Superman - Black Suit
sh077 · DC Super Heroes
San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive · 2013; released exclusively as a giveaway at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) to raffle winners.
Figure ID
sh077
Theme
DC Super Heroes
Year Released
2013; released exclusively as a giveaway at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) to raffle winners.
Rarity
Ultra-rare. It was limited to approximately 200 copies distributed via a badge-scanning lottery system at the convention.
Head
Dual-sided light flesh head. Side one: Determined expression with black eyebrows. Side two: Angry expression with glowing red heat-vision eyes. Black swept-back hair with the signature 'S' curl mold.
Torso
Black torso with silver/light grey 'S' crest (House of El) and detailed Kryptonian muscle/armor silver lining. Black arms with light flesh hands. Back printing includes continuation of the silver armor lines.
Legs
Black legs with silver printing consistent with the torso's Kryptonian armor plating. No side printing.
Accessories
Black soft-fabric cape. It does not typically come with weapons or handheld tools.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic black and silver/grey, intended to represent the 'Recovery Suit' or 'Solar Suit'. Hits of red on the heat-vision face variant.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing with crisp silver lines on a black base. The silver has a slight metallic sheen characteristic of high-end early 2010s exclusives.
Variants
This is the only official 'Black Suit' Superman (Justice League/Man of Steel style) produced by LEGO. It differs from standard Superman (sh003) by color and crest design.
Condition Notes
Primary concerns include fraying or creasing of the black fabric cape and 'arm hair' cracks (stress marks) on the torso from age. Fakes/customs are extremely common; check for the LEGO logo on the neck stud.
Estimated Value
Extremely high collector value. Used: $3,500 - $5,000. New (in original blister pack): $6,000 - $8,500+ depending on auction trends.
Price (New)
Technically $0.00; it was a free promotional giveaway for raffle winners at SDCC 2013.
Compatible Sets
None. This figure was not included in any retail sets; it was a standalone promotional item.
Character Background
Based on Superman's 'Recovery Suit' from the 'Death and Return of Superman' comics, though this specific design matches the aesthetic of 'Man of Steel' (2013). It later appeared in 'Zack Snyder’s Justice League'.
Design Notes
Utilizes the 'Man of Steel' movie-style Superman mold and print pattern but swaps the blue and red for black and silver. This was one of the first high-detail SDCC exclusives.
Similar Minifigures
Superman (sh073), Bizarro (sh008), and Comic-Con exclusive Phoenix or Green Lantern figures from the same era.
Collectibility
Top-tier 'Holy Grail' status. Demand remains high as it is a unique variant of an iconic character with a very low production run.
History
Released during the height of the SDCC exclusive giveaway era (2011-2019). It marked the 75th anniversary of Superman and the release of the Man of Steel film.
Interesting Facts
Because of its value, this is one of the most counterfeited LEGO figures in history. Many collectors own 'bootleg' versions, but genuine versions must have the LEGO mark inside the head and on the torso neck.
Display Suggestions
Should be kept in a UV-protected acrylic case (such as a Wicked Brick or Silver.com case) to prevent the black plastic from fading and the cape from collecting dust.
Modification Potential
Low for purists due to high value. Any modification or swapping of parts would drastically reduce the market value. Often used in dioramas of the 'Reign of the Supermen'.
Overall Assessment
A legendary piece of LEGO history. It is a 10/10 for desirability, though its prohibitive cost makes it accessible only to high-end investors and completionist collectors.