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Having been a comic fan all my life, I’m well aware of the heated debates that can arise when discussing the differences between Marvel and DC.
And this doesn’t just go for the comics themselves. Nothing is off-limits. Video games, action figures, movies (both animated and live-action), and shows (again, both animated and live-action) are rigorously scrutinized. Even cheap merchandise like lunch boxes and t-shirts are collected and defended by fans.
As a die-hard fan of the ’90s Spider-Man show, I’ve aligned with Marvel my whole life. So it pains me to admit that in the realm of LEGO, DC has the upper hand.
There may be a couple of reasons, none of which are definitive. But I think it might have something to do with DC’s tendency to align with the fantastical. Even though they’re stories about superheroes and magic, Marvel tends to ground their characters and settings a lot more than DC does.
For instance, Peter Parker is a regular teenager that lives in New York City. This is opposed to DC’s most popular character, a billionaire in charge of a huge company that lives in the fictional city of Gotham. This level of fantasy comes through in many DC LEGO sets that are meant to be fun and whimsical.
It also helps that there are so many different versions of DC characters to adapt. It’s no surprise that LEGO and Batman have a very interesting relationship.
And since Batman has been on the big and small screens many times, it creates plenty of opportunity for the Dark Knight to have amazing LEGO figurines and settings.
This doesn’t even take into account the enormous amount of villains and side characters that are also prime material to get the LEGO treatment. Keep reading this Best LEGO DC Sets Guide to find the best DC sets!
Selection Criteria
In creating a list of the best DC LEGO sets, there were a couple of factors that helped me make my determination:
- Playability: What’s the point of building LEGO if you can’t enjoy it afterward?
- Construction: Some sets are just more fun to build than others
- Lore: DC characters have a rich mythology that LEGO sets should tap into.
- Design: Of course, it has to look cool, too.
Mighty Micros: Batman vs. Killer Moth
- Age range: 5-12
- Pieces: 83
- Characters: 2
I don’t think Mighty Micros get nearly enough of the recognition they deserve. Many fans get sucked into big playsets (of which several are on this list), but there’s still something to be said about a quick build that’s simple, easy, and direct so that fans can get right into playing.
Of the Mighty Micros, this one might be my favorite for a couple of different reasons. First, it highlights a great Killer Moth design that casual Batman fans might not be familiar with.
Killer Moth is often pushed aside for bigger villains, but he is still goofy enough to be the perfect kind of LEGO threat for the Dark Knight.
I also love the vehicles themselves. Batman’s helicopter car reminds me of something that might be seen in the Adam West version of the show.
The red color scheme is a nice change from his traditional black. Killer Moth’s car is pretty cool, too. It has such a buggy design that it’s hard to take him seriously. But combined, the two vehicles are fun to fight each other.
The Mighty Micro series reminds me a lot of the small toy vehicles that were popular in the ’90s with many Happy Meals. Those were fun times collecting the ones from the earlier Batman movies, so bringing back that feeling through LEGO is very nostalgic.
Pros
- Not time consuming: Not everyone has the patience for a multi-hour build. This is a quick job to get right to playing.
- Highlights lesser-known villain: Not everyone knows who Killer Moth is. This is a great introduction.
- Price: Mighty Micros typically run on the lower end of LEGO sets, depending on where you purchase them.
Cons
- Short build: While this can be a pro, it’s also a con depending on what type of experience you’re looking for.
- Limited play: They are definitely fun to play with, but by themselves, there’s only so much you can do. Another play set is required to keep it going.
Brainiac Attack
- Age range: 6-12
- Pieces: 179
- Characters: 3
Admittedly, this is more of a personal entry rather than one based on any objective judgment on what’s considered the “best.” There’s just something about Brainiac’s ship that gives off a uniquely comic book feel for me.
I both love it and hate it at the same time simply because it’s so weird and corny. For any other character, it just wouldn’t make sense, but Brainiac portrays himself as a being of superior intellect, completely detached from living organisms.
So flying around in a giant see-through skull with tentacles is just the type of pompous ship the Superman villain would choose.
I get enough of a treat seeing it in comic books and cartoon shows, but building it gave me a whole new appreciation for just how bizarre it is.
At first glance, the skull and tentacles draw you in to make it look like a twisted octopus. However, there are distinct sci-fi features all over the ship. Its saucer base and domed cockpit offer a much more traditional UFO design.
Also, the missiles and weapons on the side are reminiscent of classic LEGO spaceships. It only comes with three characters, but Superman and Supergirl don’t need much to fight with compared to someone like Batman. So there’s still plenty of play opportunity for them and Brainiac to clash.
Pros
- Easy build: It’s not a terribly challenging build compared to other ships..
- Classic matchup: Superman and Brainiac are arch-enemies. Throw Supergirl into the mix, and the characters match up well.
Cons
- Not challenging: While an easy build is nice from time to time, sometimes people want a real challenge.
- Limited characters: It doesn’t seem fair that Brainiac gets a ship while Aquaman and Mera are all on their own.
Black Manta Strike
- Age range: 7-12
- Pieces: 235
- Characters: 3
This Black Manta set is similar to the Brainiac one in that it’s all about a villain’s ship and has some hero figures to accompany it. It also takes after the Aquaman movie with its design, slightly different from other characters from the regular DC branded sets.
The great thing about this ship, as opposed to Brainiac’s, is that Brainiac’s just kind of floats around. It works, but it’s not ideal for real action-packed play. When ships are flying, I like things to move a lot faster, and Black Manta’s ship has a sleeker design that allows it to zoom around.
From a construction standpoint it’s fairly standard. The build itself isn’t all that special, but once it’s completed, I love the various hardcore weaponry that it shows off.
This is in line with Black Manta’s character. He’s a weird one as he has a giant saucer helmet that makes him both menacing and goofy at the same time.
Another bonus of this set over the Brainiac one is the various accouterments associated with it. There are weapons, a shark, and a small add-on to simulate the ocean floor.
Pros
- Weapon Variety: This is a villain known for his arsenal, and his ship carries a big punch because of it.
- Great design: Black Manta has a great look to him, which is also extended to his ship.
- Underwater scene: Not many LEGO sets take place underwater. There should be more, and this is a good way to start.
Cons
- Spring-loaded fails: While spring-loaded missiles are a lot of fun, they are also very fragile. I can’t tell you how many times either the projectile or the spring have malfunctioned on me over the years.
- Limited characters: Same as the Black Manta set. Aquaman and Mera don’t really need a ship with their powers, but still, it would be nice for them to have something to match his firepower.
Batman Classic TV Series Batmobile
- Age range: 7+
- Pieces: 345
- Characters: 2
This Batmobile holds a unique place in LEGO fandom as it can double as both a toy and a form of memorabilia. I’m not a huge fan of building Lego sets and keeping them on the shelf to be displayed for guests. I like to get on the floor with what I’ve created and treat them like the toys they are.
Fortunately, this Batmobile can be used as both as it comes with a stand for display and yet also has fully functioning wheels. And I understand why some fans would want to display it. It gears toward an older demographic that grew up on the Adam West Batman show and has a lot of nostalgia for it.
Because Batman has blown up so much in terms of LEGO, it’s drawn a lot of new and younger Batman fans toward the character. Because it’s not often talked about, this version might slip under their radar, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile.
It’s a cornier and goofier Batman than what they’re used to, definitely more in line with the Batman from The Lego Movie.
So this DC set exists in the weird intersection between young and old that can draw in older fans while also introducing younger fans to a newer version of the character (or at least, new for them).
Pros
- Conversation starter: Even non-Batman fans recognize this Batmobile and have nostalgia for it. Displaying it on a shelf is sure to spark a conversation.
- Easy build: At a suggested age of 7+, this set is definitely designed for adults that want to experience some nostalgia but might not be familiar with LEGO.
Cons
- What’s a Joker to do: Batman has his car, but Joker has nothing. So trying to play with both of them might be tough,
- Lesser known version: Because kids might not be familiar with this version of Batman, they may get bored playing with it pretty quickly. After all, the show is pretty dated.
LEGO Batman Tumbler
- Age range: 18+
- Pieces: 2049
- Characters: 2
One of the great things about LEGO is that there are many different paths to building the same thing. In terms of the Tumbler, there is a younger version of this Batmobile from the Christopher Nolan trilogy of films. He comes with the scarecrow and is modeled after the car from Batman Begins.
This is in contrast to a much more detailed and complicated Tumbler that’s targeted at an older demographic. This one is based on the Tumbler from Batman Begins sequel, The Dark Knight, and even comes with Heath Ledger’s version of the Joker along with Batman.
This Tumbler takes much longer to build, but the rewards are obvious once it’s finished. It even comes with a stand to put it on display to showcase your triumph. While the easier Tumbler has its advantages, this is the one I enjoy building and playing with more.
All of the back flaps move independently and it’s just got a much more rugged feel to it that allows the car to take more of a beating during play.
Pros
- Attention to detail: Extreme care was put into designing this set.
- A test of skill: This is not for beginner builders, so it’s a great challenge for true LEGO fans.
Cons
- Not for kids: This is a build for adults, which might be a disappointment for young kids that want to build a Tumbler. Fortunately, there is an easier version.
- Price: It’s not cheap. Depending on where you buy, it may be over $300 USD, which is a lot for just a vehicle.
- No ride for Joker: Similar to the other Batmobile on the list, Joker is left on his own.
LEGO Batman Movie: Arkham Asylum
- Age range: 12-16
- Pieces: 1629
- Characters: 12
Other than the Batcave, Arkham Asylum might be the Batman franchise’s most iconic location, so I’m very happy that they had a LEGO set do it justice. It doesn’t rise to the level of Hogwarts, but there are still tons of little details for Batman fans to gush over.
There are a lot of Batman-specific details such as Harley Quinn’s office and high-security prison cells. But I was surprised that the asylum has a lot of standard things one might find in a prison, too, such as a regular cafeteria and washing machine room.
Also, the sheer number of characters included in the set is pretty impressive. Besides standard security guards and orderlies, there are plenty of inmates to throw into cells, such as Catwoman, Two-Face, and, of course, Joker.
They are also wearing their traditional Arkham jumpsuits, so it fits in perfectly with the setting as opposed to taking figures from a regular Gotham set and putting them in here. And of course, no Batman set would be complete without Batman and Robin.
The fact that this set is based on the LEGO Batman movie is a bonus because those versions of the characters are excellent.
Pros
- A lot of characters: With twelve characters available, it’s the most stacked set on the list in terms of its roster.
- A lot of rooms: There are a lot of different places within the asylum to put characters.
Cons
- Bulky: Sets like this aren’t meant to be moved around a lot, so wherever you build it, plan on having it stay there awhile.
- A lot of bags: A big pet peeve of mine is garbage, and this set comes with a lot of plastic bags to throw away.
- Retired: This set is discontinued, so it may be hard to find.
LEGO Batman Movie The Scuttler
- Age range: 9-14
- Pieces: 775
- Characters: 6
I have to be honest. I was not a huge fan of the Scuttler when it premiered in the Lego Batman movie. Batman has tons of different vehicles from the Batwing, to the Batsub, to the legendary Batmobile. I view the Scuttler as a valiant attempt to do something new and different, but it felt like a cop-out to me.
Because in this LEGO universe things can be rebuilt on the fly, the Scuttler simply felt like a way for Batman to have all of his vehicles rolled into one. However, the vehicle’s LEGO set changed my mind.
Putting together the Scuttler from the ground up allowed me to see a lot of the nuances of its design that I missed in the film. Its legs and cockpit are actually perfect for this version of Batman, who isn’t nearly as dark, brooding, or stuck up as other versions.
It’s a fun walking vehicle with a lot of its own personality. Besides that, the set itself is packed. It comes with Joker and Poison Ivy as well as commissioner Gordon and Barbara Gordon. Also, Dick Grayson is included in the set for some reason.
I know he was an integral part of the film, but he doesn’t really need to be part of an action LEGO set, at least not while wearing a tux. Still, I appreciate the extra figure, even if Batman’s jetpack is a much cooler addition.
Pros
- Versatile vehicle: It’s not just a car or a plane, so playing with it offers a wide variety of choices.
- Decent amount of characters: Usually vehicles like this don’t offer as much in terms of characters and accessories.
Cons
- Difficult for its age: I found the set to be a little challenging to put together. It wasn’t extremely difficult, but it may be hard for kids on the lower end of the age bracket.
- Retired: Same as other LEGO Batman sets from the film, it’s no longer being made
The Batcave
- Age range: 7-14
- Pieces: 689
- Characters: 5
It’s hard to argue that the Batcave is not the best superhero hideout in all of the comics. Even Marvel fans can’t deny how iconic it is. So obviously, it’s every LEGO fan’s dream to build one, as there are so many different elements that can go into it.
There have been a couple of different versions over the years, but this one might be my favorite. It’s multi-leveled and has a lot of different areas that can make for interesting play.
There’s a Bat computer with multiple screens, an arsenal where Batman keeps his suit and gear, not to mention a prison cell to hold Poison Ivy. To keep things even more dynamic, the set comes with a mobile drill that Bane can drive and a motorcycle for Batman.
It’s not overly complicated from a construction standpoint, either. Unlike the Arkham Asylum set, this Batcave isn’t necessarily a building.
One of the things I hate about buildings is that the multiple levels are enclosed. So if there’s a problem with the top level, it can ripple down and affect the levels below it. This Batcave doesn’t really have that problem as everything is open and the builds fit together in pieces, not unlike a modular home.
It might not be as massive as it could be if Wayne Manor was included, but this set is just the right balance of fun play and construction that make it perfect.
Pros
- Wide open: Rather than a backstop, the set is completely open, which doesn’t make it feel too cramped while playing.
- Different features: The details in the set allow for play with just Batman alone.
- Price point: It’s fairly cheap for a set this size at roughly $160 USD.
Cons
- No Manor: It kind of stinks that the Batcave can exist without Wayne Manor.
- 5 figures (but really 4): 5 figures is a good number for a set this size, but since two of them are Batman and Bruce Wayne, they should be considered one.
The Dynamic Duo Funhouse Escape
- Age range: 7-14
- Pieces: 278
- Characters: 5
I grew up during a much different era of Batman. For lack of a better word, it was just more fun. Sure, films like Batman Forever and Batman and Robin aren’t as dark and brooding as Batman movies today, but there was a whimsical silliness about them that made for a good time.
The same could be said for Batman: The Animated Series, which often had the Joker creating havoc through goofy ways. That’s exactly the feeling I get while playing with this LEGO set.
There’s so much packed into such a small setting that it’s hard not to find fun details and tidbits to enjoy. There’s a roller coaster that barrels through a Joker door and a swinging hammer that can knock characters down.
Plus, the dangling Robin feature is a classic Batman trope that’s criminally underutilized today. It also has a lot of characters.
Batman and Robin team up against Joker and Harley Quinn, but Riddler makes an appearance too. There are plenty of trap doors and interesting details that truly embody a terrifying fun house that’s perfect for the Joker.
Pros
- Tons of details: There’s a lot to enjoy for such a small space.
- Classic tropes: The details play off of classic Batman situations that older fans can appreciate.
- Comic included: I always love when books are included in a set. It makes for a fully rounded experience.
Cons
- Rather small: At just 278 pieces, the set feels a bit small.
- Crane sticks: Playing with the crane is a lot of fun, but I found it doesn’t always like to work properly.
DC Comics Super Heroes Jokerland
- Age range: 8-14
- Pieces: 1037
- Characters: 8
There are bigger Joker-themed sets than this one. Joker Manor from the LEGO Batman film is massive, but I enjoy this one a lot for its simplicity and abundance. Rather than have one setting, like the Dynamic Duo Fun House featured above, Jokerland has a series of attractions.
It’s mostly like a carnival with individual rides that can pretty much be positioned anywhere. Because of this, the best thing about this playset is that it can be added to an existing set. Even the Funhouse Escape can accommodate it.
I also love the variety of characters included, as Beast Boy and Starfire are from the Teen Titans. Not to mention it includes a Batmobile and other side characters that have their own themed attractions. Poison Ivy has a free fall, while Penguin has a duck carousel.
The separate staging areas also allow one to take time with the build. It can be done in stages, which sometimes feels like a chore when it’s all one big area instead of several smaller ones.
All in all, this is a well-rounded set that works extremely well with others, something that can’t be said for a lot of sets that try to do everything on their own.
Pros
- Features for a lot of characters: All the villains have their own attraction, which is a great detail.
- Easily mobile: Rather than one big set, this has a bunch of smaller sets that can be arranged and moved around easily.
Cons
- Longer build: I found the set’s build time to be a bit longer than most 1000+ sets, probably due to the different areas.
- Garbage: Again, the many different smaller sets means they all come in different bags that can be a pain to manage.
FAQs
Question: Why do Batman and LEGO go so Well Together?
Answer: An entire article can be written about this question, but the short answer is great designed characters and settings.
Question: Has LEGO DC Ever Crossed Over with Marvel?
Answer: Although fans would love it, no. Not yet.
Question: What’s the Biggest LEGO DC set?
Answer: That would be the Jim Lee Batman Collection. It’s a set of three portraits consisting of 4,167 pieces.
Conclusion
It’s hard to argue that Marvel has a stronger relationship with LEGO than DC does. LEGO Batman helps tremendously with this. I remember when The LEGO Batman Movie came out, LEGO re-sellers were getting ridiculous prices just for figures from the movie.
There was just so much variety that fans were gobbling them up. And this doesn’t even take into account the sets themselves. It’s always awesome building any LEGO superhero set.
Who doesn’t like building the Daily Bugle and having Spider-Man swing around it? But there’s just something that makes DC’s sets more fun. There’s a whimsical quirkiness about them that adds to the building and playing experience, and it just keeps getting better the more they put out.