LEGO.COM has revealed official images of 2 new Batmobile Tumbler sets. The Batmobile Tumbler (76240) is a larger, UCS style build while the Batmobile Tumbler: Scarecrow Showdown (76239) is a smaller minifigure scale play set. Both sets are currently up for pre-order, with the larger set releasing November 1st and the smaller one month earlier on October 1st. The Tumbler is the famous hero vehicle from Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight Trilogy. This rugged tank first appears in Batman Begins, blows up real good in The Dark Knight, and gets a camouflage paint scheme in The Dark Knight Rises. It’s an instantly recognizable part of the film trilogy, and arrives once again in LEGO® form this fall.
- NAME: Batmobile Tumbler
- SET #: 76240
- THEME: DC Comics
- COST: $329.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 2049
- MINIFIGURES: 2
- RELEASE DATE: November 1, 2021
- COST/BRICK: $0.161 (moderate value)
- BRICK-TO-FIG RATIO: 1024 bricks/fig (value n/a)
- DIMENSIONS: 16cm high x 45cm wide x 25cm deep
- NAME: Batmobile Tumbler: Scarecrow Showdown
- SET #: 76239
- THEME: DC Comics
- COST: $49.99 CAD
- BRICK COUNT: 422
- MINIFIGURES: 2
- RELEASE DATE: October 1, 2021
- COST/BRICK: $0.118 (good value)
- BRICK-TO-FIG RATIO: 211 bricks/fig (moderate value)
- DIMENSIONS: 7cm high x 19cm wide x 12cm deep
Batman Began Before
The Batmobile Tumbler (76240) is going to be familiar to a number of collectors. This is a rerelease and update of The Tumbler (76023) originally released on September 1, 2014. Although very similar in design, the piece count is approximately 200 pieces fewer (1869) and lacks the turntable display stand. With a launch price of $229.99 CAD, it has a cost-per-brick value of $0.12. The first Tumbler also features a minifigure display with informational plaque and 2 minifigures. Originally exclusive to this set is Batman and The Joker as portrayed by Christian Bale and Heath Ledger respectively.
Those Wonderful Toys
So what’s been changed? The Batmobile Tumbler has some exterior redesigns, notably in the front panels by the wheels. No doubt the interior and newer parts availability make for the bulk of the updates. The paneling around the windows sees some slight modifying, as does the area between the front wheels. The display base is a rotating stand with a new UCS-style info plaque, matching the 1989 Batmobile and classic 1966 Batmobile designs. I always appreciate some consistency across themes – especially UCS and D2C sets. The technic supports also lift the car off the ground – a nice improvement over the 1989 Batmobile display which sits very low on its base.
The minifigures are placed on the same roof ledge design that comes with the 1989 Batmobile and 1989 Batwing. Both minifigures receive some great new designs. Batman’s torso and new leg printing are very accurate to upgraded suit in The Dark Knight, but the cowl remains the standard offering. The Joker also gets a new design, this time sans jacket and with stellar new torso, arm and leg printing. While his face print remains the same, it’s still highly detailed and looks fantastic. The cape is a bit simple – a new mold or cloth piece would be preferable, but it works alright.
Batman Returns Forever
In an interesting move, The LEGO® Group will release an additional Batmobile Tumbler set one month prior to the larger 18+ model. The Batmobile Tumbler: Scarecrow Showdown (76039) is a minifigure scale play set that pretty accurately recreates the vehicle in a nice compact (affordable) offering. The cost-per-brick value is also much better at $0.118 compared to the bigger set’s $0.161. This tiny Tumbler is the third smaller scale release for this vehicle after The Tumbler: Joker’s Ice Cream Surprise (7888) in 2008 and The Bat vs Bane: Tumbler Chase (76001) in 2013.
A big draw for this set is definitely the inclusion of The Scarecrow as one of two minifigures. It also marks the first minifigure of the character as seen in Batman Begins. Dr. Crane gets a nice torso print and a nicely accurate face design. A really fun addition to the Batman fig is the secondary head piece. The snarling face lets you recreate the ‘bat monster’ as seen by The Scarecrow after getting a blast of his own fear toxin. It’s a very nice bit of detailing. Also, is it me or does he look like Garmadon from Ninjago…? Intersting.
Double the Bat-fun
I am a HUGE Batman fan but I can’t say I was ever a big fan of the Tumbler itself. It works in that universe, but it’s not my favourite bat vehicle. But this looks like a solid update and a good second chance to pick up an iconic vehicle and sought-after minifigures. And overall, it’s a really well designed set with amazing accuracy. The smaller set is also a nice draw thanks to a decent design, great minifigures and affordable price point. If you’re a consistency nut like me, you’ll want to add The Scarecrow to the bigger Tumbler display stand. Ya know, to get another 3 figures in a row? But kudos to you if that doesn’t phase you haha.
So what do you all think? Did you miss out on the original releases and eager to get another chance? Are you frustrated by sets re-releasing? Are there enough changes to warrant a new purchase? Will you be picking up both sets? Let us know your thoughts, and as always, keep on brickin’.
-Frank
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