LEGO Marvel's new minifigures reward a much closer look

Subtle costume printing does more work than the new moulds in the latest character line-up.

Several figures rely on familiar hairpieces and headgear, but crisp torso lines and carefully placed metallic ink make them feel new. The effect is most convincing where the printing continues from the torso onto the legs.

Printing carries the personality

Alternate expressions add another layer of value. Calm faces suit a display line-up, while battle expressions give younger builders enough variety to stage action without swapping entire figures.

The line-up is strongest as a group. Consistent colour values and similar levels of detail prevent one character from looking much newer than another, which has not always been true of large Marvel waves.