Review: LEGO DC Batman Arkham Asylum

The rehab that we all might need!

It has been a long time since we’ve gotten a large scale DC set, and so LEGO have delivered. These sets feel few and far between, but now we have an all new one to look at! It’s loaded with 16 figures, references and a compact display promised to be worth the wait. So is this a crime or a set worthy of hero status? Read on!

Top level

The Top level of the Asylum is clearly the roof section of the build, but also loaded with sticker references. Almost all of the characters in the set are represented up here; Harley Quinn, Joker, Riddler, Penguin and graffiti referencing Ivy and Harley’s relationship.

I’m a big fan of the spiked architecture used up here, giving a real gothic theming to the model. There’s plenty of space to be able to pose your Batman up here for the final display.

My only real gripe with this section of the build is the presence of the stickers, because of what piece they are placed on. The 2x2x3 Slope elements have a different texture on the incline, which make is very obvious when a sticker is on top of it. Unless LEGO change the part entirely or print on to them (and ruin the print), this is the best option. Stepping back from the model hides this issue somewhat, but doesn’t fix it.

Middle Level

The middle level of the model gives us three cells, as well as the corridor and therapists office. Each cell is equipped with a bed and large sliding door entry, as well as a removeable back panel for viewing (or escape).

All of these doors are controlled buy a single simple play function – simply pull and slide the yellow wall decoration and there you go! I also believe the egg tile is a reference to Egghead.

On this particular level, one of the panels also references Two-Face, aka Harvey Dent. It’s also a great addition to have the poster torn over his face.

This level gives us plant life on the side of the building (Poison Ivy) which continues into her cell, as well as various exposed studs on the wall to attach heroes for action shots.

The therapists office is a great addition, but heightens my resolve for a Dr. Harleen Quinn. Yes, Harley is a therapist and this references where she falls in love with Joker, but I wish we had that figure.

Ground Level

The Ground level is one of the most reference intense sections of the whole build. There’s a lot to love here, especially with that Arkham sign on a rail track piece.

The side of the model has us with a broken part of the fence, with studs to imply Clayface broke out here. This is further heightened by having Clayface’s portrait on a screen inside.

The rear of the model has a small snowman by the water pipe (Mr Fries – FREEZE), a Metropolis poster with a cat paw (Catwoman) and plenty defaced faces from Joker. We get a clawed up sewer grate for Killer Croc, a Stand-up comedy night with Joker and even a story arc with a missing spoon.

We also get a maximum security holding cell, clearly for Joker or Bane when they begin a break out plan – inevitable. Grab the computer, open all cell doors, move the dumpster downstairs and the yellow box upstairs and release havoc.

Arkham Van

Our Arkham van comes scuffed and scratched up – perfect for a getaway vehicle! Although there isn’t much technique wise to note about the van, it’s wholeheartedly at home here.

We do manage to get the strap-down stretcher to fit in the back of the model, but because of the studs in the van it occasionally gets stuck.

Of course, the 7785 on the roof references one of the older LEGO Arkham Asylum sets.

Bad Guys

There is a lot of figures in this set – 16 in fact!

Penguin – Not much different to previous incarnation, Penguin comes with umbrella, hat and collar. Fans of LEGO DC will recognise this character almost unchanged, but happy with his penguin drones included.

Scarecrow – Scarecrow feels out of place without his iconic hat. Feels like he’s been shorthanded here.

Killer Croc – Killer Croc doesn’t feel right in a jumpsuit, let alone in a jumpsuit the same as all the others. Killer Croc would have been improved even by simply removing his gloves.

Bane – Bane comes with a his venom strapped to his back and dumbbells. This is a character that works great in an Arkham outfit.

Harley Quinn – Harley comes with her oversized hammer, and I’m so glad LEGO continue to use this hair piece for her. I do feel like she needs the eye mask or mascara to bring it together.

Joker – Hard to perfect more than perfect. The Clown Prince of Crime’s head and hair work great.

Catwoman – With an all-new outfit style we haven’t seen before, this figure is great. I really like the diamond accessory here too.

Riddler – Ridder looks great here, although the LEGO Batman movie version is my favourite. This is still a great figure though.

Mr Fries (Freeze) – Mr Fries (Pronounced Freeze) isn’t too much different with previous versions. His torso is exclusive to this set, but feels incomplete without legs to match.

Poison Ivy – Absolutely fantastic new take on a previous character. Love the Glinda hair being used here too.

Good Guys

2x Arkham Guards – Clearly with the worst job in town, these two guards are almost identical to each other. There isn’t much to say, these guys are background characters.

Batwing – For big DC fans, this guy is undeniably the highlight of the set. This is Batwing, Lucas Fox (Son of Lucius Fox). He’s a lot more tech inclined due to his family, and fights crime with Batman despite his father’s protests. The figure has been given a royal treatment with all parts exclusive and new. 10/10

Batman – Batman here isn’t too much different to any previous iterations, but I do have to point out that new wicked cape. A subtle addition adds a lot to the character.

Batwoman – This Batwoman is Kate Kane, and a figure that has only been made previously once. The figure is a great representation of the character and that massive cape is right at home.

Robin – Lastly we have Tim Drake’s Robin. It’s great to see a robin with poseable legs, and he’s a great addition to the good guys side. He isn’t a highlight, but welcome nevertheless.

Verdict

Overall, the set is packed with an insane level of detail and has an enjoyable build process.

Although it is more compact that sets like the Daily Bugle, there is more care put into the model. The rooms don’t feel hollow, every broken wall or fence has a story with it, and the characters are great (barring a few).

The price tag isn’t something I would normally dabble in, but if what I’ve seen with sets like the Daily Bugle, the price point doesn’t matter. I would personally wait for VIP points or a sale on this product, because $500 AUD is always a high cost no matter how you see it. But DC fans will know that this might be the only set in years like this that they’ll get, and they’ll grab it nevertheless.