS edition, though him being mostly the same as a minifigure in a cheap current playset is a bit dull. Why wasn't *he* in a prison suit? He's the only villain figure you can basically get elsewhere out of uniform! The airtanks do improve the design, though.)"
I haven't kept up with it but IIRC, Mr. Freeze needs to be in a climate controlled room in order to survive.
It wouldn't really make sense for him to be in a prison uniform (without his goggles) unless there were two mini-figures to accommodate however people wanted to display him.
I'm not even sure if he has a room in the model. I haven't looked at it that closely."
I was thinking they could have done some silly suit-over-armor design to show a uniform on him unnecessarily, but I know his accommodations and that, outside the fact the figure's parts are mostly not exclusive, it makes the least sense to put Freeze in uniform."
If I'm being honest, I was always partial to the light gray attire from the Animated Series. It's more appropriate for a psychiatric hospital. The orange seems better suited for a wall-in, high security prison with snipers in towers.
That said, short of putting every villain in those light grey uniforms, I would've preferred they all just be in their normal attire. The mix of normal attire and orange prison attire is weird.
@GrizBe said:
"Thirdly on Joker and Harley... I really don't know why they keep pushing this character as a couple. They split permanently in 2007 in the comics citing Jokers toxic and abusive behaviour towards her, and Harley has actually been a good guy and part of the Bat Family since 2021...
Think its rather lazy design to do so many orange jump suits. Feels like a cost saving choice given so many other villains have their own custom costumes and including other characters that are rather minor (Batwing). As for the stickers? A set that costs £270 should be a premium product, and having so many makes it feel much less than such.... whatever happened to Lego's 'Only the best is good enough?'. "
This is the sort of nonsense that caused me to stop caring about super heroes, Star Wars and everything else. Once every character was distilled down to becoming a caricature of what they were meant to be, I could reasonably predict their plot line based on what was commercially preferable and poorly received plot lines could just magically be erased via multiverses, I just stopped caring entirely. It's all garbage.
I've always liked Batman, primarily due to its classical music and opera influences, and of course, the Animated Series, but I haven't bothered watching a single thing since then, which is probably the only reason I still like Batman.
Also, Lego hasn't believed in "Only the best is good enough" for quite some time. It started going out the window as soon as their current CEO took over around 10 years back.
@Crux said:
"I would comment on Scarecrow's flask, but I'm just sad that the Erlenmeyer-mould seems to be out of production."
I've been worrying about that too. This glass-and stud build is a viable alternate depiction of a flask, but it's been used often enough to make me nervous. The flask mold has been a ubiquitous "modern classic" of a piece and I love it...but I checked and it is still being produced as of 2025, plus the large round-bulb variant was recently introduced as well, so I don't think the flask is retired or has any reason to go out. If anything, we're going to see more uses, plus more colors of the round flask. I think LEGO has just been using this build in its stead sometimes. Did it start with the Morbius set because LEGO didn't want to cast an obvious "bottle of blood" piece and replaced a new flask recolor option with this two-part assembly instead? I call cowardice. I want that red flask casting!
Great assortment of characters! At the same time, I do agree that the set needed more guards.
@8BrickMario said:
" @Crux said:
"I would comment on Scarecrow's flask, but I'm just sad that the Erlenmeyer-mould seems to be out of production."
I've been worrying about that too. This glass-and stud build is a viable alternate depiction of a flask, but it's been used often enough to make me nervous. The flask mold has been a ubiquitous "modern classic" of a piece and I love it...but I checked and it is still being produced as of 2025, plus the large round-bulb variant was recently introduced as well, so I don't think the flask is retired or has any reason to go out. If anything, we're going to see more uses, plus more colors of the round flask. I think LEGO has just been using this build in its stead sometimes. Did it start with the Morbius set because LEGO didn't want to cast an obvious "bottle of blood" piece and replaced a new flask recolor option with this two-part assembly instead? I call cowardice. I want that red flask casting!
"
This is an excellent point, and I see no flaw. In point of fact, considering your name, I would suggest casting the Erlenmeyer in red for Mario-sets as well, to allow us to enter Subspace and maybe grab an additional heart-container and/or some coins to gamble away at the end of the stage after brutalising a sort of egg-spitting dinosaur, maybe, with its own eggs? And sometimes that dinosaur also spits fire? And sometimes it's also a robot? Look, Super Mario 2 was a confused game, I really don't think this is Birdo's fault. But, anyway...
Give the people want they want, TLG! GIVE US ERLENMEYER FLASKS (and maybe some Klein-bottles as well, because they're really neat) in red, and in fact, in all of your trans-colours!
@8BrickMario said:
" I have no clue who came up with the Advent idea--was that even the plan all along, or did someone say "hey, 24 bags, I bet we could spin this...""
On a guess, it was because of Home Alone. They promoted that as a high-end Advent Calendar even before it released. I know I've mentioned that to several people at my club's displays, and it has gotten their interest. I could definitely see other designers looking on the performance of that set, and deciding that any large set that's released around this time of year could be spun as another AC.
"I couldn't think of a less logical combination of elements otherwise--"Merry Christmas! Build a prison asylum of criminals breaking out to celebrate!" There's no holiday theming here; not even a Santa Batman minifigure...which I'm shocked *wasn't* one of his TLBM suits!"
B:TAS has a strong Christmas tradition, both in terms of individual episodes, and Mask of the Phantasm having been given a limited Christmastime release that fit very well with the plot. And they never made a minifig of it, but Krampas Bat _was_ seen in the batsuit racks in TLBM.
"(Can I just say, though: I would absolutely love a typical LEGO advent calendar set that was Batman-themed.)"
You'll need to get in line, first.
"I do appreciate the nods to the '06 Batman theme. Killer Croc is obviously based on his original minifigure's head print, and Bane's mask also feels subtly more similar to the '06 version than the 2012 version."
I don't know what source Croc was originally based on, but the first Bane minifig was very clearly a match to the character's first appearance in Legends of the Dark Knight. The second (black outfit) version is a perfect match for a piece of Jim Lee artwork that used to be on the character's Wikipedia page, but I don't know anything else about the context. Most of the Batman-related minifigs I've been able to match up to some print or film/TV iteration, with only a handful that I can't identify. And someone from WB/DC has to sign off on all the designs, which I think would go easier if they always matched an existing design.
"Harley would have been more interesting if the black half of her hair was molded blue like some of her other designs. We've seen this hair combo all over TLBM where it debuted."
So, curious thing about that hairstyle is that there are some Harley minifigs with that hair in black/red, and there are others where the colors are reversed to red/black. I'm not sure why they did both.
@GrizBe said:
"Thirdly on Joker and Harley... I really don't know why they keep pushing this character as a couple. They split permanently in 2007 in the comics citing Jokers toxic and abusive behaviour towards her, and Harley has actually been a good guy and part of the Bat Family since 2021..."
Harley Quinn only exists because an episode of B:TAS needed to have Joker push a cake into the room and then jump out of it. Creating a female counterpart (who was based on a soap opera character played by the same actress, who happened to be friends with producer Paul Dini) was the easiest solution to this problem. The character was never intended to appear again, but somehow (through sheer awesomeness, maybe?) managed to surpass Joker as the most popular DC villain, which changed a _lot_ of things. Before the original run of B:TAS ended, the producers had already realized her relationship with Joker was...not great. They split her up from him, and paired her with Ivy instead. So she didn't even get out of her original media format with that relationship intact, _BUT_ that was how the character was introduced to fans. Mad Love is an iconic and very successful graphic novel. And that's not saying anything regarding any of the other print stories that have paired the two up, like the "Joker" graphic novel that debuted around the time TDK hit theaters. It's going to be nearly impossible now to separate the two characters in the public's mind.
"Think its rather lazy design to do so many orange jump suits. Feels like a cost saving choice given so many other villains have their own custom costumes and including other characters that are rather minor (Batwing). As for the stickers? A set that costs £270 should be a premium product, and having so many makes it feel much less than such.... whatever happened to Lego's 'Only the best is good enough?'. "
Doing that many jumpsuits meant they didn't have to burn element slots on that many minifig components, which means they were able to stuff the box with that many more villains. Now that the heads are all taken care of, it should make it easier to work those character designs into smaller sets, where they can just borrow the heads back in from this set.
@Crux said:"Give the people want they want, TLG! GIVE US ERLENMEYER FLASKS (and maybe some Klein-bottles as well, because they're really neat) in red, and in fact, in all of your trans-colours!"
I second that, especially the Klein bottles.
@AustinPowers said:
" @tyresoflaherty said:
"Did Mr. Freeze steal the air tanks from my classic space minifig? How dare he…"
I hope these airtanks become available separately, just like a bright light blue helmet, because then that Classic Spaceman colour would be complete to match the dark blue one which became possible recently. "
BLB airtanks are already in 21359. No minifig attached, either.
@PurpleDave said:
"So, curious thing about that hairstyle is that there are some Harley minifigs with that hair in black/red, and there are others where the colors are reversed to red/black. I'm not sure why they did both."
I didn't know they flipped the Harley hair in her 2022 minifigure! That's kind of fun. I'd still like more castings. Red and blonde, and red and blue would both suit her well.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @Crux said:"Give the people want they want, TLG! GIVE US ERLENMEYER FLASKS (and maybe some Klein-bottles as well, because they're really neat) in red, and in fact, in all of your trans-colours!"
I second that, especially the Klein bottles."
Klein bottles *are* cool, but that would be an extremely niche thing to make as a LEGO minifigure accessory (probably have to just have an antistud on the bottom with no other connections) and would have to come in some mathematician CMF or a science-based Ideas set or something. I just can't see TLG saying yes to such a mold.
@8BrickMario said:
" @PurpleDave said:
"So, curious thing about that hairstyle is that there are some Harley minifigs with that hair in black/red, and there are others where the colors are reversed to red/black. I'm not sure why they did both."
I didn't know they flipped the Harley hair in her 2022 minifigure! That's kind of fun. I'd still like more castings. Red and blonde, and red and blue would both suit her well."
I was looking at a row of Harley minifigs at the local B&M, and noticed that some of them had mirrored hair colors. I went to inform one of the employees (who is also a member of my LUG), but looking them up I realized the flipped elements were probably legit after all.
@PurpleDave said:
" @AustinPowers said:
" @tyresoflaherty said:
"Did Mr. Freeze steal the air tanks from my classic space minifig? How dare he…"
I hope these airtanks become available separately, just like a bright light blue helmet, because then that Classic Spaceman colour would be complete to match the dark blue one which became possible recently. "
BLB airtanks are already in 21359. No minifig attached, either."
So maybe they'll also eventually become available at BAP online.
@PK said:
" @CapnRex101 It is worth mentioning that the van was designed by Adam Grabowski (aka Misterzumbi)."
Thanks and I see Adam has updated his Bricklist to confirm that the tyre was designed for this set, so that is interesting. I have added a note to the article.
" @Vesperas said:
This is the sort of nonsense that caused me to stop caring about super heroes, Star Wars and everything else. Once every character was distilled down to becoming a caricature of what they were meant to be, I could reasonably predict their plot line based on what was commercially preferable and poorly received plot lines could just magically be erased via multiverses, I just stopped caring entirely. It's all garbage.
I've always liked Batman, primarily due to its classical music and opera influences, and of course, the Animated Series, but I haven't bothered watching a single thing since then, which is probably the only reason I still like Batman."
I think you quoted the wrong comment or maybe I'm misunderstanding the conversation? It didn't seem like the previous person was discussing any of the "current" movies or shows you're addressing. You probably meant someone else but it confused me.
@PurpleDave said:
"Harley Quinn only exists because an episode of B:TAS needed to have Joker push a cake into the room and then jump out of it. Creating a female counterpart (who was based on a soap opera character played by the same actress, who happened to be friends with producer Paul Dini) was the easiest solution to this problem. The character was never intended to appear again, but somehow (through sheer awesomeness, maybe?) managed to surpass Joker as the most popular DC villain, which changed a _lot_ of things. Before the original run of B:TAS ended, the producers had already realized her relationship with Joker was...not great. They split her up from him, and paired her with Ivy instead. So she didn't even get out of her original media format with that relationship intact, _BUT_ that was how the character was introduced to fans. Mad Love is an iconic and very successful graphic novel. And that's not saying anything regarding any of the other print stories that have paired the two up, like the "Joker" graphic novel that debuted around the time TDK hit theaters. It's going to be nearly impossible now to separate the two characters in the public's mind."
Yep, essentially created because it was deemed 'too weird' for Joker to jump out of a cake on a kids shows. Paul Dini had seen Arleen Sorkin dressed up as a jester for a dream sequence in Days of Our Lives, so based it off her and got her to voice Harley... and well the rest is History. The character and voice became so iconic she was written into comic book canon the year after her animation debut.
But the point is, for a character thats only existed for 32 years (Her debut episode Jokers Favor first aired september 11th 1992), and the majority of more then half of that time they've not been a couple, its really odd to me that they keep being protrayed as such. Even when as you point out, the original media showed the relationship as being a poor one.
@GrizBe:
No, it was more that Joker could push the cake in, or jump out of it, but that it would be awkward for him to do both in the same scene. Remember, B:TAS was contracted as a kid’s show, but was written for the same people who produced it (that’s why it proved so popular).
It’s been 33 years now, as of two days ago. But the messy thing is, film can be more pervasive than print because of syndicated reruns. Not only was she first popularized as Joker’s girlfriend, but syndicated reruns, streaming, and home video have kept that from being forgotten. Print has a much smaller audience, and a correspondingly smaller impact. Plus it doesn’t help when Mad Love is widely considered the definitive Harley Quinn graphic novel.