For fans of the mystical and magical side of the Marvel universe, LEGO occasionally unveils sets that truly capture the imagination. While not every superhero offering resonates with all enthusiasts, the Lego Doctor Strange Sanctum Sanctorum set (76060) stands out as a uniquely intriguing build. Initially, even for those with a casual interest in Doctor Strange, this set’s distinctive design and promise of arcane adventures are immediately captivating. Evoking a similar vibe to the Big Bang Theory LEGO set but amplified with a dose of otherworldly mystery, thanks to a certain tentacled creature lurking within its walls, this set promises a building experience unlike many others in the superhero theme. Exclusively available through Target, LEGO Shop at Home, and LEGOLAND stores upon its release, it mirrors the exclusivity approach seen with previous Marvel movie tie-in sets like the Ant-Man set, making it a sought-after piece for collectors and fans alike.
Unboxing the Sanctum Sanctorum: Set Details and Contents
Before diving into the build, let’s lay out the essentials. The LEGO Doctor Strange’s Sanctum Sanctorum set, identified by set number 76060, falls under the Marvel Super Heroes theme. Comprising 358 pieces, it was originally priced at $29.99, offering a solid parts-per-dollar ratio for a licensed set.
Inside the box, builders will find a well-organized assortment of components. The set includes three numbered bags, streamlining the building process step-by-step. A sticker sheet adds crucial details to the model, and a comic book is included, a standard perk in many LEGO superhero sets, offering a bit of backstory and context. A large plate provides the foundation for the Sanctum, and two instruction booklets guide you through the construction, making it accessible for builders of various skill levels.
Building the Mystic Facade: Bag 1 Breakdown
As is tradition with LEGO sets featuring minifigures, Bag 1 kicks off with the assembly of Doctor Strange himself. This minifigure is a highlight, boasting exclusive decorations, including intricately printed discs representing mystical artifacts. He’s equipped with the newer style handle pieces, allowing for dynamic posing and accessory holding directly in front of the figure.
The build then progresses to the facade of the Sanctum Sanctorum. Right from the start, the set utilizes a generous number of arch pieces, immediately hinting at the architectural style of Doctor Strange’s iconic residence. These elements lay the groundwork for the distinctive shape and magical ambiance of the building.
Continuing with Bag 1, the construction incorporates tiles and a large sloped piece, adding texture and dimension to the facade. Early in the build, you encounter the first sticker – a significant one depicting mystic symbols for a magical doorway. This sticker is crucial for establishing the set’s magical theme and adding visual interest to an otherwise plain surface of bricks.
The play area begins to expand, growing to approximately three times its initial size within this bag. Interestingly, the design incorporates details like stacked mail pieces, hinting at the everyday, slightly chaotic life even a Sorcerer Supreme might lead.
Further wall construction in Bag 1 reveals pivot points designed for play features. Clear LEGO pieces are introduced to allow minifigures to be posed in mid-air, simulating flight or jumping actions, enhancing the playability of the set. Adding to the whimsical disarray, more details like piles of ancient documents are integrated, reinforcing the idea of Doctor Strange’s Sanctum as a place where the mystical and mundane coexist, often in a state of charming untidiness.
Unveiling the Monster Within: Bag 2 and Play Features
Bag 2 shifts focus to creating a circular portal element. While the purpose at this stage might seem unclear, it becomes apparent as the build progresses that this portal is integral to one of the set’s main play features.
This bag also introduces the Wong minifigure (though originally mistaken as Wong, it’s actually the Ancient One – a point we’ll clarify later). The build utilizes large blade pieces to craft an interesting window pattern, adding a unique architectural detail. The walls continue to rise, employing larger wall pieces, which, while perhaps a quicker building method, effectively establishes the structure’s boundaries.
The construction in Bag 2 then takes a turn towards the monstrous. Builders assemble a horrific creature featuring gears and tentacle pieces. This assembly reveals a surprisingly engaging play feature. A disk with printed eyes is designed to spin freely and rotate as a cog at the back is turned, causing the central part and dark red cylinders at the bottom of the creature to move. Despite initial reservations about play features, this particular one proves to be a delightful surprise, adding a dynamic element to the set.
The wall section housing the portal to another universe is completed in Bag 2. At this stage, it might still appear somewhat basic, but it sets the stage for the creature reveal.
The creature itself is finalized, and its simple yet effective design is genuinely appealing. The longer tentacles twist in their mounts, and the mouth rotates, creating a lively and interactive element that overcomes typical play feature skepticism.
Bag 3: Detailing and Final Touches
Bag 3 introduces a lever feature. While its exact purpose isn’t immediately obvious – perhaps hinting at a secret door not explicitly included in this set – it adds another layer of interactive potential. It culminates in a hovering ball element, contributing to the set’s overall mystical ambiance.
To enrich the scene and reduce plainness, a small bookcase is constructed. This detail, along with a second bookcase built shortly after, adds depth and character to the Sanctum interior, suggesting a space filled with arcane knowledge and artifacts.
Further details like a table, candles, and another pile of mail are added. A bottle and cup, along with other small accessories, complete the scene, filling out the Sanctum and adding to its lived-in, slightly cluttered charm.
Final Verdict: Playability, Minifigures, and Set Value
The LEGO Doctor Strange Sanctum Sanctorum set delivers a playset that is surprisingly engaging and visually appealing. Compared to simpler facade sets, this model offers a more dynamic and interesting building experience. The set’s inherent messiness and the inclusion of well-integrated play features are significant positives. Even for those who are not ardent fans of Doctor Strange or the minifigures themselves, the set’s unique qualities shine through.
All three minifigures – Doctor Strange, Mordo, and the Ancient One – are well-designed with dual-sided torsos and leg printing. Doctor Strange and Mordo feature dual-sided faces, while the Ancient One has a distinctive head decoration. Mordo utilizes the hairpiece originally designed for Finn from Star Wars, and Doctor Strange has unique temple detailing on his hairpiece.
While superhero LEGO sets are often valued primarily for their minifigures, with the knock-off market impacting aftermarket prices, this set has several factors in its favor. Its exclusivity increases its desirability. The likelihood of these specific minifigures appearing in other sets soon is low, adding to their collectibility. The popularity of the Doctor Strange movie at the time of release further fueled demand. Drawing parallels to the Ant-Man set in terms of limited distribution and movie tie-in status, the Sanctum Sanctorum set has the potential to become a sought-after item, especially if shortages occur.
Final Thoughts: For collectors of LEGO Marvel sets or fans of Doctor Strange, the Sanctum Sanctorum is a worthwhile addition. Its engaging build, unique play features, and exclusive minifigures make it stand out in the crowded superhero LEGO landscape. While initially overlooked by some, its charm and collectibility have only grown over time, solidifying its place as a memorable LEGO Marvel set.
