Each week we like to take a close look at cool comic book collectibles. The best way to do this is to dive in and open up the packaging to really see how they stack up. When it comes to LEGO, it's absolutely necessary to open up the packaging.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have made a huge comeback. Not only are they back to comics courtesy of IDW Publishing, they're also in the midst of animated adventures on Nickelodeon. They also have a few LEGO sets available. This week we're looking at two sets - Turtle Lair Attack and Shredder's Dragon Bike.
The Turtle Lair Attack contains 488 pieces and Shredder's Dragon Bike has 198. The Lair Attack retails for about $50 and Shredder's Bike retails for about $25. Of course the first thing you want to do when you open a LEGO package is sort the pieces.
The Turtles' Lair is pretty cool. As you know, they live underground. The Lair has a few levels and the tops is really street level.
There's a manhole opening that leads to the lair. You can turn the wheel on the side to make it open. This leads to the second level.
Of course the Turtles have to have an oven to make or heat up pizza. It's not like they can just go out to a pizza joint or have some delivered. There is a button on the back that pushes the pizza out. There's also a place to put their skateboards (the set comes with two). And there's also a crane because what lair doesn't need one of those?
The bottom level is where their plans are along with some tools and supplies. There is also a separate TV/monitor where the Turtles can sit back and entertain themselves.
I have to admit, Splinter is a little weird looking. He's not a regular LEGO figure because of his attire. The little statue off to the side can revolve in case you (or the Turtles) want to admire the back side, I guess.
Because the set comes with two skateboards the Turtles like to skateboard, there's a quarter pipe for them to use.
The detail isn't all in the front. There is some detail given to the back.
But that's enough about the lair. Unfortunately in order to have some real fun, the Turtles Lair needs to be discovered by the enemy.
There is also a little ramp you can put figures on and launch them.
What about Shredder's Dragon Bike? It's a little awkward getting him to sit with his cape. It can be done but you run the risk of putting a bend in his cape. That might sound silly but obviously you don't want to ruin the look of the figure. To accomodate this, you can make him stand while on his bike.
The set comes with Donatello. He has his own mode of transportation.
And of course you know this means it's time for a big showdown.
We can see that these sets are pretty cool. There are other Turtles sets as well. It looks like LEGO has struck again. It's going to be hard to resist picking all these up.
The other lesson we can learn is, the Turtles kick butt. Even in LEGO form.
Sadly, you can see Michaelangelo is not here. Guess that means I need to head back to the store and pick up another set!