This is one of the centerpieces of the first wave of sets based on The LEGO Batman Movie: Set 70912 Arkham Asylum with its 1628 pieces, 12 minifigs (and a monochrome statue) and its retail price of €164.99.
Seen from afar, this set has it all. Closer, I find it has many qualities but also some flaws. We don't remake ourselves.
As usual, the purpose of this article isn't to describe in detail what's inside this box; you can either buy it or explore the gallery of images on the LEGO Shop product page . The building is packed with interesting details—discover them for yourself by assembling this set.
Once again, the stickers are very present in this set, almost intrusive: 27 of them are essential to give the building and the police vehicle their final look.
From an architectural standpoint, everyone will have an opinion on the design choices made to represent Arkham Asylum. I prefer this version to those in sets 7785 Arkham Asylum (2006) and 10937 Arkham Asylum Breakout (2013), both of which are closer to a Transylvanian mansion than an asylum/prison. This new version, in my opinion, offers a perfect balance between an old psychiatric hospital and a prison from another era. In short, Shutter Island with a touch of Prison Break ...
The set consists of four separate elements, the entrance and the two wings can be combined, and the watchtower that you will place where it pleases you (preferably behind the rest to hide the meta-rooms used for the to assemble).
As with the Batcave from set 70909 Batcave Break-In , this is a very simplified version of the building that appears in the film. It's a shame the gate and part of the perimeter wall are missing, with some barbed wire visible below.
As usual with this type of sets, we are actually entitled to half a building. Behind the facade, a LEGO version "doll's house" with many thematic areas, their furniture and their functions. For a set at this price, I think the customer is rather well served: A body scanner, cells, a visiting room, a laundromat, a cafeteria, an office, a basketball backboard, bodybuilding accessories ... it is cramped but the spaces are numerous and varied.
The official description states: " ... Batman™ enters Arkham Asylum and chases the Joker™ and other super-villains with the spotlight into the Phantom Zone... " . LEGO could therefore have included the possibility of using the drone seen in polybag 30522 Batman in the Phantom Zone.
As with any self-respecting dollhouse, there is something in the box to furnish the different spaces. Some parts are pad printed (donut, slice of watermelon, video cassette, computer, milk and fruit juice cartons, keyboards) and the removable furniture is rather well done.
The only vehicle provided in this set is not the same size as the other rolling vehicles in The LEGO Batman Movie range. This police vehicle could also patrol the streets of Springfield rather than those of Gotham. In my opinion, it would have been wiser to include a prisoner transport van like the one seen in the promo visual for the film.
About the minifigs provided, 12 in number if we do not count the monochrome statue, I am rather divided. Each of the "bad guys" is delivered here in their prison outfit, which is quite logical. The five characters are therefore decked out in the same orange outfit, with a slight distinction for the female characters at the waist level. Catwoman is entitled to an orange belt and keeps her mask, who knows why ...
Still, I find it hard to think of these minifigs as "variations" of their "classic" versions, even though LEGO provides hands that match each character's usual costume. The torsos and legs are way too generic. Each torso could have benefited from a personalized badge according to the character, in order to give each one consistency even in the outfit.
Double face for everyone, it has become the norm, nothing exceptional.
On the good guys' side, Batman (always him) is identical to the version available in sets 70900 The Joker Balloon Escape , 70907 Killer Croc Tail-Gator and 70908 The Scuttler.
Robin's head, however, is exclusive to this set. The rest is identical to the versions of the character available in sets 70902 Catwoman Catcycle Chase and 70905 The Batmobile.
For the rest, Barbara Gordon is here in civilian clothes, with the same head as the minifig in SWAT uniform seen in set 70908 The Scuttler.
Harleen Quinzel, Aaron Cash and two generic GCPD officers complete the inventory. No double face for the male officer, probably because the pad printing would be visible under the back of the cap.
Despite the few remarks above, this set is in my opinion a fine example of LEGO craftsmanship. It's really playable with many thematic spaces and the characters that go with them, the box is full of accessories and the building is original and sufficiently detailed. Everything is not perfect, but I let myself be charmed by the whole. I say yes.
Below, two videos: The first is the usual presentation of the set staged in a short animated sequence. The second is a promotional video produced by LEGO for the Toys R Us brand that has all the attributes of the usual presentations made by designers for large D2C sets. To put it simply, it's a bit like when Mac Lesggy advertises Oral B with an E = M6 vibe.
Note: The set shown here is up for grabs. To participate, you must comment below. You have until February 14, 2017, at 23:59 PM to contribute to the discussion, and a random draw will determine the winner. The winner's name/username will be posted here within 24-48 hours of the contest closing date.
Update: The winner has been drawn at random, their username is shown below.
| Black baron - Comment posted the 09/02/2017 at 11:15 |
