LEGO has released a new Marvel-themed building set, the Venom Bust, offering a compact and accessible build for fans of the iconic antihero. Retailing for $49.99 and comprising 413 pieces, the set is designed for completion within one or two sittings, making it a departure from larger, more time-consuming LEGO projects.
The build experience is characterized by its straightforward nature, with large, substantial pieces that contribute to a satisfying construction process. The set includes four bags of bricks and two stickers featuring symbiote print details. While marketed as an 18+ set, its relative simplicity suggests it could also serve as an ambitious gift for younger builders or a beginner-friendly entry point for adult LEGO enthusiasts.
Building the Venom Bust
Assembly begins with constructing a base, for which the instruction booklet offers two configurations: a narrower, symmetrical base with the Venom placard centered, or a wider, asymmetrical base that allows for the placement of a minifigure on the right side. The torso section effectively utilizes rounded pieces to create the illusion of Venom's powerful musculature. The head, however, presents the most intricate part of the build. Its construction involves joining multiple connection points in a sandwich-like manner, with pieces needing to align both downwards and upwards. This precision is particularly crucial for the lower jaw, where misaligned parts can cause the head assembly to come apart, necessitating a rebuild.
Despite the detailed sculpting, the completed head remains somewhat fragile. A key display element is Venom's signature long, symbiotic tongue, which is advertised as detachable. The set's designers have included options for displaying the bust with or without the tongue, though its inclusion is presented as almost essential for a complete portrayal of the character.
Design and Pricing Compared to Other Marvel Busts
The LEGO Venom Bust, set number 76356, stands as a smaller and more affordable option compared to previous Marvel busts. It is priced at $49.99, whereas the LEGO Iron Man MK4 Bust and the LEGO Iron Spider-Man Bust were both released at $60. This price difference is attributed to the comparative complexity and features of the other busts, which included elements like retractable shoulder cannons for Iron Man and adjustable mechanical arms for Spider-Man. Venom's bust, by contrast, focuses solely on the character's physical form.
Internally, the set does not feature any hidden elements, such as an Eddie Brock minifigure beneath the symbiote's exterior, a detail that some might consider a missed opportunity. However, the set adheres strictly to its advertised concept as a bust, mirroring the approach taken with its Marvel predecessors. This directness aligns with the set's identity as a focused tribute rather than a highly innovative or feature-rich construction.
The set is now available for purchase.