LEGO GENUINE Superheroes DRAX Minifigure 2017 split from 76081 Set (Bagged)

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Seasonal and exclusive minifigures make up a huge part of the modern LEGO advent calendars and 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar is no exception. Most of the team is featured behind the doors of this set, including a new version of Drax, who has been one of the rarest members of the Guardians of the Galaxy in minifigure form. You’ve probably noticed that one member of the team wasn’t listed in that line-up, as Gamora is missing from 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar following the events of Avengers: Endgame. If anything, it’s the only downside of this calendar taking inspiration from the MCU, in which the current version of Gamora has no memory of the Guardians.

Despite multiple days combined into one model and a missing team member, the level of thought and the many references in 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar make it great value, as long as you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans of Marvel comics might have preferred a mix of other heroes outside of the Guardians of the Galaxy, though to be fair the name of the set makes it very clear that this isn’t going to be the case over the 24 days. It’s a shame to see that LEGO advent calendars still can’t escape their usual tropes even when based on a source material as vast as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, though it’s only one day in what is otherwise a great variety of models. — LEGO Marvel 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar characters — Theme: LEGO Marvel Set name: 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar Release: September 1, 2022 The Guardians' Ship shares definite similarities with Ultimate Collector Series models, resting on an elegant display stand and exploiting the substantial scale to integrate extensive detail. The wingspan reaches nearly 59cm and the organic shaping looks spectacular, closely resembling the source material. The coalescing between the fuselage and the wings appears particularly outstanding. Accurate manoeuvring flaps are also included, matching those which extend as the Benatar prepares to land. These panels appear almost seamless and I appreciate the tiny body flaps below the aforementioned actuators, demonstrating excellent attention to detail. Opening the flaps also reveals continued texture underneath, flanking numerous round thrusters.

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LEGO Marvel 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar manages to stand out as an absurd festive celebration in space among the rest of the 2022 LEGO advent calendar range. It does this by featuring a vast array of deep-cut references to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, adorable details on exclusive minifigures and rare characters that have been featured in mostly retired or more expensive models. She does make an appearance of sorts, though. 76231 Guardians of the Galaxy Advent Calendar’s minifigure highlights include two seasonal variants for Drax and Nebula, both of whom are wearing a festive sweater – much like Iron Man in 2021’s 76196 The Avengers Advent Calendar. Multiversal Heroes: Captain Assyria | Captain America 2099 | Captain Avalon | Forbush Man | Greenskyn Smashtroll | Hulk 2099 | Iron Man 2020 | Nosferata | Warmaker

While the display stand is certainly welcome, I think the Benatar looks marvellous without the support. No landing gear is included, unfortunately, but the underside is relatively smooth and the drooped control surfaces remain above the ground. Detaching the vessel is simple as well, since four Technic axles are plugged into the belly. These provide a secure connection but are easily separated when necessary.

The Completed Model

Beta Ray Bill | Fandral | Heimdall | Hogun | Lady Sif | Odin | Thor Girl | Thunderstrike | Volstagg

Runaways: Alex Wilder | Chase Stein | Gert Yorkes | Karolina Dean | Molly Hernandez | Nico Minoru | Old LaceDrax and Nebula would have completed the Guardians of the Galaxy team. Unfortunately, a generic Chitauri is supplied instead. This minifigure definitely improves upon earlier designs, especially since the head now features an accurate golden helmet. Similar printing continues across either side of the torso, where technological armour surrounds alien skin.

Each boom is connected to the fuselage using two ball joints, with cosmetic support from the articulated actuators. They can accordingly move outwards which reflects the original vehicle and reveals twin cylindrical engine housings. These thruster booms cannot move downwards though, as exhibited before Thor's departure at the conclusion of Avengers: Endgame. References make up the majority of this model, making this advent calendar better suited to fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and specifically the Guardians of the Galaxy. Considering the huge audience that Marvel Studios has kept over the years and the widespread appeal of this team, that’s unlikely to be an issue and these deep-cut Easter eggs are something that Marvel enthusiasts will love to see with each passing day. Speaking of Easter eggs, one door holds a crate of items from past Guardians of the Galaxy adventures, including a prosthetic eye, Yondu’s arrow, the Power Stone containment orb and what might be an Anulax Battery from the sequel.

Dark Elf | The Destroyer | Ego the Living Planet | Enchantress | Executioner | Frost Giant | Kurse | Laufey | Malekith the Accursed | Mr. Hyde | Radioactive Man | Ragnarok | Surtur