Well, when Diagon Alley was released, I felt (and said) that it was the finest LEGO set of any theme ever produced... I will now amend that statement and say that is WAS the finest because this set takes the crown.
It's certainly not surprising to me that both sets are DC "Exclusives" or what have you. The larger price point and narrower audience allows for more intricately detailed sets that while being seemingly more "niche" actually end up lending themselves to more crossover appeal. The possibilities that present themselves to Monster/City/Castle/Horror/MOCer/Piece collector fans are nearly endless.
I love that the designer wasn’t shy about his love for the Munsters and that the old TV show was clearly his inspiration for the model.
As for those that are crying foul because of an apparent “theft”…… Take a look at the “Haunted House” or similar MOCs just available here at EB:
Mos_Eisley http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=34686&st=0
Mos_Esley 2.0 http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=34708&st=0
Badsneaker http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=37078&st=0
The Brickster http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=50053&st=0&p=886456&hl="haunted%20house"&fromsearch=1entry886456
Badsneaker 2.0 http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=64696&st=0&p=1169153entry1169153
There is a LOT of commonality in the design/feel/look of these builds, the Victorian architecture, the colors, the gated entrances….
Can we stop looking for cloak and dagger, super sneaky problems and just “enjoy the enjoyment”?
*Steps off soapbox*