The LEGO Batcave Shadowbox is... good? (Review)

Here's my review of the LEGO 76252 Batcave Shadowbox.
I gotta tell you, for me, it just looked like a big black boring box made of LEGO but as it turns out, there's so much more to it...
LEGO sets in this video:
Batcave Shadowbox ❯ bit.ly/3PU6saN
Batmobile Chase ❯ bit.ly/3PWC2Vk
Indiana Jones Temple ❯ bit.ly/3PRIsFe
Eldorado Fortress ❯ bit.ly/3PWljlf
Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell ❯ bit.ly/3PRqe6P
Socials
Instagram ❯ bit.ly/45aiHpq
Twitter ❯ bit.ly/3RBNBnt
Facebook ❯ bit.ly/3ZFSo9w
Website ❯ tiagocatarino....
Thank you LEGO for sending this set for review. Views and opinions are my own.
#lego

[@TiagoCatarino]

*LEGO sets in this video:* Batcave Shadowbox ❯ bit.ly/3PU6saN Batmobile Chase ❯ bit.ly/3PWC2Vk Indiana Jones Temple ❯ bit.ly/3PRIsFe Eldorado Fortress ❯ bit.ly/3PWljlf Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell ❯ bit.ly/3PRqe6P

[@apollovi]

I'm really warming up to this set. I think the coolest thing about it (that a lot of people miss) is that it's the first Lego batcave set that actually attempts to be a cave and enclose the whole build. To accomplish that while also having a lot of play features and looking really good on display from the front is pretty impressive.

[@thisusernamewasnttakensomehow]

You can tell Tiago liked the sound effect of the box hitting the table 😆

[@TiagoCatarino]

THUMP

[@sandstormgamingandreviews597]

What is a conversation about

[@doursen]

@@sandstormgamingandreviews597Smartass

[@Ihatethemulti]

What

[@Casedilla73]

Lego should make a big Wayne Manor set with a batcave under it, kinda like they did for Gringotts Bank. You could have the secret entrance and everything.

[@SKIPerformanceMM]

I felt the same way, I wasn't 100% on-board with this set at first after seeing the marketing images but my local Lego store had this set on display in the window on its release and I was in complete awe of it. I ended up picking one up and love it.

[@pseudoty]

So did mine and it was loaded with fingerprints perhaps if they cleaned it after the Build it would look better

[@JackCarter-l7l]

Your videos are perfect for going through intricate details and making the experience of watching fun and enjoyable. You've always done a great job when reviewing sets just like this one. 👍

[@TiagoCatarino]

More to come! Thanks! :)

[@MARVEL_KING1114]

honestly, even tho im not a big batman fan, if i get this it might become my new favorite set of all time. i love the "entrance" to the bat cave with the huge batman symbol and cave detailing. and, opposed to other sets like this, it looks great when closed and still can showcase the computer room, bat mobile, and vault

[@Ptbull-sz9me]

when its opened the batmobile stand reminds me of the mos eisely cantina

[@KarlKoenig0815]

You are not the first reviewer of this set, who seems to be positively surprised by it. It appears to me that it really is something special. Thanks, nice content 👍

[@TiagoCatarino]

Maybe, I don't know! When I have zero expectations for sets, I usually end up being quite surprised (Batcave Shadowbox) but sometimes when my expectations are so high I end up disappointed (Eldorado Fortress)

[@MrKChernes]

I think what would change a lot of people’s minds about this set is if it had lights. I don’t mean light bricks, but actual lighting. Like they have done recently with the express passenger train and the motorized lighthouse. It would really take it from a good display piece to a great display. Maybe white lights to give that cool/cold tone the movie has. Or some lights behind the trans-yellow pieces and a blue light coming up from the bottom to represent the water that’s down there.

[@ShortRound42]

I LOVE this kit. It's an excellent idea. The only issue to me is either Lego have provided and built in more light bricks in various areas or would've been the PERFECT opportunity for Lego to have developed their own lighting kit so when the box is closed you can illuminate it and give a dramatic glow throughout the cave. But yes, that would've jacked the price but it would've been worth it.

[@AbsolutelyJason]

I wonder what keeps them from doing so....

[@ShortRound42]

@@AbsolutelyJason I assume the cost because each kit would have a different light element need. From type of element (brick, plate, etc) to color. So it'd be expensive to have as separate lighting kit for each specific kit to blend in the lighting. Plus hiding the wiring. If you've ever done a lighting kit, trust me, you can't hide all the wires and Lego is all about keeping everything as stable as possible with a clean look. But I think with this shadow box, they'd add in more light bricks (which would jack the price) or come up with a simple light element to replace the 1x2 trans yellow elements. But again, thinking on it, it's hiding the wiring without compromising stability.

[@AbsolutelyJason]

@@ShortRound42 Good points! It would definitely be an undertaking. I hadn't really considered LEGO's brand like you mentioned with the stability and polished look.

[@zerotheherojjhayden7624]

Would love to see this Set with light kit. Would take it to next level

[@strangerofthe2067]

I just finished building this and i absolutely want to add a light kit to it. I really like it and think it looks great and a light kit would add so much to the display aspect.

[@brickit3441]

Really nice set,very unique style of displaying the batcave!

[@jamgaming64]

I might pick one up soon. Thanks for the amazing review as always!

[@SPR9009]

I just bought this set today and I am really enjoying building it

[@octobotimus]

Imagine how much larger of a bat cave we could have had if they didn’t make the front of the cave.

[@Haze-fx7dz]

ye this set was a huge disappointment

[@deang5386]

Im sure you could use all the bricks on the front of the shadow box to make a larger main cave instead....

[@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClub]

we’ve gotten big bat caves before the point of this set was to be something new and different from previous bat caves

[@AdamAcre]

⁠@@OfficialTomsSkujinsFanClubthe biggest batcaves havent been more than 1000 pieces and for the price of the set it also contains a low minifigure count compared to sets of the same price and people who like dc/batman have been wanting something kinda like the avengers tower for marvel or daily bugle for spiderman but seems like that wont come for a looong time if it does

[@FlymanMS]

Among other big expensive sets of this year this one is definitely delivers the most

[@Serenity_Dude_X]

I love the idea and the execution, but unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of the color scheme. But for Lego and Batman fans definitely a must-have!

[@tomagunchi8816]

Unique design concept, but doesn’t feel like this set got the same care and attention as Rivendell set. Would have been nice to have a feature for the upcoming Batwing to be placed in the set too. Just little small things that really make it difficult for this to worth $400; I’ll prob wait for a good deal before picking it up. Great insightful review as always, Tiago! Also bring back Tiago’s Tuesday Talk pls and ty! ❤

[@Dyslego]

This is insane! Wow! Love your videos!

[@omeganeoz]

Such a dope set, im gonna get it closer to winter tho cus ima focus on more summer-vibe sets right now

[@worldsheaviestjamband93]

Seeing it in person absolutely sells it, especially when put next to the Pac-Man arcade machine.

[@TheBestOnThePlatform]

DUDE, I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW THIS SET EXISTED !!! YOU REALLY OPENED MY EYES AND CONVINCED ME TO BUY IT THERE. So thank you.

[@cubersquad]

i've been so excited for this review from you! thanks for the quality review :))

[@TiagoCatarino]

Always trying to improve! Thanks!

[@willjohnsnow]

What no probe lens shot? 😉 Fantastic video, you really make these in a way that let's us empathise with the surprises from your build!

[@TiagoCatarino]

Could have gone trough the gate, but there was nothing to look at from either side! Some sets aren't probe lens worthy. Sadly

[@JainaSoloB312]

​@@TiagoCatarinoThere was a probe lens shot of this set in the probe lens video!💜

[@GTS_Sanchez]

LOVE this set! Love the idea! Love Batman Returns! Definitely getting if I can still afford it after the Venator.

[@jamiezsalmons]

Very rare to see a set with this many actual bricks nowadays nice to see a set that isn’t 90% small plates and pins

[@TiagoCatarino]

For sure!! It was great putting it together!

[@strangerofthe2067]

I finished this yesterday and I really like it. It is definitely expensive and if I didn’t have the disposable income to spend on it, I probably would’ve waited for a sale. But aside from the high price I personally don’t have any complaints about it. Fits very well in my Batman display and I think it looks great.

[@SamDapan-on3wn]

The cockpit in the Batmobile was used in another colour in the Indiana jones plane set

[@LordMalhuse]

Very dark Grey 😂 Nice reference

[@CrispClash]

Lego movie

[@marianunley1686]

My favorite LEGO KZbinr. Love the detail of each video it helps me find out if I will just admire a LEGO from afar or actually by it

[@Montyh7]

Nice review, but I'm genuinely looking forward to someone lighting this set up. I think it will look brilliant with a light set.

[@TiagoCatarino]

Yeah, this is one of those rare cases where I would consider getting a light kit! The Batman logo shinning from inside of the box should look amazing!

[@Montyh7]

@@TiagoCatarino Exactly, I have only ever purchased two light sets (honestly, very fiddly and not really needed) but I think it would really make this set pop.

[@BrickHQ]

Great review, thanks for showing how the functions work I like how you started showing the next set being reviewed at the end of videos

[@PalpatineGaming]

This has great stop motion potential

[@nicfisher8266]

There needs to be a lot more light up bricks in sets like these.

[@infamousKONVICT]

I think you're correct about 10 bats being the record. Batman Classic TV Series Batcave only had 8 🙄

[@henryferguson2846]

Love your reviews!

[@TiagoCatarino]

Love the support! Thanks!

[@adzriel21001]

Cool review as usual ✨🦇

[@jedilegoarts9882]

I love it. A great build and great display. Just what I wanted. Wouldn’t have bought a play set version of the cave. Great stuff.

[@BrickReporter]

Thanks for the short review Tiago! Much more exciting to watch this than a 30-minute-long video 😄

[@bomccullar2684]

Love it! Great review! I have A LOT of Batman stuff. This is going to be hard to resist. In the end it's probably the size of the set, not the price tag, that will hinder me from buying this. I think it would better with an exclusive minifig too. The batsuit in the vault would have been cool with a cowl that you can see through the eyes, and a plastic cape, more like the Dr Strange cape, without the collar. It is cool that the Batman with the 89 Batmobile and Batwing is still exclusive to those sets still.

[@TiagoCatarino]

In some ways, I think this set is easier to display than any of the previous big Batman sets! I'm thinking about the Batwing or the Tumblers for instance with very weird proportions. But I get what you're saying. Nowadays if not for the price, it's the actual size of the builds that's keeping people away from the sets.

[@bomccullar2684]

I will tell my wife that Tiago says to trust him 😁 have a good day!

[@DZstudios.]

If feel I would only buy this if it had Brouce’s manor

[@friendlychips]

I love this channel. This is what youtube was made for.

[@nman4345]

Itsa very cool set. thanks for going into details!

[@aceplaysyt1]

Ngl kinda wished they made this more but added some of the flash figures

[@ironelemental9367]

From the review, that set looks much more impressive than i thought at first too! The 400 pricetag still requires a discount at the toyshop though. Thanks for the detailed breakdown!

[@TiagoCatarino]

Right?! I too was surprised!

[@basiunia33]

This looks like the coolest Kego set!!!

[@Davo0205]

Ueah this kego set ia fire 🔥

[@aidanbblp4308]

I saw the "hear me out" and knowing the sets basically a large hole, I had to double take for a split second. There's no way Tiago knew what he was doing, but like, he had to know what he was doing.

[@deepseacocoon]

I honestly love this aet

[@j0hn00]

I think if you were to have some orange string lights shining down through the grates along the top of the set to illuminate the whole interior, it would look magnificent

[@mikeknight.1]

The Lego batmobile and batwing will be released in August. Just hoping to get the figures from this set, much later as they will be expensive

[@Vandueren5]

I thought he quality of the black was going to be much worse, but that actually looks pretty consistent. But the dark bluish-grey backside… yikes! Holy Color Consistency, Batman!

[@PokeRedstone]

I wish they had gone for setting up a trophy gallery instead of the front of the box I always felt the colorful and absurd objects contrasted all the black and grey well.

[@iikpsyt4619]

I wish they put all of the bricks towards the Batcave though. We could have had a massive interior segment of the cave.

[@outsider238]

It's cool but it's just too big. As much as the closing lid on the front looks cool, I think it was unnecessary and adds to the cost when the cave itself is the main reason for getting this set. I like the moving features though.

[@TiagoCatarino]

They're great!

[@ironelemental9367]

Im trying to imagine what the closing lid could add when displayed open. Maybe using it as apicture frame, a mirror or a diffused light behind it could add a lot of character to the set, accentuating the logo cut-out. [Edit] logo looks like misspelled lego, but it is on purpose here😅

[@kevinhardy8997]

I was happy to get a tiny spaceship with a Benny. Those were the days

[@SpykersB]

Pretty darn 😎 cool set! 🍻

[@depilot2035]

Imna need this for my room

[@MrClassic.]

What do you as a former Lego designer think about the very illegal build at the rear of the Batmobile, using the binoculars?

[@emeraldninjalink6312]

You know what, the yellow trimming of the bat symbol in the thumbnail makes the set look much better

[@TiagoCatarino]

I just felt I needed to highlight the batlogo shape better somehow. Time for some custom stickers maybe?! 🧐

[@emeraldninjalink6312]

@@TiagoCatarino Definitely! Or yellow lights surrounding the symbol?

[@pickleeggs3340]

its really cool

[@michaelvojkovic671]

Amazing set .

[@HNBGamer]

Question: Can the final build fit inside the original box?

[@TiagoCatarino]

It's a tight fit, but it can!

[@philipkeds328]

Sweet!! I did have a question though about your setup. For your camera and lens setup, are you still using the A6400 and SEL30M35 30mm f/3.5 Macro Lens? Looking to start posting videos of Lego Moc building, and was wondering if this would be a good setup for me. Thank you!!

[@TiagoCatarino]

I just use the macro lens for the macro shots. Most of this is shot on the a6400 stock lens

[@philipkeds328]

@@TiagoCatarino hey thanks for getting back to me! Oh wow ok cool! For the stock lens, is it the 16-50mm 3.5-5.6 PZ OSS? Or is it the 18-135mm? Really appreciate the help!

[@AbsolutelyJason]

Thank you, Tiago!

[@sandstormgamingandreviews597]

The first 3 hours I was here I wish I wish I had enough money to buy the set

[@TIBE_]

pretty cool

[@Styreta]

was offered this or the lion knights castle for my bday. Went with the castle, more parts and cooler imo. Ill just get the little batmobile and flyer in august

[@robdye5228]

4,000 pieces and not a single lego frog? Poor Half Asleep Chris!

[@TiagoCatarino]

(jingle) DOES IT COME WITH A FROG no....

[@ironelemental9367]

Am I missing a reference here, or was Bruce Wayne's DNA partially constructed out of frogs to fill in the gaps?

[@TiagoCatarino]

Half Asleep Christ is a KZbinr who makes great LEGO videos. Often times he'll ask wether or not a LEGO set he is building on screen has a LEGO frog with a jingle he made himself, it's kinda cool and you should totally check him out.

[@xanderdoshi9307]

did you try different editing for this video? feels fast paced but I preferred the old way. Content online is so attention grabby but I liked how yours was chill.

[@TiagoCatarino]

I don't think I did anything that much different when compared to previous videos. Some transitions and extra sound effects but besides that, it should be similar I would say!

[@xanderdoshi9307]

@@TiagoCatarino amazing overall for sure. I think the changes would be preferred by some people as well, but I guess I'm a fan of simple

[@arminsredelis598]

Are you getting the new Lego Technic Liebherr Crawler Crane LR 13000 for review? Love watching your videos and hearing your thought as it helps me to decide whether to buy the set or not!

[@TiagoCatarino]

I don't do Technic around here, sorry!

[@kfa0]

One quick question, it wasn't clear in the video: is the box heavy?

[@joeymesa4952]

i watched another lego youtubers video about this set and he said the box is surprisingly heavy!

[@TheJester29]

If you’ve ever watched the lego Batman 2 movie version the bat symbol outline reminds me of the intro

[@azarishiba2559]

When Batman said in the LEGO Movie he only built with black and sometimes with very very dark gray, he was talking seriously XD XD It's nice, but too much black for me, I like to use many colors as possible in the things I make.

[@TheOtherGuy-04]

I bought this set Nov. 2023. 3x points, (or 50.00 credit) Rakuten gave me 12.5% off, for about 50.00 so I got it for 300.00. Very few sets have so many Normal Bricks in 1 box.

[@geologyjoerocks]

Nice review! I actually want to get this one now! Assuming I can afford it, lol

[@warrennewman5325]

Thump awsome set and review

[@TiagoCatarino]

THUMP!

[@daniellevy2272]

Question: how will you keep the dust away?

[@OyOy999]

I thought the same thing... the set is great now i just need space to set it up... i don't like the light that much... the glow is spread out too much and looks through different places and the head on the back doesn't look pretty at all... it's my first set that's so expensive I didn't buy the large non-minifigure Bat-Mobile

[@Carboxylated]

Great CASTLE MOC parts pack. 😂

[@blsof8bc]

Great review, short and sweet. While I do like the set I don't think I will get it as I am not really a Batman fan and am also running out of space :-(

[@n0msg4u]

Someone please mod this set with a big mech T-Rex and a giant Penny. Please

[@Vprod.]

Now if only we had a matching Wayne estate to put on top..

[@legokingil]

amazing

[@KTLaughter]

It’s a cool set, but who is it made for? Lego claims it’s for adults, and at first, I would agree. It’s $400, and it takes a long time to build. However, looking at its display value, it’s a big black box with the Batman symbol cut out. You could display it opened up, but good luck finding enough space for it. It has a lot of cool features that would be fun for kids to play with, and it closes up neatly like a doll house, but remember, it’s intended for adults. Great play value, bad display value, all in an adult-priced package. I can’t think of a single demographic this set meets completely, except for kids who happen to have $400 for a Lego set

[@gabrielperna088]

Awesome

[@pavel3778]

As a Batman fan I really this set a lot but I see some practical problem here you will hard to build during night time. And because this set is to dark that i think it would be much much better to get a light kits on this set.

[@brianball2963]

Shame there’s not more light bricks, but does look cool.

[@TiagoCatarino]

They would never be enough to light this thing. I wanna see a light kit inside this thing making the logo shine from inside out!

[@JohnGuyJohn]

I work in black. And sometimes very, very dark gray.

[@AtomixRacing]

Nice video! ❤

[@kevinyoung9557]

Don't really collect a whole lot of batman, but this set isn't bad.

[@rogerhalt3991]

I’ll take it if there’s a version made without all the black bricks. Frame aside, so many pieces are wasted. It can just be a fold out cave that’s cheaper and I’ll snap it up.

[@pseudoty]

Waiting for 20% off or no dice for me.

[@TiagoCatarino]

It will come

[@oh-totoro]

I feel like this set is a huge misfire tbh. There's so much expense in the box itself, in what is a very expensive set. It would have been much cooler and much cheaper to have made a Bat Cave display set akin to the Indy Raiders set. The Raiders set is much more interesting to look at on a shelf, it has loads of play features, and is obviously significantly cheaper.

[@roxtechs]

Imagine if they make a Superman one with the fortress’s of solitude

[@JohnDoe-lo1uf]

There should be a Robin for this.

[@forrestpenrod2294]

The cave should've been light grey bricks not dark grey but otherwise the concept is cool

[@hanselmansell7555]

When your job largely involves building rocks 😉

[@ironelemental9367]

Is that the opposite of what a miner is? 😀

[@TheTagggy]

I hate spending $400 for a set and finding it uses stickers.

[@mrwhypain]

Did you think the minfigures were good for a 400$ set? They look a little dull to me…

[@TiagoCatarino]

I usually don't really care about the minifigures on sets honestly, I'm more into the build itself. With that being said, I think they're ok but definitely not the most detailed I've ever seen. At the same time I don't think they're less detailed than they should be so there's that.