The LEGO DC Super Heroes theme is full of heroes and villains, with some absolutely epic sets released over the years. When heroes as big as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman are taking the stage, you have to go big. Okay, spoiler alert: it’s mainly Batman who gets to go big.
LEGO DC Super Heroes was announced at New York Comic Con in 2011 with a selection of comic-inspired minifigures that are still very collectible. After this early preview the first sets arrived in 2012, focussing on some of the most famous characters in this universe – Batman, Superman and the Joker. However, much like the studios themselves, DC Super Heroes has fluctuated a lot as a theme and in 2022 there were no new sets at all. Fans were beginning to speculate whether the theme had been quietly retired.
Thankfully, that’s not the case and it seems there will be DC sets in 2023, probably inspired by The Flash film, while James Gunn is busy overhauling the studio’s slate. There has been a mixture of everything in this LEGO theme from Batwings to mechs, and everything in between. Blocks, the LEGO magazine for fans, is jumping into the Batmobile to speed through the biggest LEGO DC Super Heroes sets so far…
7. 76122 Batcave Clayface Invasion – 1,038 pieces
If there is one thing that the LEGO DC theme loves making it’s Batcaves. At this point LEGO Batman has so many that he’s basically got a mining system. This one is absolutely packed with play features, including an exploding jail and a transformation tower for Bruce Wayne to don his cape. There’s also a baby dinosaur in the trophy room, which must be a deep-dive comics reference because surely it should be bigger than that? If all of that wasn’t enough, the selection of exclusive minifigures is amazing, with a super creepy Two-Face in a blood red suit.
6. 10937 Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout – 1,619 pieces
Even casual fans of the DC universe will recognise the significance of Arkham Asylum. It debuted in the Batman comics in 1974 and is thought to be inspired The Danvers State Hospital in Massachusetts. 10937 Batman: Arkham Asylum Breakout is one of the most detailed renditions, with a solitary confinement zone for Poison Ivy and a doctor’s office that Harleen Quinzel can use (yes, she’s going to become Harley Quinn). And with all the inmates being ‘criminally insane’ there are alarms and bars across the doors. If all of that wasn’t creepy enough, the exterior leans heavily into gothic architecture and there are gargoyles up on the parapets.
5. 76023 The Tumbler – 1,869 pieces
With Christian Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy focussing on a more modern and industrial Gotham City, it meant Bruce Wayne traded in the traditional Batmobile for the Tumbler. This heavily armoured vehicle is almost a tank on wheels, and with its multiple harsh angles it is perfectly suited to angular LEGO plates. 76023 The Tumbler even manages to have an interior decorated with screens for Batman to see pursuers and initiate the different hidden gadgets to take down the bad guys. There are also some pearl gold accents, which are too bright compared to the film, but it does help to break up all of Batman’s signature black colour palette.
4. 76240 Batmobile Tumbler – 2,049 pieces
What’s better than one Tumbler? Two Tumblers. Not content to just be a one hit wonder, the Tumbler returned in 2021 at a slightly bigger piece count. However, there’s not actually a lot of visible differences between these versions. 76240 Batmobile Tumbler does take advantage of some new elements, and includes the windscreen between the front wheels, but the rest is great for a game of spot the difference. One of the biggest upgrades is actually to the minifigures, as the Joker comes with fantastic arm printing while Batman’s suit is incredibly detailed and really captures how it looks in The Dark Knight.
3. 76161 1989 Batwing – 2,363 pieces
Batman fans often debate which films are the best, and the 1989 version directed by Tim Burton remains a classic. Making a vehicle that looks like the bat signal is no easy feat, especially as the 1989 logo is so rounded. 76161 1989 Batwing uses hinged elements to make the plates around the wings bend, while curved tiles on top make the edges softer. One part that is far more angular are the ‘ears’ and these ingeniously use bowed bricks that often double as the nose for X-wings. Considering the dark tone of the movie, one of the minifigures is Larry the Boombox Goon, who sets the tunes when Joker graffiti sprays the Gotham art museum.
2. 76052 Batman Classic TV Series: Batcave – 2,526 pieces
Now here’s a blast from Batman’s past! As the character says in The LEGO Batman Movie, he’s aged really well. 76052 Batman Classic TV Series: Batcave perfectly captures the sandstone of the actual cave using a plethora of light tan pieces, while some printed 1×4 bricks recreate the patterned wallpaper of Bruce’s office. The 1960s television show was a zanier time for Batman, as suggested by the blocky gadgets and cassette players, not to mention the iconic Batphone. What this set also does really well is balance the cave with its side builds, as the Batcycle complete with sidecar for Robin manages to sneak its way in.
1. 76139 1989 Batmobile – 3,306 pieces
It’s testament to fans’ love for Batman that this character completely dominates this list. And what else could claim the top spot except for the Batmobile? Almost every adaptation of Batman onto the big screen has had a unique Batmobile, yet the 1989 has one of the most recognisable silhouettes. LEGO 76139 1989 Batmobile is a masterclass in SNOT techniques to recreate its sleek profile – there’s hardly a stud in sight from the front to the bat wing decorations at the rear. Even Batman’s minifigure is sleek, using a uniquely moulded cape and cowl element to imitate Keaton’s rubber suit.