LEGO Superheroes 2012 Rumours & Discussion

[SoupOrFishOil]

I just noticed a pattern! Each of The Avengers sets cottons at least two exclusive figs! Maybe its part of the get all the sets to build the team thing!!!! But three of the sets are missing a fig!!

Here's my idea:

Cap: covillian of Loki( Im betting that's it and why Marvel doesn't want us to know the second villain yet!)

Hulk: Either Bruce Banner or Fury( this set contains Bruce's lab and the Hulk, why not include Banner?!)

Quinjet: nick or the supposed second villain

I'm the hulk scene depicts Loki making Bruce Hulk out and turn against Thor in order to help Loki escape!

That does make sense, I think I'm still not expecting Banner, but if he does appear

[DJ Bricks]

That does make sense, I think I'm still not expecting Banner, but if he does appear

Bruce wouldn't be that hard to make either!

[LegoBrickSteve]

Bruce wouldn't be that hard to make either!

Seriously. He's just a normal looking guy that sometimes has the face of Eric Bana, sometimes has the face of a Ed Norton, and sometimes has the face and body of Mark Ruffalo. Pretty much use any minifigure and make him your own Banner!

Then, recast another minifigure in the role of Banner. Keep doing it all day!

[GuntherThePenguin]

Seriously. He's just a normal looking guy that sometimes has the face of Eric Bana, sometimes has the face of a Ed Norton, and sometimes has the face and body of Mark Ruffalo. Pretty much use any minifigure and make him your own Banner!

Then, recast another minifigure in the role of Banner. Keep doing it all day!

LOL! Love it! Yes, I would like to see a Banner. Actually, it would be nice if I could see pics of these sets PERIOD.

[Tereglith]

The one thing to report is that the DC superheroes range already out is the only range we will be getting this year, any other sets will be retailer or Lego exclusives. Marvel will only have the 8 sets that have already been reported this year, there won't be any second waves for either.

The one really cool unoffical bit of news was that one of the Lego reps I was chatting to had seen an early preliminary artwork for one of next years big Superman sets!

Am I the only one who's disappointed and kind of frustrated by this? LEGO's current inability to make anything other than Star Wars, Hero Factory, or Ninjago last for more than one wave is really starting to bug me.

Between these two licenses they have over a century of combined comics history to draw from, with dozens of recognizable and iconic characters they could make. Either a Marvel Universe or a DCU license could be a gold-mine on the level of Star Wars, especially since neither one is going to stop churning out movies, cartoons, or comics any time soon. Why can't we have a full Justice League, with Aquaman and the Flash and Martian Manhunter? Why can't we have some sets that focus on a film other than The Avengers, like the four incredibly successful MCU films that have already been released (and also The Hulk )?

It just seems like there's so much wasted potential in current themes as they get discontinued. It started to bug me with stuff like Alien Conquest and Pirates of the Caribbean, which seem like they could have really hit their stride with second waves. But this, THIS really ticks me off. There is enormous potential here that's just thrown out the window if all we get is one wave per company and a couple exclusives.

...

Unless I was reading this wrong and there's just no more waves coming out this year. In which case, I hope superheroes can be transmuted into a psuedo-evergreen on the level of Star Wars or at least Indiana Jones. (My points about AC and POTC still stand though. I am frustrated.)

[CMP]

...

Unless I was reading this wrong and there's just no more waves coming out this year. In which case, I hope superheroes can be transmuted into a psuedo-evergreen on the level of Star Wars or at least Indiana Jones. (My points about AC and POTC still stand though. I am frustrated.)

If this doesn't last more than a year I'll be shocked. The least they could do is squeeze out a second wave.

They do have a lot to work off of. Of course, that's what everyone thought about Harry Potter and PotC... Still, maybe they'll go out with half-waves or exclusives, like both others have. That wouldn't be too bad.

[deskp]

All that matter is how well the sets sells and how long they have the lisence.

[Clone OPatra]

Unless I was reading this wrong and there's just no more waves coming out this year. In which case, I hope superheroes can be transmuted into a psuedo-evergreen on the level of Star Wars or at least Indiana Jones. (My points about AC and POTC still stand though. I am frustrated.)

Did you even read the text in the quote you posted? The second part talks about a big Superman set for the following year!

Also, if this was true, what happened to the Dark Knight Rises sets that everyone thought was going to happen? If that info came from the UK toy fair, it may not be reliable. Many of the so called LEGO reps there do not really know what they are talking about, or were just hired to show off toys at the event. I'd take all of the info with a grain of salt.

Anyway, even if there aren't more waves this year (they've already had two anyway), there will be more the following year. LEGO said in the press release that this was a multi-year deal; they wouldn't just cancel that fast.

[Aanchir]

Yeah, both Marvel and DC Superheroes are almost certainly lasting more than one year. The only thing your quote was describing was that there will not be a second wave of DC or a second wave of Marvel in 2012. And I think that's plenty reasonable-- a lot of people already have complained that TLG is flooding the market with licenses, and seeing as the "Super Heroes" theme covers both DC and Marvel, it's understandable that TLG might release just two waves, an early DC wave and a summer Marvel wave, with the Marvel wave scheduled to correspond with a major motion picture rather than in August when summer sets normally debut.

Something else to keep in mind is that TLG doesn't have to keep themes running consecutively to keep them alive. Particularly in licensed themes, it's perfectly understandable that the highest demand for them will be in the time leading up to and immediately after a major movie premiere. While a lot of people have assumed LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean is gone for good, for instance, I think TLG is probably just waiting for demand to peak again in the advent of another Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

Some licensed themes, like Star Wars or Cars, are powerful enough at selling merchandise that stores can have shelves stocked full of merchandise for these film franchises, including LEGO, whether or not there's a movie still in theaters. It doesn't exactly work the same way with all licenses though-- you rarely encounter Pirates of the Caribbean toys on store shelves when there's no recent or upcoming movie in theaters, but when there is one it all comes swarming back.

[Clone OPatra]

Aanchir's point is very true. Additionally, I thought of another point: if there were to be TDKR sets, it wouldn't technically be a DC wave, it would be a Warner Brothers wave. I know that doesn't sound like much of an argument, but it's true. These previous DC sets are licensed just with (the owners of) DC comics, while sets tied to the film would have to be licensed with Warner Bros. It could mean that we aren't getting another strictly DC wave.

[B-Lister]

Which characters would you most like to see?

Aanchir's point is very true. Additionally, I thought of another point: if there were to be TDKR sets, it wouldn't technically be a DC wave, it would be a Warner Brothers wave. I know that doesn't sound like much of an argument, but it's true. These previous DC sets are licensed just with (the owners of) DC comics, while sets tied to the film would have to be licensed with Warner Bros. It could mean that we aren't getting another strictly DC wave.

Warner Bros and DC Comics are the same company.

[djmangunz]

That is an interesting theory about TDKR line. It is true that WB owns DC comics, but who knows how they will treat the movie sets versus the ones based on the comics. Regardless we have about more six months to speculate and Lego is doing a nice job of keeping any information about sets based on the movie under wraps.

For those who are wailing and gnashing their teeth about how they think the superheros line will only last for one wave each, I give you the future Marvel movie line up.

Iron Man 3 on May 3rd, 2013

Thor 2 on November 15th, 2013

Untitled Marvel 1 on April 4th 2014-rumored to be Cap. 2

Untitled Marvel 2 on May 16th 2014-rumored to be the Shield movie

Just like with TDKR I find it hard to believe that Lego would pass on the opportunity to produce toys based on these upcoming movies whose predecessors were commercially successful films. Even if the line doesn't last until 2014, I would expect that we would at least get a few sets based on Iron Man 3, a movie which is sure to make loads of money.

On a side note it seems that actor Neal McDonough (who played Dum Dum Dugan in Captain America: The First Avenger)is set to return to some of the future films. That being said, I am crossing my fingers that someday we will get a minifigure based on my favorite Marvel character's likeness.

[JackJonespaw]

Iron Man 3 on May 3rd, 2013

Thor 2 on November 15th, 2013

Untitled Marvel 1 on April 4th 2014-rumored to be Cap. 2

Untitled Marvel 2 on May 16th 2014-rumored to be the Shield movie

Thor 2? Cap. 2? A SHIELD MOVIE?! After the Avengers movie, what can they do for Thor? Or Cap.? I mean, how many superheros can you have flitting around New England?

Now, why would there be a Bruce Banner movie? I think children, (yes, children, after all, that is mainly Lego's focus.) would like the terrible, angry, uncontrollable, green, Hulk over the nerdy, miniscule Bruce Banner?

[surrideo]

Thor 2? Cap. 2? A SHIELD MOVIE?! After the Avengers movie, what can they do for Thor? Or Cap.? I mean, how many superheros can you have flitting around New England?

Now, why would there be a Bruce Banner movie? I think children, (yes, children, after all, that is mainly Lego's focus.) would like the terrible, angry, uncontrollable, green, Hulk over the nerdy, miniscule Bruce Banner?

Captain America is a huge character and Thor has had great longevity in his comic book line too. A lot of places to take these characters, don't be blinded by the first movies which were only there to set up the Avengers. Hopefully second movies can flesh out the characters in their own rights.

Still out of all the Marvel films there have been the last few years the best one was undoubtedly X men First Class and sets based on the origins or early days of the x men are sets I would buy everyone of.

[GuntherThePenguin]

Thor 2? Cap. 2? A SHIELD MOVIE?! After the Avengers movie, what can they do for Thor? Or Cap.? I mean, how many superheros can you have flitting around New England?

Now, why would there be a Bruce Banner movie? I think children, (yes, children, after all, that is mainly Lego's focus.) would like the terrible, angry, uncontrollable, green, Hulk over the nerdy, miniscule Bruce Banner?

Apparently, Cap. 2 is supposed to be set in present day while Thor could still be set in Asgard or something like that.

[Cammo]

Is it normal that the Superheroes sets haven't hit stores in Belgium or Europe yet? Was it the same case with other Batman sets a couple of years ago because I was in my dark ages then.

And now for something completely different... (Monty Python reference)

Does somebody know if the Batmansets based on the Nolan universe also include scenes from previous movies? (Batman Begins, The Dark Knight)

[B-Lister]

That is an interesting theory about TDKR line. It is true that WB owns DC comics, but who knows how they will treat the movie sets versus the ones based on the comics. Regardless we have about more six months to speculate and Lego is doing a nice job of keeping any information about sets based on the movie under wraps.

For those who are wailing and gnashing their teeth about how they think the superheros line will only last for one wave each, I give you the future Marvel movie line up.

Iron Man 3 on May 3rd, 2013

Thor 2 on November 15th, 2013

Untitled Marvel 1 on April 4th 2014-rumored to be Cap. 2

Untitled Marvel 2 on May 16th 2014-rumored to be the Shield movie

Just like with TDKR I find it hard to believe that Lego would pass on the opportunity to produce toys based on these upcoming movies whose predecessors were commercially successful films. Even if the line doesn't last until 2014, I would expect that we would at least get a few sets based on Iron Man 3, a movie which is sure to make loads of money.

On a side note it seems that actor Neal McDonough (who played Dum Dum Dugan in Captain America: The First Avenger)is set to return to some of the future films. That being said, I am crossing my fingers that someday we will get a minifigure based on my favorite Marvel character's likeness.

Even if we don't, we now have a bowler hat piece, so how hard can it be to make your own?

[surrideo]

I'm guessing that like the Prince of Persia sets, PoTC and cars 2 sets that the Disney emblem will be on the box of the Marvel Universe line and the sets based on the film will have maybe a slightly different design or badging?

It is worth noting that of the five DC universe sets I own not one has any mention of Warner Brothers on the box and so I can't see a Warner Brother branded DC universe TDKR line(They like Disney being the parent company). I'm hoping like many others that they may not have been shown at the Toy fair as it's Marvels turn at getting all the media attention and coverage and there wave of sets gets a fair run at retail and suffers little competition, as I've said before I think that the first wave may have a much decreased presence on our shelves come April/May

[Vindicare]

Now, why would there be a Bruce Banner movie? I think children, (yes, children, after all, that is mainly Lego's focus.) would like the terrible, angry, uncontrollable, green, Hulk over the nerdy, miniscule Bruce Banner?

Where'd you get this from? There's talk about wanting a Banner minifigure, not movie...

[B-Lister]

It is worth noting that of the five DC universe sets I own not one has any mention of Warner Brothers on the box

What sets do you have?

I'm certain the WB logo is on the box, because I have four of the new sets, and it is on all of them.

[surrideo]

What sets do you have?

I'm certain the WB logo is on the box, because I have four of the new sets, and it is on all of them.

Well if you are in the US it may be, I have all the system sets bar the Batwing, none of the Ultrabuilds. I'm in the UK and unless Im going blind it isn't there. DC yes, WB no.

[The_Box]

There wouldn't be a WB right on the front of the box. It would be where all the copyright and trademark info is contained.

[surrideo]

There wouldn't be a WB right on the front of the box. It would be where all the copyright and trademark info is contained.

Oh no doubt in all the legal perhaps, but Disney will show up very clearly on the Marvel boxes Im sure.

......and now to get away from my own made box fuelled hell

I'm pretty sure there will be new TDKR batman sets but I got to thinking if Catwoman,Bane and perhaps A N other villian is in the film would Lego redesign the current figures to look like the film more? i.e an alternate catwoman to look like Ann Hathaway as we are used to getting different versions of batman, but not so the villains

[Clone OPatra]

Oh no doubt in all the legal perhaps, but Disney will show up very clearly on the Marvel boxes Im sure.

I'm not so sure about that. Here's packaging for an Avengers tie-in action figure, and Disney is not prominent. Parent companies do not often display their logos on the packaging for products involving subsidiary companies (if they did, you would see the same few logos on everything all the time).

Perhaps we will see TDKR sets in the same vane as the TDK sets: a Batman figure and vehicles from the film, but other minifigures that look more comic-book style. Who knows what LEGO will do.

[surrideo]

I'm not so sure about that. Here's packaging for an Avengers tie-in action figure, and Disney is not prominent. Parent companies do not often display their logos on the packaging for products involving subsidiary companies (if they did, you would see the same few logos on everything all the time).

Perhaps we will see TDKR sets in the same vane as the TDK sets: a Batman figure and vehicles from the film, but other minifigures that look more comic-book style. Who knows what LEGO will do.

I'll stand corrected, thinking too much about the other lines but they are Disneys original IP's and not those of a subsidiary.

Edited January 27, 2012 by surrideo