The biggest LEGO Marvel sets are definitely worthy of a Stark Industries patent… whether it’s the Helicarrier, the Daily Bugle or Black Panther, there have been some massive models in the comic book inspired range.
When The Avengers assembled on the big screen in 2012 they were accompanied by a new sub-theme for the LEGO Group. Marvel Super Heroes, or more commonly just Marvel, creates sets inspired by a huge portfolio, including the epic blockbusters and iconic comics. In the early days it focussed on rather generic models, yet now the LEGO Marvel range is always experimenting, as evidenced by 76178 The Daily Bugle and 76215 Black Panther.
With beloved characters like Captain Marvel and Star-Lord always going on new adventures, while villains such as Loki turn over a new leaf, the theme is constantly keeping up with the Marvel stories unfolding across the multiverse. Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is borrowing the Quinjet to fly through the current biggest Marvel sets…
7. 76105 The Hulkbuster: Ultron Edition – 1,363 pieces
How can you protect the world? Tony Stark’s great idea was to make a robot programmed to defend it, but then it turned evil and Ultron nearly destroyed everyone. Thankfully Tony always has a bunch of back-up plans, including a satellite in space that has a bigger version of his Iron Man armour. 76105 The Hulkbuster: Ultron Edition balances playability with posability in a model that’s packed with articulation and with room inside for the included minifigure. While the stand isn’t from the movies it does have a sleek Stark Industries feel with its use of tiles and even blueprints for the mech.
6. 76193 The Guardians’ Ship – 1,901 pieces
No matter who’s piloting the Milano, whether that’s Rocket with his fingers on the blasters or Peter Quill trying to outrun Nova Corps, the ship is a steadfast home for the Guardians of the Galaxy. 76193 The Guardians’ Ship is also the first time that the Marvel designers started to branch the theme into more than just playsets, with the sleek black Technic stand evoking the Star Wars Ultimate Collectors Series and the fine detailing for each angle of its complex wings. It still has plenty of playability though, with an exciting cast of minifigures based on Infinity War and the best version of Teen Groot.
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5. 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum – 2,708 pieces
Blending into the architecture of Bleecker Street, the location of the Sanctum Sanctorum is only known to the Masters of the Mystic Arts. This version of the Sanctum packs Easter eggs from across the multiverse into a model that would look at home next to the Modular Buildings. It captures the detailed round windows, portals to other dimensions, and even Dr Strange’s medical degree. In fact the only thing 76218 Sanctum Sanctorum is really missing is some key minifigures, with most of the focus on Multiverse of Madness meaning that the Ancient One had to take a holiday.
4. 76215 Black Panther – 2,961 pieces
Since Black Panther was introduced in 1966 he has become a symbol to empower fans, only strengthened by the late Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of the character. 76215 Black Panther aims to try and recreate Black Panther’s warrior spirt by posing the bust in the iconic Wakanda Forever arm-cross. Pearl-grey and silver recreate the strong vibranium woven through the suit, and there’s even a hint of purple bricks peeking through for some kinetic energy supplied by Bast. It’s currently the only bust in the LEGO Marvel theme, yet it could set a trend for other helmets and superhero suits.
3. 76042 The SHIELD Helicarrier – 2,996 pieces
Is it a plane or a ship? 76042 The SHIELD Helicarrier can technically double as both, as Nick Fury smugly shows off in The Avengers. Modelled after real aircraft carriers what sets apart this version is its four turbine engines that allow it to fly, and are rotatable in the finished model. It’s also got a fully printed runway for the Quinjet, complete with SHIELD logos and tiny statuettes of the main crew. The scale of the model means it does lack an interior, but it still has exclusive versions of both Nick Fury and his second-in-command Maria Hill.
2. 76178 Daily Bugle – 3,772 pieces
Constantly yelling at his employees and with a temper that’s even shorter than his patience, J. Jonah Jameson is infamous for running the Daily Bugle. At nearly one metre tall this whopping tower is a statement covered in comic references. Crashing through the third floor is Spider-Man’s arch-nemesis the Green Goblin, while down on the streets Daredevil is trying to keep the city safe alongside the Punisher. Inside 76178 Daily Bugle, there are multiple desks featuring famous news reports and headlines from the films, and even Peter Parker finally gets his own office – even if Jameson still won’t pay him in advance.
1. 76210 Hulkbuster – 4,049 pieces
Coming in at the top of this list is the recently released 76210 Hulkbuster, which feels like an excuse for another Tony Stark exclusive minifigure to many fans. It is rare that such a big LEGO set splits opinion, but considering there have been four other iterations (including the other in this list), this one did not feel like an improvement. All of its predecessor have been much smaller, yet the scaling on 76210 isn’t quite right, nor are the angles on the joints. Bigger is not always better, plus where is a super-sized Hulk for Tony to take on?