It is now only a little over a month before the next hugely anticipated addition to the now sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe hits cinemas as James Gunn's Guardians Of The Galaxy explodes into cinemas at the start of August. The film, which initially looked like a brave, if slightly odd choice has whipped up considerable hype thanks not only to its difference, but also to a smart pre-release marketing campaign that has seen a number of brilliantly entertaining trailers. And it isn't just the trailers that have enticed fans to get more excited though, as Marvel have teamed up with LEGO to release new sets recreating the characters in block form ahead of the film's release. The first wave of the LEGO sets comes in three sets at three different price-points, from the lowest level Starblaster Showdown (£19.99) through the Knowhere Escape Mission (£44.99) to the higher end Milano Spaceship Rescue (£69.99). It is the Knowhere Escape Mission that is likely to be the most popular, even though the Milano is an impressive set comparable to the Avengers' Quinjet, thanks to the mini-figures and the presence of a special figure for Groot. Ultimately the Milano has less play points, but that's not really the point, as these premium sets tend to appeal to collectors with an eye on display. The Knowhere Escape Mission set comes with Rocket Raccoon, Groot, Sakaaran and Nebula, and though there's no Starlord, who comes with the lower end set, Groot is the biggest selling point here. For more than £40, it's good to see that this set takes around 90 minutes of entertaining building, and in return you get Rocket's hover vehicle, a platform from the Edge Of The Universe space-station and a comparatively giant Groot. Rather than going for an improbably small mini-figure of the tree-like monster, LEGO have instead opted to go for a scale version the star figure in Marvel's entire association with LEGO and the decision is a golden one. He's more in line with the Big Figs like Hulk, and requires building, which results in an action figure sort of deal with far more articulation than the mini-figures, though an immobile neck (an affliction that also affects the tiny Rocket Raccoon whose head is just too big). Rocket is actually a smaller mini-figure than usual, as his legs are half-sized, which makes him impossibly cute, and he comes with a brilliantly detailed gun that allows light down the scope. All in all the Knowhere Escape Mission set which gives some indication that such a sequence is probably going to happen in the film is a joy and the best of the series for kids and the young at heart collectors who actually expect play from their sets. It's comparatively reasonably priced, packs in nerdy appeal and kid-friendly playability, and it's a rewarding build. And you really can't over-sell how good the Groot figure is. There must be a slight warning for younger children that the sets come with projectiles spring-loaded launchers in the case of the two larger sets which are irresistibly swallowable for those who like that sort of thing. The Guardians Of The Galaxy Knowhere Escape Mission LEGO Set is available to buy now. Click here to win a Guardians Of The Galaxy Milano Spaceship Rescue LEGO Set.
