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Max_Lego

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  1. Realised in 1992 after the success of Tim Burton's 1989 movie Batman, the highly-acclaimed Batman: the animated series, co-created by Bruce Timm and Alan Burnett, re-imagined the eponymous character's mythos in a way, which revolutionised comic books, since many of the show's unique elements, popular among fans, were later incorporated into mainstream comics, becoming essential parts of the Batman lore. It was referenced in the 2017 hit The Lego Batman movie, and the 2018 video game Lego DC super-villains had a B:TAS story pack. In 2024, TLG realised 76271 Batman: The Animated Series Gotham City, the first set directly based on the show. The set reviewed, with the 'laconic' name 76274 Batman with the Batmobile vs. Harley Quinn and Mr. Freeze, is the second and more affordable one. Let's see what it's like and how good it is! The box Long gone is the DC comics Super Heroes theme name, now replaced with Batman's emblem next to the TLG logo. The front side of the box depicts the Batmobile racing against Harley and Freeze in a way, which makes me wonder if the two villains are speedsters like the Flash . Let's assume that the CG background is accurate to B:TAS (after all, it's not the box, but its contents that matter). The series' version of Batman is shown in the below right corner of the box. The rear side of the box traditionally depicts the set's play functions. The contents This is my first Lego set which paper bags! Four of them, an instructions booklet and a sticker sheet. The instructions' cover isn't a copy of the box's front side image anymore, reminding me of the covers of some Chinese manufacturers. There is nothing of interest in the instructions - honest. Not even ads of other contemporary DC sets. The sticker sheet Am I really the only Lego enthusiast who likes stickers? The sticker sheet has got the Batmobile's headlights, interior instrument panels and a display plate with the vehicle's (approximate?) technical profile, possibly taken from B:TAS episode 'The mechanic'. I wish the latter was printed on the slope piece, for how large it is, but I don't really mind. The build Assembled contents of the bags (with extra parts): Bag #1 (notice the mechanism which turns the rear turbine with the flame as the car rolls): Bag #2 (Harley!): Bag #3 (notice the 'snow' studs, intended as spares for Mr. Freeze's shooter): And, finally, bag #4 (the Batmobile's stud shooters also have spares): Overall, I don't think the build was challenging, but installing some bits required a little physical effort. The minifigures "Is there a man brave enough to wear the rubber underpants?" - Phileas Fogg, "Around the world in 8 days" The main difference between this minifigure and the one, included in 76271, is the rubber cape, presumably intended to be easier to attach for younger builders, instead of the formidable printed black-and-blue one, with the latter being more faithful to the source material. It uses a relatively accurate generic head piece, hidden under the new dual-molded cowl I've been dreaming about since childhood (though now I think the cowl, first introduced in the Lego Batman 3: beyond Gotham videogame, would've worked better due to its notorious lack of the chin bridge - a feature that I really like). I really like the printed dual-molded legs of this minifigure - though the underwear is a little too long, IMHO. My biggest issue with this minifigure is the odd choice of black instead of dark blue, which makes B:TAS Batman look less like himself and more like his TNBA counterpart, and is also inconsistent with the Batmobile's color scheme. Judge for yourself: Overall, I think the minifigure isn't bad, and I am looking forward to upgrading it with dark blue parts. As for the legs, they work perfectly for my TNBA Batman fig. Aside from Batman, the set comes with, probably, the two most significant villains of B:TAS: Harley Quinn and Mr. Freeze. Harley Quinn was created by writer Paul Dini specifically for the show as a one-off character, but became so popular among fans that she became a recurring star and was even incorporated into mainstream comics, becoming an essential part of the Batman mythos. Fans love her, with some of them going as far as justifying every heinous crime she commits with the Joker's abuse (B:TAS, however , established that Harley is able to kick the Joker's butt whenever she wants to) - this infamously resulted in Harley becoming strictly 'heroic', or at least sympathetic, in most of her modern iterations, while retaining her insanity and brutality - something that I cannot understand. This minifigure is identical to the one from 76271, and it's easily the best minifigure of the set! It's well-detailed, and the decision of printing her two facial expressions on a red head is a very good one. Many have complained about the lack of arm printing, but I personally think it's demanding a little too much from TLG. The character comes with her signature mallet weapon. According to the B:TAS Writer's Bible, Mr. Freeze initially wasn't going to receive a tragic backstory (the first attempt being made in the 1966 show), and was nothing more than an ordinary crook who suffered a freak accident. However, his debut episode, 'Heart of ice', portrayed him as a sympathetic (yet still cruel) anti-villain, willing to avenge the death of his wife (a later retcon established that she was still alive) at the hands of his egoistical boss Ferris Boyle (whose VA, Mark Hamill, later voiced the Joker in the same series). This benefitted the public's perception of the character dramatically; the tragic backstory was incorporated into Joel Schumacher's 1997 Batman and Robin movie and mainstream comics, transforming the once-bland villain into an interesting character. Mr. Freeze's head has printing of his goggles on both sides and is covered with a new transparent dome piece. The character would've undoubtedly benefitted from a cylinder on his back and, most importantly, dual-molded legs; sadly, this isn't the case. Improving the minifigure in a purist fashion would be hard; it's easily the set's worst. It comes with an inaccurate stud shooter, reminding adult collectors that the set is intended for kids first and foremost. The model "That's right, Alfred - the Batcave. It's a big hole in the ground, with a big car in it that's all black..." - Bruce Wayne, B:TAS "Perchance to dream" This isn't the first time the Batmobile from the Animated series appers in official Lego media - in the 2017 The Lego Batman movie, it is among the multiple historical Batmobiles stored in the Bat-garage. The formidable model was designed by Brent Waller. I totally understand why the designers decided to recreate the Batmobile in dark blue, I just don't understand why Batman's suit is black then! The model is nicely designed, especially when it comes to wheel arches. The rear 'Bat-wings' are also smartly done, and I must praise the set's designers for it. The front grille and jet engine intakes, however, could've been better, I think. The rear jet turbine isn't very accurate (it should've been shorter and more spherical in shape), bur has got a flame and spins when the car rolls on a flat surface: The cockpit's windscreen can open upwards for better access to the interior, which has got surprisingly accurate detail, despite being single-seated instead of the two-seater from the show: A nice feature of the cocktail is its ability to fit Batman with hir rubber cape on: However, the mechanism which turns the rear flame can be seen in the open, which isn't good at all, but is a necessary sacrifice in favour of playability: The Batmobile can be armed with stud shooters, which look so ugly that I decided not to install them. You can see them on the box image. This set comes with a beautiful rotating stand, near-identical to the stands from 40433 1989 Batmobile and 76188 Batman Classic TV Series Batmobile, which is another great example of smart usage of NEXO shields. Overall "YOU...ARE...A...TOY!!! You aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're an... aw, you're an action FIGURE! You are a child's... plaything!" - Woody, "Toy story" It is obvious that the model desperately tries to be faithful to the source material... And fails. One may notice many inaccuracies, when it comes to the shape and details. But, again, it's primarily targeted for children. It is a very nice playset; but it's just a playset, not a complex UCS build. Of course, many people don't care about accuracy, but It's, sadly, not my case. I understand that Waller's TLBM model couldn't have been made into an official set, but I still believe it was better. The minifigures are nice, especially Harley Quinn, but could've been better (especially Mr. Freeze). For me, the characters were the primary reason to acquire the set; even if I'm not satisfied with the model, I may try to rebuild it into something more accurate or, if I fail, scrap it for many good dark blue parts. I personally don't think it's worth 60$; but if you pick up a bargain (like I did), it's up to you to decide. Happy building! P. S. :Critical feedback is welcome
  2. Another fine addition to your Minecraft collection! Again and again, I only wish official Minecraft sets were at least close to these works of art...
  3. Thanks! Collaborating with @Sentinel_Brix is pretty nice for me
  4. Thanks! Yes, my bridge is, honestly, far from perfect, yet I am glad you liked it! Also the Ssi-Ruuk, which I immediately thought was a good idea to use the D&D Paladin's head for!
  5. I attempted to bring Lego Sonic and Eggman to normal minifigure height once. I wanted them not to stand out next to Maria and GUN soldiers. Though I succeeded with Eggman, Sonic is still an unsolved mystery for me If Sonic and co. are normal minifigures though, I understand the preference of a brick-built Eggman
  6. Please read my post above. I already explained it
  7. First: it's about a Galaxy, far far away, a developed civilization that knows better than treat people like trash because of their descent. Second, Threepio, Leia and Lando are supposed to be good guys. People generally call each other names - it's NOT OK, but it doesn't really mean anything. The argument on Ewoks cannot be taken seriously because how wrong it is. The Empire never mentioned them even after their surprise attack. It's safe to assume that they didn't interfere in each other's affairs and not expected to Third: Evil doesn't mean bigoted Fourth: if you want the Empire to be evil - please, portray it believeably, not the chaotic, suicidal, cartoonish blood-sucking monsters from the EU and Disney canon. I never said that the Empire is undoubtedly not evil, I don't invite anyone to share my views on the subject, I am just tired of SW writers not understanding how to write an evil space dictatorship. The same thing I am telling myself. I don't really care about Clones now, but people like them, so I don't see the problem. Also, people complaining about the OT sets doesn't inspire hope for me. The OT is the only SW that I really enjoy, but most people prefer Filoni's TCW. Who asked my stupid opinions?
  8. At least one black trooper in ANH is confirmed. It's safe to assume that there are more. Transitioning typical American issues onto a Galaxy far, far away is lazy, IMAO. That's why Disney's explanations on R1 are nonsense If the Empire is bigoted because of its refusal to recruit aliens into military service, that 'bigotry' is against the humans. Were I an alien under the Empire, I would've been grateful for not having to serve. From an utilitarian point of view, humans also are the least fussy sentient species, that's why only they are being conscripted. I always absolutely hated the idea of the Empire being bigoted against non-humans. It comes literally out of nowhere. The Emperor being a bigot is totally unbelievable, especially after the Prequels (even though I don't consider them Canon). People who try to write the Empire as evil fail because their lack of understanding how it really works. But not from the Rebels. Does it really matter? Even if the quote is from 2024, how does it change his point? There is also the fact that more than a half of aliens from ANH didn't make it into the final cut. SW were about alien diversity all along.
  9. This is outrageous! It's unfair! How can you create such a marvelous ship and not be on the contest? Your work is fantastic! The resemblance to the official set is uncanny, and the quality of the build is outstanding! If not for the set's price, you may have easily become one of the best competitors in the large category
  10. Yeah, especially in ANH and, to a lesser extent, ESB Fun fact: the word 'democracy' is never uttered in the entire OT. Compare to the Prequels (also a product of their time). In the OT, the Rebellion's portrayal was very different from Disney's. ANH and R1 rebels have zero in common. In the OT, they are a serious military organisation first and foremost, and their primary interest is succeeding in whatever their mission is. In R1, they are... I hate to be off-topic, but I just can't leave that without a response
  11. I agree that it feels forced. George Lucas said that Star Wars is not about human, but alien diversity. At least one black trooper was present on Tatooine in the 1977 cut: They won't. The 2014 version is not perfect, yet it's better than the new one. I doubt they will create a new mold or bring back the old one - it would cost money, and TLG is lazy. They did reject that nice Rebel pilot helmet mold though. It worked much better, at least, for Luke
  12. These cars are very beautiful! I especially like the Olympia. Sadly, it's hard to squeeze two minifigures into a 6-studs wide space, so I understand your decision of leaving room for the driver only
  13. Meanwhile Raimi Spider-Man fans are like:
  14. Looks beautiful and instantly recognisable. Nice use of curved parts
  15. This may be slightly off-topic, yet I think I may post it here... It's a custom minifigure I created for idle fun - Field Marshal Cody in Stormtrooper armor (my own fanon): The minifigure was inspired by the looks of the Snowtrooper officer and, of course, Clone Commander Cody from Episode 3.
  16. I think you got me wrong. I appreciate your work, and I just hope you handle my character properly, so that Rax stays in-character. I will reference his participation in the assembly in my further works
  17. Two new characters were made - this time they are Lois Lane and Annie from TNBA episode "Growing pains": Sadly, Lois has got an inaccurate hairpiece - I didn't find a better solution... As you can see, I also upgraded Mary Marvel - the previous version looked too old for my taste. Short white sleeves may be added later - if I manage to acquire the parts needed, of course... I also hope to make an STAS Jimmy Olsen soon. As for JL characters, I think I will start with Wonder Woman (probably)...
  18. Awesome scene, beautiful hatch, magnificent tunnel! You are truly a master of dioramas, @Sentinel_Brix! I just hope Rax will leave the party soon. After all, he sees the Warlords as much worse than even the New Republic
  19. Once again, you came up with a beautiful diorama, @Sentinel_Brix! I especially like the statue. What's a party worth without them Death Sticks?! Just kiddin'!
  20. - He used the c-word!! That was very hurtful. - Roger, roger. But what about an official R3-M2 minifigure?
  21. I agree with you - the push ahead idea is more realistic than the pull back. Either way, all your planes look very nice!
  22. Thanks! The only characters using custom-printed parts are the Imperial officers, whom TLG didn't produce. Vader has custom cloth parts, Ceremony Leia has a paper cape, the droid you mentioned, R4-M9, has stickers on its cone, Ben Kenobi with a hood on his head had the hood erased from the back of his torso. The rest are purist. The bald officer is General Hurst Romodi. Thanks! You mean Piett wearing the Captain insignia plaque? - my explanation is that he was demoted... For not being able to cope with the responsibility of being an Admiral, hence why he's not afraid of Vader anymore in ROTJ. As far as I remember, he was never addressed to as Admiral in the movie. The credits calling him an Admiral are wrong Totally agreed. That's why I would've liked TLG to realise a Death Star Conference Room, and more affordable ABY Lieutenant and Admiral minifigures
  23. Why, thanks! Yes, that's the idea - I believe Vader had trouble with distinguishing BBY ranks, that's why he called every officer a 'commander' in ANH, so the simplified ABY system was developed
  24. One of the infinite reasons why I don't trust Wikipedia's historical/political articles!!! No offence, @Sentinel_Brix. I am glad you agree with me
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