(Written by William)
It is both good and bad that the recent licensed minifigure collections are coming in groups of 12. It’s good in that they don’t hit your wallet as hard. It’s bad since LEGO may not include the character you were hoping to get. Anyhow, the LEGO Marvel Studios Collectible Minifigures are here, and they seem pretty popular from what I can tell.
Just like with the Looney Tunes minifigures, there are two options (besides buying an entire case) to get this series. So, you will see two set numbers associated with this series. Either it will be the individual packs, which is set #71031, or a six-pack set #66678.
If getting the six-pack, it works like the Looney Tunes minifigures; there is an “A” and a “B” pack. Each pack will always have the same six minifigures. So, if you get both packs, you have a full series, provided that is what you were going for. For the rest of us, we may only be looking for a few minifigs, or even in some cases, duplicates of a minifig because we like the character or really need the parts.
To that end, I’m hoping this guide will help give you a fighting chance at getting the characters you want. Keep in mind, this series is a bit tough since every minifigure features both a jumper-plate and the little clear angled action element to help pose your minifigures in action positions. These parts add a sort of background clutter in the bags, so you may have to really take your time identifying them.
Captain America – Out of all the minifigs, this is the simplest to find. His massive wings are impossible not to find due to how wide and flat they are. If you feel something that is like a large stick of gum, you’ve got the new Cap!
Captain Carter – The shield is a popular shape in this series. So instead of that, go for the 1×1 square plates. She uses two of them, but LEGO gives an extra, so there’s plenty to find. If you find any basic plates, you’re good.
Gamora with the Blade of Thanos – Now we’re getting into a character that might be tricky. Start by finding the flat blades. Once you’ve identified them, you need to make sure it is not Sylvie. Gamora will have a handle for the blades, which is a lightsaber hilt.
Loki – Don’t get distracted by Throg! Find the mug and you are done.
Monica Rambeau – Monica has a few building components for the little drone helicopter. So, you can find the brick with stud, a cheese-slope, the three long bar, or the little bar/clip wrench piece. The only one I’d avoid depending on is the hilt that has a “T” connection. This is a bit similar to Gamora’s hilt, so is a little less distinct than say the brick. Personally, I’d go for the brick or slope, they’re quick to identify and reliable for finding Monica.
Sylvie – The gator is the best piece to use. However, it is a new mold and can throw you for a loop. So, if you find something big and can’t recognize it, try looking for some blades. If you find them, go back to the big element and see if you can make out the gator, since that’s most likely what it is.
T’Challa Star-Lord – He comes with two fancy blasters. Fortunately, they are unique enough to make them a good part for identification.
The Scarlet Witch – Her unique elements are the scarlet blasts you can launch from her hands. The problem is they have a curved section just like the clear action stand piece. You’ll really need to dig your nails in to be sure what you are feeling has a handle since the blasts have one and the action stand doesn’t. Or if you think there are just too many pieces with an odd curve to them, you can then see if there is a long hairpiece. Combining too many curved pieces with long hair is a good indicator you found The Scarlet Witch.
The Vision – Fortunately, he has a book that is used as a laptop. The book cover or the 1×2 tile are probably the easier and more distinct book pieces to find. Just make sure the tile is not a jumper-plate.
Winter Soldier – This is the second hardest minifig to identify. That is because he is confused with the hardest minifig in the series. It all comes down to finding his knives. There will be two and they are attached to a sprue that puts it in the same shape as a bucket handle. I found they liked to hook around the handle of the shield, so make sure the shield is free of any hangers-on. Once you find the knives, your work is done.
Zombie Captain America – This is the hardest minifig to find. The only difference compared to the Winter Soldier is that he has a helmet instead of hair and he doesn’t have knives. Trying to make sure something is not there is much tougher than looking for something specific. I ended up locating what I thought was the helmet and ran a fingernail over the top of it. If I detected ridges, it was probably hair and belonged to the Winter Soldier. If it was smooth then chances are it was the helmet. I will also point out that this is currently one of the cheaper minifigs on the secondary market. So, if you aren’t sure, that might be an easy way to go. I really don’t like feeling for this one.
Zombie Hunter Spidey – You got two choices with Spidey. Either find the string with all the bars or make sure he has two heads. Between the two, I always found the rope first.
Good luck finding all the characters you’re looking for! And if you have any of your own tips and tricks for finding them, feel free to share in the comment section below!
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