Fantastic Four vs. Galactus LEGO Set: A First Look and Early Impressions
With the highly anticipated release of Fantastic Four: First Steps drawing ever closer, the marketing machine is kicking into high gear. And as expected, LEGO, a perennial player in movie-related merchandise, is diving headfirst into the fray with its inaugural Marvel Superheroes set inspired by the film: Fantastic Four vs. Galactus.
This set offers a tempting glimpse into the movie’s aesthetic, particularly concerning the cosmic entity, Galactus. Prior to this LEGO reveal, fans were mostly treated to fleeting images of the Devourer of Worlds within trailers. However, the LEGO rendition largely adheres to Galactus’ iconic comic book design. Given the inherent blocky nature of LEGO bricks, discerning subtle modifications made by the Marvel Cinematic Universe becomes a challenge.
The set, comprised of 427 pieces, centers around constructing a 28cm-tall Galactus figure and features minifigures representing each member of the Fantastic Four, allowing for dynamic recreations of battles between the heroes and the cosmic threat.
Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch, is equipped with flame effect pieces that can be attached to his hands and feet. A small transparent support stand is included, enabling the Human Torch to simulate flight and provide a visual representation of his aerial maneuvers around the towering Galactus.
Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, comes with subtle invisibility field effects that add a visual cue to her powers. These pieces are designed to suggest her ability to manipulate light and render herself and objects invisible.
However, when it comes to Ben Grimm, the Thing, and Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, the LEGO set faces certain limitations, resulting in design compromises. While the minifigure’s overall design is commendable, there are some trade-offs worth discussing.
Ben Grimm’s minifigure features distinctive rocky hands and a specialized headpiece to capture the Thing’s signature craggy appearance. LEGO opted for a standard minifigure scale rather than utilizing the bulkier mold typically reserved for larger characters like the Hulk. While this maintains consistency with the other Fantastic Four members, it does diminish the Thing’s imposing stature compared to his teammates. This design choice could be seen as a necessary sacrifice to create a Thing minifigure that remains consistent with the overall set aesthetic.
Reed Richards, Mr. Fantastic, presents a unique challenge for LEGO designers due to his stretching abilities. The set incorporates elongated leg pieces to represent his power, but this approach results in a slightly awkward appearance. Rather than resembling Mr. Fantastic, the elongated legs give him a visual kinship to the obscure comic character, Stilt-Man.
While crafting unique pieces to perfectly capture Mr. Fantastic’s powers might have been prohibitively complex or expensive, some fans suggest that alternative designs could have achieved a more satisfying effect. For example, constructing flexible, articulated legs could potentially have offered a more dynamic and accurate representation of his stretching abilities.
Despite these minor shortcomings, the minifigures, in their non-powered states, retain a commendable level of detail and visual appeal. The Galactus figure itself is undeniably impressive. The set manages to capture the essence of the world-devouring entity.
However, the crucial question remains: Is this set worth its $70 price tag? Ultimately, the answer depends on individual priorities and expectations. The Galactus figure serves as a striking centerpiece, and the inclusion of all four Fantastic Four members adds value to the package. LEGO collectors and fans of the Fantastic Four franchise will likely be drawn to this set, as it offers a unique opportunity to own a LEGO representation of these iconic characters and the formidable Galactus.
The set will be available for purchase on June 1, coinciding with the buzz surrounding the Fantastic Four: First Steps movie. While the designs of some elements, especially Reed Richards’ legs, are open to debate, the Fantastic Four vs. Galactus set provides a tangible connection to the upcoming film. The set offers a visual representation of the characters and their potential conflicts within the context of the movie.
The Fantastic Four vs. Galactus LEGO set serves as a preview of the merchandise frenzy expected to accompany the movie’s release. LEGO continues its tradition of intertwining with major movie releases, bringing popular characters and scenes into the tangible world of interlocking bricks. It remains to be seen what other LEGO sets or merchandise tie-ins may arise in the lead-up to and following the film’s debut. However, this initial set signals the beginning of the Fantastic Four’s presence in the realm of LEGO.
