Spider-Man - Red Torso, Blue Legs, Web Pattern
sh038 · Marvel Super Heroes
Ultimate Spider-Man · 2012 (First released in 6873 Spider-Man's Doc Ock Ambush)
Figure ID
sh038
Theme
Marvel Super Heroes
Year Released
2012 (First released in 6873 Spider-Man's Doc Ock Ambush)
Rarity
Uncommon. While mass-produced, this specific variant with these exact printing details was restricted to a few sets during the early years of the Marvel line.
Head
Red head with white eyes outlined in black. Features thin black webbing print. It is the solid-stud version typical of the 2012-2015 era.
Torso
Red torso with black spider logo and web pattern. Blue segments on the sides and back. Blue arms with red hands. The print is crisp but lacks side-arm printing seen in modern premium versions.
Legs
Plain blue legs without printing. Hips are also plain blue. This is a standard leg piece used to represent the classic comic look.
Accessories
Includes one white 'Web Blast' or 'Power Blast' piece held in the right hand. This accessory is common in Spiderman sets from the mid-2010s.
Color Scheme
Primary Red and Blue. Classic comic-book aesthetic with high-contrast primary colors. No metallic or chrome finishes are present.
Printing Details
Pad-printed on the head and torso (front and back). The alignment is standard. No printing on the arms or legs, which was the norm for non-exclusive Spider-Man figures at the time.
Variants
Numerous variants exist. This 2012 sh038 version differs from the 2002 Sam Raimi 'Stud' versions and the later 2021 dual-molded leg versions. It is identified by the specific spider logo size and webbing density.
Condition Notes
Prone to 'torso cracking' on the sides under the arms. The white eye printing can sometimes scratch off, and the red plastic can show stress marks at the neck and ankles.
Estimated Value
Used: $5 - $8 USD | New/Mint: $12 - $15 USD. Value is stable due to the high volume of Spiderman variants available.
Price (New)
Originally included in sets ranging from $12.99 (76004) to $49.99 (6873). As a widely distributed hero, his individual set cost-ratio was approximately $4.00.
Compatible Sets
Primary appearances in 6873 Doc Ock Ambush, 76004 Spider-Cycle Chase, and 76005 Daily Bugle Showdown (2013).
Character Background
Peter Parker, the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. This design is inspired specifically by the 'Ultimate Spider-Man' animated series airing during the 2012 Disney XD era.
Design Notes
This figure marked a shift from the darker 2002-2004 movie figures to a more vibrant, cartoon-accurate style. It features the 'smaller' eyes variant compared to later 'large eye' comic versions.
Similar Minifigures
sh003 Spider-Man (3-dot eye style), sh420 Spider-Man (Homecoming), sh720 Spider-Man (Integrated Suit).
Collectibility
Moderate. It is a staple of any Marvel collection, but its commonality in several affordable sets prevents it from being a high-value investment piece.
History
Following the 2002-2004 Sony movie sets, LEGO paused the Spider-Man license for years until the 2012 Marvel Super Heroes relaunch, where this figure became the new standard.
Interesting Facts
The black spider logo on the chest has slightly curved legs, a detail that changed in later years to a more angular, modern 'V' shape logo.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in an urban/City MOC or on a clear 'action bar' to simulate swinging. Pairs well with the 2013 Venom (sh055) or Doc Ock (sh040).
Modification Potential
Excellent base for 'purist' customs. Many collectors swap the legs for 'dual-molded' red/blue legs from newer sets to upgrade the look.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 'entry-level' collector's item. It represents the foundation of LEGO's modern Marvel line. Recommended for completionists of the Ultimate Spider-Man sub-theme.