A few weeks ago, it was revealed that LEGO will be releasing a new LEGO DC Batman Batmobile Tumbler (76240) which has gone through a number of iterations in the past. The most recent version was 76023 from 2014 which included some pretty exclusive minifigures. The 2021 version of the Tumbler will be released on November 1 and will be priced at $229.99. This is a price increase of $30 from the previous version but it also has an additional 180 pieces.
Box
The box uses the newer 18+ branding with the all black and just featuring the Tumbler and this is one of the few sets that it works well on. The back of the box gives a look at the vehicle on the display stand along with the plaque.
The contents of it include 18 bags that are number to 11. The instructions are packaged inside a cardboard sleeve alongside the two sticker sheets. Unfortunately, the single sticker was crushed during shipping but it was fine after it was applied.
Instructions
The front of the instructions gives a little insight on the design process of the Tumbler. LEGO Creative Lead Jesper Nielsen also chimes in on some of the changes from the previous version. LEGO Graphic Designer Adam Corbally was responsible for the graphic details on the minifigures, stickers, and the printed elements.
Minifigures
There are two minifigures in the set, Batman and the Joker. Batmans’s suit is extremely detailed on both sides of the torso. The symbol on the chest matches up with the one in the film which is good since LEGO sometimes mixes up designs. The utility belt has sort of a darker wash which makes it pop more, in my opinion. The legs continue with the printing from the torso. The double-sided head is the same one as in previous Batman minifigures and it uses the white headband for the “eyes” when the cowl is on. The cape that is used is the one hole version.
The Joker also has an updated look for this set. This version of him is when he’s in jail with the green vest and the hexagon design on the shirt. The back of the torso shows more detailing for the vest. The pants have some stripes going down it which is better than just having plain legs. The double-sided head is new and it shows him with a non-fully painted face with two different smiles.
Build
I didn’t build the 2014 Tumbler so I’m not complete sure what the differences are between the two sets so I’ll just focus on the 2021 version. The build starts with a Technic frame which isn’t unusual for sets at this scale. Latter on in the first set of bags, there will be some display panels in the front and the back with a rear axle assembly.
The next set of bags focuses on the middle of the Tumbler to the back of it. It now has some seats with some moveable headrests. One intersting building technique here are the frames on the sides which starts to give the angular shape of the Tumbler. The back of it also gets covered up a bit flanked by some gas tanks.
Bag 3 fills up more of the back as well as the sides of the cockpit. There are a number of angled plates that lay the groundwork for the side detailing later on in the build. There are also a lot of slope pieces that gives more of its shape.
At bag 4, we get more of the very recognizable sloped look of the Tumbler. The front windshields uses double windows to give it the tinted feel. There are also some wipers that you really don’t notice on the real one. In front of that, there is a printed window element flanked by some pearl-gold bars which represent some hydraulic.
Following that, we add the axle assembly for the front wheels which are attached securely using Technic pins. The wheels are a bit difficult to put on since the axles are on the outside and the panel in the front blocking some of the entry as well. The back wheels have two larger ones on each axle.
Bag 6 gives you parts for the side paneling for both sides of the car. There are also some side window that go on the angled frames from earlier. Also here are some printed pearl-gold gas caps.
Towards the back wheels, there are some more blocky air vent panels to pin on to fill in the gaps. Further up the car, there are some more panels that layer on the side. This is the same for both sides.
The front windshield area gets some more panels to make it complete. There are a few layers here to give it some smoothness. There’s really not much going on besides that.
Next up, there are some more panels that fit towards the back on the ball joints. In the back, there are some air brakes that go on the sides of the large engine.
The last two sets bag for the Tumbler itself is for the roof panels and the wings on the back which completes the look of vehicle. There is also a decent sized display stand made mostly out of Technic bricks. The middle of it has a turntable which allows the Tumbler to slot right on top and you can spin it if you like but there’s only a tiny bit of clearance height from the floor. There is a UCS-style plaque which uses a large sticker for the Tumbler info.
The last thing that you build is the minifigure stand which is the exact same as the 1989 Batwing (76161). I’m not sure why LEGO decided to go this route instead of creating a new display to differentiate between the two different styles of movies from Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan.
Results
Overall, even though I didn’t build the original one, the LEGO DC Batman Batmobile Tumbler (76240) is a pretty good model, especially for those who didn’t get the first one or came to the hobby after the set retired. The overall shape of it is accurate with the use of the paneling however they are a bit fragile in some areas.
You can access the inside cockpit by removing the roof panels but 99% of the stickers were for the displays and you won’t be able to see them if you have the set on a shelf since the roof will most likely be on. Since the Tumbler is based on the Nolan trilogy, there is a sticker featuring the police escape route.
The included stand is pretty much a nonfactor in the set. It raises the Tumbler a tiny bit and since the back is heavier, only the front raises up which shows the plaque but you can’t really fully see it.
I do like the bulkiness of it which gives you a feel of quality especially if you’re paying $230 for it. The minifigure selection is also great with the exclusive Joker but another one would have been nice since the Batwing had three. One from The Dark Knight Rises would have made the selection perfect since I’m not really sure what part of the set is based on the third movie.
Thank you to LEGO for sending in this set for me to review. The content above represents my own opinion and not the company. Review sets sent in does not guarantee a positive review.
When you make a purchase or, sometimes, carry out some other action as direct result of clicking on a link at The Brick Fan, we will receive a small commission.
The Brick Fan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We partner with Rakuten Advertising, who may collect personal information when you interact with our site. The collection and use of this information is subject to the privacy policy located here: https://rakutenadvertising.com/legal-notices/services-privacy-policy/
